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GS4 · Module 10 of 15

Ethics in Public Administration – UPSC GS4

This module of the GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude course covers status and problems, ethical dilemmas, laws, rules and conscience, accountability and ethical governance. It has 3 study lessons and a 24-question practice quiz. Free lessons can be read in full; premium lessons show a preview.

Lessons in this module

1. Public Administration Ethics: Status and Problems

Free 8 min

The syllabus reads "Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and…

2. Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions

Premium 7 min

An ethical concern is any issue where values are at stake – for example, corruption, discrimination or misuse of data. An ethical dilemma is a situation where a person must choose between two or more…

3. Laws, Rules, Conscience and Accountability in Ethical Governance

Premium 7 min

The syllabus asks about "laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance" and "accountability and ethical governance". When an officer wonders "what should I do?", she can look to four sources: laws, rules,…

Module quiz: Ethics in Public Administration (24 questions)

Maps & infographics in this module

Table of causes of ethical decline at individual, organisational, political, social and institutional levels — Reform must address every level.

Flow chart of Klitgaard's formula: monopoly plus discretion minus accountability equals corruption, with fixes — Robert Klitgaard, Controlling Corruption (1988).

Timeline of ethical governance milestones in India from the CVC in 1964 to Mission Karmayogi in 2020 — Laws exist; enforcement is the challenge.

Flow chart of seven steps to resolve an ethical dilemma from facts to review — Look for a lawful third option.

Table comparing ethical pressures in government and private institutions — PPPs and lobbying blur the line.

Frequently asked questions

Lessons: Public Administration Ethics: Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Conscience and Accountability in Ethical Governance.

Answer: C = M + D − A. Monopoly + discretion − accountability.

Answer: Criminal–political–bureaucratic nexus. After 1993 Mumbai blasts.

Answer: Prior approval before inquiry into official decisions. Protects honest decisions.

Answer: 2019. Justice P. C. Ghose.