How to prepare for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) IAS and Civil Services Mains Exam Paper – V? The exam is commonly called the GS-4 Ethics, Aptitude and Integrity paper. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has produced major revisions to the IAS and Civil Services Mains exam in both the design plus the syllabus. We understand that presently there are 4 General Studies Examination Papers. This is apart from the current one Essay and Optional Exam Papers. Of these, the fresh Exam Paper focused on Ethics, Aptitude along with Integrity has been a problem for many applicants. This is because the reference books are difficult to read. The IAS Mains exam tries to examine the academic ability and the knowledge of the applicant to give the answers in a right and logical style. The Test is designed to evaluate the overall mental qualities and knowledge of the candidates. The test is much more than simply to verify their knowledge.
Refer to the following editions for the best GS Exam Papers 4 preparation
- BBC Guide to ethics – For very basic introduction and understanding
- What is Ethics? Book by Cambridge University Press
- Dimensions of ethics
- Google books – Value education (Chapter 10 only)
- Human Values – Refer the IGNOU Study books
- Ethics in private relationship
- Ethics in Private and Public Relationships
The last book is easily available as Google Books. You can easily read the same online. Likewise, you can refer to the base Studies given in the book. Moreover, you can opt to download it – if you understand the IT tools
Similar Important Topics:
For topics about the lessons from the lives of great leaders, reformers and administrative experts, you can read the biographies of such leaders from schoolbooks or websites.Moreover, for the right GS Exam Papers 4 preparation, you need to address the role of following Institutions in bringing holistic values. These are :
- Family
- Society
- Educational Institutes
Attitude – Structure, and Function
- Structure and Function
- Complex and specialized
- Influence and relation to thoughts and behavior patterns
- Values, attitude and overall behavior
- Moral and Political values
- Political attitudes
- Social influence
Persuasion
Recommended books and learning material :
- Attitude for good Governance
- Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Services
Integrity
Integrity and transparency form the core part of GS Exam Papers 4 preparation
- Non-partisanship
- Objectivity
- Impartiality
- Dedication to public service
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Development of weaker sections
- Tolerance
These are important parts of the civil service of India and its core values. These are recommended by the 2nd ARC report (10th report. Read Chapter 16)
Emotional intelligence
- Basics of emotional intelligence
- Conceptual clarity
- Emotional intelligence and bureaucracies
- Emotional intelligence and public leadership
- The contribution made by moral thinkers and philosophers of the nation and across the world
The utilities and applications are important.
Other important topics :
To opt for the GS Exam Papers 5 preparation, refer to the following points :
- Ethics in the history of Indian philosophy
- Ethics in contemporary philosophy in India
- Ethics in the history of Western Philosophy
- Ethics in medieval western Philosophy
- Ethics in public administration
- Public and Civil Services rules and values
- Ethics in Greek philosophy
- Professionalism and ethics in public service
Ethical issues and concern in government and private Institutions
To opt for the GS Exam Papers 4 preparation, refer to the following points :
- Ethical issues and related dilemmas
- Ethical concerns in public administration
- Ethics in public administration (Highly recommended for further reading)
- Laws, rules, and regulations
- Conscience as a relevant source for ethical guidance
Accountability and Ethical Governance
Read on ethical Governance in the twenty-first-century – The GS Exam Papers 4 preparation requires you to understand the importance of ethics in Governance. The same forms the part of a tough book.
Recommended books and online sources
Read on the books on elements of Governance
- Ethics and Governance. Book by T. N. Chaturvedi (Ex CAG and Governor of Karnataka)
- Strengthening of ethical and moral values in Governance (PDF file)
- Ethical issues in international relations and funding. Read this from e-books on the topic
- Corporate Governance – Read this online for getting new ideas and facts.
- Corporate Governance – An ethical perspective – online article having a critical analysis of the issues
- News reports from The Economic Times
- PPT presentation available from IIT Bombay resources
Probity in the ethical Governance
The GS Exam Papers 5 preparation is incomplete without the syllabus delivered by the following book. This is written by retired IAS officers from Gujarat.
Recommended books and online sources :
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude for IAS and civil services (Mains) Examination for exam paper – 5
- Probity in Governance – publication by the Law Ministry of India. (Excellent information and covers a large part of the syllabus)
- Concept of public service
- What is probity in Governance -Private context
The best book on the above subject is Probity in Governance – publication by the Law Ministry of India. It clearly defines the important aspects of public service in India
The philosophical basis of Governance and probity
Focus on information on transparency and information sharing in Governance. Ideally, read the RTI Act 2005.
Recommended books and online sources :
Focus on Right to Information Act and related articles on the topic from the following sources –
- Economic and Political Weekly
- The Hindu
Code of ethics and conduct
- Codes of Ethics – OECD
- Codes of Conduct – Google Books
- Codes of Ethics – World Bank
- Quality of Service Delivery (online article)
- Citizen’s Charter (available online)
- Citizen’s Charter Handbook (available online)
- Work culture
- Utilization of public funds – Detailed PDF report by Planning Commission of India (available online)
- Challenges of corruption