What is the significance of the Ethics paper in the UPSC Mains?
The Ethics paper in the UPSC Mains is highly significant as it assesses candidates’ understanding of moral principles and values necessary for public service. It evaluates how aspirants apply ethical theories to real-world scenarios, reflecting their ability to handle complex dilemmas they may encounter as future administrators. This paper emphasizes traits like integrity, transparency, and accountability, which are crucial in effective governance. Furthermore, strong performance in this paper can differentiate candidates, as it not only tests knowledge but also their character and decision-making capabilities, which are critical in civil services.