UPSC GS Paper 4 2025: VAM Reflections & Answer Writing

The UPSC has recently concluded its Civil Services Mains Examination for GS Paper 4. The UPSC GS Paper 4 is a test of an aspirant's knowledge of not just the theories of Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude in Section A, but also their application on the real life case studies that follow in Section B of the Paper. 

UPSC GS 4 Paper featured 2 Sections: Section A with thirteen questions on theory of Ethics Integrity and Aptitude, and Section B with six questions on Case Studies. Download Link GS Paper 4

Our reflections on the GS 4 paper reveal how the analytical nature of questions asked this year required aspirants to go beyond memorizing facts and apply their knowledge critically. A holistic preparation approach for UPSC Mains is thus critical to score high marks. The Mains-centric initiatives of Vision IAS, particularly the UPSC Value Added Material, are specifically designed to develop this ability. 

From VAM to Better Answer Writing

The true test of preparation for Mains lies in the quality of answer writing. The Vision IAS UPSC Value Added Material helped the aspirants analyse and focus on the core themes, add necessary depth and breadth of information, including key thinkers, quotes, and analytical Ethics frameworks to value add in answers. These are all essential for scoring high marks in the UPSC mains. 

This year, our GS 4 Value Added Materials comprehensively covered 18 out of 19 questions indicating a testament to their direct relevance and effectiveness for UPSC Mains.

Reflections in GS Paper 4 from Vision IAS Value Added Materials

Reflections in GS Paper 4 (Section A): Ethics Theory

Q.  "The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes." - William James

The Ehics VAM provided all the essential components required for a comprehensive and concise response for the UPSC Mains exam. It included:

• Definition & Context: The Ethics VAM provides a suitable context on William James under "Attitude: Content, Structure, and Function" of the document. Using these data sets, students could set an introduction for the quote. 
• "Thinker's Corner": This section directly quotes William James and connects attitudes to habit formation, explaining that repeated actions and thoughts solidify into attitudes, which in turn guide future conduct. This is the section of Ethics VAM which could help the student interpret the quote correctly.
• Relevance in the Present Context:
• Personal Development: From the Ethics VAM Leon Festinger’s theory of "Cognitive Dissonance" could be used to explain how a person can consciously change their attitude to align with new, positive behaviors.
• Public Administration: Students could connect it to the "bureaucratic attitude vs. democratic attitude" dilemma. 
  • A civil servant can change a rigid, rule-bound attitude to a more citizen-centric one through training and self-reflection, leading to better service delivery. 
  • The document mentions how positive attitudes help in stress management and problem-solving.
• Conclusion: From the Ethics VAM document students can use the conclusion section and write how to reinforce the idea that a positive attitude is a choice that leads to better outcomes in all spheres of life. The tip section here would give guidance on areas to avoid in such conclusions

Q.It is said that for an ethical work culture, there must be a code of ethics in place in every organisation. To ensure value-based and compliance-based work culture, what suitable measures would you adopt in your work place?

The Ethics VAM provided all the essential components required for a comprehensive and concise response for the UPSC Mains exam. It included:

• Definition & Causes:  Ethics VAM could be used to make an introduction to the question using the "Codes of Ethics vs. Codes of Conduct" section. 
• "Codes of Ethics vs. Codes of Conduct": This section of the document helps in explaining that a "Code of Ethics" is aspirational and value-based, while a "Code of Conduct" is prescriptive and compliance-based. This distinction could be used in making the core argument for the answer.
• "Work Culture": The Ethics VAM lists the objectives of a positive work culture, such as professionalism, teamwork, and ethical conduct, and discusses challenges like bureaucratic inertia and a blame-game culture. These keywords could be used as value addition in the answer.
• "Measures to Uplift Core Values": In Ethics VAM, the answer deconstruction section provides specific measures for institutions and governance, such as strengthening ethical codes, implementing whistleblower protection, and fostering transparent grievance redressal, which are directly applicable to building an ethical work culture.
• Conclusion:  The conclusion of this answer could be drafted using the holistic ethical work environment and Nolan Committee's Seven Principles as a benchmark.

Q.  To achieve holistic development goals, a civil servant acts as an enabler and active facilitator of growth rather than a regulator. What specific measures will you suggest to achieve this goal?

The Ethics VAM provided all the essential components required for a comprehensive and concise response for the UPSC Mains exam. It included:

• Definition & Context : The "Ethical Dilemmas in Public Service Delivery and Administration" section of Ethics VAM discusses the shift from a "rule-based" to a "role-based" and "citizen-centric" work culture.
• Thinker Corner-  Holistic Development: The concept is discussed in the context of "Integral Education" and examples like "Mission Karmayogi" cited which could be used for value addition
• Quality of Service Delivery: Ethics VAM provides key information on Quality of Service delivery like timeliness, reliability, and responsiveness, which are key to facilitating growth.
• Conclusion:  The Ethics VAM highlights the civil servant’s role as an enabler and facilitator through work culture, emphasizing ethical leadership, positive work culture, and blending bureaucratic efficiency with democratic empathy to ensure responsive, accountable, and inclusive governance. This could be an apt conclusion remark for the answer

Q.  In the present digital age, social media has revolutionised our way of communication and interaction. However, it has raised several ethical issues and challenges. Describe the key ethical dilemmas in this regard.

The Ethics  VAM provided all the essential components required for a comprehensive and concise response for the UPSC Mains exam. It included:

• Definition & Context : The suitable context of this question can be based on the "Ethical Issues in Technology and Governance" and "Social Media Influencers" sections of the Ethics VAM.
  • The student could define the digital age and social media first and then systematically describe each ethical dilemma using the subheadings and examples from the document. 
• "Echo chambers": This topic in the  Ethics  VAM  explains how social media algorithms can create "echo chambers" that reinforce existing beliefs and lead to polarized moral and political attitudes, a key ethical challenge.
•  "Social Media Influencers and Consumer Behavior": This topic of  Ethics  VAM  provides a direct and detailed list of ethical issues, including mindless consumption, psychological manipulation, lack of accountability, dishonesty, and harm to mental health, providing a comprehensive answer to the question.
• "Social Media Influencers and Consumer Behavior": This topic of  Ethics  VAM provides a direct and detailed list of ethical issues, including mindless consumption, psychological manipulation, lack of accountability, dishonesty, and harm to mental health, providing a comprehensive answer to the question.
• In the Ethics  VAM document case study of "misuse of social media by public servants” can be used as an example. 
• Conclusion: The student can write the conclusion from the VAM Case study document by Christian Louis lange on balance innovation with justice and  Strategies for Resolution in section Ethical Issues in Technology and Governance. 

Q.  "Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment but a product of civil education and adherence to the rule of law." Examine the significance of constitutional morality for public servants highlighting the role in promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in public administration.

The Ethics  VAM provided all the essential components required for a comprehensive and concise response for the UPSC Mains exam. It included:

• Definition & Context :  The "Ethics & Law" and "Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service" sections of the  Ethics  VAM could be used to build a suitable intro
• Constitutional Morality: The  Ethics  VAM defines constitutional morality as a meta-ethical issue and lists its components (Rule of Law, Social Justice, etc.). 
• Administrative Viewpoint: This section of the document explicitly states that a civil servant's primary moral authority should be the Constitution, guiding them when personal values conflict with professional duty. This section directly addresses the significance for public servants. 
• Ethical Governance and adherence to laws and principles: The  Ethics  VAM defines ethical governance as adherence to ethical principles.
• Conclusion: To conclude this answer, Ethics & Law section in ETHICS VAM would help in giving broad conclusions i.e. constitutional morality is a more reliable guide than personal conscience in public life because it is based on principles of fairness, equality, and the rule of law. It should be framed as the ideal path for a civil servant.

Other UPSC Mains 2025 GS 4 Questions answerable from our VAM include

Reflections in GS Paper 4(Section B): Case Study

Case Study Framework: The VisionIAS Case Study Document provides a 6-Step Structure that is useful to answer questions on case studies on Leadership.

• Situation: Briefly outline the scenario.
• Stakeholders: Identify all individuals and groups involved.
• Ethical Issues: List the key ethical dilemmas or value conflicts.
• Options + Evaluation: Lay out possible courses of action, and evaluate each with merits and demerits.
• Your Decision: Justify your chosen course of action with ethical principles and practical wisdom.
• Institutional Measures: Suggest broader reforms or safeguards.

Q. Vijay was Deputy Commissioner of remote district of Hilly Northern State of the country for the last two years. In the month of August heavy rains lashed the complete state followed by cloud burst in the upper reaches of the said district. The damage was very heavy in the complete state especially in the affected district. The complete road network and telecommunication were disrupted and the buildings were damaged extensively. People’s houses have been destroyed and they were forced to stay in open. More than 200 people have been killed and about 5000 were badly injured. The Civil Administration under Vijay got activated and started conducting rescue and relief operations. Temporary shelter camps and hospitals were established to provide shelter and medical facilities to the homeless and injured people. Helicopter services were pressed in, for evacuating sick and old people from remote areas. Vijay got a message from his hometown in Kerala that his mother was seriously sick. After two days Vijay received the unfortunate message that his mother has expired. Vijay has no close relative except one elder sister who was US citizen and staying there for last several years. In the meantime, the situation in the affected district deteriorated further due to resumption of heavy rains after a gap of five days. At the same time, continuous messages were coming on his mobile from his hometown to reach at the earliest for performing last rites of his mother.

(a) What are the options available with Vijay?

(b) What are the ethical dilemma being faced by Vijay?

(c) Critically evaluate and examine each of these options identified by Vijay.

(d) Which of the options, do you think, would be most appropriate for Vijay to adopt and why?

• Context:  This case presents a classic conflict between personal duty to family and professional duty to public service. The document mentions an IAS aspirant's dilemma of choosing between a family accident and a career-defining interview, which is a similar ethical conflict.

For parts (a) and (b): Options and Ethical Dilemmas

• Crisis Management and Leadership ( VisionIAS VAM Ethics Case Studies): The case directly falls under this theme. The document highlights common scenarios like natural disasters (floods, landslides) and the ethical conflicts involved, such as prioritization of lives, resource allocation, and managing public anger. This section provides a framework for identifying the core dilemmas Vijay faces: Duty to Public Service vs. Personal/Familial Duty. 
• Ethics in Private vs. Public Relationships: This section explains the conflict that arises when a public servant's personal life and public duty clash. Vijay's situation of his mother's death in his hometown while a disaster is ongoing in his district is a prime example of this conflict. 
• Thinkers corner related to Max Weber Bureaucracy theory can be used from Ethics VAM.
• The Administrator's Mindset (VAM Ethics.): This part of Emotional Intelligence (EI) is highly relevant. It discusses the application of EI in crisis communication and stress management, which are crucial for Vijay to navigate this high-pressure situation. Administrative viewpoint can be used.

For parts (c) and (d) of question : Evaluation and Most Appropriate Option: 

• Deontological vs. Consequentialist Ethics: This theoretical framework can be used to evaluate the options. A deontological approach would focus on his duty as a public servant, while a consequentialist view would weigh the outcomes of his presence vs. absence for the greatest number of people.
• Conclusion: A good conclusion would be that in moments of crisis, ethical leadership makes the difference.

Q.  In line with the Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution, the government has a constitutional obligation to ensure basic needs – “Roti, Kapda aur Makan (Food, Clothes and Shelter)” – for the under-privileged. Pursuing this mandate, the district administration proposed clearing a portion of forest land to develop housing for the homeless and economically weaker sections of the society.

The proposed land, however, is an ecologically sensitive zone densely populated with age-old trees, medicinal plants and vital biodiversity. Besides, these forests help to regulate micro-climate and rainfalls; provide habitat for wildlife, support soil fertility and prevent land/soil erosion and sustain livelihoods of tribal and nomadic communities.

Inspite of the ecological and social costs, the administration argues in favour of the said proposal by highlighting that this very initiative would provide housing to human rights as a critical welfare priority. Besides it, it fulfils the government’s duty to uplift and empower the poor through inclusive housing development. Further, these forest areas have become unsafe due to wild-animal threats and recurring human-wild life conflicts. Lastly, clearing forest-zones may help to curb anti-social elements allegedly using these areas as hideouts, thereby enhancing law and order.

(a) Can deforestation be ethically justified in the pursuit of social welfare objectives like, housing for the homeless?

(b) What are the socio-economic, administrative and ethical challenges in balancing environmental conservation with human development?

(c) What substantial alternatives or policy interventions can be proposed to ensure that both environmental integrity and human dignity are protected?

From VAM case studies use the same 6-step framework to solve case studies based on the theme asked in this question

• Context : This case is a direct application of the "Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Development" and "Social Justice and Vulnerable Sections" themes.
•  This Case study focused on “Social Justice and Vulnerable Sections” examine a public servant’s ability to identify and address systemic inequalities, discrimination, and the exploitation faced by marginalized groups.
• Another part the Case study focuses on is  “Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Development” exploring the ethical dilemmas arising from the intersection of economic progress, human well-being, and ecological preservation.

For part (a): Ethical Justification

• Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Development : The document covers conflicts like Development vs. Displacement, and Economic Benefits vs. Ecological Damage. This directly addresses whether deforestation can be ethically justified for social welfare.
• Ethical Dilemmas in Governance : The dilemma of Efficiency vs. Equity is relevant here. The project aims for social welfare (equity) but at the cost of the environment (a different kind of equity for future generations). The document provides a framework to discuss this clash. 

For parts (b) and (c): Challenges and Alternatives

• Common Scenarios and Ethical Conflicts section related to "Environmental Ethics and Sustainable Development" and "Social Justice and Vulnerable Sections" themes in Case studies VAM.
• Environmental Ethics: The document on this topic explicitly mentions the need for Holistic Impact Assessment and Community Participation & Redressal as key strategies for resolution under Amazon rainforest Fires in 2019 BOX
• Social Justice and Vulnerable Sections: This section provides context for addressing the rights of displaced tribal and nomadic communities and can be used to argue for a policy that respects human rights and dignity.
• The current Affairs link section can be used to raise issues.
• The section on Strategies for Resolution for Environmental Ethics (VAM Ethics Case Studies) provides concrete policy interventions and alternatives which can be used to arrive at a course of action , such as promoting green technologies or conducting thorough environmental and social impact assessments.
• Conclusion : While concluding Ashok Khemka Example can be used i.e.  while a civil servant must be committed to social justice, they are also custodians of environmental integrity and intergenerational equity. The ideal solution is not to sacrifice one value for the other, but to find a path that protects both. 

Our Both VAM  material on Ethics and Case studies answer all the case studies from GS Paper 4 , other case studies reflection can be seen from table  given below :

Final Thoughts

The analytical nature of this year's paper holds significant implications for all aspirants, particularly those targeting UPSC 2026. Success in the UPSC mains demands a sophisticated approach to answer writing. Reflections on UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 4 indicate the need to integrate both static knowledge and contemporary developments in answer writing.

By utilizing resources like VAM, future aspirants can learn how to structure their answers, enrich them with relevant examples, and effectively tackle the analytical demands of the UPSC GS Paper 4. 

Vision IAS Resources for UPSC CSE 2026

• Enroll in Vision IAS GS Foundation course for holistic preparation of UPSC exam
• UPSC Mains high quality, updated and toppers trusted notes and documents by Vision IAS at UPSC Mains Corner.
• Explore topper’s trusted and recommended most important answer-writing tool for UPSC CSE Examination, the VisionIAS Mains Test Series, to effectively practice answer writing for Mains 2026.
• To pursue a mentored approach for UPSC Mains 2026 check our Lakshya Mentoring Services. Lakshya has been a trusted mentoring service used by many toppers.
• Vision IAS provides a new age, AI integrated Digital Current Affairs solution that can help you navigate the course of Current affairs. The flagship “Vision Intelligence” can help you keep a track of the enormous task of handling current affairs in your preparation. These resources can be found at our dedicated Current Affairs page.
• We at VisionIAS also prioritise mental health of all students. At Student Wellness Cell, you can reach out to us for counseling if you feel overwhelmed with the exam. We strive to assist the students and help you with effective stress and time management under the guidance of best counselors.