The Ethics paper in UPSC Mains often feels less about new topics and more about new framings of timeless values. Every year, the Public Service Commission tweaks familiar themes — morality, duty, governance, accountability — and presents them as fresh dilemmas or quotations. Interestingly, the RRP Test Series and Ethics FLTs had already primed aspirants for most of the themes that appeared in GS Paper-IV (2025).
GS Paper-IV Matching with RRP Tests:
Below is a mapping of how UPSC’s questions echoed the test series practice — almost like a rehearsal before the final stage.
Social Media & Ethics (Q1a)
UPSC’s framing on social media dilemmas directly resonated with Ethics FLT’s question on how digital platforms reshape the moral compass of youth and ethical behaviour online.
Constitutional Morality (Q1b)
The stress on constitutional morality as a cultivated civic value paralleled RRP’s test on its role as a judicial tool under the Basic Structure Doctrine in ensuring democratic governance.
Attitude & Change (Q3b)
William James’ quote on altering life through attitude echoed Ethics Test-07’s focus on the nature, formation, and changeability of attitudes.
Morality & Society (Q3c)
Swami Vivekananda’s observation on morality of people over laws reflected Ethics Test-08’s exploration of constitutional morality, spirit of service, conviction, and selflessness as civil service virtues.
Teachings of Mahavira (Q4b)
UPSC’s question on Mahavira’s teachings was a direct lift from Ethics Test-06’s coverage of Jainism’s principles and their modern relevance.
Duty & Responsibility (Q5a)
The Gita-inspired call to perfection through devotion to duty connected seamlessly with Ethics Test-04’s Kalam quote on saluting duty as the essence of responsibility.
Civil Servant as Facilitator (Q5b)
The emphasis on enabler–facilitator roles of civil servants echoed RRP Test-08’s framing on bureaucrats as both facilitators and impediments to democratic ideals.
Code of Ethics & Work Culture (Q6a)
The requirement for institutional ethics codes matched Ethics Test-08’s critique of India’s ethical governance gaps and its call for systemic compliance frameworks.
Accountability & Public Funds (Q6b)
UPSC’s concern on misutilised funds tied directly to RRP Test-05’s question on the effectiveness of CAG in ensuring spending accountability
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| GS PAPER-IV MAINS 2025 | LA EX RRP Test Series |
| Q1(a) “In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.” | Ethics FLT, Section A 2. (a) “Social media, once merely a tool for communication, is now a powerful force reshaping the moral compass of today’s youth—altering how they perceive right and wrong, identity, and responsibility.” Examine the ethical implications of this transformation and suggest concrete measures to foster responsible and value-driven digital behavior. (Answer in 150 Words) 10 M |
| Q1(b) “Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and requires inculcation of the rule of law. Examine the significance of this statement in the context of the contemporary issues. Discuss the role of constitutional morality in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.” | Test-01Q5. Constitutional morality, anchored in the Basic Structure Doctrine, has emerged as a vital judicial tool to uphold constitutional values. Critically examine its role in democratic governance and the inherent limitations of its application. |
| Q3(b) “‘The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.’ – William James.” | Ethics Test-07, Q1(a): “Discuss nature and formation of attitude. Can attitude be changed? Substantiate.” |
| Q3(c) “‘The strength of a society is not its laws, but in the morality of its people.’ – Swami Vivekananda.” | Ethics Test-08(c): “Examine the relevance of Constitutional Morality, Spirit of Service, Courage of Conviction, Selflessness, Leadership in civil service.” |
| Q4(b): “What are the major teachings of Mahavira? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.” | Ethics Test-06(b): “What are the major teachings of Jainism? Discuss their relevance in today’s society.” |
| Q5(a) “One who is devoted to one’s duty attains highest perfection in life. Analyse this statement with reference to sense of responsibility and personal fulfilment as a civil servant.” | Ethics Test-04. 3(a)– APJ Abdul Kalam: “If you salute your duty, you no need to salute anybody…” |
| Q5(b) “To achieve holistic development goals, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal?” | Test-08, Q1: “In what ways can bureaucrats act as both facilitators and impediments to democratic ideals?” |
| Q6(a) “It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be Code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your workplace?” | Ethics Test-08(b): “Even after 75 years of Independence, India faces significant challenges in delivering ethical governance. Identify and discuss the key challenges hindering ethical governance in the country. Suggest measures to address these challenges.” |
| Q6(b) “India is an emerging economic power … funds remain either under-utilised or misutilised. What specific measures would you recommend for ensuring accountability in this regard to stop leakages and gain status of third largest economy?” | Test-05, Q2: “How effective is the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in ensuring accountability in government spending?” |
Matching of GS Paper-IV Case Studies:
In the 2025 UPSC Ethics paper, Section B case studies reflected scenarios already covered in RRP and our test series. Themes included disaster management and personal–professional conflict, balancing welfare with environmental sustainability, conflict of interest in governance, financial propriety in public procurement, accountability in welfare schemes like MGNREGA, and humanitarian dilemmas at international borders. Each case tested applied ethics through familiar contexts: duty versus family, development versus ecology, integrity versus nepotism, rule compliance versus career pressure, curbing corruption in welfare delivery, and humanitarian aid amid security concerns. The overlaps ensured aspirants had ample practice with similar dilemmas.
Final Takeway:
The 2025 Ethics paper underscored once again that UPSC rarely invents out-of-the-blue topics. Instead, it rephrases themes already circulating in test series and academic discourse. From social media dilemmas to constitutional morality, from ancient teachings to modern accountability — the overlaps with RRP and Ethics FLTs were striking.
For aspirants, the lesson is simple: practice papers are not just tests — they are predictive roadmaps. A careful study of past mocks and compilations can often reveal the exact contours of what UPSC will ask, only wrapped in a different garb.
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