The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) mains examination is a crucial step in the civil services recruitment process in India, and one of the optional subjects available to candidates is Public Administration. The previous year’s question papers for Public Administration optional provide valuable insights for aspiring civil servants. These papers serve as a comprehensive resource for candidates to understand the exam pattern, question types, and the depth of knowledge required for success. By studying previous year papers, candidates can gain a better understanding of the specific topics and areas that UPSC frequently tests. This information helps candidates in tailoring their preparation strategy, focusing on high-yield areas, and improving their time management skills during the mains examination.
Furthermore, analyzing previous year papers for Public Administration optional allows candidates to gauge the evolving nature of questions and anticipate potential trends in the examination. It is essential for aspirants to practice answering questions from these papers to enhance their problem-solving and writing skills. Additionally, the past year’s papers also help candidates in self-assessment and identifying their weak areas, enabling them to work on those areas to improve their overall performance in the UPSC mains examination. In conclusion, the UPSC mains Public Administration optional previous year papers are an indispensable resource for candidates seeking to crack the civil services examination, as they offer valuable guidance and a clear roadmap for success in this highly competitive arena.
Question Paper Specific Instructions
- Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
- There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
- Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
- The number of marks carried by a question / part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
- Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps and diagrams. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
- Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological order. Unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.
Public Administration Optional Question Paper-1 (2017)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). Even after 130 years of its publication, Woodrow Wilson’s essay “The Study of Administration” continues to have great relevance even today.” Comment
b). “What is distinctive about the Classic al and Human Relations Schools of thought administration is their complementarity to each other “. Analyse
c). “Conflict is the appearance of differences –the difference of opinions and of interest”. (Mary Parker Follet). Comment
d). “Leaders do the right things; managers do them rightfully” – (Warren Bennis). Is this distinction by him valid? Explain.
e). “Administrative Law is recognized by its substance rather than its form .” Discuss.
2. a). New Public Management has been branded by certain scholars as ‘Neo-Taylorism’. Is it a justified comparison? What factors led to the decline of NPM as soon after its birth?
b). “Abraham Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ and Frederick Herzberg’s “Two Factor Theory” have commonalities in the analysis of human motivation.” Comment
c). Civil Society supplements and complements the State. However, its capacity and role depend upon the will of the State. Comment
3. a). The Participative Management School of Argyris and Likert advocates democracy within the administrative system. Will this approach be equally useful to developing countries with evolving democracies?
b). “Executive position implies a complex morality and requires a high capacity of responsibility” – (Chester Bernand). Comment.
c). When the media is controlled by vested interests, how can it control the vested interests in the government? How can the media become more responsible and impartial?
4. a). “With every major transformation in the applied world of Public Administration, the study of Public Administration has grown in scope and intensity.” Discuss the relationship between the evolution of the discipline and profession of Public Administration.
b). “Systems Theory” in essence is not a theory, but an approach to the study of administrative phenomena.” Comment.
c). The principle of delegated legislation is, I think right, but I was emphasise that it is well for Parliament to keep a watchful and even zealous eye on it at all stages “- (Herbert Morrison) Analyze.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following:
a). “Budgeting is a political process” – (Aaron Wildavsky)
b). “Development Administration and Administrative Development have a chicken and egg kind of relationship”. -(Riggs). Elaborate
c). “Digitalization provides great impetus to E-governance.” Discuss
d). “360-degree performance appraisal system is a rational idea, but it involves complex and inauthentic procedures”. How can it be made foolproof?
e). “A large public debt forces the adoption of tax and spending policies that result in higher taxes and reduced services.” Analyze.
6. a). “Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization have transformed the nature of development administration.” Discuss.
b). Lateral entry of competent experts into the government will promote freshness and innovation, but it can create problems of accountability.”
c). “There can be no performance auditing without performance budgeting “.
7. a). “The Riggsian models of Fusion –Prismatic-Diffracted Societies and their administrative systems have been inspired by Max Weber’s typology of Traditional Charismatic Legal-Rational Authorities.” Analyze
b). “Bureaucracy has inbuilt limitations to act as the prime catalyst to multi-faceted development in a democratic country”. Analyze this statement with appropriate examples.
c). Can we say that statutory audit and social audit are two sides of the same coin? Or are they separate coins with varying values?
8. a). “Various components of Human Resource Management are inter-related.” Discuss.
b). “Administrative ethics includes the code of conduct of civil servants, but goes beyond it as well.” Discuss.
c). “Off all the processes involved in public policy, implementation is of greatest importance. “Examine the impediments in policy implementation”.
Public Administration Optional Question Paper-2 (2017)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). “Constitutionalism is the foundation of the administrative edifice in India.” Discuss
b). “The status and functioning of the Cabinet Secretariat face a stiff challenge from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).” Argue both in favour and against the contention.
c). “Effectiveness of local self-government institutions is hampered due to the lack of capacity building of the elected representatives.” Elaborate
d). “Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India face tough competition from the private enterprises and Multi-National Corporations (MNCs).” Explain
e). Do you agree that “All India Judicial Service (AIJS) would contribute to timely delivery of justice to the citizens? Argue your case.
2. a). “The market reforms have not infringed the basic structure of the Constitution of India, but have largely compromised the realization of the ideals of social and economic justice.” Comment.
b). “The idea of lateral entry into the Civil Services would energies Indian administration.” What are its possible advantages and limitations?
c). “Pro-Active Governance and Timely implementation (PRAGATI) is an innovative project of the Union Government.” Discuss its features and modalities.
3. a). “The position of council of ministers in a state is reduced to that of a body of a secretaries in the presence of a domineering of chief minister.” Critically analyse with examples.
b). “Indianisation of Public Services is a slow but steady process.” Explain.
c). ”Digitalization of land records is a necessary but not sufficient precondition for ensuring transparent district administration.” Explain.
4. a). “Bureaucracy has to make a balance the need for environmental sustainability and developmental imperatives.” Discuss.
b). “The chief secretary is often termed as the alter ego of the Chief Minister.” Discuss, with examples, the dynamics of their relationship in State administration.
c). ’District Planning Committee (DPC) has been the weakest structure in the local self-government mechanism in India.” Analyze with examples.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following:
a). “The institution of Gram Sabha has very little connection with the Gandhian spirit of direct democracy.” Critically examine.
b). “There is a need for greater inclusion of technocrats in bureaucracy to ensure effective governance in India.” Do you agree” Elucidate.
c). “Civil servants should avoid airing grievances in the media.” In the context, discuss the grievance redressal mechanisms available to the Civil Servants in India.
d). Do you think that the Public Service Guarantee Act passed by various State Governments is an extension to the Citizen Charter? Give reasons.
e). “The office of the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) is expected to strengthen public financial management in India.“ Discuss its mandate.
6. a). “The Prime Ministers awards for Excellence in Public Administration encourage good governance initiatives.” Discuss some such initiatives by the Civil Servants in this context.
b). “Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to a paradigm shift in the Centre-State relations, both financially and politically.” Analyze with examples.
c). “The Right to Information (RTI) has started its journey but is far from its destination.” Comment.
7. a). “Disaster preparedness and management has become an important component of district administration in India.” Discuss with suitable illustrations.
b). In view of the contemporary internal scenario should “law and order” be made a part of the Concurrent List of the Constitution of India? Justify your opinion.
c). “The image of Indian Police can be improved if its structure and orientations are transformed radically.” Do you agree? Elaborate.
8. a). Discuss, with sustainable examples, the emerging challenges faced by the Regulatory Commission as to the arbitrary agents between the State and the market forces.
b). “The ‘policy of non-action’ regarding the institutional mechanisms and legal provisions to eradicate corruption is a feature of Indian Administration.” Critically examine.
c). “The Second Administrative Reform Commission (ARC) makes a strong case for the principle of subsidiary.” Elaborate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of studying UPSC mains Public Administration optional previous year papers?
Answer: Studying previous year papers helps candidates understand the exam pattern, question types, and important topics. It provides insight into what UPSC typically asks in the Public Administration optional paper and aids in effective preparation.
Q: Where can I access UPSC mains Public Administration optional previous year papers?
Answer: UPSC’s official website often provides access to previous year question papers. Additionally, there are various online platforms, coaching institutes, and books that compile and provide these papers for aspirants.
Q: How can I effectively use previous year papers for Public Administration optional preparation?
Answer: Candidates can use previous year papers for practice and self-assessment. Start by solving questions to test your knowledge and writing skills. Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and work on improving them. Additionally, use them for time management practice and to get a feel for the actual exam.
Q: Are there any noticeable trends or changes in the UPSC mains Public Administration optional papers over the years?
Answer: Yes, there have been changes and trends in the types of questions and topics covered in the Public Administration optional papers. Analyzing previous year papers can help candidates identify these trends and adapt their preparation accordingly.
Q: Can studying previous year papers alone guarantee success in the UPSC mains Public Administration optional paper?
Answer: While studying previous year papers is crucial for preparation, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy. Candidates should also focus on building a strong understanding of the subject, practice answer writing, and keep up with current affairs related to Public Administration to increase their chances of success in the exam.
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