Mains Practice Questions

Q. “Emotionally intelligent leadership is critical to crisis management.” Discuss how emotional intelligence can enhance administrative effectiveness in times of public emergencies and disasters. (250 words)

Q. John Rawls emphasized “justice as fairness.”Analyze how this principle can be used by government functionaries while allocating scarce resources to competing public interests. (150 words)

Q. “While a strong moral compass is essential for public servants, rigid moral absolutism may sometimes conflict with the practical demands of governance”. Discuss the role of ethical pragmatism in helping civil servants strike a balance between idealism and effective decision-making in complex administrative situations. (150 words)

Q. "Procedural integrity is a cornerstone of good governance, yet there are situations where strict compliance with rules may result in outcomes that violate the spirit of justice. In such circumstances, should a civil servant uphold substantive justice even if it means deviating from procedural norms?" Discuss with relevant examples from public administration. (150 words)

Q. “Sustained ethical behaviour in public service demands not just conviction, but also psychological resilience.” Discuss the phenomenon of ‘ethical fatigue’ and how to address it in the civil services. (150 words)

Q. "Integrity without compassion is rigidity, and compassion without integrity is weakness."
Discuss the significance of balancing integrity and compassion in public service. Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. “Compassion is a necessity, not a luxury. Without it, humanity cannot survive.” How can public servants institutionalize compassion without compromising on rule-based governance? (150 words)

Q. "In an era of institutional accountability and performance metrics, is there still space for altruism in public administration? Discuss. (150 words)

Q. The rise of cryptocurrencies presents a paradox between financial freedom and the potential for harm in terms of market instability and misuse. In light of key ethical principles, critically assess the ethical challenges posed by cryptocurrencies in India. (150 words)

Q. "In the context of ethical governance, how can the virtue of temperance guide decision-making in addressing issues such as inequality and environmental sustainability? (150 words)

Q. "Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows." - Martin Luther King, Jr. In the context of the above quote, discuss whether lasting peace can be achieved through violent means, or if non-violence is the only ethical way to attain peace. (150 words)

Q. Is ethical relativism a valid approach to governance in a multicultural society like India? Discuss its implications on policy formulation. (150 words)

Q. Can human actions be considered ethical if they violate societal norms but serve a higher moral purpose? Discuss with examples. (150 words)

Q. How does objectivity differ from neutrality and impartiality? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples from public service. (150 words)

Q. Attitude plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of civil servants. How does a positive attitude contribute to efficient civil service, and what personal and external factors influence the development of this attitude? (150 words)

Q. How does this quotation by John C. Maxwell, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way," apply to civil servants in the current context? (150 words)

Q. What does this quotation mean to you in the present context: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.’’-Oscar Wilde (150 words)

Q. How does integrity serve as a source of strength and empowerment in an individual's life? Illustrate with examples. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the relevance of John Rawls’s theory of social justice in the Indian socio-political context. (150 Words)

Q. In the context of the defense services, patriotism often entails a willingness to sacrifice one's life for the nation. What does patriotism mean in everyday civilian life? Illustrate your answer with examples. (150 Words)

Q. How does corruption hinder national development, and what were Kautilya's views on tackling corruption within governance?(150 Words)

Q. What does the term 'voice of conscience' mean to you, and how can one train themselves to listen and respond to it effectively? (150 Words)

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)

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)

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)

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)