There were 12 Compulsory Questions for a total of 250 marks. The first five questions under subheads (a) & (b) were to be answered in 150 words each and each question was of 10 marks.
Question 6 has three sub-heads and each question was of 10 marks to be answered in 150 words each.
There were Six Case Studies starting from Q. 7 to Q.12 and each Case Study carries 20 marks with a word limit of 250 words.
So, the pattern of this paper is broadly in sync with the last year’s paper.
Theory vs Case Studies Ratio in GS4-2016, 2017 & 2018
| Year | Theory | Case-Study | Total |
| 2016 | 120 | 130 | 250 |
| 2017 | 130 | 120 | 250 |
| 2018 | 130 | 120 | 250 |
In the 2018 paper the number of questions asked under each of the below topics are as follows:
1. Civil Service aptitude & foundational values (integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service:
There were three questions based on the above topics which are given below.
Q. 1. (a) State the three basic values, universal in nature, in the context of civil services and bring out their importance. (150 words)
Q. 2 (a) What is mean by public interest? What are the principles and procedures to be followed by the civil servants in public interest? (150 words)
Q. 3. (b) “In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence and energy. And if they do not have the first, the other two will kill you.” – Warren Buffett. What do you understand by this statement in the present-day scenario? Explain. (150 words)
Comment: The above three questions are based on the fundamental principles an ideal civil servant has to follow while working for the public interest.
2. Codes of Ethics; Codes of Conduct; Laws, rules, regulations, conscience as sources of ethical Guidance.
Q. 1(b) Distinguish between “Code of ethics” and “Code of conduct” with suitable examples. (150 words)
This is a straightforward question related to the theory of code of ethics and code of conduct. Aspirants must support their theory with latest relevant examples.
3. Information (sharing & transparency in government); RTI
Q. 2(b) “The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability. Discuss. (150 words)
Comment: This question links the RTI Act with the concept of accountability. This question is asked in the context of not only citizens’ empowerment to file RTIs but also taking due share of accountability.
4. Ethics and Human Interface (essence, determinants, consequences of ethics in human actions); Dimensions of ethics; Ethics in public & private relationships
Q4. (b) With regard to the morality of actions, one view is that means is of paramount importance and the other view is that the ends justify the means. Which view do you think is more appropriate? Justify your answer. (150 words)
Q. 6 (c) What does this quotation mean to you in the present context: “Falsehood takes the place of truth when it results in unblemished common good.”- Tirukkural. (150 words)
The above questions deal with the determinants and dimensions of ethics. There are no direct theoretical answers to these questions. Every aspirant will have his/her own interpretation of the questions.
5. Emotional Intelligence (concepts, utility & application in administration & governance)
Q. 4(a) “In doing a good thing, everything is permitted which is not prohibited expressly or by clear implication”. Examine the statement with suitable examples in the context of a public servant discharging his/her duties. (150 words)
Q. 6 (b) What does this quotation mean to you in the present context: “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding. Mahatma Gandhi.” (150 words)
The first question is related to application of emotional intelligence in the context of a public servant discharging his duties.
The second question is directly related to emotional intelligence. It is to be described in the context of religious, political and social anger and intolerance, arising out of issues that can be easily resolved by discussion and mutual understanding.
6. Problems, dilemmas in public administration and public service.
From this topic, mainly case studies are formed- related to land acquisition, environmental conservation vs. economic development etc.
Q. 5 (a) Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies? (150 words)
Here the answer must be balanced with equal emphasis to both development and environmental concerns that affect the tribal and ethnic communities.
Q. 5 (b) Explain the process of resolving ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. (150 words)
Here the aspirant should have some background knowledge of the concept of ethical dilemma in public administration and the means to resolve them.
The answer should be supported by a relevant contemporary example.
Q. 6 (a) What does this quotation mean to you in the present context: “The true rule, in determining to embrace, or reject anything, is not whether it has any evil in it; but whether it has more evil than good. There are few things wholly evil or wholly good. Almost everything, especially of governmental policy, is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgement of the preponderance between them is continually demanded. ” Abraham Lincoln. (150 words)
This is a question again related to ethical dilemmas in Public Administration. In administration there is nothing absolutely good or bad. One needs to ensure the element of goodness is more than evil in every decision.
7. Challenges of Corruption; Utilization of public funds
Q. 3 (a) What is meant by conflict of interest? Illustrate with examples, the difference between the actual and potential conflicts of interest. (150 words)
This is a straight-forward question. One has to be sure of the term `conflict of interest’ and substantiate this with contemporary examples.
Case Studies
This section consists of Six Case studies related to the topics like transparency, corruption, ethical dilemmas, and ethical dimensions such as compassion.
Qs 7 & 11 is related to ethical dimension of compassion. Qs 8 is related to corruption.
Q. 9 & 10 related to ethical dilemmas
Q. 12 is related to transparency
To write effective answers to Case Studies, one has to first understand the questions thoroughly and approach it with an unbiased and objective view. One should not adopt an extreme view on any issue and must have a balanced opinion on all the issue involved in the Case Studies.