Ethics in Public Administration — Probity, Integrity, Codes of Conduct, Citizen Charters

What should you study in Ethics in Public Administration?

• Civil service values — integrity, impartiality, dedication to public service, empathy
• AIS (Conduct) Rules — prohibited activities, gift rules, outside engagement
• Probity — zero tolerance for corruption; transparent conduct
• Accountability — upward (political) vs downward (citizens) accountability

How often is Ethics in Public Administration asked in UPSC Mains?

Asked in 4 of 10 years, including 2 of the last 5. Highlighted years below are the ones it appeared in.

1. 2016: asked
2. 2017: not asked
3. 2018: not asked
4. 2019: asked
5. 2020: not asked
6. 2021: asked
7. 2022: not asked
8. 2023: not asked
9. 2024: asked
10. 2025: not asked

About the Mains GS Paper IV paper

GS Paper IV is the 250-mark Mains paper on ethics, integrity and aptitude, including case studies. See all 34 Mains GS Paper IV topics.

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