Code of conduct and code of ethics
Also: code of conduct, code of ethics, conduct rules
Background and evolution
Every profession that holds power over others eventually develops codes. The Hippocratic Oath for doctors is one of the oldest. Modern bureaucracies developed conduct rules in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to keep officials politically neutral, honest and loyal to the state. In India, colonial-era service rules were replaced after independence by the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 and the All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968, which govern matters such as gifts, investments, political activity, private employment and communication with the press.
Critics noted that these rules are long lists of prohibitions rather than a statement of values. The Second Administrative Reforms Commission, in its 2007 report on ethics in governance, recommended a separate code of ethics for civil servants that sets out values such as integrity, impartiality, commitment to public service, accountability and empathy for the weaker sections. A draft Public Service Bill (2007) and later Civil Services Standards proposals also listed values, but were not enacted. Professions such as medicine, law, accountancy and journalism have their own codes enforced by bodies like the National Medical Commission and the Bar Council of India.
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Last reviewed: 23 October 2026 · Original UPSCPrep.in content.