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 (2021)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). Governance is about managing self-organizing networks.” Elaborate.
b). Two-dimensional taxonomy was used by Herbert Simon to describe the degree to which decisions are programmed or non-programmed.” Explain.
c). Examine the approach of public service motivation as an inducement to bring the desired level of efficiency in public service delivery.
d). In theory, the ‘civil society organizations’ promote cooperation between people and public service organizations, but in practice, their activities restrict the promotion of government programmes. Analyze.
e). Fayol and Taylor had different management perspectives, while having similar goals of organizational efficiency. Comment.
2. a). Behavioural approach has been questioned on the basis of its utility in the analysis of administrative problems. Discuss the weaknesses of the 20 approach and the shifts made therein.
b). Public administration has been viewed as a socially embedded process of collective relationship, dialogue and action. Examine the statement in light of the consensus achieved in the Third Minnow Brook Conference.
c). Public-private partnership phenomenon has been transformed into a type of governance scheme or mechanism. Discuss its capacity to overcome future challenges.
3. a). Integration of different streams of administrative thought to propound a universal administrative theory is hindered by the impact of culture. Critically examine.
b). Judicial review, prevention of misuse or abuse of administrative power and provision of suitable remedies are the basic principles of administrative law. Justify as how various organs of the State are able to uphold these principles.
c). Regulation is an old but increasingly necessary mode of social coordination and politial intervention into societal processes. Examine it in the context of globalization.
4. a). The new public service model approaches governance on the premises of an active and involved citizenship, wherein the rolc of public officials is to facilitate opportunities for citizens’ engagement in governance. Explain.
b). Neo-Weberian State involves changing the model of operation of administrative structures into a model focused on meeting citizens’ needs. Discuss.
c). Nothing in public administration is more important, interesting or mysterious than leadership. Analyze the statement in the context of strategic leadership.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following:
a). The approach to the study of administration in its environmental context is especially more useful for developing countries. Comment.
b). Gender equality and women’s rights have laid down a strong foundation of development. Elaborate.
c). Performance appraisal needs to be seen beyond the mere suitability of the official for vertical promotion. Explain.
d). It’s widely agreed that the government ought to provide the goods that the market fails to provide or does not provide efficiently. Argue.
e). MIS has evolved and gone far beyond its traditional advantages due to technological advancements. Comment.
6. a). Emphasis on cost control and reducing public expenditure has diverted the focus of government budgets from the basic objectives of reallocation of resources, bringing economic stability and promoting social equity. Examine.
b). In modern context, Riggsian terms have not altogether disappeared, but have emerged in different forms with newer meanings. Discuss.
c). A striking feature of economic development is an apparent symbiotic evolution of strong States and strong market economies. Analyze.
7. a). Policy problems are increasingly tending towards being wicked. Discuss the capacity and preparedness of the State to tackle such problems.
b). Zero-based budgeting was intended to get away from incrementalism, but cca up being the most incremental of any budgetary approach. Discuss.
c). ICT has immense potential to transform governance and empower citizens. Examine.
8. a). The successful attainment of SDGs objectives largely depends upon the wisdom, experience and farsightedness of the actors involved and their willingness to cooperate in the implementation process. Analyze.
b). Groups work to elevate issues on the policy agenda or seek to deny other groups the opportunity to place issues. In this background, discuss the role of interest groups in agenda setting in the developing countries.
c). Civil servants generally tend to exhibit the values and ethical framework of the political executives under whom they function. Explain.
Public Administration Optional Question Paper-2 (2021)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). The Preamble to the Constitution of India provides a foundational framework of ideals and values for the Indian administration. Discuss.
b). Examine the extent to which the ideal of Constitutionalism as ‘government by limited powers has been a functional reality in India.
c). Red-tapism is a major obstacle to the implementation of ‘good governance. Comment.
d). The role and status of the Speaker in the parliamentary system have their foundation in the Speaker’s stance on neutrality. Comment.
e). The Union government develops and practices strategies to administer an increasing number of existing local government services by sidelining local initiatives and discretion. Examine.
2. a). Kautilya envisages protection, welfare and prosperity of the State and its people as the utmost concern of a ruler. In this context, discuss the significance of Kautilya’s emphasis on governing, accountability and justice in contemporary India.
b). District Collector is the most important functionary in district administration in India. In light of the above statement, discuss the multidimensional responsibilities of District Collector in effecting coordinated developmental administration in India.
c). The role of the Governor is of a sagacious counsellor, mediator and arbitrator rather than that of an active politician. In this context, examine the role of the Governor in state politics in India.
3. a). Recruitment is the cornerstone of the whole public personnel structure and it revolves around the problem of attracting the best. Discuss the essential elements of a good recruitment system.
b). Traditionally structured administrative systems have outlived their utility. Discuss as how administrative reforms can revamp, restructure and redesign the existing governmental structure to meet the new challenges faced by the Indian administrative set-up.
c). The government policy of large-scale privatization of the key sectors of economy may affect India’s economic health. Comment.
4. a). As a constitutionally mandated body the Finance Commission stands at the centre of fiscal federalism. Evaluate the role of Finance Commission in ensuring just and equitable resource sharing among the states and the union.
b). Recent market approaches to public services present serious challenges to traditional and state-sponsored public service values. Evaluate the statement in the context of Indian administration.
c). The increasing criminalization of politics is a major threat to the basic fabric of Indian democracy. Comment.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following:
a). No rural development strategy can succeed unless it is complemented by appropriate Panchayati Raj Institutions. Examine the statement.
b). NITI Aayog has been constituted to implement the goal of co-operative federalism. Discuss.
c). Responsibility and accountability are two major goals of Good Governance. Discuss the statement in the context of lndian administration.
d). The Prime Minister’s Office has become a powerful institution in itself by virtue of its role in decision-making on strategic issues of utmost importance. Examine the statement.
e). Well planned and goal-oriented training programmes arc the backbone of the civil service system in India. Examine the statement.
6. a). Budget proposals in the Parliament/ State Legislatures fail to ensure their effective scrutiny. the factors which constrain effective scrutiny of the budget proposals.
b). 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts aimed at making the third tier of government powerful and effective for democratic decentralization. Critically examine the extent to which this goal has been transformed into reality.
c). The National Human Rights Commission is handicapped by its jurisdictional limitations of not being able to investigate the cases of violation of human rights by the armed forces. Discuss.
7. a). Contemporary urbanism advocates the integration of diverse modes of urban planning and management concerns. Discuss the above statement in light of urban development in India.
b). Rural development programmes are designed to facilitate multifaceted growth of rural poor. Evaluate the role of some key rural development programmes in India in this context.
c). Police-public relations in India need to be improved. Suggest measures to strengthen relations between police and public.
8. a). In past two decades India’s public policy on Disaster Management has shifted its focus from rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts to holistic management of disaster. Analyse.
b). The institutional legacy of ‘well-entrenched state’ affected the post-reforms promises in India. Explain the statement in the light of economic reforms in India.
c). Do you agree with the view that the civil service in India is losing its neutral and anonymous character? Argue your case.
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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