2018 · GS Paper 4 · Q1(b) · 10 marks
Distinguish between "Code of ethics" and "Code of conduct" with suitable examples.
In short
A code of ethics sets broad values that guide judgement and works through conscience, while a code of conduct lays down specific rules enforced by penalties. The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 are a code of conduct; the Nolan Committee's seven principles (1995) are a code of ethics.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 310 words
Spirit and letter
Ethics carries the spirit, such as integrity, while conduct turns it into the letter, such as a rule on gifts.
Enforceability
Breaking a conduct rule invites disciplinary penalties, whereas an ethical lapse invites mainly moral censure.
Source of compliance
Ethics works through Value Internalisation, while conduct rules work through fear of sanction and can produce Rule-Bound Amoralism, obeying the letter while defeating the purpose.
Codes of conduct
The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 regulate gifts and assets, the All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968 bar political activity, and the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct binds parties during polls.
Codes of ethics
The Nolan Committee's seven principles (1995) and the Supreme Court's Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997) set values rather than penalties.
Ethics beyond rules
Armstrong Pame's people-funded 100 km road in Manipur (2012) was required by no rule but inspired by public-service ethics.
Converging codes
The 2014 amendment to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules wrote integrity and political neutrality into the rules themselves.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.
Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Codes of Ethics3 questions
Asked in 3 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2024'The Code of Conduct' and 'Code of Ethics' are the sources of guidance in public administration. There is code of conduct already in operation, whereas code of ethics is not yet put in place. Suggest a suitable model for code of ethics to maintain integrity, probity and transparency in governance.
- 2016Discuss the Public Services Code as recommended by the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission.
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2018 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.