Q.1 Which of the following best defines 'integrity' in public administration?
Following orders blindly
Adhering to moral and ethical principles
Achieving results at any cost
Maintaining personal interest above public interest
Explanation - Integrity in public administration means consistently following moral and ethical standards, ensuring honesty and fairness in decision-making.
Correct answer is: Adhering to moral and ethical principles
Q.2 What does 'probity in governance' primarily emphasize?
Efficiency in administration
Honesty, transparency, and accountability
Political loyalty
Economic growth
Explanation - Probity in governance ensures that public officials act with integrity, maintain transparency, and are accountable for their actions.
Correct answer is: Honesty, transparency, and accountability
Q.3 Which of the following is a major consequence of lack of integrity in governance?
Enhanced public trust
Corruption and inefficiency
Faster decision-making
Better citizen engagement
Explanation - A lack of integrity undermines governance, leading to corruption, misuse of resources, and inefficiency in public administration.
Correct answer is: Corruption and inefficiency
Q.4 Conflict of interest in governance occurs when:
Officials prioritize public interest over personal interest
Officials' personal interests interfere with official duties
Officials follow ethical guidelines strictly
Officials delegate tasks effectively
Explanation - A conflict of interest arises when a public official’s personal or financial interests compromise impartial decision-making.
Correct answer is: Officials' personal interests interfere with official duties
Q.5 Which of the following is an example of unethical behavior in public service?
Disclosing confidential information for personal gain
Ensuring transparency in projects
Following rules and procedures
Reporting misconduct
Explanation - Unethical behavior includes actions like misusing official information for private benefit, which violates trust and integrity.
Correct answer is: Disclosing confidential information for personal gain
Q.6 Whistleblowing in governance is intended to:
Support corruption
Expose wrongdoing or unethical practices
Undermine colleagues
Increase bureaucracy
Explanation - Whistleblowing is reporting unethical or illegal activities within organizations to ensure accountability and integrity.
Correct answer is: Expose wrongdoing or unethical practices
Q.7 Which act strengthens integrity and accountability among public officials in India?
Right to Information Act
Indian Penal Code
Companies Act
Trade Unions Act
Explanation - The Right to Information Act promotes transparency in governance, making officials accountable for their actions.
Correct answer is: Right to Information Act
Q.8 Nepotism in public service is considered unethical because it:
Encourages fair recruitment
Prioritizes family over merit
Strengthens institutional capacity
Reduces corruption
Explanation - Nepotism undermines meritocracy, leading to unfair appointments and reduced public trust.
Correct answer is: Prioritizes family over merit
Q.9 Transparency in governance primarily ensures that:
Decision-making is secretive
Public officials act without accountability
Government actions are open and accessible
Policies are arbitrary
Explanation - Transparency allows citizens to monitor government actions, reducing corruption and promoting trust.
Correct answer is: Government actions are open and accessible
Q.10 Moral courage in public administration means:
Avoiding tough decisions
Standing up for ethical principles despite risks
Following peer pressure
Maximizing personal gain
Explanation - Moral courage is the ability to uphold ethical standards even when facing personal or professional risks.
Correct answer is: Standing up for ethical principles despite risks
Q.11 Which of the following is NOT a component of integrity in governance?
Honesty
Accountability
Transparency
Partisan loyalty
Explanation - Integrity requires impartiality; loyalty to political parties over public interest compromises ethical governance.
Correct answer is: Partisan loyalty
Q.12 A public official taking gifts from a contractor may lead to:
Improved project efficiency
Conflict of interest and corruption
Better decision-making
Strengthened public trust
Explanation - Accepting gifts can influence decisions, compromising impartiality and promoting unethical behavior.
Correct answer is: Conflict of interest and corruption
Q.13 Which of the following is an example of promoting probity in governance?
Ignoring complaints of misconduct
Implementing transparent procurement processes
Engaging in favoritism
Withholding public information
Explanation - Transparent procurement ensures fairness, reduces corruption, and strengthens public trust.
Correct answer is: Implementing transparent procurement processes
Q.14 Ethical dilemma in public administration occurs when:
There is a clear right or wrong choice
Personal and professional values conflict
Officials follow rules strictly
All actions are legal
Explanation - Ethical dilemmas arise when officials face situations where moral obligations conflict with rules, policies, or personal interests.
Correct answer is: Personal and professional values conflict
Q.15 Which of the following best describes accountability in governance?
Avoiding responsibility for actions
Being responsible for actions and decisions to the public
Delegating all responsibilities
Focusing solely on personal gain
Explanation - Accountability ensures that officials answer for their actions and are liable for any misconduct or errors.
Correct answer is: Being responsible for actions and decisions to the public
Q.16 Public trust in governance increases when officials:
Hide information from citizens
Act transparently and ethically
Engage in favoritism
Prioritize personal interest
Explanation - Transparency and ethical conduct build confidence in governance, fostering citizen trust.
Correct answer is: Act transparently and ethically
Q.17 Which of the following is a key tool to enforce probity among public officials?
Internal codes of conduct
Ignoring complaints
Partisan appointments
Private lobbying
Explanation - Codes of conduct provide clear ethical standards and guidance for public officials to maintain integrity.
Correct answer is: Internal codes of conduct
Q.18 Which of the following undermines integrity in governance?
Merit-based recruitment
Corruption and favoritism
Transparency in processes
Whistleblower protection
Explanation - Corruption and favoritism compromise fairness and ethical standards, eroding integrity.
Correct answer is: Corruption and favoritism
Q.19 Why is ethical leadership important in governance?
It ensures short-term gains
It sets a moral example and strengthens institutional trust
It prioritizes political interests
It eliminates need for rules
Explanation - Ethical leaders influence culture, encourage integrity among officials, and build citizen confidence.
Correct answer is: It sets a moral example and strengthens institutional trust
Q.20 Which of the following actions reflects ethical decision-making?
Choosing options that serve personal gain
Considering public welfare and fairness
Ignoring laws to achieve efficiency
Following peer pressure blindly
Explanation - Ethical decision-making prioritizes public interest, fairness, and adherence to moral and legal standards.
Correct answer is: Considering public welfare and fairness
Q.21 How does corruption affect governance?
It enhances transparency
It weakens public institutions and erodes trust
It improves service delivery
It increases citizen participation
Explanation - Corruption diverts resources, undermines efficiency, and reduces citizens' confidence in governance.
Correct answer is: It weakens public institutions and erodes trust
Q.22 Which of the following is essential for promoting integrity in civil services?
Political influence in recruitment
Training and sensitization in ethics
Ignoring public grievances
Focusing solely on personal career
Explanation - Ethics training equips public servants to handle dilemmas, make moral decisions, and uphold integrity.
Correct answer is: Training and sensitization in ethics
Q.23 Which institution in India primarily monitors corruption in public services?
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Election Commission of India
National Green Tribunal
Explanation - CBI investigates corruption and misconduct in public services, promoting probity in governance.
Correct answer is: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Q.24 Which of the following is a preventive measure against corruption in governance?
Opaque procedures
Strong audit and monitoring systems
Favoritism in appointments
Bribery acceptance
Explanation - Regular audits and monitoring reduce opportunities for corruption and enhance accountability.
Correct answer is: Strong audit and monitoring systems