The quality of having strong moral principles; complete and confirmed honesty and integrity in conduct.

Latin probitas (goodness, uprightness), from probus (good, honest)

Integrity Rectitude Honesty
Corruption Dishonesty Duplicity
"The Second Administrative Reforms Commission emphasised that probity in public life requires civil servants to declare assets annually, avoid conflicts of interest, and refuse unlawful instructions even from political superiors."

Use extensively in GS4 Ethics answers — it is a direct UPSC keyword. Appears in the GS4 syllabus itself ('Probity in Governance'). Essential for answers on civil service values, the conduct of public servants, and anti-corruption mechanisms.

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