Minimalist IAS
Public Administration

UPSC CSE (Main) 2025 · Optional

Public Administration · Paper II · 2025

28 questions from UPSC's own paper, Indian Administration.

UPSC's question paper: PDF ↗ (UPSC's file, as hosted by civilserviceindia.com)

  1. Section A
  2. Q1(a) · 10 marks · 150 words

    Arthashastra of Kautilya means the science of economics of livelihood of the people. Comment.

    1. Evolution of Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  3. Q1(b) · 10 marks · 150 words

    Trace the reasons for limited effectiveness of the NITI Aayog.

    5. Plans and Priorities Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  4. Q1(c) · 10 marks · 150 words

    Highlight the constitutional provisions and judicial interventions to promote gender equality in India.

    2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  5. Q1(d) · 10 marks · 150 words

    In contemporary times, the District Collector should prioritize teamwork over hierarchical structures. Comment.

    7. District Administration since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  6. Q1(e) · 10 marks · 150 words

    Examine the significance of field organizations in enhancing policy implementation of projects like MGNREGA and Swachh Bharat Mission.

    4. Union Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  7. Q2(a) · 20 marks

    "The colonial legacy is responsible for many administrative problems in independent India as the role of company agents and traders evolved into Magistrates, Governors and Civil Servants." Analyze.

    1. Evolution of Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  8. Q2(b) · 20 marks

    Despite the division of subjects, the Union Government contributes towards subjects in the State and Concurrent Lists. Discuss its pros and cons in the light of fiscal federalism.

    6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  9. Q2(c) · 10 marks

    Divergent political interests and financial constraints hinder the spirit of 'cooperative federalism'. Comment.

    6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  10. Q3(a) · 20 marks

    While the Constitution offers a strong framework for decentralized and accountable governance, the real test lies in how institutions, civil society and citizens uphold constitutional values in practice. Examine.

    2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  11. Q3(b) · 20 marks

    Liberalization of Indian economy has forced public enterprises to enhance their efficiency, but the effects of these reforms have been a topic of debate. Analyze.

    3. Public Sector Undertakings Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  12. Q3(c) · 10 marks

    Centre-State administrative relations are a matter of debate as constitutional provisions created a strong Centre. Discuss.

    6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  13. Q4(a) · 20 marks

    Experience of various States suggests that reorganization of districts was prompted more by politico-populist convenience rather than ease of administration. Discuss.

    7. District Administration since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  14. Q4(b) · 20 marks

    Lack of clear demarcation of roles between the State Secretariat and the Directorate has serious implications for policy making and policy implementation. Do you agree?

    6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  15. Q4(c) · 10 marks

    Decentralized planning in India signifies a shift towards context-sensitive development, but inadequate resources and local politics complicate the realization of social justice goals. Comment.

    5. Plans and Priorities Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  16. Section B
  17. Q5(a) · 10 marks · 150 words

    Low cyber awareness among officials is causing cyber security issues in the administration. Comment.

    14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  18. Q5(b) · 10 marks · 150 words

    The 'guillotine' hastens the budgetary process to meet the timeline. Evaluate the procedure.

    9. Financial Management Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  19. Q5(c) · 10 marks · 150 words

    New localism plays a crucial role in empowering the local actors. Expand.

    12. Urban Local Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  20. Q5(d) · 10 marks · 150 words

    Gram Sabha aims to enlist community participation. Explain.

    11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  21. Q5(e) · 10 marks · 150 words

    Identify the implementation challenges and issues of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM).

    14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  22. Q6(a) · 20 marks

    Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) does not effectively address local level issues. Give your opinion.

    14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  23. Q6(b) · 20 marks

    Do you think 'Aadhaar' initiative has promoted inclusive governance and administrative credibility? Throw light.

    14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  24. Q6(c) · 10 marks

    Smart Policing and Community Policing programmes have been initiated to address socio-technological challenges in law and order. Discuss.

    13. Law and Order Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  25. Q7(a) · 20 marks

    Many elected women representatives in local governments in India, especially from marginalized backgrounds, often struggle to govern effectively. Examine.

    11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  26. Q7(b) · 20 marks

    Budget is the pivot around which the whole financial administration revolves. Discuss the socio-economic and political implications of budget.

    9. Financial Management Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  27. Q7(c) · 10 marks

    Assess the role of Government Process Reengineering (GPR) in promoting good governance.

    8. Civil Services Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  28. Q8(a) · 20 marks

    Metropolitan cities are providing major portions of national wealth, but their governance is fraught with intricate institutional relationships. Explain.

    12. Urban Local Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  29. Q8(b) · 20 marks

    Training and capacity building represent different scope and objectives. Explain the key differences.

    8. Civil Services Write this answer — get it evaluated →

  30. Q8(c) · 10 marks

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as an innovative tool in disaster management. Illustrate with examples.

    14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →

Public Administration optional mentorshipA mentor for Paper I and II: weekly one-to-one, four answers marked every week See the plans →