Ethics in UPSC is where thought meets action—where aspirants aren’t just tested on what they know, but how they think. It's the only paper that asks you to step into the shoes of a civil servant and show not just knowledge, but judgment. And for many aspirants, this becomes the most unpredictable part of Mains.
But for some, like Abhinav Siwach (AIR-12, UPSC CSE 2022), it becomes a platform to stand out. With a remarkable score of 130 marks in GS Paper 4, Abhinav demonstrated that ethics isn’t about vague idealism—it’s about clarity of thought, real-life grounding, and strategic presentation. His answers weren't lengthy treatises. They were tight, meaningful responses—full of substance, structure, and sensitivity.
This blog explores the methods and mindset behind his Ethics paper success—insights that can serve as a roadmap for every serious aspirant looking to transform GS Paper 4 into a strength.
Download High Scorer Ethics Toppers Copies
Useful Insights from Abhinav Siwach’s Ethics Answer Scripts
1. Well Crafted Structuring of Answers
One of the standout aspects of Abhinav Siwach’s Ethics answers is his meticulous structuring. His answers follow a logical flow, ensuring that every argument seamlessly connects to the next. Instead of writing in a scattered manner, he presents his points in a systematic order—introduction, explanation, supporting arguments, and conclusion.
Insight: This approach facilitates coherence and comprehensiveness in answers.
2. Strong Conceptual Introductions
Abhinav starts his answers with a concept-driven introduction, where he directly defines the key ethical term or idea related to the question. This is a powerful technique, as it immediately sets the right context for the answer and eliminates ambiguity. His introductions are crisp, relevant, and demonstrate strong conceptual clarity.
Insight: For us, since many questions in ethics papers revolve around the key concept, explaining the concepts directly can be used as an effective method.
3. Variety in the Choice of Examples
One of the highlights of Abhinav’s answer writing is the diversity of examples he incorporates. Instead of relying on the same set of overused examples, he brings variety by using historical, contemporary events, personal, and public-life examples. This makes his answers engaging and reflective of a well-rounded perspective.
Insight: For aspirants, we can give more attention to the different manner of examples to make answers more compelling.
4. In quote based question: Concluding answer with a relevant idea/quote
Abhinav follows a unique approach in concluding his quote-based answers—he ends them with another insightful quote, ethical principle, or a thought-provoking idea. This ensures that the answer leaves a lasting impact on the examiner. It also helps tie the response together in a more holistic manner.
Insight: For us, it’s a reminder in issue based questions, concluding our answers with a relevant thought can make answers more effective.
5. In Case Study: extensive arguments tightly packed within word limit
Writing case studies effectively within the word limit is a major challenge for aspirants. Abhinav masters this skill by presenting multiple relevant arguments in a concise manner. His responses are crisp, direct, and packed with ethical reasoning, ensuring that he covers all dimensions of the case without exceeding the word count.
Insight: The key takeaway here is that brevity combined with precision enhances the impact of case study answers.
6. In Case Study: Use of examples to support arguments
Case study answers often lack practical substantiation, but Abhinav effectively bridges this gap by using examples to justify every course of action. He brings in real-life ethical dilemmas, administrative challenges, and historical instances to reinforce his reasoning. This approach makes his answers more convincing and well-grounded in ethical reality.
Insight: For aspirants, integrating strong examples in case studies can significantly improve answer quality.
Watch: Insights from Toppers’ Copies on Ethics Answer Writing
Building Ethics Answer-Writing Excellence with VisionIAS
If GS Paper 4 feels like a puzzle you can’t crack—know this: it’s not about mastering theory; it’s about mastering clarity and balance. Ethics success lies in presenting ideas with conviction, supporting them with relatable examples, and answering case studies like real-life dilemmas—not just exam questions.
That’s where VisionIAS steps in—with Ethics-specific programs designed to help you sharpen your thinking, refine your structure, and build consistency.
Ethics Test Series and Mentoring Program:
Enhance your ethics answer-writing skills with targeted sectional and full-length tests, backed by expert feedback and personalized mentoring.
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Case Study Mastery Classes:
Build confidence in handling case studies with structured frameworks and practical insights for tackling ethical dilemmas.
Ethics Case Studies Classes
Comprehensive GS Mains Advanced Course:
Elevate your preparation for GS Papers with in-depth classes, focused practice, and expert mentorship to address every aspect of the Mains Examination.
Advanced Course GS Mains
Ethics, at its core, tests not just your knowledge but your ability to reflect, reason, and respond with integrity. What sets high scorers apart is not memorized content, but the art of presenting structured, ethical reasoning within the demands of the exam.
Developing such answer-writing precision takes time, deliberate effort, and constant refinement. With the right tools, feedback, and commitment to thoughtful expression, aspirants can transform their preparation—and their scores.
Read Blog: UPSC Mains 2024 GS Paper-IV (Ethics): A Comprehensive Analysis with VisionIAS – Key Trends, Insights, and Preparation Strategies