2024 UPSC Mains Ethics | Form & Substance, Explained | K M Pathi

In this video, we dive into a critical ethical concept from the 2024 UPSC Mains Ethics paper: "Form vs. Substance" in public administration.   We will break down the question, "Mindless addiction to form, ignoring the substance of the matter, results in the rendering of injustice. A perceptive civil servant is one who ignores such literalness and carries out true intent," with suitable illustrations, explaining how civil servants should focus on the true intent behind laws rather than getting caught up in rigid formalities.  What we’ll cover:

• The difference between Form (strict adherence to rules) and Substance (focus on purpose and justice).

• How the tension between the two affects decision-making in public administration.

• The characteristics of a perceptive civil servant and why ignoring literalness matters in practice.

By the end of this video, you will have a clearer understanding of how to approach and write a detailed answer.  Watch this to gain a conceptual edge in your Ethics paper preparation!