- Case studies“Case Studies on above issues.” 65 questions
- Ethics in public administration“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.” 21 questions
- Probity in 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, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.” 14 questions
- Ethics & human interface“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.” 11 questions
- Moral thinkers & philosophers“Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.” 10 questions
- Foundational values for civil service“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.” 8 questions
- Attitude“Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.” 4 questions
- Emotional intelligence“Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.” 3 questions
Source of the syllabus text: UPSC Exam Notice No. 05/2026-CSP (Civil Services Examination, 2026), Section III, pp. 32–36 (PDF ↗).