UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Examination – Previous 13 Years General Studies Paper-4 (2013–2025) | IAS Mains Solved Papers PDF: The UPSC Civil Services Mains General Studies Paper-IV (GS Paper 4) – Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude is the most unique and scoring paper in the entire IAS examination. Carrying 250 marks with a blend of theoretical questions, case studies, and real-life dilemmas, GS Paper 4 has remained the great equalizer since its introduction in 2013.
Toppers consistently score 130–150+ marks in GS 4 by repeatedly practicing UPSC Mains GS Paper 4 previous year solved papers (2013–2025) topic-wise. This in-depth article covers the latest trends up to UPSC Mains 2025, recurring themes, weightage analysis, and the best resources for IAS Mains Ethics solved papers PDF.
The General Studies Paper-IV (GS4) of the UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Examination focuses on Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude—a paper that evaluates not just knowledge, but the moral outlook, decision-making ability, and emotional intelligence of the candidate.
Why GS Paper 4 Previous 13 Years Questions (2013–2025) Are a Must for Every Serious Aspirant?
As the nature of GS-IV is application-based, studying previous year solved papers (2013–2025) becomes one of the most effective ways to understand pattern, expectations, and the art of writing ethical yet practical answers. This Previous 13 Years GS-IV Solved Papers PDF serves as a complete, exam-ready guide for every UPSC aspirant.
- Questions are highly predictable – 60–70% revolve around the same thinkers, emotional intelligence, attitude, and case studies.
- Case studies (100–120 marks every year) follow fixed patterns.
- Direct repetition of concepts: “Probity in Governance”, “Emotional Intelligence applications”, “Role of family in value inculcation”.
- Toppers like Ishita Kishore (AIR 1, 2023) and Aditya Srivastava (AIR 1, 2024) credited GS 4 PYQ practice for their 140+ scores.
The 2025 GS Paper 4 (conducted on 25 August 2025) was moderate, with 6 case studies and heavy emphasis on AI ethics, environmental ethics, and governance-related aptitude.
UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Examination – Previous Years General Studies Paper-4 Solved Papers PDF
| Book Name | UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Examination – Previous 13 Years General Studies Paper-IV (2013–2025) | IAS Mains Solved Papers |
| Medium / Language | English |
| Total Page | 305 |
| Useful For | UPSC CSE Mains 2026 |
| Paper | UPSC CSE Mains GS Paper IV (GS 4) |