Decision Making & Problem-Solving Ability – Ethical decision-making scenarios

Assam Public Service Commission (APSC)

Combined Competitive Examination (CCE)

Preliminary Examination – General Studies Paper II (Objective Type, 200 Marks)

Topic: Decision Making & Problem-Solving Ability

Sub-Topic: Ethical Decision-Making Scenarios

Directions (Q1–Q30):

Each question presents an ethical dilemma faced by a public servant. Choose the most ethical, fair, and administratively appropriate option.

MCQ 1

You are an officer responsible for issuing licenses. A relative applies and meets all criteria. What should you do?
A. Reject the application
B. Delay the process
C. Process it strictly as per rules
D. Transfer the file

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical decision-making requires impartiality and adherence to rules, irrespective of personal relationships.

MCQ 2

A contractor offers you a gift after project approval. What is the most ethical response?
A. Accept politely
B. Accept and disclose later
C. Refuse and explain code of conduct
D. Accept for future cooperation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Accepting gifts compromises integrity and objectivity.

MCQ 3

You discover corruption in your department involving seniors. What should you do?
A. Ignore it
B. Join them
C. Report through appropriate channels
D. Leak to media

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical governance demands accountability and lawful reporting.

MCQ 4

A public policy benefits most people but harms a small vulnerable group. What is the best course?
A. Ignore minority concerns
B. Cancel policy
C. Modify policy to protect vulnerable groups
D. Delay implementation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethics in administration emphasizes justice and inclusiveness.

MCQ 5

You are pressured by a politician to favor a particular case. What should guide your action?
A. Political influence
B. Personal safety
C. Rule of law and fairness
D. Public popularity

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical decision-making is rooted in rule of law and neutrality.

MCQ 6

A subordinate commits a mistake unintentionally. What is the most ethical response?
A. Public reprimand
B. Ignore the mistake
C. Private correction and guidance
D. Severe punishment

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical leadership promotes learning and dignity.

MCQ 7

You have confidential data that could benefit your friend financially. What should you do?
A. Share it privately
B. Use it for mutual benefit
C. Maintain confidentiality
D. Leak anonymously

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Misuse of confidential information violates trust and ethics.

MCQ 8

A welfare scheme application lacks minor documentation, but the applicant is genuinely needy. What should you do?
A. Reject outright
B. Approve ignoring rules
C. Help applicant complete documentation
D. Delay indefinitely

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical administration balances compassion with procedure.

MCQ 9

You made an administrative error that caused public inconvenience. What is the ethical step?
A. Hide the mistake
B. Blame subordinates
C. Accept responsibility and rectify
D. Ignore complaints

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Accountability is a core ethical value.

MCQ 10

A colleague spreads misinformation unintentionally. What should you do?
A. Publicly criticize
B. Ignore
C. Correct politely with facts
D. Report immediately

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical conduct includes respectful correction and clarity.

MCQ 11

You are offered a bribe to speed up a legal process. What is the correct response?
A. Accept discreetly
B. Delay work
C. Refuse and report
D. Accept and share

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Bribery undermines public trust and legality.

MCQ 12

An ethical decision may delay a project but ensure transparency. What should you prioritize?
A. Speed
B. Transparency and ethics
C. Personal convenience
D. Political pressure

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ethical governance prioritizes process over haste.

MCQ 13

You are asked to manipulate data to show better performance. What should you do?
A. Manipulate slightly
B. Refuse and report pressure
C. Agree silently
D. Delay submission

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Data integrity is fundamental to ethical administration.

MCQ 14

A junior officer reports wrongdoing by a senior. How should you respond?
A. Dismiss the complaint
B. Discourage reporting
C. Ensure fair inquiry and protection
D. Leak information

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical systems protect whistleblowers and due process.

MCQ 15

You must choose between strict rule application and humanitarian concern. What is ideal?
A. Rules only
B. Emotion only
C. Balanced, rule-based compassion
D. Avoid decision

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical decision-making seeks balanced justice.

MCQ 16

A protest disrupts essential services. What is the ethical priority?
A. Immediate force
B. Ignore protest
C. Dialogue while ensuring public safety
D. Arrest all

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethics require order with democratic sensitivity.

MCQ 17

You face conflict of interest in a decision. What should you do?
A. Decide anyway
B. Hide conflict
C. Declare conflict and recuse if needed
D. Seek personal gain

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Transparency avoids bias and ethical compromise.

MCQ 18

A policy decision may be legally correct but ethically questionable. What should guide you?
A. Law only
B. Ethics and constitutional values
C. Popular opinion
D. Convenience

Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ethical governance aligns law with moral values.

MCQ 19

A citizen is rude but has a genuine grievance. What is ethical conduct?
A. Ignore complaint
B. Respond rudely
C. Address grievance professionally
D. Delay service

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Public servants must remain courteous and fair.

MCQ 20

A disaster relief fund is insufficient for all victims. What is the ethical approach?
A. Favor influential people
B. Random distribution
C. Prioritize most vulnerable
D. Delay allocation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethics demand equity and need-based allocation.

MCQ 21

A colleague requests falsification of attendance records. What should you do?
A. Agree as a favor
B. Ignore request
C. Refuse and warn about consequences
D. Report immediately without dialogue

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical conduct involves refusal with responsibility.

MCQ 22

You are under pressure to meet unrealistic targets. What is ethical?
A. Manipulate data
B. Overwork staff unfairly
C. Communicate constraints honestly
D. Ignore targets

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical leadership values honesty and human dignity.

MCQ 23

An honest mistake by a subordinate caused loss. What is ethical leadership?
A. Severe punishment
B. Ignore loss
C. Corrective action and learning
D. Public humiliation

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethics promote learning over fear.

MCQ 24

You must allocate limited funds between two critical projects. What should guide you?
A. Political pressure
B. Personal interest
C. Public interest and impact
D. Senior’s preference

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical decisions focus on maximum public good.

MCQ 25

A contractor offers future employment for favorable decisions now. What is ethical?
A. Consider offer later
B. Accept secretly
C. Reject and report
D. Ignore silently

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: This is a clear conflict of interest and corruption.

MCQ 26

A policy loophole allows legal but unfair benefit to few. What should you do?
A. Exploit loophole
B. Ignore
C. Recommend policy correction
D. Delay action

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical governance seeks fairness beyond legality.

MCQ 27

You must disclose an error that may invite criticism. What is ethical?
A. Conceal error
B. Blame others
C. Disclose and correct
D. Ignore feedback

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Transparency strengthens institutional trust.

MCQ 28

A whistleblower approaches you confidentially. What should you do?
A. Ignore
B. Expose identity
C. Protect identity and verify facts
D. Leak information

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical systems protect whistleblowers.

MCQ 29

You are transferred frequently for honest work. What should guide your conduct?
A. Compromise integrity
B. Quit service
C. Continue ethical conduct
D. Seek favors

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Ethical commitment requires moral courage.

MCQ 30

The core of ethical decision-making in public service is:
A. Power
B. Obedience
C. Integrity and public interest
D. Personal success

Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Public service ethics rest on integrity, fairness, and public welfare.

✅ APSC Exam Relevance

These MCQs assess ethical reasoning, integrity, accountability, empathy, and administrative values, fully aligned with APSC CCE GS Paper II expectations.

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