Marks

• 2025: 132/250
• 2023: 118/250

Sources

• DK Balaji IAS Ethics Book – Foundation and base notes.
• Peeyush Sir’s Ethics Improvement Program – Value addition, ethical frameworks and enrichment.
• Neha Bhosle Ma’am’s test copies – Understanding answer presentation.
• ForumIAS MGP Booklets – Keywords, examples and answer enrichment.
• IPS Ankita Mishra Ma’am’s PYQ Series (ConvertIAS) – PYQ analysis and answer approaches.

Key Recommendations :

1. Make a list of keywords out of GS IV syllabus and incorporate them directly in your answers

2. “No example = No point” : I followed a simple rule: Every important point must be backed by an example.

3. Use of diagrams, value pyramids, stakeholder mapping for better presentation
   
4. I used to maintain important terms on A4 sheet (Sins of Gandhiji/Ethical conscience/Morality etc) and used to revise them before writing every mock. 

5. Previous-year questions are not only for answer writing. Extract from them: Quotations, Case study approaches, examples etc

   (For example, if asked a Q on integrity :  “Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” )
6. Fluidity in examples :Don’t restrict one example to one value. (E.g. E. Sreedharan can demonstrate leadership, integrity, accountability and many more)
7. Practical/Real-life solutions over idealistic solutions(E.g. Development vs tribal rights → balance through the Tribal Panchsheel approach)
8. Writing mock tests in 3 hour time-frame to build muscle memory
9. In Case Studies :
   • Introduction with contemporary examples, SC judgements or value
   • Justification for course of action >> merits and demerits for each option, hence I used to utilise space accordingly.
   • Backing up of course of action using ethical frameworks like constitutional articles, philosophical schools, SC judgements, rule of law to provide more legitimacy and depth to answers.