General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus – Civil Services

Mains Exam UPSC

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General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam consists of the
below major areas: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. Details of the syllabus as provided by
UPSC are as below :

Table of Contents

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

Ethics and Human Interface:
Human Values
Attitude
Aptitude
Emotional Intelligence
Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
Civil Service Values
Probity in Governance
Case Studies
Reference Books for General Studies Paper 4 [Suggestions by ClearIAS.com]

General Studies 4 Paper Syllabus for UPSC Civil Services Mains

This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitudes and approaches to
issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, and his/her problem-solving approach to
various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society.

Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects.

The following broad areas will be covered:

Ethics and Human Interface:

Ethics and Human Interface:Essence, determinants, and consequences of Ethics in

human actions
Dimensions of ethics
Ethics in private and public relationships

Human Values

Human Values
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
Role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values

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Attitude

Attitude: content, structure, function

Attitude and its influence and relation with thought and behaviour
Moral and political attitudes
Social influence and persuasion

Aptitude

Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service

Integrity
Impartiality and non-partisanship
Objectivity
Dedication to public service
Empathy
Tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence – concepts

Utilities and application of Emotional Intelligence in administration and governance

Moral Thinkers and Philosophers

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world

Civil Service Values

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 ethical governance
Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
Ethical issues in international relations and funding
Corporate governance.

Probity in Governance
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service
The philosophical basis of governance and probity;
Information sharing and transparency in government,
Right to Information,
Codes of Ethics
Codes of Conduct
Citizen’s Charters
Work culture
Quality of service delivery

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 Utilization of public funds
Challenges of corruption

Case Studies

Case Studies on the above issues.

Reference Books for General Studies Paper 4 [Suggestions by

ClearIAS.com]
 

The basic book list recommended by many toppers is provided in the link IAS Books for
UPSC Mains. If you need additional books/weblinks for reference, the below-mentioned
links might turn useful. Tip: You can search/buy online these books using the
Flipkart/Amazon Search Box provided on this website. (Right Side Bar)

1. Lexicon for Ethics by Chronicle.

2. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Nanda Kishore and Santhosh Ajmera.
3. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by M Karthikeyan
4. IAS Mains General Studies Paper 4 Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Arihant
Experts.
5. Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Access Publishing.
6. 4rth Report of 2nd ARC.
7. The Handbook on Building Motivation and Positive Attitudes in Government
Organisations by the Centre for Good Governance, Hyderabad.
8. Moral Attitudes.
9. Probity in Governance – Law Ministry.
10. Corporate Governance – Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
11. Emotional Intelligence in Bureaucracies.

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