2021 · GS Paper 4 · Q1(a) · 10 marks
Identify five ethical traits on which one can plot the performance of a civil servant. Justify their inclusion in the matrix.
In short
Integrity, impartiality, empathy, accountability and moral courage can form a civil servant's performance matrix because each sustains public trust and leaves observable evidence. T.N. Seshan's even-handed enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct shows impartiality in practice.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 296 words
Integrity
The base of all values, since dishonesty makes competence harmful, as Tukaram Mundhe's anti-corruption record despite frequent transfers shows.
Impartiality
Equal treatment for all; T.N. Seshan enforced the Model Code of Conduct against every party as Chief Election Commissioner.
Empathy
Policy reaches the last person only through officers who care, as Armstrong Pame's people-funded road for cut-off villages in Tamenglong (2012) showed.
Accountability
Reasoned, timely decisions under the RTI Act, 2005 and Citizen's Charters keep power answerable rather than arbitrary.
Moral courage
Integrity counts only if it survives threats; Rinku Singh, then a district social welfare officer, exposed a scholarship scam in Muzaffarnagar and was shot for it in 2009.
Evidence over impression
Tying each trait to records and feedback avoids the Halo Effect, where one strong trait colours the whole rating.
Building the traits
Mission Karmayogi (2020) maps role-wise competencies, so training can target an officer's weakest axis.
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This chapter in the exam
Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions12 questions
Asked in 9 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026Shakespeare in Henry IV says, "The arms are fair when the intent of bearing them is just". What ethical implications does this have in governance?
- 2024"The concept of Just and Unjust is contextual. What was just a year back, may turn out to be unjust in today's context. Changing context should be constantly under scrutiny to prevent miscarriage of justice." Examine the above statement with suitable examples.
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2021 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.