(Getting Started for IAS Mains) Analysis of Syllabus, Suggested reading & Strategy for IAS Mains G.S. Paper - IV

(Getting Started for IAS Mains) Analysis of Syllabus, Suggested reading & Strategy for IAS Mains G.S. Paper - IV

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.

Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

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-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

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: Concept of public service; 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, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

Case Studies on above issues.

Strategy for paper IV

Ethics and Human Interface

Ethics – A Very Basic Introduction – BBC Guide to Ethics

Introduction to Ethics

Essence, determinants and Consequences of Ethics in human actions

What is Ethics? – Cambridge University

Ethics in private and public relationships.

Human Values

Human values – IGNOU Material

Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators—read biography of great leaders like, Gandhi. Lincoln, Nehru, Mandela, etc

Attitude for Good Governance – Read articles from internet, visit world bank website for governance and motivation.

Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service

These are actually civil service values recommended by the second ARC in its report (10th Report, Chapter 16)

Emotional intelligence--- read some case studies from ignou notes

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Ethics in the history of Indian Philosophy

Ethics in Contemporary Indian Philosophy

Ethics in the history of western philosophy

Ethics in Medieval Western Philosophy

Ethics in Greek Philosophy

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration:

Professionalism and Ethics in Public Service – UN Document. Problems and Issues about Public service values is given in it.

Ethics and Governance – T N Chaturvedi (he was CAG and Governor of Karnataka) – His reflections are insightful.

Ethical issues in international relations and funding

Ethics in International Relations – This is in relation to corporate responsibility. It covers some aspects of ethical issues in ‘funding’ mentioned in the syllabus.

Corporate Governance – Read it as it contains many new facts and ideas.

Corporate Governance – An Ethical Perspective – It is critical article, a research paper.

News Report – Economic Times

Probity in Governance

This part of the syllabus is completely covered in the following book. It is written by two retired IAS officers of Gujarat cadre. All the topics of this part of the syllabus and other topics of importance are covered in this book.

Articles on RTI from The Hindu will be helpful

Codes of Ethics – OECD

Codes of ethics – World Bank

The following book might be useful as it is written by a renowned author Ramesh Arora (his books on Public Administration are well received) 

Ethics in Governance – Ramesh K Arora

Suggested reading for paper IV

1. Subba Rao’s book
2. 2nd ARC report
3. Pub Ad. (mohit bhattacharya)
4. Ignou notes (for case study)
5. Biography of great personalities, like Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln,etc
6. Useful website-Ministry of corporate affairs, world bank etc
7. Ramesh Arora- pub ad

Note- Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the temptation of doing ‘Research’ on a topic.

Always Remember – UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.

Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.

Printed Study Material for IAS Exam (UPSC) (Combo)

(Download) UPSC, IAS MAINS Exam Previous Year Question Papers

(Syllabus) IAS MAINS Examination (GS + Optional)

<< Go Back to Main Page