UPSC CSE (Main) 2026 · Optional
Public Administration · Paper II · 2026
28 questions from UPSC's own paper, Indian Administration.
Transcribed from UPSC's printed question paper (the paper code is on each page).
- Section A
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Q1(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
Learnings from Arthasastra could make governance effective even today. Explore the potential.
1. Evolution of Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
The reforms in public sector enterprises is not only enduring but also evolving. Explain.
3. Public Sector Undertakings Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
The present model of strategic planning has roots in indicative planning. Comment.
5. Plans and Priorities Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
Linkages between the district administration and local self governments have not evolved to the desired extent. Evaluate.
7. District Administration since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q1(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
Constitutionalism in India paves the way for rule of law and social justice. Elaborate.
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(a) · 20 marks
An important characteristic of the British Civil Service was its open refusal to be influenced by commercial and industrial interests of India in the name of neutrality. Explain.
1. Evolution of Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(b) · 20 marks
The political culture in India shapes bureaucratic behaviour, professional integrity and civil service conduct. Explain with suitable examples.
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q2(c) · 10 marks
Under the Indian Constitution fundamental rights are usually enforced only vertically, whereas Vishaka case represents the horizontal application. Comment.
2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(a) · 20 marks
Planning Commission planned for economic development and social justice, but NITI Aayog has been structured to realise growth potential across the sectors. Discuss.
5. Plans and Priorities Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(b) · 20 marks
Government of India has done Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Boards. Discuss the rationale in the light of Disinvestment Policy of the government.
3. Public Sector Undertakings Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q3(c) · 10 marks
Competitive federalism in India while intended to have healthy competition among states has shown tendencies towards parochialism. Comment.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(a) · 20 marks
Doctrine of Pith and Substance, and the Doctrine of severability in the legislative relations between the Indian Union and states are supplementary in nature but distinct in application. Discuss.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(b) · 20 marks
District administration in India is characterised by the dichotomy between law and order maintenance and development management, even though both functions are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Explain.
7. District Administration since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q4(c) · 10 marks
Trace the reasons for growing incidences of disagreements between the Governors and state governments.
6. State Government and Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
- Section B
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Q5(a) · 10 marks · 150 words
Lateral Entry in Government of India has not moved in the intended direction. Explain the reasons.
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Q5(b) · 10 marks · 150 words
Though seldom enacted, Cut Motions remain vital instruments of parliamentary accountability. Comment.
9. Financial Management Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(c) · 10 marks · 150 words
Administrative reforms in India have been a double-edged sword. Comment.
10. Administrative Reforms since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(d) · 10 marks · 150 words
Ease of living index lays the foundation for data driven approach to urban planning. Analyse critically.
12. Urban Local Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q5(e) · 10 marks · 150 words
Ethical and privacy issues limit the emerging use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by police to combat cyber crimes. Comment.
13. Law and Order Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(a) · 20 marks
Civil services is grappling with severe capacity issues and which is a major bottleneck in implementing ambitious programmes across sectors. Mission Karmayogi can only supplement but not solve the entire capacity constraint. Give your opinion.
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Q6(b) · 20 marks
Public debt of states in India has increased significantly in the last one decade. In this context discuss the constraints of the states in planning prudent fiscal management.
9. Financial Management Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q6(c) · 10 marks
Community based Disaster Risk Management is a response to the gaps within the existing Disaster Risk Management strategy. Evaluate.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(a) · 20 marks
Supreme Court of India in Prakash Singh case laid the foundation for effective police reforms in India, but the states have frittered the opportunity. Discuss.
13. Law and Order Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(b) · 20 marks
Disconnect between the rural development institutions and state level agencies have led to each operating in silos at both levels resulting in inefficiencies. Find the reasons.
11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q7(c) · 10 marks
'Zero tolerance against Corruption', commitment of Government of India has multi-pronged approach. Critically analyse.
14. Significant issues in Indian Administration Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(a) · 20 marks
Discuss the major management challenges faced by Indian Mega Cities and explore sustainable, inclusive urban development strategies for balanced future growth.
12. Urban Local Government Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(b) · 20 marks
Lack of political will to support several administrative reforms has led to their inadequate implementation. Critically validate.
10. Administrative Reforms since Independence Write this answer — get it evaluated →
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Q8(c) · 10 marks
Women in panchayats challenge the established patriarchal norms and contest structural inequalities in society. Explain.
11. Rural Development Write this answer — get it evaluated →