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 (2023)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). Public administration horizons have been expanding to cater to the complex needs of the citizens in the globalised era. Explain.
b). Efficiency, in the specialised sense, is an organisation’s capacity to offer effective inducements in sufficient quantity to maintain the equilibrium of the system. Analyse.
c). “The process of decisions ……… is largely a technique of narrowing choices.” Explain.
d). “The judiciary is playing a more positive role in policy formulation, not just in limiting government actions, but also in mandating them.” Comment.
e). “Citizen Charter’s focus is on empowering citizens concerning public service delivery.” Analyse.
2. a). Follett firmly advocated for cultivating interdependence and collaboration among individuals as the key to resolving conflicts and establishing more harmonious and all encompassing social structures. Discuss.
b). Minnowbrook III emphasised the importance of empirical research in generating valuable insights for public administration and recognized the need to tailor education in the field to different regional contexts. Examine.
c). “Public- Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been justified in various ways over time that seek to privatise public services for the profit of private entities.” Do you agree?
3. a). “Organization theory is not a single theory with a loosely knit of many approaches to organisational analysis, and it provides different answers to different situations.” Comment.
b). “Intrinsic motivation in comparison to extrinsic motivation leads to enhanced performance and creativity.” Examine.
c). “The backlash against Right to information (RTI) by the State hampered the citizen’s right to know.” Examine and point out the need to amend the RTI Act to provide protection to RTI activists.
4. a). “Reddin model of leadership added third dimension to the existing two basic dimensions leadership identified by Ohio Studies and Blake and Mouton.” Elucidate.
b). “Two-factor theory entails certain factors in workplace resulting in job satisfaction, while others, if absent, lead to dissatisfaction.” Discuss.
c). “Subordinate legislation has its drawbacks; this does not negate the fact that it is also quite beneficial.” Examine.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words each :
a). ” The Constitution of French Republic does not prohibit ministers from being the leader of political party; it is customary that minister should not occupy such a post to ensure impartiality.” Explain.
b). The ultimate goal of using Management Information System (MIS) is to increase values and Productivity in organisations. Explain.
c).”Cost-benefit analysis is of great help to the policy makers in framing policies and providing advice on developing public policy.” Examine.
d). “Monetary Policy and fiscal policy are different; but both are used to regulate economy.” Discuss.
e). “Instead of conflicting, the employer-employee relationship should be one of mutual reliance.” Explain.
6. a). ” The studies in Comparative Public Administration (CPA) got momentum in 1980’s and 1990’s with a new objective and orientation than its previous counterparts.” Critically examine.
b). “In explaining the ‘development’, Weidner made a distinction between change in the output and change in the system itself; and warned that what is growth from one point of view may decline from another.” Comment.
c). “Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is based on programme efficiency rather than budget history.” In the light of this, examine the advantages of ZBB over traditional budgets.
7. a). “Public policy-making is an effort to apply the methods of political analysis to policy areas but has concerns with processes inside the bureaucracy and stakeholders.” Discuss.
b). “In career advancement, civil servants are necessitated to political superiors and hence the phenomenon poses the challenges to civil service neutrality.” Comment.
c). “Information Communication Technology (ICT) can harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to execute the policies more intelligently creating an efficient and effective Government.” Examine and identify the challenges.
8. a). “The management of sound public finances used to be the backbone of administrative system; but unfortunately, it has become the prisoner of populist policies.” Critically evaluate.
b). “Women empowerment is essential for sustainable development; hence it should not be reflected only in programmes but promoting concrete actions to ensure the participation across institutions and communities.” Critically examine.
c). “Training is not a short affair, rather it is a step-by-step process of developing skills, habits, knowledge and aptitude.” Elucidate.
Public Administration Optional Question Paper-2 (2023)
SECTION – A
1. Write short answers to the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 marks
a). “Mughal administrative system was centralised despotism”. Comment.
b). “The office of the District Collector admirably survived the changing times from colonialism to the present times”. Comment.
c). “The smooth transaction of business in Ministries and Departments depends on the role played by Cabinet Secretariat”. Discuss.
d). “The Government of India Act, 1935 is the most important source of Indian constitution”. Identify its features.
e). “The Chief Secretary is the chief communication link between the state and central government”. Explain.
2. a). “Kautliya’s Arthashastra is a theoretical work on the state and Statecraft.” Comment.
b). Critics, sometimes, argue that bureaucracy is an impediment to a nation’s development. Analyse.
c). “Indicative Planning, is a middle path of planning and market mechanism to ensure coordination between public and private activities.” Explain.
d). Is it true that the Finance Commission has been lending Financial strength to the local bodies in India? Argue in favour of your response.
e). “Parliamentary democracy in India envisages elected head as the real executive of a State.” Discuss.
3. a). “Indian Prime Minister is more empowered than his British counterpart in the Westminster model of democracy.” Elucidate.
b). Post-amendment period Panchayats have become a platform of competitive politics, but could not emerge as an agency of planning and service delivery. Examine.
c). Former Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra observed: “An efficient judiciary is the hallmark of a great nation.” Comment.
4. a). India has significantly advanced in its development goals, increased efficiency in the public sector and unlocked innovation in private sector by adopting the approach of building Digital Public Infrastructure. Elucidate.
b). “Attempts to prepare unified and holistic plans for the country are complex and full of challenges.” Discuss.
c). “Excessive political interference in development process has become a cause of concern in achieving national goals. Examine.
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words each:
a). The district training component of Induction Training of IAS officers requires to be revisited. Examine.
b). “Mission Antyodaya strives to realise the vision of poverty-free India.” Examine.
c). The dynamics of coalitions vary with the nature of leadership, political parties and contemporary political conditions. Analyse.
d). Computerization of treasuries has revolutionised the accounting and budget planning process, Comment.
e). Do you agree that code of ethics and code of conduct for ministers would help in upholding higher standards of their constitutional and ethical conduct? Explain.
6. a). “Civil Service Reforms along with a transparent transfer policy will go a long way in insulating civil servants from undesired political pulls and pressures.” Discuss.
b). “The withdrawal of AFSPA from Tripura has sent a positive signal across the state and North-Eastern Region.” Do you think that now it is an appropriate time to take a more rational policy decision in this matter.
c). The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is by far the most significant cleanliness campaign by the Government of India. Comment.
7. a). Accountability of the Executive to the Parliament in the domain of financial administration is secured through CAG reports. Discuss.
b). The government response to the Supreme Court’s judgement on Police Reforms has been lackadaisical. The reasons are multiple and multidimensional. Discuss.
c). Disasters can push the world’s poorest deeper into poverty. Do you think that a a comprehensive strategy to deal with such vulnerabilities is required?
8. a). In the context of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommendations, evaluate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a preferred mode of implementing infrastructural projects.
b). In 2011, India ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Evaluate the existing legal framework for fulfilling this commitment.
c). Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission is a cluster-based approach of converging rural development efforts of different departments of the government. Comment.
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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