---
title: "Terminal and Instrumental Values (Rokeach) — Definition"
description: "Terminal values are life goals; instrumental values are the conduct to reach them. Rokeach's 18+18 taxonomy underpins UPSC GS-IV ethics and the RVS survey."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/terminal-and-instrumental-values"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Terminal and instrumental values are Milton Rokeach's two-class taxonomy distinguishing desired end-states of existence from the modes of conduct used to attain them.
- What is the difference between a terminal and an instrumental value?
- How are the two value types measured in the Rokeach Value Survey?
- How does Rokeach's framework relate to Schwartz's theory of basic human values?
- Why is this distinction relevant to UPSC ethics preparation?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Terminal and instrumental values are Milton Rokeach's two-class taxonomy distinguishing desired end-states of existence from the modes of conduct used to attain them.

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In the 2013 UPSC Civil Services Examination, the newly introduced General Studies Paper IV on ethics drew on Milton Rokeach's terminal and instrumental value distinction as a framework for analysing the guiding values expected of public servants.

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