General Studies Paper – IV broadly covers : Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. The detailed syllabus of the same is given below.
| S.No | Topic |
| 1 | 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; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values. |
| 2 | Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. |
| 3 | Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections. |
| 4 | Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. |
| 5 | Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world. |
| 6 | Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public 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 of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. |
| 7 | 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, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. |
| 8 | Case Studies on above issues. |