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Ethics Case Studies PYQs | UPSC Mains GS-4 Previous Year Questions

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📝 GS Paper 4 · Section B

UPSC Ethics PYQ
Case Studies

Every case study question from UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 (2013–2025) — all in one place. Read the full scenario, study the sub-questions, and practise your answer before looking at any model.

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Section B of GS Paper 4 tests your ability to apply ethical frameworks to real civil service dilemmas. Each case study below contains the full original question from UPSC. Read the scenario carefully, identify all stakeholders, map the ethical conflicts, and write your answer independently before comparing with any model. Pay attention to how UPSC frames sub-questions — most ask for options available, ethical dilemmas faced, and the most appropriate course of action. That three-part structure is your template for every answer.

2025
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies
1
IAS OfficerDuty vs Personal
Vijay — Disaster Relief vs Mother's Last Rites
Deputy Commissioner Vijay manages a devastating flood relief operation when his mother passes away in Kerala, with no close relatives to perform last rites.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of a remote hilly district. In August, heavy rains and a cloudburst killed more than 200 people with 5000 badly injured. Vijay activated rescue and relief operations. He then received news that his mother was seriously ill in Kerala, followed by news of her passing. His only relative — a sister — lives in the US. The situation deteriorated further with fresh rains. Continuous messages asked him to return for performing the last rites.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the options available with Vijay?
▶What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Vijay?
▶Critically evaluate and examine each of these options.
▶Which of the options would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?
✍ Submit Your Answer 📖 Ethics Notes
2
EnvironmentTribal Rights
Deforestation for Housing — Environmental Ethics vs Social Welfare
District administration proposes clearing ecologically sensitive forest for homeless housing, citing DPSP obligations, despite ecological and tribal livelihood costs.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Pursuing the constitutional mandate on Roti, Kapda aur Makan, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of ecologically sensitive forest land — densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and biodiversity — to develop housing for the homeless. The forests sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities. The administration argues the initiative addresses fundamental human rights, fulfils government duty to uplift the poor, and helps curb anti-social elements using these areas as hideouts.
Sub-Questions
▶Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like housing for the homeless?
▶What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development?
▶What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?
✍ Submit Your Answer 📖 Ethics Notes
3
PWD SecretaryConflict of Interest
Subash — Son's Land Deal & Minister's Nephew in Mega Road Project
PWD Secretary Subash faces simultaneous pressure from his son seeking insider project location to buy land cheaply, and from the Minister who wants his nephew's infrastructure company favoured.
250W▼
Full Scenario
Subash, Secretary PWD, is known for competence and integrity. He is working on a mega road construction project. His son Vikas, in real estate, pleads daily to know the exact project location so he can buy land cheaply before announcement. Separately, the Minister has introduced his nephew — owner of a large infrastructure company — and indicated that his business interests should be "taken care of" in the project. The Minister also pushes Subash to act fast, linking it to his own political ambitions.
Sub-Questions
▶Discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.
▶Critically examine the options available to Subash in the above situation.
▶Which of the above would be most appropriate and why? (Answer in 250 words)
✍ Submit Your Answer 📖 Ethics Notes
4
PSU OfficerFinancial Rules
Rajesh — Splitting Expenditure to Avoid Higher Sanction
Administrative Officer Rajesh discovers the common practice of splitting purchase orders to avoid seeking his own boss's sanction — but splitting is against GFR rules and ahead of his promotion cycle.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Rajesh, a Group A officer in an Oil PSU, is expecting promotion in 1–2 years. His immediate boss — who writes his ACR — asks him to procure stationery from a particular vendor. The estimate comes to ₹35 lakhs, exceeding Rajesh's delegated financial powers of ₹30 lakhs under GFR, requiring the boss's own sanction. Rajesh learns that the common practice is to split orders to avoid this. Splitting is against rules and could attract adverse Audit notice. His boss may not appreciate a referral upward.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the options available with Rajesh in the above situation?
▶What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
▶Which would be the most appropriate option for Rajesh and why?
✍ Submit Your Answer 📖 Ethics Notes
5
District AdminMGNREGA Fraud
MGNREGA — Predecessor's Widespread Fund Mismanagement & Siphoning
A newly appointed District Administrator discovers widespread MGNREGA fraud by the predecessor — ghost workers, muster roll manipulation, fictitious job cards, and siphoned funds across a Gram Panchayat.
125W▼
Full Scenario
You are the new Administrator In-charge of a district with authority to monitor MGNREGA work and give technical sanctions. In one Panchayat you discover: (i) Money not disbursed to actual job-seekers (ii) Muster Rolls not properly maintained (iii) Mismatch between work done and payments made (iv) Payments to fictitious persons (v) Job Cards given without checking eligibility (vi) Mismanagement and siphoning of funds (vii) Approved works that never existed.
Sub-Questions
▶What is your reaction to the above situation and how do you restore proper functioning of MGNREGA?
▶What actions would you initiate to solve the various issues listed above?
▶How would you deal with the above situation?
✍ Submit Your Answer 📖 Ethics Notes
6
Border CrisisLegal vs Humanitarian
Ashok — Refugees at the Border Including Armed Soldiers
Divisional Commissioner Ashok faces 200–250 refugees including 10 armed soldiers trying to cross the border during a civil war. He cannot reach the Home Secretary due to poor connectivity.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Ashok is Divisional Commissioner of a North East border district. A military coup and civil war in the neighbouring country has intensified. One night, about 200–250 people — mainly women and children — try to cross the border. Among them are 10 soldiers in military uniform with weapons. Women and children are crying and begging for help; some are injured and bleeding. Ashok fails to contact the Home Secretary due to poor connectivity and inclement weather.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the options available with Ashok to cope with the situation?
▶What are the ethical and legal dilemmas being faced by Ashok?
▶Which of the options would be more appropriate for Ashok to adopt and why?
▶What are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the Border Guarding Police in dealing with soldiers in uniform?
✍ Submit Your Answer 📖 Ethics Notes
2024
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies
1
Tech CEOAI & Environment
ABC Inc — AI Energy Surge & Net-Zero Commitment
As CEO of the world's second-largest tech company, you face a 48% surge in greenhouse gas emissions driven by AI expansion, under threat of penalties from technological giants.
125W▼
Full Scenario
You are the CEO and majority shareholder of ABC Incorporated, the second largest tech company worldwide. In 2023 your organisation had a 48% increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019, mainly due to surging energy requirements of AI-powered data centres. Although there is a commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, lowering emissions seems overwhelming as AI integration continues to grow. Your company has been identified to be penalised by technological giants for its environmental footprint.
Sub-Questions
▶What is your immediate response to the challenges posed in the above case?
▶Discuss the ethical issues involved in the above case.
▶Your company has been identified to be penalised. What logical and ethical arguments will you put forth?
▶Being a conscience being, what measures would you adopt to maintain balance between AI innovation and environmental footprint?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
2
IPS OfficerTerrorism
Raman — Terrorist Recruitment of Unemployed Youth via Social Media
State DG Raman discovers a new global terrorist group is recruiting unemployed graduates through social media, with youth already forwarding anti-national content and endorsing secessionist ideology.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Raman, DG of a state, discovers a new global terrorist group recruiting unemployed educated youth — especially from particular communities — through social media and local communal organisations. Intelligence reveals many youth are spending 6–8 hours daily on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, forwarding anti-national tweets and promoting secessionist ideology.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the options available to Raman to tackle the above situation?
▶What measures would you suggest for strengthening the existing set-up to ensure that such groups do not succeed?
▶What action plan would you advise for enhancing the intelligence gathering mechanism of the police force?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
3
SP OperationsTribal Women
Rohit — Naxalite Capture Surrounded by 500 Agitated Tribal Women
SP Rohit captures 10 naxalites including two top insurgents, but 500 agitated tribal women surround the village demanding release, with risk of civilian casualties if he acts.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Rohit, SP (Special Operations), leads a cordon-and-search and apprehends 10 naxalites with weapons. Two are top insurgents with ₹10 lakh prize money, involved in a recent ambush on security forces. More than 500 tribal women surround the village, agitated and aggressive, demanding release. Rohit cannot contact his superior IG due to poor connectivity. Releasing them risks the operation; not releasing risks civilian casualties and further complications.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the options available with Rohit to cope with the situation?
▶What are the ethical dilemmas being faced by Rohit?
▶Which of the options would be more appropriate for Rohit to adopt and why?
▶What are the extra precautionary measures to be taken by the police in dealing with women protesters?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
4
Hospital ManagerConflict of Interest
Sneha — Brother's Bid in Hospital Equipment Procurement
Sneha heads a hospital procurement committee and finds her financially struggling brother has submitted an expression of interest. The private hospital doesn't mandate lowest-bidder selection.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Sneha is Senior Manager in-charge of procurement for a new super-speciality hospital centre. She invites bids from reputed vendors. Her brother — a well-known medical equipment supplier facing financial difficulties — also submits his expression of interest. Since the hospital is privately owned, she is not mandated to select only the lowest bidder. A big order would help her brother recover financially, but awarding it to him might bring charges of favouritism.
Sub-Questions
▶What should Sneha's course of action be?
▶How would she justify what she chooses to do?
▶In this case, how is medical ethics compromised with vested personal interest?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
5
District CollectorWater Crisis
District Collector — Farmer Agitation Over Industrial Water Usage During Crisis
Farmers barred from irrigation during a severe water crisis allege that big industries continue drawing large amounts from borewells, and accuse the administration of corruption.
125W▼
Full Scenario
The district faces severe water shortage. Farmers are barred from irrigating their crops, but big industries near the river continue drawing huge amounts through deep borewells for industrial processes. Farmers allege the administration is anti-farmer and corrupt. They are threatening prolonged protest. Closing industry would cause large-scale unemployment.
Sub-Questions
▶Discuss all options available to the District Collector as a District Magistrate.
▶What suitable actions can be taken in view of mutually compatible interests of the stakeholders?
▶What are the potential administrative and ethical dilemmas for the District Collector?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
6
Pharma ScientistResearch Ethics
Dr. Srinivasan — Pressure to Manipulate Drug Trial Data for Market Advantage
A pharma research head faces pressure to shortcut clinical trials — manipulate data, skip informed consent, use a rival's patents — to beat competitors to market for a fast-spreading viral disease drug.
125W▼
Full Scenario
Dr. Srinivasan's team is under huge pressure to expedite drug trials for a rapidly spreading viral disease. Senior members suggest: manipulating data to exclude negative outcomes; selectively reporting positive results; foregoing informed consent; and using compounds patented by a rival company. Dr. Srinivasan is uncomfortable but realises meeting targets is impossible without these shortcuts.
Sub-Questions
▶What would you do in such a situation?
▶Examine your options and consequences in the light of the ethical questions involved.
▶How can data ethics and drug ethics save humanity at large in such a scenario?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
2023
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies
1
Bank OfficialDormant Account
Bank Manager — Releasing Dormant Account Funds for Emergency Surgery
A colleague confides that the bank manager released ₹10 lakh from a dormant account to fund her father's emergency heart surgery, with a confidential promise of repayment.
150W▼
Full Scenario
You work in a nationalised bank. A close colleague confides that her uninsured father needed emergency heart surgery costing ₹10 lakh. The bank manager facilitated ₹10 lakh from a dormant account with a promise it should be kept confidential and repaid at the earliest. She has already started paying it back.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the ethical issues involved?
▶Evaluate the behaviour of the bank manager from an ethical point of view.
▶How would you react to the situation?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
2
District MagistrateEmergency Transfusion
Landslide DM — Emergency Blood Transfusion Without Recognised Blood Bank
After a devastating landslide near Uttarkashi, a DM faces the dilemma of authorising an emergency blood transfusion for a pregnant woman in labour, when protocol requires a recognised blood bank.
150W▼
Full Scenario
You are District Magistrate at a landslide disaster site near Uttarkashi. A pregnant woman in labour needs immediate blood transfusion. Blood bags and test kits are available in the ambulance; team members have volunteered to donate. However, medical protocol mandates blood only from a recognised blood bank. Your team is divided. Doctors are ready to facilitate delivery provided they will not be penalised for the transfusion.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the ethical issues involved in this case?
▶Evaluate the options available to you, being District Magistrate of the area.
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
3
Joint SecretaryWork-Life Balance
Rashika — Work-Life Conflict for a Senior Woman Civil Servant
Joint Secretary Rashika, working late on a Saturday, is asked to prepare an urgent Sunday report. She reflects on neglecting family duties including a sick child — and wants to draw a line on work ethics.
150W▼
Full Scenario
Rashika, a Joint Secretary, is at office at 9:30 pm on a Saturday when her superior asks her to prepare a detailed note for Monday, requiring her to work on Sunday. Her husband frequently travels. Their two children (ages 5 and 3) are cared for by a domestic helper. Last month she had to leave her sick child with the nanny. She now wants to draw a line beyond which personal life should take precedence over professional responsibilities.
Sub-Questions
▶Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case.
▶Briefly describe at least four laws enacted for a healthy, safe and equitable working environment for women.
▶Imagine you are in a similar situation. What suggestions would you make to mitigate such working conditions?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
4
IAS OfficerPoliticisation
Vinod — Bribery Evidence Against Chairman Offered by Opposition MLA
Honest IAS officer Vinod receives video evidence of the Transport Corporation Chairman demanding a bribe. The Opposition Board Member wants him to expose it for political gain.
150W▼
Full Scenario
Vinod, an honest IAS officer on his sixth transfer in three years, is MD of a State Road Transport Corporation. The Chairman is a powerful politician close to the Chief Minister. An Opposition Board Member hands Vinod a video of the Chairman demanding a bribe for a tyre supply order. The Board Member hints that Vinod could earn public recognition by exposing the Chairman, with career protection once his party comes to power. Vinod knows the Board Member is using him for political purposes.
Sub-Questions
▶As a conscientious civil servant, evaluate the options available to Vinod.
▶Comment upon the ethical issues that may arise due to the politicization of bureaucracy.
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
5
Additional DGWorkplace Harassment
Seema — Harassed by Insecure Chief Architect, Contemplating Resignation
A brilliant young woman architect is constantly publicly humiliated by the insecure Chief Architect at CPWD, losing her confidence and considering resignation, threatening a key project.
150W▼
Full Scenario
You are Additional DG of CPWD. The Chief Architect (retiring in 6 months) is working passionately on an important project. Seema, trained at Manchester School of Architecture, joins and makes suggestions that would add value and reduce completion time. The Chief Architect, feeling insecure, adopts passive-aggressive behaviour — publicly corrects Seema, raises his voice, and humiliates her repeatedly. Seema has lost confidence and is contemplating resignation.
Sub-Questions
▶What are the ethical issues involved in the above case?
▶What are the options available to you to complete the project as well as to retain Seema?
▶What would be your response to Seema's predicament?
▶What measures would you institute to prevent such occurrences in your organization?
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
6
Social MediaCyberbullying
Ministry Officer — Son Cyberbullied; Viral Video Misrepresents Father
A Ministry official's son is cyberbullied by classmates. When the official identifies the perpetrators at a sports event, a viral video falsely portrays him as physically bullying children.
150W▼
Full Scenario
A Ministry officer's 11-year-old son becomes a loner after being bullied through class WhatsApp groups. At a sports event, the official walks past the identified perpetrators. Next day, a viral video falsely portrays him as physically bullying children. Friends call him. He posts the original video identifying perpetrators and explaining what actually happened.
Sub-Questions
▶Discuss the ethical issues involved in the use of social media.
▶Discuss the pros and cons of using social media to counter the fake propaganda against your family.
✍ Submit Your Answer📖 Ethics Notes
2022
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: Prabhat — Rival's Tender Documents Offered for Employment · Ramesh — Ordered to Withdraw Illegal Migrants Report · Ashok — Investigative Journalist Pressured to Suppress Mining Nexus Story · MBA Graduate — Defective Shoe Consignment Clearance · Rakesh — Bus Driver's Family Denied Compensation · Environment Officer — Industrial Pollution vs Worker Livelihoods.

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2021
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: Sunil — Sand Mining Mafia Threatens Officer & Family · Vice Principal — Flying Squad Catches Cheating · Elevated Corridor — Cracks, Political Pressure & Safety · Hospital Administrator — COVID Staff Deployment Ethics · Food Company — Export-Rejected Products Sold Domestically · Pawan — Toxic Superior & Workplace Harassment.

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2020
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: Rajesh Kumar — NHS Budget Re-appropriation · BML Chairman — Arms Export Ethics · Rampura DC — Child Labour in Cotton Farms · Municipal Commissioner — Mall Collapse & Nexus · Amria Plastic Works — CSR & Backward Area Development · Migrant Workers Crisis During COVID Lockdown.

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2019
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: Sexual Harassment — Marketing Executive & FIR · Politicisation of Bureaucracy · Woman SP & Narcotics Menace · Civil Service Ethics Systems · Rescue Operations — Angry Mob Assault · Bonafide Mistakes of Civil Servants.

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2018
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: Edward Snowden — Whistleblowing vs National Security · Rakesh — Health Scheme Beneficiary Missing Criterion · SP — Illicit Liquor Distillation, New Approach · Chemical Plant Closure — Pollution vs Employment · Tax Agency — Technical vs Substantial Defaults · Minister — Road Realignment for Personal Land Gain.

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2017
UPSC Mains GS Paper 45 Case Studies

Topics covered: Illegal Building Collapse · Ethical Conduct Perceptions in Civil Services · IAS Interview vs Accident Involving Relative · RTI Activism Misuse · Worker's Death — Compensation Dispute · Eyewitness Dilemma — Business Deal vs Road Accident Truth.

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2016
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: ABC Ltd. Factory in Underdeveloped Vikaspuri · Saraswati's NGO School — Bureaucratic Corruption · Engineer Discovers Toxic River Discharge · Land Acquisition & Rehabilitation of Displaced Persons · Old Woman Without Documents for Welfare Scheme · Domestic Violence by Honest Boss.

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2015
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: Pharma CEO — Veterinary Drug for Tribal Liver Disease · Disaster Rescue Priority (Pilgrims, Tourists, Prisoners) · Heritage Site — School Construction with Vested Interests · Girls' Education vs Patriarchal Village Elders · Political Gate-Crashing in a Private Company · Dalit Cook — Midday Meal Attendance Drop.

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2014
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: CEO — Bribe Demand for Government Tender · Rameshwar — Malpractices in Department · Rural-Urban Migration Analysis · Environment vs Development Strategies · Friend Seeking Ethics Advice · Honest Officer — False Sexual Harassment Complaint · Flyover Safety vs Deadline.

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2013
UPSC Mains GS Paper 46 Case Studies

Topics covered: Sivakasi Child Labour in Firecracker Industry · College Head — Favour Government Functionary's Relative · Senior Officer — Disclose Confidential Policy to Builder · Star Performer's Sexual Harassment (Mrs. X) · PIO — Self-Incriminating RTI Disclosure · Executive Engineer — Flyover Safety Deviations.

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