The UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Syllabus holds immense significance in the Civil Services Examination, as it aims to evaluate a candidate's understanding of ethical and moral dimensions in governance and public administration. The GS 4 Syllabus (UPSC Ethics Syllabus) of the IAS Exam includes topics like Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. It becomes important to understand the UPSC Mains Syllabus for GS 4 Paper as the marks achieved in this paper are counted in the final merit. The Ethics Syllabus for UPSC overlaps with the UPSC Mains GS 2 Syllabus with the topics related to Governance and Social Justice subjects. The GS 4 Syllabus tests the candidate's approach to issues of integrity and probity in public life.

In this article on Mains GS Paper 4 Syllabus, we will explore the key aspects of the UPSC Ethics syllabus, covering the essential topics, themes, and sub-topics that candidates need to study and comprehend to excel in the IAS Mains GS 4 paper.

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UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Syllabus PDF Download 

Candidates preparing for the upcoming IAS Mains exam often search for UPSC Ethics Syllabus PDF. We have provided the official UPSC Ethics Syllabus (UPSC Mains GS 4 Syllabus) in a PDF. Candidates can click on the download link provided in the table below.

UPSC Ethics Syllabus 

The UPSC Ethics Syllabus focuses on areas of Ethics & Human Interface, Human Values, Attitude, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence and more. Overall, the Ethics Syllabus For UPSC is divided into 3 major parts.

• Ethics,
• Integrity, and,
• Aptitude.

To understand the UPSC GS 4 Syllabus better, have a look at the below 

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Structure of UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Syllabus

The UPSC General Studies Paper IV is one of the nine papers which are part of the UPSC Mains exam. The syllabus of GS 4 UPSC paper comprises the following subjects – 

• Ethics
• Integrity
• Aptitude

In this paper, a total of 12 questions will be asked in Hindi and English for a total of 250 marks. Students will be required to answer all the questions, which will be asked in 10 marks and 15 marks format. The word limit for 10 mark questions will be 150 words, while for the 15 mark questions, it will be 250 words. Questions in this paper are asked in the following two manners –

• Direct concept based questions for 125 marks to examine a candidate's understanding of key concepts, theories and frameworks related to subjects like technology, economic development, environment etc. Knowledge of core principles is tested.
• Case study based questions for 125 marks including caselets and scenarios from real-life situations to evaluate candidates’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context.

Candidates need to analyze issues holistically involving various stakeholders, suggest solutions and justify their standpoint. Greater emphasis is on practical application of concepts rather than rote learning.

Important Topics of UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Syllabus 2025

The important topics to study for UPSC GS 4 Paper are as mentioned in the table below.

UPSC GS Paper 4 Exam Pattern 2025

Candidates who will be taking the exam should familiarise themselves with the UPSC GS Paper 4 Syllabus in advance. The preliminary exam consists of a general studies examination and a 400 marks general studies exam. The UPSC Mains test will have various papers, one of which is the UPSC GS Paper 4 Syllabus paper. The following is the exam pattern for the same:

• All of the questions are mandatory.
• The questions range in difficulty from 10 to 20 points, depending on the length of the response requested. The answers to the 10-mark questions must be written in 150 words, while the answers to the 20-mark questions must be written in 250 words.
• This paper will receive a total of 250 points.
• There are two types of questions:
• Direct questions about concepts that measure the candidate's understanding of ethical dilemmas and concepts related to integrity and aptitude (125 marks)
• Case studies that assess the applicant's ability to apply such concepts to scenarios involving the candidate and other stakeholders such as legislators, pressure groups, the general public, and others (125 marks)
• The nature of the questions varies greatly from year to year on this paper, which is the most varied of the four General Studies Papers. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the syllabus as well as the patterns of the previous years.

Check the detailed UPSC Exam Pattern here.

UPSC Ethics Syllabus Preparation Tips

The following are some general preparation recommendations for the UPSC GS paper 4. The key to getting good grades in this mains gs paper is to have a thorough understanding of the many topics covered in the UPSC GS 4 syllabus.

• Start by reading the Ethics GS 4 syllabus in detail and understand the important topics you need to cover. 
• Begin your preparation by reading the ethical theories and principles as they form the foundation for ethical decision-making.
• Familiarize yourself with the concepts of integrity, accountability, and emotional intelligence.
• Refer to case studies relevant to the GS 4 UPSC Syllabus. This will help develop a practical understanding of applying ethical principles.
• Once you grasp the foundational concepts well, delve deeper into the nuances of ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
• Focus on understanding probity in governance and its various dimensions.
• Keep yourself updated with current affairs related to ethics, integrity, and governance.
• Practice answering case studies and analyzing real-life scenarios using ethical principles.
• Attempt the Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers of Mains GS 4, this will improve your speed & accuracy.

Check out UPSC Exam Annual Calendar here.

Recommended Books For UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 Syllabus

Because the study materials are restricted, you must prepare from any and all sources you come across. Magazines, biographies, films and podcasts, reports, articles, and the internet are all examples. The following are some examples of options you can use as examples:

Check out the detailed Ethics Book for UPSC here.

We hope this article on UPSC GS Paper 4 Syllabus helped you in understanding the detailed topics and sub-topics required to study for the mains exam. You download our Testbook App and get access to free mock tests, live classes, study materials to enhance your UPSC exam preparation.

यदि आप यूपीएससी सिविल सर्विसेज परीक्षा की तैयारी हिंदी माध्यम में कर रहे हैं, तो नीचे स्क्रॉल करें और यूपीएससी परीक्षा से सम्बंधित लेखों को हिंदी में पढ़ें।