Mains Practice Questions

Case Study

You are a young field athlete, proudly representing India in your debut at an international championship. While staying at the athletes' village, you accidentally enter the common restroom and see a few senior team members injecting themselves with an unidentified substance. Suspicious, you ask them about it. They explain that it's a ‘recovery booster, a performance-enhancing drug (PED) that supposedly helps with endurance and muscle repair.

They further suggest that using it is common practice, especially in global competitions, and if you want to remain competitive and secure your place in the team, you should consider taking it too. Later, while contemplating whether to approach the coach, you learn from another junior athlete that the team coach is not only aware but has allegedly recommended its use, citing ‘national interest’ and ‘medal pressure.’

Questions:

(a) What are the key ethical dilemmas involved in this situation?

(b) What are the possible courses of action available to you in this scenario?

(c) What course of action would you choose and why?

Q. A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live-Martin Luther King Jr. What does this quotation convey to you in the present context? (150 words)

Q. What are the key components of emotional intelligence, and to what extent can they be developed through learning and experience?(150 words)

Case Study

As the District Magistrate of a city with a sizable transgender population, you are confronted with a growing number of public complaints about aggressive begging by some members of the transgender community at busy traffic intersections. Commuters report feeling harassed or coerced into giving money, and traffic police raise concerns about disruptions and safety hazards at junctions.

Upon investigation, you find that many transgender individuals have limited access to education or employment due to deep-rooted social stigma and exclusion. Several transgender advocacy groups acknowledge the complaints but assert that, for many in the community, begging remains the only viable source of livelihood given the persistent discrimination they face in mainstream employment sectors.

You are under pressure to act swiftly to restore public order and ensure road safety, but you are also mindful of the need to uphold dignity, rights, and social justice for a historically marginalized community.

Questions:

(a) What are the key ethical dilemmas involved in balancing public order with the rights and dignity of transgenders? How do prevailing societal attitudes shape these dilemmas?

(b) What policy interventions could you consider to address both the immediate concerns and the long-term welfare of the transgender community?

Q. To what extent is the crisis of ethical values in contemporary society a result of a limited understanding of what constitutes a good life?(150 words)

Q. How does the idea that 'forgiveness is the attribute of the strong' reflect strength of character in personal and societal contexts?(150 words)

Case Study

You have recently been appointed as a District Labour Officer in a state where tourism plays a key role in the local economy. During a routine check, you discover that a large hotel in the area has been violating the Minimum Wages Act by not paying its workers the mandated wages. The hotel owner is a powerful local political leader with strong ties to influential officials in the state. You decide to initiate a preliminary inquiry, as you have the authority to take suo-motu cognizance of such violations. However, when you approach the workers, none of them are willing to file formal complaints, fearing retaliation from the hotel management and the loss of their jobs. At the same time, your investigation catches the attention of higher authorities, who begin pressuring you to drop the inquiry, citing the hotel owner’s political influence.

This situation presents an ethical dilemma. While the violation of workers’ rights is clear, you face a conflict between your duty to uphold the law and the pressure from higher authorities to ignore the issue. The decision you make will have significant consequences, both for the workers and your career.

Questions:

(a) Identify the issues involved in this case?

(b) Evaluate the following options and suggest preferred course of action, with reasons:

1. Drop the matter as advised informally by higher authorities.

2. Persuade the hotel owner to fix the violations.

3. Submit a detailed report and seek formal directions.

4. Serve notice and begin legal action under the Minimum Wages Act.

(c) What can be the recommended course of action?

Q. Corruption is often described as a moral failure that erodes the social fabric of a nation. In your opinion, what ethical principles should guide anti-corruption measures? (150 words)

Q. Aristotle's concept of 'Virtue Ethics' focuses on the development of good character traits. How can this philosophy be integrated into the ethical framework of public service in modern democracies? (150 words)

Case Study

Arvind Mehta, a senior public servant, currently heads the Budget Division in the Ministry of Finance. His division is presently involved in allocating budgetary support to various states, four of which are scheduled to hold assembly elections within the current financial year.

As per the latest Union Budget, more than Rs 8,300 crore was allocated to the National Housing Scheme (NHS), a key centrally sponsored welfare programme aimed at providing affordable housing to weaker sections. By June, Rs 775 crore had already been disbursed under the scheme.

Parallelly, the Ministry of Commerce had been pursuing the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in a southern state to promote exports. After nearly two years of consultation between the Centre and the state, the Union Cabinet gave its approval in August, and the process for acquiring land has since begun.

In another development, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) had proposed a natural gas processing plant in a northern state to support the regional gas grid, an essential element of the country's energy security strategy. The land for the project is already available, and after three rounds of global bidding, the contract was awarded to M/s XYZ Hydrocarbons, a multinational company. The first tranche of payment is scheduled for December.

To meet the funding requirements of these two major development projects, an additional Rs 6,000 crore is required. It has been proposed that this amount be re-appropriated from the NHS budget. The file seeking approval for this re-allocation was sent to the Budget Division for examination and processing.

On reviewing the file, Arvind Mehta became concerned. He realised that diverting funds from the NHS could delay its implementation, a scheme widely promoted by senior political figures and closely linked to electoral commitments. On the other hand, delaying fund allocation to the SEZ and the gas plant could lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage at both national and international levels. Upon raising the issue with his superiors, Arvind was advised that the matter is politically sensitive and must be expedited without delay.

Question:

a) Identify the ethical issues involved in reallocating funds from a welfare programme to development projects.

b) In light of the responsibility to ensure prudent use of public resources, what options are available to Arvind Mehta? Would resigning from his post be a reasonable or ethical course of action?

Q. Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind." What does this quotation convey about the relationship between integrity and external influences?(150 Words)

Q. Attitude plays a significant role in shaping human development. How can a public servant cultivate the appropriate attitude required for effective service?(150 Words)

Case Study

After serving two decades in the State Civil Services, Abhishek, a seasoned officer, is posted to the capital of a border state. His mother has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment at a renowned cancer hospital in the city. His adolescent children have also secured admissions to a prestigious public school in the area. As Abhishek settles into his new role as the Director of the Home Department, he receives an alarming intelligence report revealing that illegal migrants are infiltrating the state from a neighboring country. Concerned, he decides to personally oversee a surprise inspection of the border posts with his team.

During the inspection, Abhishek uncovers two families, 12 individuals in total, caught crossing the border with the assistance of corrupt border security personnel. Further investigation reveals that these migrants, after entering the country, had forged crucial identification documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards, enabling them to settle in a specific area of the state. Abhishek meticulously documents his findings in a comprehensive report and submits it to the Additional Secretary of the State.

A week later, Abhishek is summoned by the Additional Home Secretary, who instructs him to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informs him that the report has not been well-received by higher authorities and warns him that failing to comply could result in his removal from the prestigious post in the state capital and jeopardize his forthcoming promotion.

Questions:

(a) What ethical dilemmas is Abhishek facing in this situation?

(b) What choices does Abhishek have in his position as Director of the Home Department in a border state? And critically analyze each possible option.

(c) Which option should Abhishek choose, and why?

(d) Critically analyze each possible option.

Q. The principle of impartiality is fundamental to good governance. Evaluate how impartiality contributes to the effectiveness of public administration. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behavior and ethical decision-making in professional settings. (150 words)

Case Study

Ananya Singh, a dedicated and empathetic IAS officer, is currently serving as the District Collector in a predominantly tribal and underdeveloped district of Jharkhand. The government has recently rolled out a revised Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure timely financial support for pregnant women and lactating mothers, aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition. A key feature of this new system is mandatory biometric authentication through Aadhaar at the time of benefit disbursal. The move is intended to reduce pilferage, eliminate ghost beneficiaries, and enhance accountability in welfare delivery.

However, within a few weeks of implementation, several ground-level issues begin to emerge. Many elderly caregivers, especially grandmothers caring for children in the absence of parents, struggle with fingerprint mismatch due to worn-out biometric impressions. In remote tribal hamlets, poor internet connectivity and lack of functional biometric devices cause frequent transaction failures. Local Anganwadi workers and ASHAs report that over 30% of eligible beneficiaries have not received funds, causing significant distress, especially among marginalized families who rely on this support for basic nutrition.

Concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups, Ananya considers allowing alternative forms of verification, such as physical ID checks, mobile OTP, or manual register maintenance, as a temporary stop-gap measure. However, she is advised against it by the State Department, citing strict central guidelines that prohibit deviation from the biometric-based process. Meanwhile, a reputed local NGO organizes protests and contacts the media, accusing the administration of systemic exclusion and violation of Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).

Questions:

(a) Identify the core ethical dilemma involved in the case.

(b) What are the options available to Ananya? Critically evaluate each of them and suggest the most appropriate course of action.

(c) What steps can be taken by public institutions to ensure that the use of technology in governance does not exclude the vulnerable?

Q. Ethical governance requires a balance between personal values and professional duties. Discuss.(150 words)

Q. Accountability in public administration is essential for ensuring the efficient use of resources. Evaluate how accountability in the public sector contributes to good governance. (150 words)

Case Study

Sneha Verma, a young and upright IAS officer, is serving as CEO of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in a drought-prone district of Maharashtra. She is overseeing the implementation of a crucial Rs 50 crore water conservation project under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, aimed at preventing crop failure and mass migration. While finalizing tenders, the lowest bidder—XYZ Pvt. Ltd.—emerges with strong credentials. However, Sneha is informally warned by colleagues about the firm’s alleged involvement in substandard work and bribery in another state, despite no formal conviction or blacklist status.

The situation escalates when a local MLA visits Sneha, subtly pressuring her to award the contract to Saraswati Infra, citing urgency and hinting at consequences for her upcoming transfer. The next morning, she receives an anonymous email with alleged proof of the firm’s manipulated quality reports in previous projects. With villagers anxiously awaiting project execution before the monsoon, Sneha is torn between ensuring integrity and avoiding delays that could harm livelihoods and invite political backlash.

Questions

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) What are the options available to Sneha? Evaluate each of them. What would be the most appropriate course of action for Sneha?

(c) In the long run, how should public institutions ensure ethical integrity and transparency in public procurement while balancing the urgency of developmental needs?

Q. Discuss the relevance of Gandhian ethics in contemporary governance and administration. Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by 'conscience' and 'moral reasoning'? How do they influence ethical decision-making in public life? (150 words)

Case Study

Q. You are a senior officer working in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Recently, a major policy on regulating social media was rolled out, and you've played a significant role in its drafting and implementation. One evening, while returning home, you receive a call from your daughter’s college counselor asking you to come over the next day.

When you visit the college, the counsellor informs you that your daughter has been showing signs of stress, reduced class participation, and increasing absenteeism. Upon speaking to your daughter privately, you learn that she has been facing online bullying on a popular social media platform. Memes, videos, and posts have targeted her appearance and her connection to "the officer who is banning things people love."

She reveals that her classmates have been mocking her in school and online, blaming her for their parents' inconvenience due to the ban on certain social media activity. She requests you not to take any official or public action, fearing further embarrassment. Your colleagues advise you to issue a formal clarification through your Ministry's press wing or release a personal video presenting facts and defending your family. However, senior bureaucrats caution you against making it personal or emotional, fearing it might set a precedent and undermine institutional protocol.

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) What course of action would you take in this situation and why? Substantiate your answer using ethical principles.

(c) What regulatory framework should be in place to ensure that social media remains a space for free expression while protecting individuals from online abuse, misinformation, and digital manipulation?

Q. "Emotional Intelligence is the cornerstone of ethical and empathetic public service." Discuss the statement with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. How does financial prudence in public administration contribute to probity in governance? Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Case Study

You are the Dean of Admissions at a prestigious government university. The admission process is underway, and strict merit-based criteria are in place. A few days before the final selection, you receive a call from a senior bureaucrat in the state government requesting admission for his son, who does not meet the cut-off marks. He emphasizes that his support has been crucial in securing government grants for the university’s expansion projects.

Simultaneously, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) informs you in a private meeting that the university’s funding is at a critical juncture and the bureaucrat’s goodwill may help in securing future grants. The VC suggests that you explore "discretionary quotas" to accommodate the student.

Meanwhile, a junior faculty member from the admissions committee privately expresses concerns to you about unusual last-minute changes in the admission list, hinting at possible external interference. You are caught between your duty to uphold fairness and the practical challenges of maintaining the university’s financial health.

Questions:

1. Identify and analyze the ethical issues involved in this case.

2. Examine the possible courses of action available to you as the Dean of Admissions. Discuss the merits and demerits of each option. What course of action will you take and why?

3. What institutional reforms can be implemented to ensure transparency, fairness, and resistance to external pressures in the university’s admission process?

Q. How does the concept of "moral distress" manifest in public service, and what strategies can administrators employ to address it constructively? (150 words)

Q. "Moral courage requires both the willingness to stand alone and the humility to change one's position." Discuss with examples from public administration. (150 words)

Q. Emotional intelligence is often considered as important as cognitive intelligence in governance. Discuss its role in ethical leadership and public service delivery. (150 Words)

Q. "Sustainability is not just a policy goal but an ethical obligation." Discuss the role of corporate ethics, governance, and individual responsibility in promoting sustainable environmental practices. (150 Words)

Case Study

Aditi, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, is posted as the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in a tribal-dominated region. She receives complaints from tribal leaders about a private infrastructure company clearing large stretches of forest land. Her investigation confirms that the project violates the Forest Rights Act, but the state government promotes it as a major development initiative. The tribals strongly oppose the project, fearing displacement and ecological destruction, while some activists threaten protests.

As Aditi prepares to take action, the Chief Secretary advises her to "cooperate" in the "larger interest of development" and hints at a possible transfer if she resists. Aditi now faces a dilemma. If she stops the project, she risks political backlash and career consequences. If she allows it, she compromises her integrity and the law. If she leaks information, she invites national scrutiny but could be accused of misconduct.

Questions:

1. Examine the ethical dilemmas in this case, focusing on legal obligations, governance ethics, environmental justice, and personal integrity.

2. As an ethical civil servant, analyze the possible courses of action available to Aditi and their ethical and professional implications.

3. Suggest measures to streamline India’s environmental clearance process while ensuring ecological sustainability and stakeholder participation