GS IV Section B has case studies worth 20 marks each (~250 words). Evaluators look for a clear, practical, ethical decision - not a philosophy essay.
The method
- Facts in one line - who you are, what's happening.
- Stakeholders - everyone affected (you, your superiors, citizens, the vulnerable, the organisation).
- Ethical issues / dilemmas - name them precisely: integrity vs loyalty, rule of law vs compassion, public interest vs private interest, transparency vs confidentiality.
- Options - 3-4 realistic courses of action, each with merits and demerits.
- Chosen course of action - specific steps in order (immediate, short term, long term), legal and administrative.
- Justification - the values it upholds (integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy, accountability, rule of law), and how it protects the most vulnerable.
Example
You're a district officer. A flood-relief contractor connected to a local MLA is supplying sub-standard food packets.
- Stakeholders: flood victims, contractor, MLA, your department, media.
- Issues: public welfare and right to food vs political pressure; integrity; accountability.
- Options: ignore; quietly change supplier; stop supply and report; stop supply, arrange emergency alternative, inquire and report.
- Course of action: immediately stop distribution of sub-standard packets and arrange alternative supply (local kitchens, NGOs); test samples; issue notice to the contractor; document everything and report to superiors; blacklisting if proven; keep communication factual.
- Values: integrity, empathy for victims, rule of law, courage of conviction.
What loses marks
- Choosing an option with no steps.
- Ignoring the vulnerable stakeholder.
- Escalating everything upward without acting.
- Moral lectures with no practical action.