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UPSC Mains PYQ Explorer
Fourteen years of UPSC Mains previous-year questions (2013–2026) — Essay + GS Papers I–IV — mapped topic-wise and decoded with what UPSC is testing and how to approach each answer.
1,200+ questions · fully analysed
Every UPSC General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) Mains previous-year question and case study from 2013 to 2026, arranged theme-wise with the ethical dimensions and a structured answer approach.
GS4 PYQ Analysis
262 questions · 15 chapters · 2013-2026
262
Total PYQs
3500
Total Marks
15
Chapters
Year-wise question count (2013-2026)
SECTION A - THEORY AND APPLICATION
12 PYQs
120m
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in - Human Actions; Dimensions of Ethics; Ethics - in Private and Public Relationships.
Theory & Application
10 PYQs
100m
Human Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
Theory & Application
7 PYQs
70m
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
Theory & Application
16 PYQs
175m
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.
Theory & Application
10 PYQs
100m
Emotional Intelligence-Concepts, and their Utilities and Application in Administration and Governance.
Theory & Application
41 PYQs
410m
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world
Theory & Application
37 PYQs
370m
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
Theory & Application
16 PYQs
160m
Ethical issues in international relations and funding, Corporate governance
Theory & Application
13 PYQs
130m
Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and Transparency in Government, Right to Information
Theory & Application
16 PYQs
160m
Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds, Challenges of Corruption.
Theory & Application
SECTION B - CASE STUDIES
42 PYQs
850m
Case Studies Based on Public Sector Ethics
Case Studies
18 PYQs
365m
developing nation. Military strength is its priority, with the military budget often ingressing into allocations for human resources and infrastructure development. It is in security alliance with a superpower who has a large military base there and periodically allots it financial grants. It is a member of an economic bloc with which the government is currently negotiating a free trade agreement. It is not a signatory of NPT but possesses smaller nuclear weapons and delivery systems. It supports some guerrilla forces abroad. It has sought a smaller acquisition and is prepared to make some advance payment. It is currently negotiating arms purchases from another nation too. Ajit discussed this case with his counterparts in the related departments. Therein, the significant economic benefits, employment generation and stronger diplomatic relations arising from this sale were highlighted. It was also emphasized that refusing the deal could result in country B purchasing weapons from some other supplier. Ajit was aware that in arms sales, due diligence at each stage was pivotal to ensure conformity to national policy and international treaties. (a) Discuss the options available to Ajit. Which option should he select and why? (b) How can Ajit balance nation's economic and strategic interests with ethical considerations? Case Studies Based on Private Sector
Case Studies
7 PYQs
140m
Case Studies Based on Applied Ethics
Case Studies
8 PYQs
160m
Case Studies Based on Individual Morality
Case Studies
9 PYQs
190m
Case Studies Based on Society
Case Studies
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