Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
What to master
Foundational values: integrity, honesty, objectivity, impartiality, empathy, compassion, and accountability. Ethical reasoning: consequences (utilitarian), duty (deontological), virtue ethics, and the public service values framework (integrity, neutrality, transparency, accountability). Concepts tested: conflict of interest, probity, moral courage, whistleblowing, RTI as an accountability tool, code of conduct, corruption and prevention (Prevention of Corruption Act, Lokpal), and emotional intelligence. Case-study style questions ask you to choose among plausible options.
Traps that recur
- Integrity vs honesty: honesty is truthfulness; integrity is consistency between values and action across contexts.
- Empathy vs sympathy - empathy is understanding another's perspective, not feeling pity.
- Rule-following vs discretion - options that "bend rules for a good outcome" are usually wrong; the ethical middle path is to follow procedure while seeking lawful flexibility.
- Whistleblowing requires exhausting internal channels first, unless there is imminent harm.
- Choosing the most dramatic option (resignation, public exposure) over the institutionally correct one.
Rule of thumb
For any case study, apply the "3-L" test: Lawful? Legitimate process? Least harm to stakeholders? The best answer usually satisfies all three; distractors satisfy only one.
Worked example
A subordinate reveals a senior's minor procedural lapse with no public harm. Best response: address it internally through the proper channel, document it, and counsel the subordinate, not public exposure. Trap: choosing immediate disciplinary action or media disclosure - both violate proportionality and process.