by The UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) was conducted on 24th August 2025 in the second shift from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. This paper tested aspirants on ethical values, integrity, decision-making, and case studies related to public administration. It is considered one of the most scoring papers as it checks clarity of thought and moral reasoning rather than factual memory. The official PDF question paper link is provided in this article for candidates to download and practice.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025
The UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 focuses on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. Unlike other GS papers, it is designed to test the moral and ethical dimensions of decision-making in governance. It carries 250 marks and is descriptive in nature, requiring analytical and practical responses. This paper is considered a scoring paper because it emphasizes clarity of thought, case study analysis, and ethical reasoning rather than factual memorization.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025: Overview
The overview table has been provided below for quick summary of the details of UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPSC Civil Services (Mains) 2025 |
| Paper Name | General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) |
| Syllabus Coverage | Ethics and Human Interface, Attitude, Emotional Intelligence, Moral Thinkers, Public/Civil Service Values, Probity in Governance, Case Studies |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Type of Questions | Descriptive + Case Studies |
| Total Marks | 250 |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Nature | Ranking – contributes to final merit |
| Medium | English / Hindi & other listed languages |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 PDF Link
The UPSC Mains official question paper PDF for GS Paper 4 has been uploaded by UPSC on its website at upsc.gov.in. Aspirants can download it under the “Previous Year Question Papers” section. Having the PDF is important to practice answer writing and case study solutions based on real exam patterns. The link for the same has been shared below in the article.
Download UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 PDF
Steps to Download UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025
The step-by-step detailed process to download the UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 have been shared below. Candidates preapring for the UPSC Exam can go through these steps to download the PDF or by using the link provided above.
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Visit the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in).
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Go to the Examinations tab.
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Select Previous Question Papers.
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Choose Civil Services (Main) Examination.
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Select the year 2025 and click on General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics).
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Download the PDF file for practice and analysis.
Type of Questions Asked in UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025
TheUPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 includes two types of questions:
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Theoretical/Conceptual Questions: Based on definitions, ethical principles, values in public administration, emotional intelligence, and moral philosophy.
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Case Studies: Real-life administrative or ethical dilemmas where candidates must suggest balanced, practical, and ethical solutions.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025: Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 was moderate, and tricky due to the subjective nature of responses. Success depends on writing balanced, ethical, and practical answers rather than memorizing content.Case studies formed a large part of the paper, and aspirants who presented logical frameworks, flowcharts, and real-life examples can score higher.
UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 FAQs
Q1. What is the syllabus of UPSC GS Paper 4?
It includes Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence, Moral Thinkers, Probity in Governance, and Case Studies.
Q2. How many marks is GS Paper 4?
It carries 250 marks and is descriptive in nature.
Q3. When was UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 2025 conducted?
On 24th August 2025, 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
Q4. What type of questions are asked?
Conceptual questions on ethics and case studies requiring practical solutions.
Q5. How to score well in Ethics Paper?
Use real-life examples, case studies, quotes of thinkers, structured answers, and flowcharts to present ethical solutions.
