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UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper, Pattern and Trend Analysis!

PWOnlyIAS May 17, 2024 06:11 1248 0

UPSC mains GS 4 paper is a unique paper which has both theory and case studies. You can find out more about GS 4 paper here!

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper, Pattern and Trend Analysis!

UPSC mains GS 4 paper involves topics such as ethics, integrity, aptitude etc. These topics contain themes that must be inculcated by a civil servant. Hence, UPSC gives utmost importance to UPSC mains GS 4 paper.

The UPSC mains GS 4 paper will contain two parts: theory and case studies. The theoretical part will check a candidate’s understanding of basic ideas of the subject, while case studies will check a candidate’s application of these theories.

The challenge posed by UPSC mains GS 4 paper can be overcome by understanding the demand of the paper and devising strategies based on recent trends.

UPSC Mains Exam Overview

UPSC mains GS 4 paper will involve nine papers that candidates have to attempt. The marks scored in seven of these papers will be considered while preparing the merit list. The two language papers will only be qualifying in nature, and the candidate has to just score the minimum marks. The details of the UPSC mains exam are given below.

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Exam Name UPSC Civil Services (Main) Exam 2024
Eligibility Qualify Prelims
UPSC Mains Exam Date 20th to 28th September 2024
Exam Format Descriptive format
Number of Papers 9
Duration 3 hrs each
Qualifying Papers Paper A (Indian Language)

Paper B (English)

Qualifying Marks: 75 Marks

Papers used for Calculating Merit Essay

General Studies 1

General Studies 2

General Studies 3

General Studies 4

Optional Paper 1

Optional Paper 2

Total Marks 250 X 7 = 1750
Qualifying Marks or Passing Marks Subject to  10%  marks in each of the seven competitive papers
Cutoff marks Varies every year (741 for General in 2023)

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Overview

UPSC mains GS 4 paper is divided into two sections: section A which contains theoretical concepts and section B which contains case studies based on theoretical concepts. The marking pattern in UPSC mains GS 4 paper is different from other GS papers. The details are given in the table below.

Paper Name General Studies paper 4
Total Marks 250
Duration 3 hrs
Number of Questions 19 Questions (including sub-divisions)

(13X10 marks theory and 6X20 marks case studies)

Nature of Paper Considered for Merit List
Passing Marks or Qualifying Marks 10% (25 marks)

Also Read: UPSC Mains GS Syllabus

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Subject-wise Division

The whole UPSC mains GS 4 paper is broadly termed as ethics, integrity and aptitude paper. However, upon closer inspection, we find that these themes are divided into subtopics. The detailed division is given below.

Subject Sub Topic
Ethics Basics
  • Ethics, integrity, probity etc
  • Human values
  • Attitude
  • Aptitude
Moral Thinkers
  • Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers
Emotional Intelligence and Quotient
  • Concepts related to Emotional Intelligence
Public Administration
  • Ethics in public administration
  • Accountability
  • Probity
  • Ethical issues in international relations
Corporate Governance, RTI etc
  • Work culture
  • Quality of service
  • Corporate ethics
Case Studies
  • Based on topics mentioned above

Also Read: UPSC Mains Subject List

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper 2024

UPSC Mains GS 4 paper 2024 will be conducted on 22nd September 2024 from 2 pm to 5 pm across 24 centres in India. The detailed analysis of UPSC Mains GS 4 paper 2024 will be available here after the exam. More information is given below in the table.

Date of Exam 22nd September 2024 (tentative)
Timing 2 pm to 5 pm
Duration  3 hrs

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UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis 2023

UPSC Mains GS 4 paper 2023 was held on 17th September 2023 from 2 pm to 5 pm. The overall difficulty level of the GS 4 paper was between moderate to difficult.

  • Questions asked from the moral thinkers section needed in-depth knowledge for candidates to answer.
  • Statement-based questions were asked on themes such as emotional intelligence, integrity, probity, etc.
  • Definition and analytical questions were asked on the basics of ethics. Candidates were required to produce examples to strengthen their arguments.
  • Questions from corporate governance were straightforward and didn’t require much effort.
  • Case studies asked in the paper were based on a particular theme, such as integrity, professionalism, ethical dilemmas, balance between professional and personal life etc. 
Also Read: UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Detailed Analysis

UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper Analysis Last Five Years

The themes of questions asked in UPSC mains GS 4 paper have not remained constant. UPSC has been shuffling the weightage. The detailed subject-wise division is provided below.

UPSC mains GS 4 paper

Year Download Link
2024 Click Here
2023 Click Here
2022 Click Here
2021 Click Here
2020 Click Here
2019 Click Here

The UPSC Mains GS 4 paper holds paramount importance, focusing on the ethics, integrity, and aptitude essential for civil servants. This paper is divided into theoretical concepts and case studies, it demands a comprehensive understanding and practical application of ethical principles. Candidates must anticipate varied question formats and prepare with recent trends in mind to tackle the challenges posed by this significant examination segment effectively.

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Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers UPSC Test Series 2024

 

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UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper FAQs

Marks between 100-120 is considered a good score in UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper.

Case studies provide candidates with an opportunity to score high marks if approached correctly.

A total of 19 questions are asked in UPSC mains GS 4 paper. Out of these, 13 are theoretical and 6 are case studies.

No. UPSC asks case studies based on some repeated themes such as ethical dilemma but does not repeat the same questions.

The difficulty level of questions in UPSC Mains GS 4 Paper is between moderate to difficult.
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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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