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 (2015)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
(a) Waldo’s ‘The Administrative State’ provides a fundamental challenge to some of the orthodox premises. Explain
(b) Discuss how the Public Choice Theory promotes the concept of ‘Steering’ and undermines the concept of ‘Rowing’ in visualizing efficient and effective administration.
(c) “Delegated Legislation is a necessary evil.” Comment.
(d) Do you agree with the view that the charismatic approach of the mid-1970s is a “new version” of the Classical Trait Theory of Leadership? Give reasons.
(e) “The term policy implementation is, in some respects preferable to the label public administration.” Argue.
2. (a) “Globalisation has transformed the nature and character of State from traditional administrative Welfare State to a Corporate State.” Analyse the changes in the nature of public administration in this context.
(b) “Contemporary Organisational theory seems further afield of Chester Barnard’s Functions of the Executive that of organisational ecology.” Examine the statement in the light of ecological elements in Barnard’s thought.
(c) “PPPs serve too many parties and too many interests … to be focussed.” Identify in the context of the statement, the parties involved in Public-Private Partnerships and their conflicting aims.
3. (a) “Follett’s work was not directed towards the resolution of the conflict of ideas, but towards the resolution of structural conflicts between workers and capitalists.” In the light of the statement critically evaluate Follett’s idea of dynamic administration.
(b) “Information constitutes the life-blood of the functioning of an organisation.” Explain the utility and significance of communication in decision-making.
(c) “Legislative action is not subject to the rules of natural justice.” Explain the exceptions to the rule of natural justice.
4. (a) “Right from the days of the ‘Peoples’ Charter’ to the new concept of ‘Precariat Charter’, the concept of Citizen’s Charter and its scope is constantly evolving.” Comment.
(b) “Weberian model of bureaucracy lacks emotional validity when applied to modern democratic administration.” Comment.
(c) How far do you agree with the view that the growing influence of media comes in the way of agenda-setting by the Government?
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each:
(a) “Comparative Performance Measurement (CPM) bridges everyday work experience with the broader horizons of comparativism.” Explain.
(b) Analyse the relevance of Whitleyism in contemporary employer – employee relationship.
(c) “No significant change can be made in the budgetary process without affecting the political process.” (Wildavsky). Analyse.
(d) “Id the appreciative systems of policy makers, goals are subsidiary to norms and values.” (Vickers). Explain.
(e) Show in what way the Gender and Development approach differs from the Woman and Development approach.
6. (a) “Administrative ethics is a process of independently critiquing decision standards, based on core social values that can be discovered, within reasonable organisational boundaries that can be defined, subject to the personal and professional accountability.” (Denhardt). Explain.
(b) “Lenin’s concept of Socialist management refers to directing the organisational development of Socialist society.” Explain.
(c) “Policy analysis is incomplete without taking into account policy delivery.” Argue.
7. (a) How does Ferrel Heady rationalize the three stages of development in comparative administration?
(b) Distinguish between ‘Codes of Conduct’ and ‘Codes of Ethics’. Justify your answer.
(c) “E-Governance creates a direct relationship between the Citizen and the State.” In this context, explain the changing role of the elected representatives.
8. (a) “The concept of political feasibility in policy alternative is a probabilistic concept and is related to each policy alternative.” In the context of the above statement analyse Dror’s contribution.
(b) “The position-classification attempts to establish a triangular relationship between duties and responsibilities, working duties and responsibilities, working conditions and qualification requirements.” Elucidate.
(c) “MIS, PERT and CPM have accelerated the process of reinventing O & M.” In The context of the above statement, explain the recent developments in managerial techniques.
Public Administration Optional Question Paper-2 (2015)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
(a) “Democracy within bureaucracy is likely to reduce its effectiveness.” Do you agree with this view? Argue your case.
(b) “District Collector’s role in the development process has been overemphasised.” Comment on the statement.
(c) Why has District Planning been marginalised in many States and remained prominent in a few States? Explain.
(d) “Ordinance-making power of the Executive needs to be suitably restrained.” Examine it critically.
(e) “’Minimum government, maximum governance’ is not just a slogan but a philosophy of administration with enormous potentialities.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
2. (a) To what extent has political culture influenced the administrative culture of India? Explain.
(b) Briefly discuss the main recommendations of the Punchhi Commission (2010) on Centre-State relations for transforming Indian Federal System.
(c) As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar observed, “the organs of the Constitution can provide the organs of the State, but the final outcome of the governance process depends on how it has operationalized by the political parties and people”. Elucidate the statement.
3. (a) The objectives, approaches and organisational arrangements for decision-making of the NITI Aayog aim at restoring the federal character of the Indian polity. Explain.
(b) Explain fully how a balance can be struck between autonomy and accountability of India’s public enterprises.
(c) “Decentralised governance must serve as an instrument of realising social change and social justice.” Comment on the statement.
4. (a) Discuss the arguments for and against the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014.
(b) “In very recent time, the role of the State Governor is found to be more of diplomatic than administrative nature.” Comment on the statement with suitable examples.
(c) Comment on the recent changes in the approach and methodology of devolution of responsibilities and transfer of funds from the Union to the States.
SECTION – B
5. Attempt all of the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Critically examine the concept of community policing as a tool for improving public-police relations.
(b) Explain how budget can be used as a political instrument.
(c) “Most Civil Servants in India are competent administrators, but they pay little attention to encourage people’s Comment on the statement.
(d) Do you think that the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), in practice, reflects genuine devolution of powers and resources? Give reasons for your answer.
(e) “Information Communication Technology (ICT) improves the quality of public service delivery, but fails to check bribery.” Comment.
6. (a) “Excellent ideas but poor implementation have charactersed the administrative reforms in India since Independence.” Critically examine the statement giving examples from the Union and State Governments.
(b) Do you agree that there has been a serious governance-deficit in development administration in India? Give reasons for your answer and add your suggestions.
(c) What are the major concerns of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on Civil Service reforms? Indicate the current status of their implementation.
7. (a) How do the Union Government policies on Smart and AMRUT Cities address the problems of management of urban development? Explain.
(b) Discuss the significance and role of the Central Paramilitary Forces in maintaining law and order and countering insurgency as well as terrorism.
(c) Discuss the major highlights of the reforms introduced from time-to-time in Central Civil Services Conduct Rules and add your own comments.
8. (a) “Municipal governance in India is not sufficiently prepared to meet the challenges of frequent natural disasters.” Elucidate the statement and add your suggestions.
(b) Discuss critically the salient features of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding its purposes and jurisdiction.
(c) Argue the case for and against creating Indian Public Enterprises and Industrial Service for boosting the moribund public sector in India.
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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