UPSC Mains 2025 GS1 Q9 — Civil Services
The ethos of civil service in India stand for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness - Elucidate. (Answer in 150 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- Elucidate
- Scope keywords
- ethos of civil service in Indiaprofessionalismnationalistic consciousness
- Implicit sub-parts
- Definition of 'ethos' in the context of the Indian Civil Service post-independence.
- Specific manifestations of 'professionalism' such as neutrality, competence, and adherence to rules.
- Specific manifestations of 'nationalistic consciousness' such as commitment to constitutional values, national integrity, and public service.
- The intersection/synthesis: How professionalism without nationalism is soulless, and nationalism without professionalism is inefficient.
- Common pitfalls
- Writing a generic essay on the history of the ICS from British times without focusing on the specific 'ethos' requested.
- Confusing 'nationalistic consciousness' with political partisanship or narrow jingoism instead of constitutional patriotism.
- Failing to provide modern examples like Mission Karmayogi or the role of District Collectors in national integration.
- Treating professionalism and nationalism as mutually exclusive or contradictory concepts.
- Dimensions required
- Constitutional frameworkEthical/Moral philosophyAdministrative efficiencySociopolitical integration
- Marks allocation hint
Devote 30 words to defining the dual-identity of the Indian civil servant. Allocate 50 words to the 'Professionalism' pillar (efficiency and rules) and 50 words to the 'Nationalistic' pillar (serving the underprivileged and national unity). Use the remaining 20 words for a concluding synthesis on how this combination drives 'Suraaj' or good governance.
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