Ethics in UPSC Mains is often seen as a paper that balances theory with real-world application. Many aspirants struggle with writing answers that are not just conceptually sound but also compelling, structured, and practical. However, toppers approach this paper differently—not merely treating it as a theoretical subject but using it as an opportunity to showcase their decision-making abilities and ethical reasoning.
Divya Mishra, AIR-28 in UPSC 2020, mastered this craft with finesse. Scoring an impressive 129 marks in Ethics (one of highest marks in UPSC 2020), she demonstrated how clarity, structured reasoning, and practical examples can turn an ordinary answer into a high-scoring one. Her approach was not about writing lengthy theoretical explanations but about making her answers relevant, precise, and solution-oriented.
In this blog, we will decode key insights from Divya Mishra’s Ethics answers and explore what made them stand out in the highly competitive Mains evaluation.
Download High Scorer Ethics Toppers Copies
Key Insights from Divya Mishra’s Ethics Answer-Writing Approach
1. Lucid and Well Organised Answers
The foremost quality that stands out in her writing is highly organised, clarity of thoughts in the answers. The answers maintain a logical flow, with arguments presented in a clear and organised way. This gives clear structure to the answers making it sensible and easy to understand.
Learning : This approach appreciates the role of logical organisation in making answers effective in ethics.
2. Ability to Link a Thinker’s Idea with Current Affairs
The second quality that is clearly visible in her answers is to relate the abstract ideas with current issues. It demonstrates her theoretical clarity and awareness.
Learning: For us, since many questions in ethics papers revolve around the thinkers ideas, linking the concepts directly with current context is a key.
3. Contextual Introductions
Some questions in ethics require contextual background to understand. Quite often students tend to overlook the context. However, Divya has given good attention to the context and has tried to explain them clearly in the introduction.
Learning: For aspirants, it is advisable to bring the context at the start for impressive introductions.
4. In quote based question: emphasis on the theoretical meaning and its link with current context
In quote-based questions, the theoretical meaning of the quotes are well explained along with its relevance. These dimensions of the quote makes her answers comprehensive and demonstrates her ability to analyse quotes strongly from an ethical perspective.
Learning: Accordingly students can relate the quote with its current relevance to demonstrate its significance.
5. Proper Use of Examples
Another highlight of her answer writing style is smart use of examples to put one’s point across effortlessly. However, she has taken care that examples are to the point and relevant to the argument explained.
Learning: For aspirants, this shows the utility of using examples for making answers easy to comprehend and comprehensive.
6. Contextual Introduction in Case Study with Strong focus on Reasoning
In the case study answers, she has written a clear introduction explaining the context of the case study. This way the answer clarifies the ethical understanding of the case right at the start and sets a solid foundation for further analysis.
Learning: This method of writing case studies can be quite useful. Introduction gives a framework that helps guide our answer and makes our reasoning more transparent and clear.
Watch: Insights from Toppers’ Copies on Ethics Answer Writing
Take Your Ethics Preparation to the Next Level
Divya Mishra’s answer-writing strategy in Ethics highlights the importance of clarity, ethical reasoning, and structured presentation. The Ethics paper is not just about memorizing theories—it is about demonstrating a deep understanding of moral and ethical principles in governance and public administration.
Mastering GS Paper 4 requires dedicated practice, a strong conceptual foundation, and expert feedback. VisionIAS provides tailored programs that help aspirants refine their Ethics preparation with structured guidance:
1. All India Ethics Test Series & Mentoring Program
Experience a well-researched test series designed to fine-tune your Ethics answer writing. Get detailed feedback and personalized mentoring to refine your responses and develop a strong ethical reasoning framework.
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2. Case Study Classes
Master case studies with structured frameworks, real-life applications, and examiner-focused writing strategies. Learn how to approach ethical dilemmas with clarity and confidence.
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3. GS Mains Advanced Course
Gain in-depth understanding of the GS syllabus with focused lectures, intensive answer-writing practice, and strategic mentoring. Develop a multidimensional perspective to ace GS Paper.
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Success in Ethics is not about writing lengthy answers—it’s about writing answers that are crisp, relevant, and logically sound. With the right approach and structured practice, you can turn Ethics into your scoring advantage.
Read Blog: UPSC Mains 2024 GS Paper-IV (Ethics): A Comprehensive Analysis with VisionIAS – Key Trends, Insights, and Preparation Strategies