UPSC 2019 GS-IV · 10 marks · 150 words
‘Non-performance of duty by a public servant is a form of corruption’. Do you agree? Justify your answer.
What “Justify” demands
argue positively for the stated position with evidence, and meet the obvious objection.
The characteristic failure: presenting both sides neutrally when a defence was asked for.
What a top answer must contain
These are the checkable specifics from the marking standard for this question — the actual case, committee, datum or thinker, not an instruction to “give examples”.
- Agree: corruption is misuse of entrusted authority for private gain — inaction to avoid risk, effort or displeasure is such misuse; the citizen bears the cost either way
- Legal footing: PC Act 1988 as amended in 2018 covers abuse of position; wilful dereliction under CCS (Conduct) Rules
- Terminology to use: 'corruption of omission', silent corruption (World Development Report 2004 on absentee teachers and doctors)
- Concrete illustration: files sat on for months, pending sanctions, absentee frontline staff
- Balanced qualifier: distinguish genuine incapacity or resource shortfall from deliberate non-performance
The band thresholds and the pre-scored sample answers behind this standard stay private — they are the calibration your copy is placed against.
Now write it, and find out what you actually scored
Attempt this question — typed or photographed — and it is marked against the standard above in under a minute: six parameter scores, a blunt verdict, and the points you missed. 50 free credits on signup, no card.
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