UPSC CSE (Main) 2025 · Optional
Public Administration · Paper I · 2025
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
Imperfect market and political factors limit the application of Public Choice approach. Explain.
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Q1(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
The fine art of decision-making is not making decisions that others can make. Comment.
3. Administrative Behaviour Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Has the media nixed its role in holding the governments accountable and ensuring transparency? Argue.
5. Accountability and Control Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
Is Herbert Simon justified in criticizing some principles of administration as proverbs? Analyse.
2. Administrative Thought Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
Administrative Law has evolved from the need to create a system of Public Administration under law. Elucidate.
6. Administrative Law Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(a) · 20 marks
New Public Management has actually been a transitory state in evolution from traditional Public Administration to what is here called New Public Governance. Examine.
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Q2(b) · 15 marks
Mary Parker Follett pioneered the evolution of socio-psychological approach to the study of organizations. Explain.
2. Administrative Thought Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(c) · 15 marks
Under the New Public Management framework 'Public Private Partnership' challenges the entropy of closed and open models of organization. Analyse.
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Q3(a) · 20 marks
In conflict situations in organizations, leadership migrates to the aggresive and relegates the emotionally matured to the background. Discuss.
3. Administrative Behaviour Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(b) · 15 marks
The foundations of Public Administration, New Public Management and Public Governance rest on 'rule of law'. Discuss.
6. Administrative Law Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(c) · 15 marks
The principles of checks and balances count among the most fundamental constitutional values. Comment.
5. Accountability and Control Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(a) · 20 marks
"Delegated legislation should be clear and should confine to the limits determined by the legislature." In light of the statement explain how misuse of administrative discretion can be checked?
6. Administrative Law Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(b) · 15 marks
Leadership is not only about taking credit for success but also owning up and being accountable for failures. Elucidate.
3. Administrative Behaviour Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(c) · 15 marks
Bureaucracy constitutes the imaginary state and is the spiritualism of the State. Explain.
2. Administrative Thought Write this answer — get it evaluated →
- Section B
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Q5(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
E-advocacy model of e-governance can facilitate democratization of public policy making. Discuss.
11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
Neo-liberal policies have enhanced the scope and opportunities of taxation for the government. Explain.
12. Financial Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Policy analysis process is limited if possible outcomes and alternate potential policies are neglected. Discuss.
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Q5(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
Values and ethics in civil services are shaped by global practices and trends. Explain.
9. Personnel Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
Economic development alone is not a sufficient component for women development and empowerment. Discuss.
8. Development Dynamics Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(a) · 20 marks
F. W. Riggs's 'industria'-interdependent economy is a precursor for some features of post-modern Public Administration. Analyse.
7. Comparative Public Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(b) · 15 marks
The role and responsibility of the State in the development process has been overemphasized and given undue importance. Critically examine.
8. Development Dynamics Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(c) · 15 marks
Affirmative action for equal opportunity is a corner-stone in recruitment to public services. Discuss it in global context.
9. Personnel Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(a) · 20 marks
The objective of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization and of New Public Management was to limit government functions and reduce public expenditure. However both functions and expenditure has increased. Account for the paradox.
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Q7(b) · 15 marks
The basis of comparative study of Public Administration has evolved from institutional approach to the contemporary political economic process approach. Have all these approaches enabled the development of a theory of Comparative Public Administration? Justify your answer.
7. Comparative Public Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(c) · 15 marks
Can competency mapping linked to career development incentivise civil servants commitment to effective service delivery? Elaborate.
9. Personnel Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(a) · 20 marks
The effectiveness of civil society in development process is only when state institutions are receptive to inputs from the civil society organizations. Discuss.
5. Accountability and Control Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(b) · 15 marks
Evaluate the role and scope of tacit knowledge and personal experience as an important source of knowledge in policy making process.
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Q8(c) · 15 marks
The efficacy of management aid tools depends on the purpose and appropriateness of tools and techniques. Explain with examples.
11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement Write this answer — get it evaluated →