2013 · GS Paper 4 · Q2(a)(iv) · 3 marks
What do you understand by the following terms in the context of public service? Commitment
In short
Commitment in public service means binding oneself to the Constitution, the public interest and one's task so firmly that it survives pressure and personal cost, never loyalty to the party in power. T.N. Seshan's rigorous enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct exemplifies it.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 264 words
To Constitutional Values
Loyalty to the Preamble's ideals keeps the officer non-partisan, serving every elected government with equal professionalism.
To the Public Interest and Task
It means placing the citizen's welfare above convenience and owning outcomes rather than merely moving files.
Under Personal Cost
It survives transfers and pressure; its absence shows as dedication fatigue, a slow decline of commitment over a career.
Electoral Integrity
As Chief Election Commissioner (1990-96), T.N. Seshan enforced the Model Code of Conduct with rigour under Article 324.
Crisis Containment
In March 2020 the Bhilwara administration under Collector Rajendra Bhatt sealed the district and screened households door to door.
Integrity Over Career
Tamil Nadu officer U. Sagayam pursued illegal granite quarrying in Madurai despite repeated transfers, keeping faith with the public interest.
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This chapter in the exam
Dedication to public service10 questions
Asked in 5 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2025"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.
- 2022Write short notes on the following in 30 words each: Devotion to duty
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.