UPSC CSE (Main) 2021 · Optional
Public Administration · Paper I · 2021
28 questions from UPSC's own paper, Administrative Theory.
UPSC's question paper: PDF ↗ (UPSC's file, as hosted by civilserviceindia.com)
- Section A
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Q1(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
"Governance is about managing self-organizing networks." Elaborate.
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Q1(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
"Two-dimensional taxonomy was used by Herbert Simon to describe the degree to which decisions are programmed or non-programmed." Explain.
2. Administrative Thought Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Examine the approach of public service motivation as an inducement to bring the desired level of efficiency in public service delivery.
3. Administrative Behaviour Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
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.
5. Accountability and Control Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
Fayol and Taylor had different management perspectives, while having similar goal of organizational efficiency. Comment.
2. Administrative Thought Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(a) · 20 marks
Behavioural approach has been questioned on the basis of its utility in the analysis of administrative problems. Discuss the weaknesses of the approach and the shifts made therein.
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Q2(b) · 15 marks
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 Minnowbrook Conference.
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Q2(c) · 15 marks
Public-private partnership phenomenon has been transformed into a type of governance scheme or mechanism. Discuss its capacity to overcome future challenges.
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Q3(a) · 20 marks
Integration of different streams of administrative thought to propound a universal administrative theory is hindered by the impact of culture. Critically examine.
7. Comparative Public Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(b) · 15 marks
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.
6. Administrative Law Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(c) · 15 marks
Regulation is an old but increasingly necessary mode of social coordination and political intervention into societal processes. Examine it in the context of globalization.
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Q4(a) · 20 marks
The new public service model approaches governance on the premises of an active and involved citizenship, wherein the role of public officials is to facilitate opportunities for citizens' engagement in governance. Explain.
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Q4(b) · 15 marks
Neo-Weberian State involves changing the model of operation of administrative structures into a model focussed on meeting citizens' needs. Discuss.
2. Administrative Thought Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(c) · 15 marks
Nothing in public administration is more important, interesting or mysterious than leadership. Analyze the statement in the context of strategic leadership.
3. Administrative Behaviour Write this answer — get it evaluated →
- Section B
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Q5(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
The approach to the study of administration in its environmental context is especially more useful for developing countries. Comment.
7. Comparative Public Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
Gender equality and women's rights have laid down a strong foundation of development. Elaborate.
8. Development Dynamics Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Performance appraisal needs to be seen beyond the mere suitability of the official for vertical promotion. Explain.
9. Personnel Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
It is widely agreed that the government ought to provide the goods that market fails to provide or does not provide efficiently. Argue.
8. Development Dynamics Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
MIS has evolved and gone far beyond its traditional advantages due to technological advancements. Comment.
11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(a) · 20 marks
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.
12. Financial Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(b) · 15 marks
In modern context, Riggsian terms have not altogether disappeared, but have emerged in different forms with newer meanings. Discuss.
7. Comparative Public Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(c) · 15 marks
A striking feature of economic development is an apparent symbiotic evolution of strong States and strong market economies. Analyze.
8. Development Dynamics Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(a) · 20 marks
Policy problems are increasingly tending towards being wicked. Discuss the capacity and preparedness of the State to tackle such problems.
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Q7(b) · 15 marks
Zero-based budgeting was intended to get away from incrementalism, but ended up being the most incremental of any budgetary approach. Discuss.
12. Financial Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(c) · 15 marks
ICT has immense potential to transform governance and empower citizens. Examine.
11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(a) · 20 marks
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.
8. Development Dynamics Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(b) · 15 marks
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.
5. Accountability and Control Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(c) · 15 marks
Civil servants generally tend to exhibit the values and ethical framework of the political executives under whom they function. Explain.
9. Personnel Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →