The APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus focuses on ethics, integrity, and aptitude areas that test a candidate’s moral compass, decision-making skills, and attitude towards public service. Unlike other papers that emphasize factual knowledge, the syllabus of APSC Mains GS-IV evaluates how well you can apply values and principles to real-life situations, especially through case studies. In this article, we will discuss the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus, the importance of ethics, and a preparation strategy to score high in the upcoming APSC CCE Mains.
APSC Mains Examination Overview
The Mains examination consists of six papers – one Essay, four General Studies papers, and one Assam-specific paper. Each carries 250 marks, making the written total 1500 marks. After this, candidates face a 180-mark interview, bringing the total to 1680 marks.
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV (Ethics) | 250 |
| Paper-VI | General Studies-V (Assam Specific) | 250 |
| Total (Written) | 1500 | |
| Interview | Personality Test | 180 |
| Grand Total | 1680 |
APSC Mains – GS Paper V (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) Syllabus
As per the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus, this paper will test a candidate’s attitude and approach towards integrity, honesty in public life, and problem-solving in different situations. Case studies may be used to assess these qualities. The main areas of APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus covered are:
| Topic Area | Details |
| Ethics and Human Interface | Essence, determinants, and consequences of ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. |
| Human Values | Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers, and administrators; the role of family, society, and educational institutions in inculcating values. |
| Attitude | Content, structure, function, influence, and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. |
| Aptitude & Foundational Values | Values for Civil Service: integrity, impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards weaker sections. |
| Emotional Intelligence | Concepts, utilities, and applications in administration and governance. |
| Moral Thinkers & Philosophers | Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world. |
| Public/Civil Service Values & Ethics in Administration | Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations, and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening ethical and moral values; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. |
| Probity in Governance | Concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; information sharing and transparency in government; Right to Information; codes of ethics and conduct; citizens’ charters; work culture; quality of service delivery; utilization of public funds; challenges of corruption. |
| Case Studies | Application of the above topics in real-life scenarios through case studies. |
Decode this APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus and prepare accordingly.
Why APSC Mains PYQs Are a Game-Changer for Your Preparation
PYQs can completely change the way you prepare for any exam. In the same way, APSC Ethics Previous Year Questions (PYQs) can have a significant impact on your preparation. By solving ethics PYQs, you can improve your efficiency in solving ethical dilemmas, values, and case studies. In addition, you get to know which topic carries more weight in the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus, whether it’s emotional intelligence, probity in governance, or the role of moral thinkers. It will help you to prioritize your preparation. More than anything, they reduce uncertainty, boost your confidence, and make your Ethics preparation sharper, practical, and exam-ready.
Download the APSC Mains PYQ from the link below.
- Download APSC Mains PYQ 2020 – Click here
- Download APSC Mains PYQ 2022 – Click here
- Download APSC Mains PYQ 2023 – Click here
How to Use Ethics PYQs Effectively
1. Identify Repeated Themes
First and foremost, understand the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus, then, you can go through at least the last 3 years of Ethics PYQs. It is available on apsc website. You can also download it from this blog. You’ll notice repeated themes like probity in governance, attitude & values for civil service, ethical dilemmas in administration, and case studies on corruption or service delivery. Mark these areas as high priority in your notes.
2. Integrate PYQs with Syllabus
Map each PYQ directly to a topic in the syllabus (e.g., a question on RTI → Probity in Governance, or one on empathy in public service → Foundational Values). This creates a direct syllabus–question linkage, ensuring you don’t study Ethics in isolation.
3. Practice Structured Answers
Ethics answers need clarity and balance. Practice writing in a 3-part format:
- Introduction: Define the concept or ethical term.
- Body: Apply theory (moral thinkers, values, case laws) + examples.
- Conclusion: Give a practical solution or way forward.
For example, if the PYQ is on corruption, you can start with “Corruption is both a moral and governance challenge…” → discuss causes, reforms, and values like integrity → conclude with transparency measures.
4. Work on Case Studies Separately
Go through the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus meticulously. Most Ethics PYQs have case studies. Dedicate separate practice sessions to them. While answering, clearly outline:
- Ethical dilemma (conflict of values)
- Options available
- Pros and cons of each option
- Your final decision (with reasoning, based on constitutional values or civil service ethics).
5. Use Real-Life Examples
Link your answers with current affairs and Assam-specific contexts like transparency in the Orunodoi scheme, ethical issues in disaster relief during Assam floods, or RTI in public service delivery. Additionally, when it comes to thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, you can also align the philosophies of Mahapurush Shankardeva and Madhavdeva. This adds originality and shows awareness.
Preparation Strategy for APSC Mains GS Paper-IV
1. Ethics and Human Interface
As per the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus, start your ethics paper preparation by understanding the essence of ethics, its determinants, and its role in private and public life. Use simple definitions and examples from day-to-day life to show clarity. For instance, explain honesty through small acts like returning lost money or transparency through RTI.
2. Human Values
Have a solid knowledge of the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus so that you can grasp the core of the teachings of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Vivekananda, B.R. Ambedkar, and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. So, understand their values- truth, equality, and service. Furthermore, connect them with the administration. Try to relate human values to family, society, and education; for example, how teamwork at home shapes empathy in governance.
3. Attitude and Aptitude
The APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus requires you to understand how attitudes influence behavior and decision-making. Link a positive attitude with public service delivery. Prepare notes on foundational values for civil services such as integrity, impartiality, objectivity, and empathy. Use real-life examples: a civil servant showing impartiality in land distribution or empathy during flood relief in Assam.
4. Emotional Intelligence (EI)
The APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus demands to know the basics of EI—self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Relate it to crisis situations like disaster management or conflict resolution. For example, how a district collector uses EI to handle protests with calmness instead of force.
5. Moral Thinkers and Philosophers
As you can see from the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus, you have to study contributions of Indian thinkers like Buddha, Gandhi, Vivekananda, and global philosophers like Plato, Kant, and John Stuart Mill. Use their ideas in answers; for instance, apply Gandhi’s principle of non-violence in handling extremism or Mill’s utilitarianism in policy decisions.
6. Public/Civil Service Values
According to the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus, prepare on topics like integrity, accountability, and ethical dilemmas in governance. Focus on practical issues such as corruption, favoritism, or misuse of power. Practice writing solutions that balance law, ethics, and compassion. Read case studies of honest officers like E. Sreedharan (Metro Man) or Armstrong Pame (IAS officer in Manipur).
7. Probity in Governance
Probity in Governance is a significant topic in the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus. Hence, read, revise, and repeat. Revise concepts like transparency, citizen charters, work culture, RTI, and codes of ethics. Link them with the examples of Assam—for instance, the Orunodoi scheme implementation with transparency or RTI cases that exposed corruption.
8. Case Studies
Don’t take case studies for granted. Case studies are scoring. Hence, practice them regularly by identifying dilemmas, listing options, weighing pros and cons, and concluding with ethical yet practical solutions. Use current issues—flood relief, corruption in schemes, or law vs compassion dilemmas to make your answers relevant.
Also read : APSC Mains GS-III Syllabus 2025: Detailed Guide With Preparation Strategy
Conclusion
APSC GS Paper-IV Syllabus tells you that this paper is not just about memorizing concepts, but about showing how you think, decide, and act in real-life situations as a future civil servant.
Many aspirants start preparing without knowing the syllabus. Trust me, it is something you are gonna regret heavily. To know the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus is important, and you have to make a preparation strategy accordingly. The right approach is to combine theoretical understanding with practical examples from daily life, administration, and Assam-specific contexts. Regular practice of case studies, integrating values like integrity, empathy, and accountability, will make your answers stand out. Remember, this paper is a golden opportunity to score high because examiners look for clarity of thought and honesty of approach rather than complex language. Stay consistent, stay ethical in your preparation, and treat this paper as a reflection of the kind of officer you aspire to become.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the Ethics paper so important in APSC Mains?
Because it’s a high-scoring paper if you prepare smartly. Unlike other GS papers, it doesn’t need heavy facts or data—it checks your clarity of thought, values, and decision-making. If you practice case studies and write balanced answers, you can easily push your overall score up.
2. Do I need to study philosophy deeply for this paper?
Not at all. You just need the basic ideas of key thinkers like Gandhi, Buddha, Vivekananda, or Plato—mainly their values and how to apply them in governance. Just go through the APSC Mains GS-IV syllabus once. The examiners don’t want a philosophy lecture; they want practical application of those ideas in real-life administration.
3. How should I approach case studies?
Think like a responsible civil servant. Identify the ethical dilemma, list possible options, weigh pros and cons, and then give a solution that is both practical and ethical. Don’t overcomplicate—show honesty, empathy, and a sense of duty.
4. Do I need to mug up definitions for ethics terms?
No, but you should be able to explain them in your own words. For example, integrity isn’t just a dictionary definition—it’s about “doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.” That kind of natural explanation connects better in answers.
5. What’s the best way to prepare daily for GS-IV?
Spend 20–30 minutes reading a case study or PYQ and writing an answer. Alongside, collect 1–2 real-life examples from news or Assam’s administration (like Orunodoi or flood relief work). Small, regular practice matters more than bulky notes here.