UPSC Mains GS Ethics Paper IV 2025 Analysis: Download the Question Paper PDF

The UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 began on August 22, with General Studies Paper III held on August 24 (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) across exam centres nationwide.  The UPSC Mains General Studies Paper IV (Ethics) 2025 tested aspirants on moral values, integrity, and real-life decision-making through thought-provoking case studies. 

In this blog, we bring you the detailed analysis, difficulty level, case study review, and model answers, along with the question paper PDF. This will not only help 2025 candidates cross-check their performance but also give 2026/27 aspirants a clear roadmap for mastering Ethics. Let’s get started!

The UPSC Mains Ethics Paper 2025 question paper is now available for download. You can get the PDF of the paper from the link below. If you’re preparing for upcoming attempts, make sure to practice with this paper.

The General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) is designed to test the candidates’ ethical competence, moral integrity, decision-making, and application of ethics in governance and personal conduct. Here are the key details of the exam pattern:

• Total Marks: 250
• Duration: 3 Hours
• Nature of Questions: Descriptive/analytical

Question Types:

• Section A – Theory-based questions on ethics, integrity, and human values.
• Section B – Case studies testing ethical reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Weightage:

• Section A (Theory) – ~120–130 marks
• Section B (Case Studies) – ~120–130 marks

The Ethics Paper (GS Paper IV) 2025 can be rated as Moderate to Difficult. This year’s paper tested aspirants on static ethical principles and their ability to connect them with contemporary governance challenges.

• Section A (Theory): Slightly tougher than previous years, with questions rooted in current issues such as social media ethics, constitutional morality, environmental clearances, geo-politics, and economic leakages.
• Section B (Case Studies): More complex than usual, requiring nuanced reasoning to balance ethical values with governance challenges and real-world decision-making.

Overall, the paper demanded clarity of thought, strong ethical grounding, and practical judgment.

Also cover: UPSC Essay Paper 2025 Analysis: Download the PDF

The Ethics paper was structured to test both conceptual understanding and practical application. 

Section A – Theory

• Overall: A balanced mix of easy and analytical questions.
• Easy & Direct: Q1a, Q4b, Q6a
• Analytical & Demanding: Q2a, Q2b, Q5a

Section B – Case Studies

• Overall: More challenging than Section A.
• Complex Cases: Q8, Q9, Q12
• Implementation: Required balanced reasoning, legal awareness, and application of ethical frameworks in governance contexts.

For deeper insights, don’t miss our video analysis of UPSC 2025 GS Paper IV:

The UPSC Mains 2025 Ethics Paper (GS IV) was moderate to difficult, with a clear shift from abstract theory to real-world governance challenges. Compared to previous years:

• Earlier papers leaned more on philosophical and theoretical reflection.
• 2025 placed greater weight on practical dilemmas in governance, ethics in administration, and security-related issues.

Also cover: UPSC Mains GS Paper III 2025 Analysis and Question Paper PDF

The 2025 Ethics paper highlights important preparation strategies for future aspirants. Here are the key takeaways:

• Integrate Current Affairs with Ethics: Apply ethical concepts to issues like social media, environment, governance, and constitutional morality.
• Strengthen Core Concepts: Revise thinkers, moral philosophies, and administrative values for tackling conceptual questions.
• Practice Case Studies Regularly: Frame balanced, practical, and value-driven solutions that show fairness, integrity, and accountability.
• Develop Answer-Writing Skills: Use structured formats (introduction–analysis–ethical options–conclusion) for clarity.
• Focus on Real-World Application: Ethics is no longer abstract; it directly connects with governance, public administration, and decision-making in crises.

For 2026 & 2027 aspirants, the lesson is clear: build strong ethical foundations, link them with current issues, and practice case study writing consistently.

Also read: UPSC Mains GS Paper I 2025 Analysis and Key Insights

SuperKalam is the only platform where you get daily updated UPSC Mains questions, detailed model answers, and instant evaluation—all in one place.

Why SuperKalam for Ethics (GS Paper IV)?

• Daily Questions with Model Answers: Get access to exam-style questions right after the paper, with expert-written solutions.
• 60-Second Answer Evaluation: Upload your answer, receive instant AI-powered feedback, and know where you stand.
• Smart Diagrams & Presentation Tips: Learn how to present ethics answers with clarity, flowcharts, and value-loaded conclusions.

For 2026 & 2027 Aspirants: Practice like the exam is tomorrow, and refine your answer-writing every day.

Start Practising Now: SuperKalam Mains PYQs

"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do." – Potter Stewart

The Ethics paper in UPSC is about how you think, decide, and act as a future civil servant. With steady practice, clear concepts, and real-life application, this can become one of your strongest scoring papers. 

For 2026 and 2027 aspirants, start early, write regularly, and stay consistent—your preparation today will shape your success tomorrow.

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