GS Paper 4 · Section B · Previous Year Case Studies
GS Paper IV — Case Studies (Part B)
“GS4B tests practical ethical reasoning, not theoretical knowledge. Prioritise themes with 8+ cases (Integrity, Conflict of Interest, Crisis Management, Corporate Ethics). Every case follows the same structure — identify issues → enumerate options → evaluate → recommend.”
Paper: GS4B
Subject: Case Studies
Years: 2013–2025
Cases: 72
Section B: 20m × 6 cases / year
Overview
GS Paper IV Section B presents case studies testing a candidate’s practical ethical reasoning. Each case places the aspirant in a specific professional role — civil servant, police officer, corporate executive, engineer, scientist — and demands a structured response: identify ethical issues, enumerate options, critically evaluate them, and recommend a course of action.
From 2013 to 2025, UPSC has set 72 case studies across 13 years. Each year typically carries 6 cases worth 20 marks each (total 120 marks for Section B). The 2025 paper introduced a notable new format with case studies carrying sub-parts (a), (b), (c), (d) at 250 words — identical to earlier years but with heavier emphasis on border security, forest rights vs welfare, and bureaucratic procurement ethics.
The dominant theme across all years is ethical dilemmas in public/civil service, appearing in virtually every case. The cases rotate through three broad arenas: (1) the civil servant navigating corrupt or politically pressured superiors, (2) the private-sector professional caught between profit and integrity, and (3) the administrator managing a complex social conflict with multiple stakeholders.
| Theme | Cases | % Share | Key Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrity & Whistleblowing | 10 | 13.9% | 2013–2025 |
| Conflict of Interest & Corruption | 11 | 15.3% | 2013–2025 |
| Crisis Management & Disaster Response | 11 | 15.3% | 2015–2025 |
| Corporate Ethics & Business Dilemmas | 10 | 13.9% | 2014–2024 |
| Environmental Ethics | 8 | 11.1% | 2014–2025 |
| Social Justice & Welfare | 8 | 11.1% | 2013–2025 |
| Law Enforcement & Security Ethics | 8 | 11.1% | 2013–2025 |
| Workplace Harassment & Gender | 8 | 11.1% | 2013–2023 |
| Public Safety & Professional Ethics | 6 | 8.3% | 2013–2024 |
| Civil Service Values & Political Interference | 5 | 6.9% | 2019–2025 |
| Media Ethics & Transparency | 2 | 2.8% | 2022–2023 |
| Healthcare & Research Ethics | 2 | 2.8% | 2023–2024 |
Syllabus Map
Click each theme to expand sub-topics and question count.
Integrity, Accountability & Whistleblowing
Honesty of civil servants vs institutional pressure; bonafide mistakes4
Whistleblowing: Snowden, investigative journalism, exposure of corruption3
Dilemma of exposing superiors: Rameshwar, Vinod, Ramesh (Home Dept)3
Conflict of Interest & Corruption in Governance
Insider information misuse (Housing policy, Road project, Subash PWD 2025)3
Procurement irregularities and bribery (Rajesh PSU 2025, Tender bribe 2014)3
Political interference in administrative decisions2
RTI and accountability challenges2
Crisis Management, Disaster Response & Emergency Ethics
Natural disaster relief: floods, landslides, cloud bursts4
COVID-19 pandemic administrative dilemmas2
Duty vs personal emergency (Vijay DC 2025, IAS interview 2017)2
Rescue prioritisation and resource allocation under scarcity1
Corporate Ethics, Business & Institutional Dilemmas
Corporate social responsibility and community welfare3
Competitive pressure vs ethical conduct (Prabhat Sterling Electric 2022)2
Food safety, product standards and consumer protection1
AI innovation vs environmental sustainability (ABC Inc. 2024)1
Arms export ethics (BML 2020)1
Environmental Ethics & Sustainable Development
Industrial pollution, closure dilemmas, environmental compliance3
Illegal mining (sand, stone) and law enforcement2
Deforestation vs housing for homeless (2025)1
Economic development vs environmental quality1
Social Justice, Welfare Administration & Compassion vs Rules
Welfare scheme eligibility, documentation dilemmas2
Child labour, tribal welfare, displaced persons rehabilitation2
MGNREGA mismanagement and restoration (2025)1
Rural migration, girls’ education, caste discrimination2
Law Enforcement, Security & Sensitive Operations
Counter-insurgency: Naxalite, terrorist recruitment, border security3
Narcotics, illicit liquor and law-order in frontier areas2
Border migrants and armed soldiers crossing (Ashok DC 2025)1
Political patronage to crime mafia1
Workplace Harassment, Gender Justice & Organisational Ethics
Sexual harassment (POSH Act contexts): workplace complaints3
Domestic violence by superior; gender-based public incidents1
Work-life balance and women in civil services (Rashika 2023)1
Public Safety & Professional Ethics in Engineering/Medicine
Construction safety: flyover, elevated corridor cracks2
Drug trials ethics, pharmaceutical dilemmas2
Civil Service Values, Politicisation & Bureaucratic Integrity
Politicisation of bureaucracy and erosion of permanent executive values2
Civil service ethics, institutional measures, code of conduct1
Media Ethics & Social Media Responsibility
Investigative journalism vs editorial pressure and media nexus1
Social media misuse, cyber-bullying, and government official response (2023)1
Healthcare Ethics & Scientific Research
Emergency blood transfusion without blood bank (DM dilemma 2023)1
Expediting drug trials, data manipulation in pharma (Dr. Srinivasan 2024)1
Heatmap — Theme × Year
Darker = more cases that year. Each cell shows the number of case studies in that theme for that year.
| Theme | ’13 | ’14 | ’15 | ’16 | ’17 | ’18 | ’19 | ’20 | ’21 | ’22 | ’23 | ’24 | ’25 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Integrity & Whistleblowing | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10 |
| Conflict of Interest & Corruption | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 11 |
| Crisis Mgmt & Disaster | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 11 |
| Corporate Ethics & Business | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Environmental Ethics | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
| Social Justice & Welfare | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
| Law Enforcement & Security | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Workplace Harassment & Gender | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Public Safety & Prof. Ethics | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Civil Service & Politicisation | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Media Ethics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Healthcare & Research Ethics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Total per Year | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 72 |
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Trends
Total Case Studies per Year (2013–2025)
| Year | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cases | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Top 4 Themes — Cumulative Frequency (2013–2025)
| Theme | Cumulative by 2025 |
|---|---|
| Integrity & Whistleblowing | 10 |
| Conflict of Interest & Corruption | 11 |
| Crisis Management & Disaster | 11 |
| Corporate Ethics & Business | 10 |
Distribution of Cases by Professional Role Setting
| Role Setting | Cases |
|---|---|
| Civil Servant / IAS / DC / SDO | 22 |
| Police / Security Officer (SP, DG, DCP) | 8 |
| Corporate Executive (VP, CEO, Manager) | 8 |
| Academic / NGO / Other Government | 6 |
| Engineer / Project Manager | 4 |
| Scientist / Medical Professional | 3 |
Questions by Theme
Integrity & Whistleblowing
10 cases
GS4B → Probity in Governance → Integrity, Honesty, Whistleblowing
Case 2 — PIO & RTI Consequences: A Public Information Officer discovers that an RTI application pertains to decisions taken by him that were not entirely right. Disclosure risks disciplinary action; non-disclosure compromises integrity. Evaluate the options of seeking superior’s advice, going on leave, strategic partial disclosure, or consulting colleagues who were party to the decision.
Mapping: Probity in governance; integrity and impartiality of public servant; conflict between personal interest and public duty under RTI Act.
Case 11 — Rameshwar’s Dilemma: A newly joined civil servant discovers widespread malpractices — misappropriation of funds, official facilities misused, cheating in recruitment exams — and is advised by seniors to keep silent. He seeks your advice on available options and how to evaluate the most appropriate path.
Mapping: Integrity in public service; whistleblowing dilemma; accountability vs organisational loyalty in civil services.
Case 22 — Engineering Graduate & Toxic Discharge: A fresh graduate discovers her company is secretly discharging toxic waste into a river, causing health damage to villagers downstream. Colleagues advise silence to protect jobs. She seeks your advice on whether keeping quiet is morally justified, and what course of action to adopt.
Mapping: Professional ethics, environmental responsibility, whistleblowing vs job security; conflict between personal welfare and public good.
Case 36 — Edward Snowden: Snowden released classified US government surveillance documents to the press. His action violated the Espionage Act but he argued a moral obligation to inform the public. Do you agree his actions were ethically justified even if legally prohibited? Weigh the competing values of national security, individual privacy, and public interest.
Mapping: Whistleblowing ethics; social responsibility vs legal obligation; balancing national security with civil liberties and public morality.
Case 37 — Bonafide Mistakes & Accountability: Civil servants who take bona fide decisions in good faith — decisions not taken for personal gain — have been prosecuted and imprisoned when those decisions led to adverse consequences. How does this trend affect civil service functioning? What measures can ensure honest civil servants are not implicated for genuine mistakes?
Mapping: Accountability and fairness in public administration; protection of honest civil servants; legal implications of bona fide errors in public service.
Case 54 — Sunil vs Sand Mining Mafia: Sunil, a young civil servant in a tribal district, raids illegal sand mining operations. The mafia, with support from office employees, threatens him and his family with dire consequences. His predecessor was killed a decade ago. Identify options, critically evaluate each, and recommend the most appropriate course.
Mapping: Integrity vs personal safety; countering organised crime and corruption; duty of public servant in hostile environments.
Case 59 — Ramesh & Illegal Infiltration: Ramesh (Director, Home Department of a border state) discovers and reports illegal migrants with forged documents. He is summoned by the Additional Home Secretary and ordered to withdraw his report, under threat of transfer and loss of promotion. What options are available, which should he adopt, and what are the ethical dilemmas?
Mapping: Professional integrity vs bureaucratic interference; accountability in border security; whistleblowing against superior’s pressure.
Case 63 — Vinod’s Dilemma: Vinod (MD, State Road Transport Corporation) receives video evidence of the Chairman demanding bribes. The Opposition Board Member urges him to expose the Chairman for political gain, promising career rewards. Vinod fears transfer and penalty. Evaluate the options available to Vinod as a conscientious civil servant, and the ethical issues arising from politicisation of bureaucracy.
Mapping: Whistleblowing dilemma; politicisation of bureaucracy; integrity vs career security; avoiding use as a political instrument.
Case 7 — Retaliatory Complaint & Disciplinary Action: An honest officer posted to a department notorious for indiscipline issues show-cause notices to troublemakers. In retaliation, they instigate a woman employee to file a false sexual harassment complaint with the Women’s Commission, which is publicised in the media. Evaluate options: going soft on disciplinary action, ignoring the Commission, briefing superiors, or other innovative approaches.
Mapping: Integrity under pressure; retaliation for upright conduct; accountability vs self-protection in public administration.
Case 29 — Ethical Dilemmas in Public Service Conduct: An honest civil servant encounters perceptions that: ethical conduct causes personal difficulty; small minority being ethical makes no difference; ethical practices hamper developmental goals; giving and accepting small gifts increases efficiency. Examine these statements with their merits and demerits.
Mapping: Core public service values; integrity vs pragmatic compromise; why ethical conduct matters even when the system is corrupt.
Public Safety & Professional Ethics
6 cases
GS4B → Ethical Concerns in Institutions → Professional Ethics, Accountability, Public Safety
Case 1 — Flyover Construction Safety: You are Executive Engineer for a flyover construction. Junior Engineers certify all is as per design, but your surprise inspection reveals serious deviations likely to affect public safety. Rectifying them would cause financial loss to the contractor and delay. The Chief Engineer says to ignore it. Evaluate options: following advice, seeking written orders, issuing correction notices, escalating, or seeking transfer.
Mapping: Professional ethics in engineering; accountability and public safety; conflict between administrative pressure and professional integrity.
Case 30 — Building Collapse due to Illegal Extension: A building permitted for 3 floors, extended illegally to 6 floors by a builder, collapses killing labourers including women and children. Government announces relief and arrests the builder. Give reasons for such incidents nationwide; suggest measures to prevent them, covering regulatory enforcement, migrant labour rights, and safety compliance.
Mapping: Accountability in regulatory enforcement; public safety and illegal construction; protection of migrant labour rights; systemic failures in urban governance.
Case 52 — Elevated Corridor Construction: As project manager of a prestigious elevated corridor, you discover a minor crack in a pier that requires demolishing and rebuilding 3 piers, delaying the project 4–6 months. The Chief Engineer overrules your safety concerns because the Minister wants inauguration before elections; the contractor is related to the Minister; and your promotion is hinted at. What options are available? What are the ethical dilemmas and professional challenges?
Mapping: Professional ethics in construction; accountability vs political pressure; public safety as non-negotiable; consequences of overlooking safety.
Case 57 — Quality Inspection & Professional Integrity: As quality inspector at a shoe company, you flag a rejected export consignment being cleared for the domestic market despite poor quality. Management overrules the team and threatens termination if you do not sign. You are the sole breadwinner with elderly parents and a new wife. Evaluate options, ethical dilemmas, and consequences of overlooking the defects.
Mapping: Consumer protection; professional duty vs job security; whistleblowing in private sector; consequences of compromising quality standards.
Case 67 — Expediting Drug Trials: Dr. Srinivasan heads a team developing a drug for a rapidly spreading viral disease. Under commercial pressure for first-mover advantage, senior members suggest: manipulating data, skipping informed consent, and using a rival’s patented compound. Dr. Srinivasan is uncomfortable but cannot meet targets without shortcuts. What would you do? Examine ethical questions, and how data ethics and drug ethics can save humanity.
Mapping: Scientific integrity; data ethics and drug ethics; conflict between commercial pressure and ethical research; public health consequences of shortcuts.
Case 18 — Pharmaceutical Dilemma: A scientist discovers that a company’s best-selling veterinary drug could cure a currently incurable liver disease prevalent in tribal areas, but R&D would cost ₹50 crores with little market return. As CEO, identify actions available and evaluate their pros and cons, balancing profit motive with social responsibility and access to medicine for the poor.
Mapping: Corporate social responsibility in pharma; access to medicines for marginalised populations; balancing profit with social welfare.
Environmental Ethics & Sustainable Development
8 cases
GS4B → Ethical Concerns in Institutions → Environmental Governance, Sustainability
Case 9 — Economic Development vs Environmental Quality: The global thrust on economic development conflicts directly with environmental degradation caused by that very development. Stopping development is infeasible; continued degradation threatens survival. Discuss feasible strategies to eliminate this conflict and lead towards sustainable development.
Mapping: Sustainable development ethics; conflict between growth and environmental protection; policy frameworks for reconciling development with ecological responsibility.
Case 22 — Toxic Waste & Engineering Graduate: [See also Theme 1] A fresh engineer discovers her company secretly discharges highly toxic waste into a river harming villagers downstream. Colleagues advise silence. Argue why keeping quiet is morally wrong, and advise on the course of action to adopt.
Mapping: Environmental responsibility; corporate polluters; duty to protect public health even at personal risk; whistleblowing in industrial context.
Case 33 — Industrial Chemical Plant Closure: A chemical plant set up near a city despite opposition now faces closure demands due to pollution affecting land, water, crops, and human and animal health. Agitations force a law-and-order crisis. State government orders closure, but thousands of workers in the factory and ancillary units lose jobs, and dependent industries face supply disruption. As a senior officer handling these issues, how do you address the situation?
Mapping: Environmental governance; socio-economic impact of closure; balancing environmental protection with livelihoods; conflict between policy enforcement and industrial welfare.
Case 55 — Environmental Compliance in Industrial Units: As an officer in the Environment Pollution Control Board, you discover most small and medium industries with environmental clearances are actually polluting. You issue notices for fresh clearances, but face hostility from industry, workers who fear unemployment, politicians, and even threats. Some colleagues and NGOs support you. What options are available? Suggest a mechanism for ensuring environmental compliance.
Mapping: Regulatory integrity; environmental governance vs economic interests; accountability in enforcement; community health vs industrial employment.
Case 58 — Investigative Journalism & Stone Mining Nexus: Journalist Ashok exposes the stone mining mafia linked to a local MLA (relative of the channel owner with 20% stake). His CMD suppresses the story, offering career rewards and adjustment of a personal loan. Options, ethical dilemmas, appropriate action, and what police training is needed for such districts.
Mapping: Environmental crime and political nexus; media ethics; accountability vs institutional pressure; illegal mining and law enforcement failure.
Case 68 — Water Shortage & Stakeholder Conflicts: A District Collector managing severe water shortage restricts farmers’ borewell irrigation to conserve drinking water. Farmers allege industries draw large amounts freely, alleging administrative corruption. Industry cannot be closed without mass unemployment. (a) All options for the DC as District Magistrate. (b) Actions compatible with mutually compatible stakeholder interests. (c) Administrative and ethical dilemmas for the DC.
Mapping: Equitable resource allocation; environmental sustainability vs agricultural and industrial needs; conflict resolution and stakeholder management.
Case 72 — AI Innovation vs Environmental Sustainability (CEO, ABC Inc.): As CEO of the world’s second-largest tech company, you face a 48% increase in greenhouse gas emissions (2019–2023) driven by AI data centres. Your 2030 net-zero commitment looks impossible given AI expansion. (a) Your immediate response to the challenges. (b) Ethical issues in the case. (c) Logical and ethical arguments to counter penalty threats. (d) Measures to maintain balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint.
Mapping: Corporate responsibility; technology ethics; environmental sustainability vs innovation and profit; ethical decision-making in tech governance.
Case 8 — Deforestation for Housing the Homeless: District administration proposes clearing forest land (ecologically sensitive, rich in biodiversity, sustaining tribal livelihoods) to provide housing for the homeless. Administration argues this fulfils fundamental human rights as a welfare priority. (a) Can deforestation be ethically justified for social welfare objectives like housing? (b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development? (c) What policy interventions can protect both environmental integrity and human dignity?
Mapping: Environmental ethics vs human rights; forest rights of tribal communities; policy balancing ecological integrity with welfare obligations; DPSP vs environmental principles.
Workplace Harassment & Gender Justice
8 cases
GS4B → Ethical Concerns → Gender Sensitivity, POSH, Workplace Ethics
Case 3 — Sexual Harassment & Star Performer: You are Executive Director of an Infotech company. Mr. A, a star performer who doubled revenues, makes loose comments on women and sends indecent SMSes. Mrs. X comes to you visibly disturbed, alleging inappropriate physical advances, and tenders her resignation. What options are available and which would you adopt, with reasons?
Mapping: Workplace sexual harassment; POSH Act principles; balancing performance with ethical conduct; duty of an organisation to protect employees.
Case 15 — Tensions over Girls’ Education: As District Development Officer, you face tensions where village elders oppose girls’ schooling (fearing job competition and social order disruption). Girls are molested en route to school, triggering clashes. Elders vote to prohibit girls from schools and socially boycott non-complying families. (a) Steps to ensure girls’ safety without disrupting education. (b) How to mould patriarchal attitudes for intergenerational harmony.
Mapping: Gender equity and right to education; conflict resolution in rural areas; transforming patriarchal mindsets through administration.
Case 19 — Domestic Violence by a Superior: A young employee at a government office discovers his boss — who is kind and capable at work — beats his wife at home. Options: (a) Ignore it as a personal matter; (b) Report to appropriate authority; (c) An innovative approach. Analyse each option with its consequences.
Mapping: Workplace ethics vs personal life; accountability for gender-based violence; duty of a colleague vs boundary of private life.
Case 42 — Sexual Harassment & Negotiation Tactics: A woman employee in an apparel manufacturing company files an FIR for sexual harassment against the marketing executive who boosted sales. The company calls her to negotiate, offering money to withdraw the complaint and give a written clearance of the executive. Identify the ethical issues; what options are available to the woman employee?
Mapping: Corporate accountability for harassment; rights of the victim; improper use of settlement to suppress legal recourse; gender justice in the workplace.
Case 49 — Pawan’s Workplace Harassment: State officer Pawan faces systematic humiliation by his senior officer — public criticism, rejection of suggestions, shouting — over an extended period, causing mental health deterioration, loss of confidence, and spillover into family life. (a) Options for Pawan. (b) Approach to restore peace in office and home. (c) Suggestions for both boss and subordinate. (d) What training would help?
Mapping: Workplace harassment (non-sexual), mental health and employee wellbeing; toxic superior-subordinate dynamics; emotional intelligence in public service.
Case 62 — Harassment of Lady Architect Seema: Newly joined architect Seema’s innovative suggestions threaten the Chief Architect’s reputation, prompting passive-aggressive behaviour, public humiliations, and raised voice in front of colleagues. She loses confidence and considers resigning. You are Additional DG. (1) Ethical issues. (2) Options to complete the project and retain Seema. (3) Response to her predicament and preventive institutional measures.
Mapping: Workplace harassment; gender sensitivity in technical institutions; organisational behaviour; duties of superiors to create equitable work environments.
Case 64 — Rashika: Work-Life Balance: Joint Secretary Rashika, with a husband frequently away and children at home with a nanny, is asked to work on a Sunday. She reflects on neglecting family duties, leaving a sick child with the nanny, and questions the limits of work ethics like punctuality and selfless service. (1) Ethical issues. (2) Four laws providing equitable working environment for women. (3) Suggestions to mitigate such working conditions.
Mapping: Work-life balance for women in civil services; institutional duties under labour law; ethical limits of professional obligations; gender and welfare legislation.
Case 61 — Social Media & Family Reputation: A government official’s 11-year-old son is bullied online and at school. At a sports event the official identifies perpetrators but does not act. A fake video is posted claiming he physically bullied children; it goes viral. He posts a counter-video identifying perpetrators. (1) Ethical issues in social media use. (2) Pros and cons of using social media to counter fake propaganda against your family.
Mapping: Ethics of social media; accountability in digital communication; right to reputation vs public role of a civil servant; cyberbullying and minor protection.
Crisis Management & Disaster Response
11 cases
GS4B → Public/Civil Service Values → Accountability, Resilience, Crisis Ethics
Case 17 — Prioritising Rescue in a Disaster-Prone State: A cloudburst causes devastating floods and landslides. More than 100,000 people including pilgrims, tourists, senior citizens, patients, women and children, hikers, the ruling party’s regional president and his family, an Additional Chief Secretary of a neighbouring state, and prisoners in jail are trapped. As a civil services officer, what would be the order of rescue and why? Justify your prioritisation.
Mapping: Equity in emergency response; rescue prioritisation ethics; balancing political/official status vs humanitarian need; impartiality in public service during crisis.
Case 28 — Personal Emergency vs IAS Interview: On the way to an IAS Mains personal interview, you encounter an accident in which your relative (a mother and child) are badly injured and need immediate help. What would you do? Justify your action.
Mapping: Duty of care vs personal obligations; immediate humanitarian responsibility vs career aspiration; ethical instinct and right action in crisis.
Case 38 — Rescue Operations in Natural Calamity: You head rescue operations in a severely calamity-affected area. Thousands are homeless, deprived of food and water. Rain and damaged supply routes disrupt rescue. Locals are angry and assault some team members — one is severely injured. Some team members want to call off operations for their safety. What is your response? Examine qualities of a public servant required to manage this situation.
Mapping: Accountability and resilience in public service; duty of care vs personal risk; moral courage and leadership in life-threatening conditions.
Case 43 — Migrant Crisis during COVID-19: Millions of migrant workers, suddenly unemployed and cut off from home by lockdown, demand wages and transport. Multiple ethical issues arose. (1) What ethical issues arose in the migrant crisis? (2) What is an ethical caregiving state? (3) What assistance can civil society render to mitigate migrants’ suffering?
Mapping: Social justice and ethical caregiving state; civil society’s role in disaster management; rights of migrant workers; equity and compassion in administrative response.
Case 46 — District Collector’s Challenge in Rampura: Rampura is an extremely backward tribal district. Poverty forces parents to send minor girls to work in Bt Cotton farms of another state. Poor living conditions cause serious health problems. NGOs appear compromised. As newly appointed DC: (1) Identify ethical issues. (2) Initiate specific steps to ameliorate conditions of minor girls and improve the overall economic scenario.
Mapping: Child labour ethics; tribal welfare; development administration; protecting rights of minors and addressing structural poverty.
Case 14 — Violent Gate-Crash in Private Company: About 40 political party members gate-crash a private company demanding jobs, threatening management and demoralising 700 employees. The company maintains integrity and does not extend favours to administration. (a) As CEO, how do you diffuse the volatile situation with the violent mob inside? (b) Long-term solution? (c) Analyse consequences of each action on yourself, employees, and performance.
Mapping: Crisis management in corporate settings; employee welfare; accountability in the face of political interference; transparency without compromise.
Case 51 — Hospital Administrator during COVID-19: As hospital administrator during the COVID-19 pandemic, you face severe shortages of beds, oxygen, ambulances, and staff. (a) What are your criteria and justification for deploying clinical and non-clinical staff for highly infectious patients with limited resources? (b) Would the justification and decision differ for a private vs a public hospital?
Mapping: Healthcare ethics and resource allocation; duty of care under extreme conditions; equity between public and private health obligations during pandemic.
Case 65 — DM’s Dilemma During Landslide: As District Magistrate (also a physician from AIIMS) at a midnight landslide site, a pregnant woman needs immediate blood transfusion. Blood test kits and bags are in the ambulance, volunteers are willing to donate, but only blood banks are legally authorised for transfusions. Your doctors are ready to proceed if not penalised. (1) Ethical issues. (2) Evaluate options available to you as DM.
Mapping: Emergency healthcare ethics; tension between law and saving life; ethical decision-making in extreme crisis; accountability and compassion in public administration.
Case 7 — Vijay DC: Duty vs Mother’s Death: Vijay, Deputy Commissioner of a hilly district managing a devastating flood (200+ dead, 5000 injured), learns his mother is gravely ill and then dies. His only relative is a sister in the US. Renewed floods worsen the district situation. Messages from hometown urge him to perform last rites. (a) Options available to Vijay. (b) Ethical dilemmas faced. (c) Critically evaluate each option. (d) Most appropriate option and why.
Mapping: Duty vs personal obligations; public servant’s accountability in disaster vs filial duty; moral courage in choosing between competing obligations.
Case 11 — MGNREGA Mismanagement: As Administrator Incharge of a district, you discover your predecessor mismanaged MGNREGA in a panchayat: money not disbursed to actual job seekers, muster rolls falsified, payments to fictitious persons, job cards issued without verification, approved works that never existed, and funds siphoned. (a) Your reaction and how you restore proper functioning. (b) Actions to solve each issue. (c) How you deal with the situation overall.
Mapping: Accountability and probity in welfare scheme administration; correcting predecessor’s malfeasance; protecting rights of rural poor; systemic corruption in employment guarantee schemes.
Case 48 — Rajesh Kumar: Re-appropriation of Funds: As Head of Budget Division, Rajesh must process re-appropriation of ₹6,000 crores from the National Housing Scheme (NHS) to a Special Economic Zone and a gas processing plant. Both developmental projects are critical; NHS benefits weaker sections and is politically publicised. Diverting NHS funds could raise parliamentary questions, delay the scheme, and cause national embarrassment on the international project. Ethical issues; options available; is resigning a worthy option?
Mapping: Fiscal responsibility and integrity; political sensitivity vs welfare obligation; resource allocation ethics in public finance administration.
Conflict of Interest & Corruption in Governance
11 cases
GS4B → Probity in Governance → Conflict of Interest, Transparency, Accountability
Case 4 — Confidential Policy & Housing Industry: As a senior Finance Ministry officer, you have access to confidential policy decisions about to be announced affecting the housing and construction industry. Your immediate superior asks you to disclose this to a builder who has done quality work for the government and is close to the superior. What options are available and which would you adopt?
Mapping: Abuse of power and breach of confidentiality; conflict of interest between duty to maintain official secrecy and pressure from superior; accountability and transparency.
Case 5 — Faculty Recruitment at Technical Institute: You head a leading technical institute. Days before an interview panel (which you chair), a government functionary’s PS calls urging you to favour the functionary’s relative for a professor post, in exchange for clearing long-pending modernisation funds. Options and which you would adopt, with reasons.
Mapping: Conflict of interest in recruitment; influence peddling; academic integrity; corruption in higher education and government-institutional nexus.
Case 16 — Land Acquisition at Rampur (School Project): You discover the plot earmarked for a school is part of a heritage fort, inconveniently distant from the village, acquired at nominal cost from a Panchayat whose Sarpanch was your predecessor’s relative. The whole transaction appears driven by vested interests. List likely vested interests; discuss merits and demerits of available options including awaiting superior visit, seeking written advice, consulting predecessor, or finding an alternate plot.
Mapping: Conflict of interest and corruption in land acquisition; accountability and transparency in public projects; whistleblowing on predecessor’s misconduct.
Case 27 — RTI Activism & Misuse: As a Public Information Officer, you observe that many RTI applications are filed not for genuine public interest but on behalf of stakeholders with vested interests, or by activists who extort money from decision makers. This adversely affects genuine applications seeking justice. What measures would you suggest to separate genuine from non-genuine applications, with merits and demerits?
Mapping: Transparency and accountability; implementation challenges of RTI Act; balancing genuine public interest with misuse of statutory rights.
Case 31 — Mega Road Project Realignment: As a senior Ministry officer, the Minister insists you realign a mega road project to pass closer to his farmhouse and offers to facilitate purchase of land in your wife’s name at a nominal rate (before the announcement causes prices to spike). Realignment would increase land acquisition, displace farmers, and cause environmental damage. How do you respond? Critically examine the conflicts of interest and your responsibilities as a public servant.
Mapping: Conflict of interest; abuse of power by political executive; insider information misuse; accountability and probity in governance.
Case 45 — Municipal Commissioner & Mall Construction Enquiry: You are a reputed honest Municipal Commissioner. A mall collapse kills 4 labourers including 2 minors. Enquiry reveals: poor materials, extra illegal basement, encroachment on green belt, permission granted by your predecessor (who is also your friend). The builder (relative of a powerful minister) bribes you, threatens a false POSH complaint, and your colleagues pressure you to go slow. Ethical issues, options, and your selected course of action.
Mapping: Corruption and accountability in governance; conflict of interest (friendship with predecessor); abuse of power; threat-based interference with enquiry.
Case 66 — Bank Dormant Account Withdrawal: Your bank colleague’s father needs heart surgery costing ₹10 lakh. Weeks later she reveals the bank manager facilitated release of money from a dormant account, with a promise of confidentiality and repayment. She has started repaying. (a) Ethical issues involved. (b) Evaluate the bank manager’s behaviour from an ethical standpoint. (c) How would you react?
Mapping: Institutional integrity in banking; compassion vs procedural compliance; public trust and fiduciary duty; conflict between ends and means.
Case 69 — Procurement & Familial Ties in Hospital: Sneha (Senior Manager at a hospital) heads procurement for a new super-speciality centre. Her brother — facing financial difficulty — submits a bid. The hospital (private) is not legally required to select the lowest bidder; management trusts her fully. (a) Sneha’s course of action. (b) How would she justify it? (c) How is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?
Mapping: Conflict of interest in procurement; transparency and accountability in private institutions; balancing professional integrity with familial ties.
Case 9 — Subash (PWD Secretary) & Road Project: Subash (Secretary PWD) is regularly briefed by his Minister on a mega road project. His son Vikas (real estate) pressures him for the exact project location to buy land cheaply. The Minister also introduces his own nephew (infrastructure company) and hints that Subash should look after his nephew’s business interests in the project. (a) Ethical issues. (b) Critically examine Subash’s options. (c) Most appropriate option and why.
Mapping: Conflict of interest from family pressure; insider information misuse; political interference in governance; probity in governance and public service values.
Case 10 — Rajesh (PSU Administrative Officer) & Procurement Splitting: Rajesh is instructed by his reporting officer (who also writes his ACR) to procure computer stationery worth ₹35 lakhs from a specific vendor. GFR rules require higher authority sanction for expenditure over ₹30 lakhs. The office practice of splitting orders to avoid sanction is illegal and audit-prone. Rajesh fears a poor ACR if he escalates. (a) Options available to Rajesh. (b) Ethical issues. (c) Most appropriate option and why.
Mapping: Conflict between superior’s orders and financial rules; procurement ethics; career pressure vs institutional integrity; GFR compliance and audit accountability.
Case 12 — Bribery for Government Tender: As CEO of a company making specialised electronic equipment, your bid is technically better and cheaper than competitors, but the concerned officer demands a bribe to approve the tender. Not getting the order could close a production line and affect your career. You are value-conscious but under severe pressure. What arguments exist for giving or refusing the bribe? Is there a better third way?
Mapping: Bribery and corruption in public procurement; corporate integrity vs economic pressure; conflict of values and career implications.
Corporate Ethics & Business Dilemmas
10 cases
GS4B → Ethical Concerns in Private Institutions → CSR, Corporate Accountability, Business Ethics
Case 8 — Ethics in Public Service: Pragmatism vs Principles: Your aspiring-civil-servant friend argues: (i) ethical conduct causes career problems; (ii) one person’s ethics makes no difference in a corrupt system; (iii) ethical fussiness hampers economic progress; (iv) small gratifications and favours make the system more efficient. What is wrong with these practices? Critically analyse the viewpoints and advise your friend.
Mapping: Core public service ethics; integrity vs pragmatic compromise; why individual ethical conduct matters; debunking rationalisations for corruption.
Case 24 — New Plant at Vikaspuri (Corporate CSR): ABC Ltd. plans a new energy-efficient plant in underdeveloped Vikaspuri to benefit from government tax holidays. But local residents protest that the plant will raise costs of living, bring in migrants, and disrupt social order. CSR communication has not worked and residents approach the judiciary. (a) Identify issues involved. (b) Suggest how to satisfy corporate goals and address residents’ concerns.
Mapping: Corporate social responsibility; balancing economic development with community welfare; sustainable business practices; conflict between corporate interests and local rights.
Case 25 — Road Accident & Business Deal Witness: You are manager of company A, about to seal a critical deal at dinner. The manager of company B (with whom the deal is being worked out) drives you to the hotel and hits a motorcyclist at high speed, injuring him badly. You are the sole eyewitness. Your honest account would lead to prosecution and likely jeopardise the deal. What dilemmas do you face? How do you respond?
Mapping: Conflict of interest in business; integrity as a witness vs commercial stakes; ethical accountability overriding business expediency.
Case 26 — Worker Death on Duty & Compensation: As HR Head, a bus driver dies after a fight with a car driver he provoked. The company refuses extra compensation since the driver was drunk and initiated violence. The union demands full compensation equal to other on-duty deaths plus employment for one family member. A 10-day strike continues. What recommendation do you make to management? Merits and demerits of each.
Mapping: Industrial relations ethics; employee welfare and accountability; compassion vs strict criteria application; balancing institutional rules with human considerations.
Case 32 — Dr. X & Tax Compliance Dilemma: Dr. X, a reputed physician setting up a charitable super-specialty hospital (a boon for a neglected region), is found to have both substantial and technical tax defaults. He agrees to pay the substantial default immediately. Should the head of the tax investigation agency pursue the technical defaults, which would distract Dr. X and likely kill the hospital project? Two options — take a broader view or proceed strictly — are before you. Which would you choose and why?
Mapping: Discretion in administrative enforcement; balancing substantial compliance with technical defaults; social welfare considerations in regulatory enforcement.
Case 44 — APW: A Role Model for Development? Industrialist Anil sets up Amria Plastic Works (APW) in a backward district, training local workers, using CSR funds for schools, health centres, SHGs and trees. APW maintained regular salaries during COVID lockdown and used the period for environmental work. It had a minor illegal electricity infraction. Critically analyse the story of APW and state the ethical issues. Is it a role model for development of backward areas?
Mapping: Corporate social responsibility and rural development; ethical business practices; sustainability and community-centred growth; CSR as genuine vs performative.
Case 47 — Arms Export Ethics at Bharat Missiles Ltd: The Chairman of BML, a public-sector defence manufacturer, is asked to discuss modalities of exporting state-of-the-art ATGMs to a friendly foreign country following the Defence Minister’s announcement to double arms exports. (1) As an arms exporter of a responsible nation, what ethical issues are involved in arms trade? (2) List five ethical factors that would influence the decision to sell arms to foreign governments.
Mapping: Ethics of arms trade; responsibility of a sovereign nation in international arms transactions; corporate ethics in defence manufacturing; dual-use technology and recipient accountability.
Case 50 — Food Company Export-Domestic Market Crisis: A food company develops a product approved for export. It later wins domestic approval and launches it. Random testing finds the domestic product doesn’t meet health standards and that rejected export products are being sold domestically. (a) Action by competent authority against the company. (b) Options for the company to resolve the crisis. (c) Ethical dilemma in the case.
Mapping: Food safety and consumer protection; double standards in export vs domestic quality; corporate ethics and accountability to consumers.
Case 60 — Prabhat (VP Marketing) & Stolen Bid Documents: Prabhat, under extreme professional and personal financial pressure, is approached by Subhash Verma, a candidate for a Manager post, who offers stolen bid documents of a competitor for a Defence Ministry tender, in exchange for employment. Accepting would solve all of Prabhat’s problems. Ethical issues, critically examine options, and most appropriate choice.
Mapping: Corporate ethics; conflict of interest under personal and professional pressure; industrial espionage and procurement fraud; integrity under duress.
Case 53 — Vice Principal’s Dilemma in Examination Malpractice: During annual exams, a flying squad catches 2 students cheating — aided by a senior lecturer close to the management. One student is the politician-son who got the college its university affiliation; the other’s father donated maximum funds. Management asks you to resolve it with the squad at any cost, implying your promotion depends on it. Student unions protest outside demanding strict action. Discuss ethical issues and evaluate options as Vice Principal.
Mapping: Academic integrity; institutional accountability vs financial and political pressure; equitable enforcement of examination rules.
Social Justice, Welfare & Compassion vs Rules
8 cases
GS4B → Public/Civil Service Values → Compassion, Social Justice, Welfare Administration
Case 6 — Child Labour in Sivakasi Firecracker Units: Visiting a household-based firecracker unit in Sivakasi with 10–15 children below 14, the owner claims all are relatives. Children smirk and fail to establish the relationship when questioned. The law doesn’t cover household-based units. (a) Discuss the ethical issues. (b) What is your reaction and what would you do after this visit?
Mapping: Child labour ethics; regulatory evasion in hazardous industries; ILO standards vs Indian law; protecting children from exploitation.
Case 13 — Midday Meal Cook & Caste Discrimination: As Sarpanch, the school headmaster appoints a Dalit cook for midday meals. Parents of upper-caste children stop them from eating, sharply reducing attendance, threatening discontinuation of the scheme, teaching staff, and ultimately the school itself. (a) Feasible strategies to overcome conflict and create the right ambiance. (b) Responsibilities of different social segments and agencies.
Mapping: Caste discrimination and social inclusion; conflict resolution at grassroots; responsibilities of social agencies in fostering constitutional harmony.
Case 20 — Documentation Dilemma for Old Destitute Woman: As officer in charge of a social service scheme for old and destitute women, a clearly destitute and illiterate woman has no documents to prove eligibility. Including her would violate rules; excluding her would be cruel. (a) Can you think of a rational way to resolve this dilemma? (b) Give your reasons.
Mapping: Administrative discretion in social welfare; compassion vs adherence to rules; protecting the most vulnerable through innovative yet legitimate means.
Case 21 — Compensation & Rehabilitation for Displaced Persons: Land for mining, dams, and large projects is mostly acquired from Adivasis and rural communities. Monetary compensation is often tardy and insufficient; displaced people end up as low-paid migrant labourers while benefits go to industry and urban areas. This unjust distribution of costs and benefits is unethical. Draft a better compensation-cum-rehabilitation policy: approach and main elements.
Mapping: Social justice and equity in development; displacement and rehabilitation; fair distribution of costs and benefits; rights of tribal and rural communities.
Case 35 — Rakesh: Senior Citizens Health Scheme Beneficiary: Tasked with identifying beneficiaries under a health care scheme for senior citizens, Rakesh encounters an elderly couple meeting all criteria except one: they are not from a reserved community. The husband has a painful rare intestinal condition; surgery is available free, but incidental costs of ₹1 lakh would be transformational. How should Rakesh respond to the situation?
Mapping: Compassionate governance; administrative discretion; fairness vs strict adherence to criteria; balancing letter of law with spirit of welfare policy.
Case 23 — NGO Efforts & Bureaucratic Hurdles: Saraswati, a successful IT professional who returned from the US out of patriotism, forms an NGO to build a quality school for a rural poor community. She encounters confusing procedures, callous officials, and constant demands for bribes. Her experience deters others from social service. What measures can ensure government control is exercised without thwarting genuine NGO efforts?
Mapping: Administrative reforms and NGO regulation; transparency and accountability; enabling civil society while preventing misuse; balancing control with social innovation.
Case 10 — Rural-Urban Migration: Rural-to-urban migration is becoming unmanageable. Analyse the problem, including socio-economic and emotional/attitudinal factors. Explain why (a) educated rural youth shift to cities; (b) landless poor migrate to urban slums; (c) even farmers sell land to settle in cities with petty jobs. Suggest feasible steps to control this problem.
Mapping: Socio-economic and attitudinal dimensions of migration; balanced regional development; policy interventions for rural livelihoods and rural infrastructure.
Case 8 — Deforestation for Housing the Homeless (cross-listed): See also Environmental Ethics. District administration proposes clearing ecologically sensitive forest land to provide housing for the homeless. (a) Can deforestation be ethically justified for social welfare objectives? (b) Socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing conservation with human development. (c) Policy interventions to protect both environmental integrity and human dignity.
Mapping: Welfare vs environmental protection; rights of displaced homeless vs tribal forest communities; DPSP vs environmental principles.
Law Enforcement, Security Ethics & Sensitive Operations
8 cases
GS4B → Public/Civil Service Values → Integrity in Law Enforcement, Security, Counter-insurgency
Case 34 — Illicit Distillation in a Prohibition State: As newly appointed SP of a district notorious for illicit liquor (causing deaths), you find that where distillation flourishes, areas are economically backward with poor agriculture, frequent communal clashes, and no government social initiatives. The past approach (raids, arrests, prosecutions) had limited impact. How do you approach this differently using an integrated development lens?
Mapping: Integrative law-and-order and socio-economic development; community policing; addressing root causes of crime rather than just symptoms.
Case 39 — Institutional Measures for Civil Service Ethics: There is growing concern to strengthen civil service ethics, integrity systems, and anti-corruption agencies. Three specific areas: anticipating threats to ethical standards; strengthening ethical competence; developing administrative processes that promote ethical values. Suggest institutional measures for all three.
Mapping: Institutional reform for civil service ethics; anti-corruption governance; developing integrity systems and ethical competence in public administration.
Case 40 — Narcotics Menace in a Frontier District: In a frontier district, narcotics have led to money laundering, poppy farming, arms smuggling, and near-collapse of the education system. Local politicians and senior police are allegedly providing patronage to the drug mafia. You are the woman SP appointed to bring normalcy. Identify the various dimensions of the crisis and suggest measures to deal with it.
Mapping: Counter-narcotics operations; crisis management; integrity and accountability in law enforcement; political corruption and police-drug mafia nexus.
Case 56 — Rakesh: Driver Compensation & Strike: Joint Commissioner Rakesh must decide on compensation for a deceased bus driver who died after a fight he initiated (while intoxicated) with a car driver. The union has been on strike for 10 days demanding full on-duty death compensation and family employment. Evaluate options, ethical dilemmas, and recommended course of action.
Mapping: Accountability and transparency in public administration; balancing employee rights with administrative directives; equitable application of policy under labour pressure.
Case 70 — Ethical Dilemmas in Countering Naxalite Insurgency: SP Rohit (Special Operations) captures 10 hardcore Naxalites including 2 with ₹10 lakh bounties involved in a police ambush. Five hundred tribal women surround the village demanding release, charging aggressively. Rohit cannot reach his superior. If he doesn’t release them, he may have to fire on civilians. (a) Options available. (b) Ethical dilemmas. (c) Most appropriate option. (d) Extra precautions in dealing with women protesters.
Mapping: Balancing security and human rights; ethical dilemmas in counter-insurgency; gender sensitivity in law enforcement; command accountability in crisis.
Case 71 — Terrorist Recruitment of Unemployed Youth: DG Raman reviews intelligence that a new global terrorist outfit is recruiting unemployed youth (especially educated graduates from a particular community) via social media. Many youth already forward secessionist content and anti-national tweets. (a) Options available to Raman. (b) Measures to strengthen existing setup. (c) Action plan for enhancing intelligence gathering.
Mapping: Counter-terrorism and intelligence; social stability and youth empowerment; cyber surveillance ethics; community policing vs profiling.
Case 12 — Ashok DC: Border Migrants with Armed Soldiers: Ashok (Divisional Commissioner, border district of NE state) receives intelligence that 200–250 people — mainly women and children — are trying to cross the border from a civil-war-racked neighbouring country. Among them are ~10 armed soldiers in uniform wanting to cross. Women and children are injured and bleeding. He cannot reach the Home Secretary due to poor connectivity. (a) Options. (b) Ethical and legal dilemmas. (c) Most appropriate option. (d) Extra precautionary measures for Border Guarding Police dealing with uniformed soldiers.
Mapping: National security vs humanitarian obligation; border management ethics; sovereignty vs refugee protection; legal dilemmas in absence of superior guidance.
Case 48 — Re-appropriation of Welfare Funds: As Head of Budget Division, Rajesh must process re-appropriation of ₹6,000 crores from the National Housing Scheme (NHS) to developmental projects. Both projects are critical; NHS benefits weaker sections. Diverting NHS funds could raise parliamentary questions, delay the scheme, and cause national embarrassment. Ethical issues; options available; is resigning a worthy option?
Mapping: Fiscal responsibility and integrity; political sensitivity vs welfare obligation; resource allocation ethics in public finance administration.
Media Ethics & Transparency
2 cases
GS4B → Ethical Concerns in Institutions → Media Ethics, Social Media, Accountability
Case 58 — Investigative Journalism & Stone Mining Nexus: Journalist Ashok investigates a police officer killed by stone mining trucks. He exposes the complete nexus of mafia with corrupt police, civil officials, and the local MLA (close to the CM, relative of the channel owner, with 20% stake in the channel). His CMD suppresses the story, offering career rewards and personal loan adjustment. (a) Options for Ashok. (b) Critically evaluate each option. (c) Ethical dilemmas. (d) Most appropriate option. (e) Training suggested for police in such districts.
Mapping: Media ethics; freedom of the press vs institutional ownership conflict; accountability in journalism; investigative journalism and safety of journalists.
Case 61 — Social Media, Cyberbullying & Family Reputation: A government official navigates his 11-year-old son’s online and school bullying. After a sports event incident, perpetrators post a fake video claiming he bullied children; it goes viral. He posts a counter-video identifying perpetrators. (1) Ethical issues in social media use. (2) Pros and cons of using social media yourself to counter fake propaganda against your family.
Mapping: Ethics of social media; responsible use of public platforms by civil servants; digital accountability; protection of children from cyberbullying.
Healthcare & Research Ethics
2 cases
GS4B → Ethical Concerns in Institutions → Scientific Integrity, Medical Ethics, Data Ethics
Case 65 — DM’s Dilemma: Emergency Blood Transfusion: As DM (and AIIMS physician) at a landslide site, a pregnant woman urgently needs blood transfusion. Blood bags and test kits are available in the ambulance; volunteers are willing to donate. But only authorised blood banks are legally permitted to provide transfusion blood. Doctors are willing to proceed only if not penalised. You are in a dilemma between professional training (save life) and the law. (1) Ethical issues. (2) Options available to you as DM.
Mapping: Emergency medical ethics; law vs saving life; role of a physician-administrator; accountability and compassion in public service under legal constraint.
Case 67 — Dr. Srinivasan: Expediting Drug Trials: Under commercial pressure, team members propose data manipulation, skipping informed consent, and using a rival’s patented compound to fast-track a viral disease drug. Dr. Srinivasan is uncomfortable but cannot meet targets without shortcuts. (a) What would you do? (b) Examine options and their ethical consequences. (c) How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large?
Mapping: Scientific integrity and data ethics; drug trial ethics; commercial pressure vs patient safety; long-term public health consequences of compromising research standards.
Civil Service Values & Political Interference
5 cases
GS4B → Public/Civil Service Values → Constitutional Morality, Political Neutrality, Institutional Integrity
Case 41 — Politicisation of Bureaucracy: In a modern democratic polity, the post-independence relationship of mutual respect between permanent and political executive has eroded. Political executives increasingly involve themselves in transfers and routine matters; rising materialism has adversely affected ethical values of both. What are the consequences of the ‘politicisation of bureaucracy’? Discuss.
Mapping: Erosion of civil service values; political executive vs permanent executive relationship; independence of bureaucracy; institutional safeguards for administrative integrity.
Case 59 — Ramesh: Infiltration Report Suppression: After submitting a comprehensive report on illegal infiltration and forged documents, Ramesh is ordered to withdraw it by the Additional Home Secretary under threat of transfer from his prestigious posting and derailment of his upcoming promotion. Evaluate options, which should he adopt, each option critically, the ethical dilemmas, and policy measures to combat illegal infiltration.
Mapping: Civil service integrity under political pressure; politicisation of border security administration; accountability vs career risk; institutional protection for upright officers.
Case 63 — Vinod & Corruption Exposure: Vinod (MD, SRTC) has video evidence of the Chairman demanding bribes. The Opposition Board Member urges exposure promising career gains. Vinod knows the Board Member is using him for political purposes and that he risks transfer for acting. Evaluate Vinod’s options as a conscientious civil servant; also comment on the ethical issues arising from politicisation of bureaucracy.
Mapping: Civil service neutrality; avoiding political instrumentalisation; whistleblowing in politically charged environments; probity despite personal risk.
Case 48 — Re-appropriation of Welfare Funds: Rajesh (Head of Budget Division) is asked to process re-appropriation of ₹6,000 crores from NHS (welfare) to developmental projects, in a politically sensitive year with four states going to polls. Non-diversion would cause national embarrassment and financial loss to two major projects; diversion risks parliamentary scrutiny and delay of a widely publicised welfare scheme. Ethical issues; options; is resigning worthy?
Mapping: Political sensitivity in public finance; civil servant’s dilemma between political directives and welfare obligations; institutional accountability in budget decisions.
Case 39 — Institutional Measures for Civil Service Ethics: The three focus areas: (1) Anticipating specific threats to ethical standards and integrity; (2) Strengthening ethical competence of civil servants; (3) Developing administrative processes and practices that promote ethical values. Suggest institutional measures to address each of these three areas.
Mapping: Institutional integrity and anti-corruption frameworks; ethics training in civil services; governance processes that embed ethical values structurally.
Insights
How to use this file: GS4B tests practical ethical reasoning, not theoretical knowledge. Prioritise themes with 8+ cases (Integrity, Conflict of Interest, Crisis Management, Corporate Ethics). Every case follows the same structure — identify issues → enumerate options → evaluate → recommend. Master this framework.
High-Yield Themes (Must-Prepare)
Integrity & Whistleblowing and Conflict of Interest & Corruption together account for 21 of 72 cases (29%). Both have appeared every single year from 2013 to 2025. Every answer must address: What are the options? Which is most appropriate? What ethical principles are at stake? Candidates who can articulate the “options → evaluation → recommendation” framework fluently for these themes will cover over a quarter of the section.
Crisis Management & Disaster Response (11 cases) has surged since 2019 with COVID-19 cases, flood disasters, and the 2025 paper’s Vijay DC and MGNREGA cases. The 2025 paper is especially rich in this theme, suggesting it will remain a staple.
Trend Shifts (2013–2025)
Early years (2013–2016) leaned heavily toward social welfare, land acquisition, caste issues, and corporate CSR. From 2017 onwards, cases shifted toward more complex multi-stakeholder dilemmas with law enforcement, media, and security dimensions. The 2024–2025 papers show a clear new emphasis on technology ethics (AI and environment), border security ethics, and bureaucratic procurement integrity. This suggests UPSC is tracking contemporary governance challenges in its case study framing.
Recurring Directive Patterns
The most common question patterns across 72 cases are: “What are the options available to [X]?” (appears in ~80% of cases), “Critically evaluate each option” (~65%), “Which option is most appropriate and why?” (~70%), “What are the ethical dilemmas/issues?” (~85%), and “What action would you take?” (~60%). The 2025 paper added a fresh element: “Critically evaluate and examine each option” as a distinct sub-part (c), signalling increasing emphasis on evaluative reasoning over mere enumeration.
Role-Based Preparation
Civil Servant / IAS / DC cases dominate with 22 instances. Preparing thoroughly for the DC/IAS role provides the highest return. The next most valuable role archetypes are: Police / SP (8 cases — requires understanding security-rights balance), Corporate Executive (8 cases — requires CSR and institutional ethics lens), and Engineer / Project Manager (4 cases — requires professional ethics and public safety). Practising answers from each archetype’s perspective will cover ~85% of all case study scenarios.
Coverage Gaps (Low-Frequency Areas)
Topics from the GS4A syllabus that rarely appear in case studies (Section B) but could emerge: Emotional Intelligence as a primary theme (appears only as a supporting concept), specific Moral Thinkers applied to cases (thinkers appear only in Section A), and Attitude formation in workplace settings (touched in harassment cases but not as a primary focus). These remain more relevant for Section A questions.
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