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 (2016)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
(a) “Taylorism is considered very controversial despite its popularity.” (Stephen P. Waring) Comment.
(b) “Public Administration is the translation of politics into reality that citizens see everyday.” (Donald F. Kettl and James W. Fesler) Explain.
(c) “Morale can drive an organization forward or can lead to employees’ discontent, poor job performance and absenteeism.” Examine.
(d) “The autonomy of Public Corporations raised a great debate about their internal working and external relation with the Ministers and the Parliament.” Discuss.
(e) “In spite of certain advantages, Social Audit arrangements have mostly been ineffective because there is no legal provision for punitive action.” Comment.
2. (a) “Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y describe two contrasting models of workforce motivation by managers in an organization.” Examine.
(b) “The New Public Administration has seriously jolted the traditional concepts and outlook of the discipline and enriched the subject by imparting wider perspective by linking it closely to the society.” (Felix A. Nigro and Lloyd G. Nigro) Elucidate.
(c) “The central concern of Administrative Law has been the legal limitation of ad-ministrative discretion.” Give reasons.
3. (a) “If the Regulatory Commissions … are wholly independent, they are completely irresponsible for the doing of very administrative work …. On the other hand, to rob the commissions of their independence is seriously to menace the impartial performance of their judicial work.” (Cushman) Examine.
(b) “Good governance is ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law, strengthening democracy, promoting transparency and capacity in Public Administration.” (Kofi Annan) In the light of the statement, critically examine the criteria of good governance as provided by United Nations and Nayef Al-Rodhan.
(c) “The legislative control over administration is not as effective as it ought to be.” Comment.
4. (a) “Blake and Mouton defined leadership styles based on two dimensions – concern for people and concern for production. In the light of the statement, discuss the Managerial Grid Model. Explain with reason which one of the styles is the best.”
(b) “Bureau-Shaping Model has been developed as a response to the Budget-Maximizing Model.” Comment.
(c) “Civil society performs a key role in defending people against the State and market and in asserting the democratic will to influence the State.” Analyze the statement with suitable examples.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150 words each: –
(a) “Training is considered as paid holidays.” Comment.
(b) “Public borrowings produces different effects on the economy”. Examine
(c) “Self-Help Groups are considered as one of the most significant tools to adopt participatory approach for economic empowerment of women.” Comment.
(d) “Riggs observed that three ‘trends’ could be discerned in the comparative study of Public Administration.” Discuss.
(e) “In Public Policy Making, ‘Rationalism’ is the opposite of ‘Incrementalism’.” Examine.
6. (a) “Fred Riggs continuously changed his theory in order to create the perfect model.” Comment.
(b) “The idea of development stands like a ruin in the intellectual landscape” and “it is time to dismantle this mental structure”. (Wolfgang Sachs) In the light of the statement, critically examine the anti-development thesis.
(c) “Information Technology brings efficiency and transparency to Public Administration.” Examine the statement with suitable examples.
7. (a) “Fiscal policy and monetary policy are the two tools used by the State to achieve its macroeconomic objectives.” Examine the statement and point out the differences between the tools.
(b) “A central reason for utilization of Performance Appraisal is performance improvement of the employees.” In the light of the statement, analyze the needs of Performance Appraisal in an Organization.
(c) “The problem is to achieve the right balance between a competitive market economy and an effective State: markets where possible; the State where necessary.” Justify your answer.
8. (a) “The key to understanding performance-based budgeting lies beneath the word ‘result’.” In the light of the statement, examine the elements of performance-based budgeting.
(b) “Disciplinary action may be informal and formal.” Explain and point out the provisions made in the Constitution or Statute to check the misuse of power to take disciplinary action.
(c) “The term ‘work study’ may be used in narrower and wider senses.” Elucidate.
Public Administration Optional Question Paper-2 (2016)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
(a) “The Regulating Act of 1773 not only introduced values in administration but also laid the foundation of centralized administration in India.” Explain.
(b) Do you think that some of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution remain only on paper even today? Critically evaluate.
(c) Examine the efficacy of the measures taken to redefine and execute cooperative federalism in India.
(d) Evaluate the performance and efficacy of the Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna type of Public Sector Undertakings in the context of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG).
(e) “The growing prominence of NGOs in development areas is strongly related to the declining legitimacy of the State.” Explain.
2. (a) “In contemporary times, Kautilya’s Arthashastra is relations than in economic affairs.” Analyse the statement.
(b) “Dominant centralized administration is correlated with decisive and authoritative leadership provided by the Prime Minister’s Office.” Explain with suitable examples since independence.
(c) “A significant legacy of the Mughal rule in India is a well-organized revenue administration at the State and District Levels.” Comment.
3. (a) What factors have led to the expansion of the role of the Ministry of Home Affairs? How can it coordinate its affairs more effectively with the Ministry of Defence?
(b) “Introduction of G>S>T> (Goods and Services Tax) no doubt has economic benefits, but tends to compromise the States’ inherent right to impose taxes.” In this context, comment on the changing nature of Union-State financial relations.
(c) “Planning in India has failed to meet the challenges of economic development and social change.” Discuss the statement in the context of the emergence of NITI Aayog.
4. (a) “The absence of congruence of views on appointments to judiciary between the Supreme Court and the Union Government has had an adverse impact on the above statement, examine the proposal to constitute an All India Judicial Service (AJIS).
(b) “The separation between regulatory and development functions in many States has not only weakened the District Collector but also development administration.” Critically examine the need to relook at this policy.
(c) “Legislatures have become a place for infighting rather than for proper policy making.” Comment in the context of the working of State Governments.
SECTION – B
5. Attempt all of the following questions in about 150 words each: –
(a) “Autonomy granted to higher civil servants tends to increase their creativity and productivity.” Argue the case to make the civil service more accountable as well as innotative.
(b) Justify the budgetary support support to nationalized banks to overcome the Assets (NPA).
(c) “National Green Tribunal is viewed by many critics as a hindrance to economic development” Evaluate the statement and give arguments in support of your answer.
(d) Is training of police in India still a reflection of the colonial mindset? Give reasons for your answer.
(e) “The concept of ‘new localism’ is related to the emerging nature of the relationship between the State Governments and local government bodies.” Explain.
6. (a) “The goals of good governance will remain utopian if local government, responsible for providing all basic services directly to the citizens, are not empowered as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts.” Critically evaluate the status of empowerment of the local bodies.
(b) Explain how the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) provides a framework and direction to the government agencies for all phases of disaster management cycle.
(c) What merits do you foresee in the proposed merger of the Railway Budget with the General Budget?
7. (a) “The Right to Information Act is a path-breaking legislation which signals the march from darkness of secrecy to dawn of transparency.” What hurdles do the citizens face in obtaining information from the government? Explain how the reluctance of the government to part with information under R.T.I. can be addressed.
(b) “The objectives of fiscal devolution to local bodies as mandated by the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts has been derailed by the actual working of the State Finance Commissions.” Comment.
(c) “The initiative of the Income Tax Development on disclosure of black money has had a mixed response.” Give suggestions for tackling this complex problem.
8. (a) Do you agree that the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations do not reflect and correlate the need for civil services reforms and accountability with pay increase?
(b) “In a democratic polity, any conception of ethics and integrity in public life most encompass not only politicians and civil servants but also citizens.” Discuss.
(c) “Police reforms in India have remained a contentious issue”. Critically analyse.
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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