Mains Practice Questions

Q. There is a view that the Official Secrets Act is an obstacle to the implementation of the Right to Information Act. Do you agree with this view? Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Ethical leadership is the cornerstone of good governance, as it inspires public trust and champions transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within government institutions. Comment. (150 words)

Case Study

You are the founder of a social enterprise that provides solar lamps to rural villages that lack access to electricity. You have been working hard to scale up your impact and reach more communities in need. One day, you receive an email from the CEO of a major oil company who is interested in partnering with you. He says that he wants to support your cause and help you expand your operations. He also mentions that he has to meet Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards for his company. However, over the years working with renewable energy, you have developed a strong aversion to fossil fuel companies. Now, the CEO’s offer has put you in a moral dilemma. On one hand, you resent the idea of accepting help from a company that is contributing to climate change and environmental degradation, and on the other hand, you feel that the company’s assistance is a golden opportunity for your social enterprise to provide more light to the dark.

A. What are the various ethical issues involved here?

B. Will it be morally right for you to accept money from the oil company?

Q. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of police misconduct and brutality. What reforms are needed to ensure greater accountability and ethical behavior within law enforcement agencies? (150 words)

Q. With the increasing use of technology and data in governance, analyze the ethical challenges related to digital privacy and data security in the public sector. (150 words)

Q. You are an IPS officer posted in an area where communal tensions are very much prevalent. One day, a religious procession is being carried out by one community. As they reach the area dominated by another community, sudden firing starts, resulting in several people in the procession getting injured and taken hostage. When you send the police force to control the situation, the force also gets pushed back by the aggressors. Among the hostages, there are individuals who are severely injured and require urgent medical treatment.

A. What are the ethical dilemmas that you face in this situation?
B. What are the possible courses of action that you can take to resolve the crisis?
C. How will you justify your chosen course of action in terms of ethical principles and values?

Q. Discuss the fundamental differences between utilitarianism and deontology in ethical theories. (150 Words)

Q. Discuss the significance of non-partisanship in public administration and its role in ensuring that citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, are treated fairly and equitably. (150 Words)

Q. You are the District Collector of a drought-prone area. The government has announced a relief package for the farmers, which includes waiving off their loans and providing them with free seeds and fertilizers. However, you find out that some of the local politicians and officials are misusing the funds and diverting the resources for their personal gain. They are also threatening the farmers who complain or refuse to cooperate with them. As a responsible officer, how will you deal with this situation? Explain the ethical issues involved and the course of action you will take. (250 words)

Q. In today's interconnected world, the role of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and discourse is undeniable. Analyse the ethical challenges posed by the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms. Provide suitable examples to support your arguments. (250 words)

Q. Ethics and integrity are crucial elements in public administration. Discuss the significance of ethics and integrity in ensuring effective and accountable governance. Provide examples to support your argument. (250 words)

Case Study

You are the Superintendent of Police (SP) of a district where panchayat elections are being held. The elections have been marred by widespread violence, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The ruling party and the opposition parties have accused each other of rigging, intimidation and booth capturing. The State Election Commission (SEC) has sought your report on the situation and asked you to take necessary steps to ensure free and fair elections.

One of the major sources of violence in your district is a notorious Bahubali Neta (muscleman leader) who belongs to the ruling party and has several criminal cases against him. He is contesting the elections from his stronghold and has allegedly unleashed his goons to terrorize his rivals and voters. He also enjoys the patronage of some influential politicians and religious leaders who have appealed to their followers to vote for him.

a) What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

b) What are the options available to you as the SP? Evaluate each option in terms of its merits and demerits.

c) What course of action would you take as the SP? Justify your decision with suitable reasons.

Q. Discuss the ethical challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in decision-making processes. What measures can be adopted to address these challenges? (250 words)

Q. What are the ethical values and principles that guide the conduct of civil servants in India? How are they different from the moral values and principles of an individual? (250 words)

Case Study

A Civil Servant, who was posted at the frontier headquarters in Delhi as Commandant (administration) is accused of engaging in financial irregularities for personal financial gains. It is alleged that he misused his position to influence subordinates to indulge in fraudulent practices related to the booking of Leave Travel Concession (LTC) air tickets. These irregularities involved the use of personal credit cards and the manipulation of LTC tickets, resulting in false claims and misuse of earned mileage points.

Discuss the ethical implications of the Civil Servant's involvement in financial irregularities and misuse of his official position. How does this impact public trust and the integrity of the organization?

Q. What are the measures taken by the government to ensure probity in governance? Evaluate their effectiveness and suggest some ways to improve them. (150 words)

Q. A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? (150 words)

Case Study

You are an experienced civil servant working in a government department responsible for infrastructure development. Your department has recently received a proposal from a well-known construction company to build a major highway that would greatly improve connectivity in a remote region. However, you have discovered through reliable sources that the company has a history of engaging in corrupt practices and bribing government officials to secure contracts. Furthermore, there are concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed highway, as it would pass through ecologically sensitive areas. As a public servant, you are faced with an ethical dilemma regarding whether to support or oppose the project.

Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case and outline the possible courses of action you could take. Evaluate each course of action in terms of its ethical implications and the impact on public administration.

Q: What are the ethical issues involved in the use of social media for public service delivery? Discuss with suitable examples and suggest measures to address them.

Q: Examine the impact of ethical conduct on public trust and accountability. Provide suitable examples to support your arguments."(250 words)

Case Study

You are an officer working for the fire department in a city. One day, a massive fire breaks out in a building belonging to a coaching institute having classrooms where more than 1000 students are stranded. Also, the building lacks proper fire safety measures and adequate exits. Panic ensues as students inside the building desperately try to escape the flames and smoke, resulting in some individuals resorting to jumping off the building to save themselves.

As you arrive at the scene, you are faced with the following dilemmas:

(a) How do you prioritize the rescue operations, given the limited resources and time available?

(b) How do you deal with the ethical and legal implications of the building owner’s negligence and violation of fire safety norms?

(c) How do you handle the emotional and psychological impact of witnessing such a tragic incident on yourself and your team members?

Q. Discuss the significance of probity in governance and its impact on administrative effectiveness and public trust. (150 words)

Q. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi (150 words)

(a) Explain the meaning and significance of this quote in the context of public service.

(b) Give an example of a situation where you applied or witnessed this principle in your personal or professional life.

(c) How can this quote inspire you to overcome ethical dilemmas and challenges in your future role as a civil servant?

Case Study

You are the secretary of the public works department in a state. You are responsible for overseeing the construction and maintenance of various infrastructure projects in the state. Recently, a bridge that was built by your department collapsed, killing several people and injuring many others. The bridge was inaugurated just a few months ago and was supposed to be a model of engineering excellence. The public is outraged by this incident and blames your department for negligence and corruption. They demand your resignation and hold protests outside your office. Some media channels also accuse you of being involved in a scam and taking bribes from the contractor who built the bridge. You are shocked and saddened by this tragedy and want to find out the truth behind the collapse. You also want to defend your reputation and integrity, which you have earned through years of hard work and honesty.

What will you do in this situation? Explain the ethical issues involved and the course of action you will take.

Q. Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service are essential qualities that a civil servant should possess in order to perform his/her duties effectively and ethically. Discuss. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the main principles of Chanakya’s philosophy for civil servants and how they are relevant for the contemporary Indian bureaucracy. (150 words)

Case Study

Mr. Chandrakant is a principal in a college. There is a professor who happens to be the brother-in-law of an MLA of the ruling Party. The professor’s behavior towards fellow female teachers and students is derogatory. Several females have accused him of harassing them. The victims have lodged several complaints about his behavior. They are also afraid of filing a police complaint against him as he has threatened them to spoil their career if they do so.

Mr. Chandrakant is in a dilemma. He wants to act against the professor, but he also fears the political backlash from the MLA and his party. He knows that the professor is misusing his power and influence to harass the females and violate their dignity and rights. He also knows that the victims are suffering from mental trauma and insecurity due to the professor's actions.

1. What are the ethical issues involved in this case?

2. What are the options available for Mr. Chandrakant?

3. What should Mr. Chandrakant do and why?

Q. All Birds find shelter during a rain. But Eagle avoids rain by flying above the Clouds. Problems are common, but attitude makes the difference!!!” - APJ Abdul Kalam.

Analyze the meaning and implications of this quote for a civil servant. (150 words)

Q. What are the main teachings of Socrates and how are they relevant for ethical decision making in public service? Illustrate with examples. (150 words)

Case Study

You are a superintendent of police in a district that has a high incidence of crimes against women, such as rape, dowry harassment, domestic violence, etc. You have been trying to improve the situation by sensitizing the police personnel, creating awareness among the public, strengthening the legal and medical support systems, etc. However, you face many challenges and constraints in your efforts, such as lack of adequate staff and infrastructure, political interference and pressure, social stigma and prejudice, media sensationalism and trial by public opinion, etc. One day, you receive a call from a woman who claims that she has been gang-raped by four men who are influential and well-connected in the society. She says that she is afraid to go to the police station or the hospital as she fears for her safety and reputation. She requests you to help her.

1 What are the ethical dilemmas involved in this case?

2. What are the possible options available to you to deal with this situation?

3. What would be your preferred course of action and why?