8 October: emotional intelligence
Thursday 8 October 2026
GS Paper 4 · 150 words · 10 marks
What are the main components of emotional intelligence (EI)? Can they be learned? Discuss.
(UPSC Mains 2020, GS Paper 4, Q2(b))
Set a timer for 7 minutes. Write your answer before you read anything below.
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How to approach this question
What the question asks.
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Main components | The five in Goleman's model, each with a one-line meaning |
| Can they be learned? | Your answer, with evidence and a limit |
| Discuss | Both sides of the second part, then your view |
A shape that works in 150 words.
- Define EI in one line and name who defined it.
- List the five components. Give each a short example from public service.
- Say whether they can be learned. Give one piece of evidence.
- Add the limit: people start from different points.
- End on what the civil service should do about it.
What to avoid.
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| A long definition and no components | One line of definition, then the list |
| Components with no meaning given | A few words on each |
| "Yes, EI can be learned" with no reason | Name a programme or a practice that trains it |
| Ending on "EI is very important for civil servants" | Say how it should be trained |
A model answer
Emotional intelligence is the ability to notice, understand and manage emotions, your own and other people's. Peter Salovey and John Mayer defined it in 1990. Daniel Goleman made it widely known in 1995.
Five components (Goleman)
- Self-awareness: knowing your moods and their triggers.
- Self-regulation: pausing before acting on anger or fear.
- Motivation: working towards a goal for its own sake.
- Empathy: seeing the fear behind an angry protester's words.
- Social skill: handling conflict and building trust.
Can they be learned?
Largely, yes. Self-awareness grows with honest feedback. Delhi's Happiness Curriculum, started in 2018, teaches school children mindfulness and emotional skills. Mission Karmayogi, launched in 2020, trains civil servants in behavioural competencies as well as domain skills.
The limit
Temperament differs between people. Training moves each person forward from where they start.
Conclusion
The civil service should train EI throughout a career, using feedback from colleagues and citizens.
Word count: 147.
Why this answer works. It answers both parts, in order. Each component has a meaning and most have an example. The claim that EI can be learned is backed by two named programmes, and the limit is stated.
Where it could be stronger. One example of EI used by a named officer in a real situation would make the second part more convincing.