IGNOU BPYM-162 Assignment 2026-27New
Ethics: An Introduction
Last updated by IGNOU: 21 Oct 2026. Guide written from the official PDF on 23 Oct 2026, 01:12 am.
| Course code | BPYM-162 |
|---|---|
| Course title | Ethics: An Introduction |
| Programme | BAFPY PhilosophyBAFPY |
| Session | July 2026 and January 2027 |
| Maximum marks | 100 |
| Weightage | 30% |
| Last date (June exam) | 30 Apr 2027 |
| Last date (December exam) | 31 Oct 2027 |
| Medium | English, Hindi |
About the BPYM-162 assignment
The BPYM-162 assignment explores Western and Indian ethical thought, including Kant’s deontology, Aristotle’s virtue ethics, the Purusharthas, moral norms, conscience and relativism. It also covers natural moral law, human dignity and key ethical concepts through shorter responses.
There are five compulsory main questions worth 20 marks each. Questions 1 and 2 offer alternative essay topics and require about 400 words each. Question 3 requires two responses of about 200 words each; Question 4 requires four of about 150 words each; Question 5 requires five short notes of about 100 words each.
What the assignment asks
| Question | Marks | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | 20 | Write either about Kant’s deontological ethics or about the meaning of ethics and its different approaches. |
| Q2 | 20 | Choose between critically examining Aristotle’s virtue ethics and discussing the four Purusharthas and their significance in Indian philosophy. |
| Q3 | 2*10=20 | Select two topics covering the qualifications of moral norms, natural moral law and human dignity, virtue and Socrates’ connection between virtue and knowledge, or moral experience. |
| Q4 | 4*5=20 | Answer four topics from consequentialism and its types, Plato’s cardinal virtues, Karmavada, meta-ethical relativism, antecedent and consequent conscience, and moral relativism compared with absolutism. |
| Q5 | 5*4=20 | Prepare five short notes chosen from the categorical imperative, moral sentiments, Rta, Stoicism, virtue, eudaimonia, intrinsic evil and hedonism. |
This is a summary of each question. Download the official PDF above for the exact questions and word limits.
How to write and submit it
- Attempt all five main questions; each carries equal marks.
- For Questions 1 and 2, choose one alternative in each and write about 400 words per answer.
- In Question 3, select two options and write about 200 words for each.
- In Question 4, answer four options in about 150 words each; six options are listed.
- In Question 5, choose five topics and write about 100 words on each.
- Where a selected question contains multiple parts, address every part.
Submission dates: 30 April 2027 (June term-end exam); 31 October 2027 (December term-end exam). Dates can differ by session.
Frequently asked questions
What are the submission deadlines for the BPYM-162 assignment?
The current listing gives 30 April 2027 for the June term-end exam and 31 October 2027 for the December term-end exam. Dates can differ by session; the PDF heading refers to December 2026 and June 2027 exams.
What are the maximum marks and weightage for BPYM-162?
The assignment carries 100 marks and has a weightage of 30%. Each of its five main questions carries 20 marks.
Do I need to answer all five questions?
Yes, all five main questions are compulsory. Questions 1 and 2 each offer an alternative, while Questions 3, 4 and 5 require selections from their listed options.
What are the word limits for the BPYM-162 assignment?
Write about 400 words each for Questions 1 and 2, 200 words per selected response in Question 3, 150 words per selected response in Question 4, and 100 words per short note in Question 5.
How many options should I attempt in Question 4?
Attempt four options. The instruction refers to four questions, but the PDF actually lists six options, labelled (a) to (f). Each selected response carries 5 marks.
Which mediums are available for the BPYM-162 assignment?
The official listing provides English and Hindi mediums.
Other IGNOU BAFPY assignments
- BPYC-101: Introduction to Philosophy: Perspectives, Issues and Early History
- BPYC-102: Ethics
- BPYC-103: Indian Philosophy: Classical and Contemporary
- BPYC-104: Modern Western Philosophy
- BPYC-105: Logic
- BPYC-106: Social and Political Philosophy
- BPYC-107: Philosophy of Religion
- BPYC-108: Contemporary Western Philosophy
- BPYC-109: Metaphysics
- BPYM-161: Philosophy: An Introduction
Assignment details and PDFs come from IGNOU's official website; the guide is a summary of the official PDF. Always check the latest instructions and last dates on ignou.ac.in or with your Regional Centre before submitting.