I.A.S.

SUCCESS PLANNER

MAIN
Topic wise Trend Analysis

 Syllabus
 Topic-wise Previous Years Questions (1987 – 2022)
 Year-wise Previous Years Papers (2013 – 2022)

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2 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers

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 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 3

CONTENTS
A. Syllabus .................................................................................................... 4- 6

B. Topic wise Previous Years’ Questions of Public Administration (Main)

Paper – I (Administrative Theory )

7. Comparative Public Admn. .......... 28

1. Introduction ......................................... 8
8. Development Dynamics ................. 30
2. Administrative Thought ................. 13
9. Personnel Administration .............. 33
3. Administrative Behaviour ............. 18
10. Public Policy ..................................... 36
4. Organizations .................................... 21
11. Techniques of Administrative
5. Accountability & Control .............. 24
Improvement ..................................... 39
6. Administrative Law ........................ 26
12. Financial Administration ............... 42

B. Topic wise Previous Years’ Questions of Public Administration (Main)

Paper – II (Indian Administration)

1. Evolution of Indian 7. District Administraion

Administration .................................. 46 since Independence ......................... 64
2. Philosophical and 8. Civil Services .................................... 67
Constitutional framework 9. Financial Management .................... 71
of government .................................. 49 10. Administrative Refoms
3. Public Sector Undertakings .......... 51 since Independence ......................... 74
4. Union Government and 11. Rural Development ......................... 77
Administration .................................. 54 12. Urban Local Government .............. 81
5. Plans and Priorities ........................ 58 13. Law and Order Administration .. 83
6. State Government and 14. Significant Issues in Indian
Administration .................................. 61 Administration .................................. 86

D. Previous Years’ Question Papers of Public Administration .. 91- 128

4 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers

SYLLABUS Public Administration

(Main)
PAPER – I ( Administrative Theory )

1. Introduction : Meaning, scope and significance of Public Administration; Wilson’s

vision of Public Administration; Evolution of the discipline and its present status; New
Public Administration; Public Choice approach; Challenges of liberalization, Privatisation,
Globalisation; Good Governance: concept and application; New Public Management.

2. Administrative Thought : Scientific Management and Scientific Management

movement; Classical Theory; Weber’s bureaucratic model – its critique and post-
Weberian Developments; Dynamic Administration (Mary Parker Follett); Human Relations
School (Elton Mayo and others); Functions of the Executive (C.I. Barnard); Simon’s
decision-making theory; Participative Management (R. e, C.Argyris, D.McGregor).

3. Administrative Behaviour : Process and techniques of decision-making;

Communication; Morale; Motivation Theories – content, process and contemporary;
Theories of Leadership: Traditional and Modern.

4. Organisations : Theories – systems, contingency; Structure and forms: Ministries

and Departments, Corporations, Companies, Boards and Commissions; Ad hoc and
advisory bodies; Headquarters and Field relationships; Regulatory Authorities; Public
- Private Partnerships.

5. Accountability and control : Concepts of accountability and control; Legislative,

Executive and Judicial control over administration; Citizen and Administration; Role of
media, interest groups, voluntary organizations; Civil society; Citizen’s Charters; Right
to Information; Social audit.

6. Administrative Law : Meaning, scope and significance; Dicey on Administrative law;

Delegated legislation; Administrative Tribunals.

7. Comparative Public Administration : Historical and sociological factors affecting

administrative systems; Administration and politics in different countries; Current
status of Comparative Public Administration; Ecology and administration; Riggsian
models and their critique.

8. Development Dynamics : Concept of development; Changing profile of development

administration; ‘Anti-development thesis’; Bureaucracy and development; Strong
state versus the market debate; Impact of liberalisation on administration in developing
countries; Women and development - the self-help group movement.
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 5

9. Personnel Administration : Importance of human resource development; Recruitment,

training, career advancement, position classification, discipline, performance appraisal,
promotion, pay and service conditions; employer-employee relations, grievance redressal
mechanism; Code of conduct; Administrative ethics.

10. Public Policy : Models of policy-making and their critique; Processes of

conceptualisation, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review and
their limitations; State theories and public policy formulation.

11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement : Organisation and methods, Work

study and work management; e-governance and information technology; Management
aid tools like network analysis, MIS, PERT, CPM.

12. Financial Administration : Monetary and fiscal policies; Public borrowings and public
debt Budgets - types and forms; Budgetary process; Financial accountability; Accounts
and audit.

PAPER - II (Indian Administration)

1. Evolution of Indian Administration : Kautilya’s Arthashastra; Mughal administration;

Legacy of British rule in politics and administration - Indianization of public services,
revenue administration, district administration, local self-government.

2. Philosophical and Constitutional framework of government : Salient features and

value premises; Constitutionalism; Political culture; Bureaucracy and democracy;
Bureaucracy and development.

3. Public Sector Undertakings : Public sector in modern India; Forms of Public Sector
Undertakings; Problems of autonomy, accountability and control; Impact of liberalization
and privatization.

4. Union Government and Administration : Executive, Parliament, Judiciary - structure,

functions, work processes; Recent trends; Intragovernmental relations; Cabinet
Secretariat; Prime Minister’s Office; Central Secretariat; Ministries and Departments;
Boards; Commissions; Attached offices; Field organizations.

5. Plans and Priorities : Machinery of planning; Role, composition and functions of the
Planning Commission and the National Development Council; ‘Indicative’ planning;
Process of plan formulation at Union and State levels; Constitutional Amendments
(1992) and decentralized planning for economic development and social justice.
6 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
6. State Government and Administration : Union-State administrative, legislative and
financial relations; Role of the Finance Commission; Governor; Chief Minister; Council
of Ministers; Chief Secretary; State Secretariat; Directorates.

7. District Administration since Independence : Changing role of the Collector; Union-

state-local relations; Imperatives of development management and law and order
administration; District administration and democratic decentralization.

8. Civil Services : Constitutional position; Structure, recruitment, training and capacity-

building; Good governance initiatives; Code of conduct and discipline; Staff associations;
Political rights; Grievance redressal mechanism; Civil service neutrality; Civil service
activism.

9. Financial Management : Budget as a political instrument; Parliamentary control of

public expenditure; Role of finance ministry in monetary and fiscal area; Accounting
techniques; Audit; Role of Controller General of Accounts and Comptroller and Auditor
General of India.

10. Administrative Reforms since Independence : Major concerns; Important

Committees and Commissions; Reforms in financial management and human resource
development; Problems of implementation.

11. Rural Development : Institutions and agencies since independence; Rural development
programmes: foci and strategies; Decentralization and Panchayati Raj; 73rd
Constitutional amendment.

12. Urban Local Government : Municipal governance: main features, structures, finance
and problem areas; 74th Constitutional Amendment; Global-local debate; New localism;
Development dynamics, politics and administration with special reference to city
management.

13. Law and Order Administration : British legacy; National Police Commission;
Investigative agencies; Role of central and state agencies including paramilitary forces
in maintenance of law and order and countering insurgency and terrorism; Criminalisation
of politics and administration; Police-public relations; Reforms in Police.

14. Significant issues in Indian Administration : Values in public service; Regulatory

Commissions; National Human Rights Commission; Problems of administration in
coalition regimes; Citizen-administration interface; Corruption and administration;
Disaster management.
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 7

Part – A
IAS Main Exam.
Topicwise Questions

Codes given at the

end of the Questions
20 Marks Questions (22/I/1a/10)

Year 2022
Paper - I
Question No. - 1a
Marks - 20

10 Marks Questions (22/II/8b/10)

20 Marks Questions (22/I/8a/20)

Year 2022
Year 2022
Paper - II
Paper - I
Question No. - 8b
Question No. - 3a
Marks - 10
Marks - 20
8 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers

P U BL I C
A DM INISTRATI O N PAPER - I
Topicwise Previous Years’ Questions

1. Introduction
9. “Public and Private Administrations are two
Meaning, scope and species of the same genus, but they also have
significance of Public special values and techniques of their own.”
Administration Comment. (07/I/1a/20)

1. “The strength of Public Administration is in
its exploration of the complexities and
nuances of public policy making and
implementation.” Discuss. (20/I/1a/10)
2. “Public Administration is constantly being
reinvented because it is contextual.”
Elaborate. (19/I/1a/10)
3. "The scope of the discipline of Public
Administration is determined by what an
administrative system does." Does it mean
th at t he sc op e o f th is di sc ipl in e is
boundaryless ? Explain. (18/I/1a/10)
4. "Political and administrative systems have
reciprocal relationship." Discuss. (18/I/3b/15)
5. “Public Administration is the translation of
po li t i c s i n t o r ea l it y t h at c i ti z en s s e e
everyday.” (Donald F. Kettl and James W.
Fesler) Explain. (16/I/1b/10)
6. “ British philosophy of Administration is based
on a unification of science of Administration
with ethics.” Analyze. (14/I/8c/15)
7. How did traditional public administration
"resolve a fundamentally irresolvable problem
– creating an administration strong enough
to be effective but not so strong enough
to endanger accountability" ? (150 words)
(13/I/1a/10)
8. “The study of administration should start from
the base of management rather than the
foundation of law.” Explain. (10/I/1d/20)
10. “If public administration is to play a major
legitimising role in governing our complex society,
it needs to be more fully conceptualised.”
Discuss. (06/I/1a/20)
11. “Though there are certain points of similarity
between public and private administration yet
no private organisation can ever be exactly the
same as a public one.” – Examine.
(02/I/1a/20)
12. ‘“Publicness” of Public Administration in an ideal
democratic government remains the ultimate
value in theory and practice.’ Elucidate.
(01/I/1a/20)
13. “A science of administration would be a body of
formal statements describing invariant
relationships between measurable objects, units,
or elements. Unquestionably, administrative
research has produced definite precepts and
hypotheses that are applicable to concrete
situation.” — (Fritz Morstein Marx) Comment.
(00/I/1b/20)
14. “What do you understand by the term under
administration ? What are the issues involved in
it ?” (99/I/7a/30)
15. “As long as the study of public administration is
not comparative, claim for a ‘science of public
administration’ sounds rather hollow.” Explain.
(98/I/7b/30)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 9
16. “The scope of administration is determined by 27. “Popular belief is that ownership change from
the scope of government functions which is public to private brings about improved
decided politically.” Comment. (98/I/1a/20) performance.” Comment. (89/I/5b/20)
17. “In the science of administration, whether public 28. Management of the flow of work upward &
or private, the basic ‘good’ is efficiency.” downward within human hierarchies and
Comment. (97/I/1a/20) between human hierarchies is the art of
18. How far is it true to state that the administration. (Appleby). Comment.
bureaucratic state began to displace the (89/I/1c/20)
administrative state; when the predominant
29. Do you think that contem porary
function of the government changed from
Administrative Theory supports the ‘art’ of
regulation to operation of business ?
public administration and generally tends to
(96/I/4/60)
place less emphasis on the ‘science’ of public
19. “The scope of Public Administration is ever administration ? (88/I/2/60)
expanding.” Comment. (96/I/1a/20)
20. A theory of public administration means in
our time a theory of politics also. Comment.
Wilson’s vision of Public
(95/I/1a/20) Administration
21. “The postwar formulations of White and 1. “Even after 130 years of its publication,
Pfiffner reflect the new ‘public policy’ Woodrow Wilson’s essay ‘The Study of
orientation—the conception of administration Administration’ continues to have great
as a political process.” Comment. relevance even today.” Comment.
(94/I/1b/20) (17/I/1a/10)
22. How does Public administration differ in the 2. “The field of Public Administration is a field of
developed and developing societies ? How business.” (Woodrow Wilson). (09/I/1a/20)
far can it modernise the traditional political
culture of developing countries ? (93/I/2/60) 3. “Calling Woodrow Wilson, the father of Public
Administration is doing injustice to equally or
23. Waldo speaks of the fears of F.M. Marx that
even more eminent contributions made prior
Public administration has grown so broad,
to him.” Comment. (08/I/1a/20)
and so much is involved at its periphery that
it stands “In danger of disappearing 4. “Administrative questions are not political
completely as a recognizable focus of study.” questions.” Discuss. (05/I/1a/20)
Comment. (93/I/1a/20)
24. ‘The iden tity and scope of Public
Administration both as an academic discipline
Evolution of the discipline
and government in operation, have always and its present status
been matters of continuing debate and
1. “With every major transformation in the
controversy.’ Discuss. (91/I/3a/30)
applied world of Public Administration, the
25. ‘Public Administration consists of all those study of Public Administration has grown
operations having for their purpose the in scope and intensity.” Discuss the
fulfilment or enforcement of Public Policy.’ relationship between the evolution of the
Comment. (91/I/1a/20) dis cipl ine and pr ofe ssio n of Pu blic
Administration. (17/I/4a/20)
26. ‘...... the development, if not survival of civilisation
depends on the science and practice of 2. How would you trace the development of Public
administration.’ Comment. (90/I/1a/20) Administration in terms of different paradigms from
the politics / administration dichotomy of 1900 –
1926 to the rise of Public Administration as Public
10 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Administration after the formation of the National
Association of Schools of Public Affairs and
Administration (NASPAA ) in the USA in 1970 ?
(12/I/2a/30)
3. In the evolution of the discipline of Public
Administration. Minnowbrook Conference I, II
and III reflect the discipline’s reconceptualisation
and its changing values. Elucidate.(11/I/2a/30)
4. From Woodrow Wilson to Herbert Simon most
writers on administration have taken the
achievement of efficiency as the central
objective. Justify the statement with references
to the work of major writers. (09/I/4/60)
5. Give an account of major landmarks in the
growth of the discipline of Public Administration
in the 20th century. What are the possible
trends in its growth in the first decade of 21st
century ? (03/I/2/60)
6. “The advent of the concept of “roll back of the
state” since the nineteen eighties has been
altering the role of Public Administration but
certainly not diminishing its central place in
human society.” Discuss. (03/I/1a/20)
7. Describe the evolution of the discipline of public
administration with special emphasis on post-
1970 developments. (02/I/2/60)
8. “ ..... The paradigms of public administration
may be understood in terms of locus and
focus.” — Golembiewski. In the light of the
above statement describe the “five-paradigms”
of Nicholas Henry about the evolution of the
discipline of public administration. (00/I/2/60)
9. Examine the growth of the discipline of
Public Administration as a response to the
developing capitalistic system in the U.S.A.
(99/I/2/60)
10. “Most of the propositions that make up the
body of administrative theory today share,
unfortunately, this defect of proverbs.”
Comment. (94/I/1a/20)
New Public Administration
1. Public administration has been viewed as a
socially embedded process of collective
relationship, dialogue and action. Examine
the statement in light of the consensus
a c h i e v e d i n t h e T h i r d M i n n o w b ro o k
Conference. (21/I/2b/15)
2. "The Phenomenological Approach advocated
by the New Public Administration has
obstructed the path of theory building in
Public Administration." Comment.
(18/I/2b/15)
3. “The New Public Administration has seriously
jolted the traditional concepts and outlook
of the discipline and enriched the subject
by imparting wider perspective by linking it
closely to the society.” (Felix A. Nigro and
Lloyd G. Nigro) Elucidate. (16/I/2b/15)
4. “New Public Management is dead; long live
digital era of governance.” Comment.
(10/I/2b/20)
5. “New Public Administration is .... a revolution or
radicalism in words, and (at best) status-quo in
skills or technologies.” (09/I/1b/20)
6. Minnowbrook Conference in USA identified
fou r f eatures cruc ial to ‘new public
administration’. Explain. (01/I/1b/20)
7. “The them es developed at 1988
MINNOWBROOK conference (20 years after
the first conference) largely focus on the
current and future visions in the field of public
administration.” Elucidate. (98/I/3b/30)
8. New Public Administrationist are likely to be
forthright advocates for social equity and would
doubtless seek a supporting clientele. Comment.
(95/I/1d/20)
9. Explicate the theoretical premises of ‘New
Public Administration’ and show how far their
concerns were accommodated in Public
Administration. (94/I/2/60)
10. The essence of New Public Administration is
“some sort of movement in the direction of
normative theory, philosophy, social concern &
activism.” (Waldo). Comment. (89/I/1b/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
11. ‘Deductive - nomological and inductive-
probabilistic approaches dominate new public
administration.’ (Marini) Discuss.(87/I/2/60)
4.
Public Choice Approach
1. Discuss how the Public Choice Theory promotes
the concept of ‘Steering’ and undermines the 5.
concept of ‘Rowing’ in visualizing efficient and
effective administration. (15/I/1b/10)
11
State.” Analyse the changes in the nature of
public administration in this context.
(15/I/2a/20)
"In the globalized public administration,
hierarchy creates more ethical problems
than it solves ....." Comment.(150 words)
(13/I/1c/10)
“Public Undertakings have received a raw deal
in the wake of liberalism and privatization.
Comment. (99/I/5b/20)

2. What is administrative elitism ? How does

it evolve in public administration ? Elaborate
your response with reference to historical
examples. (150 words) (13/I/5c/10)
3. ‘On a more sophisticated plane public choice
is concerned with “Pareto optimality”, or at
least with “Pareto improvements”.’ Comment.
(12/I/1a/12)
4. Whereas Downs’ model is largely dependent on
a theory of psychological motivation, Niskanen’s
model is framed by neo-classical thinking.
In the light of the above, discuss the public
choice approach to decision-making.
(11/I/3a/30)
5. “Public Administration today Stands at the
crossroads of public choice theory, pluralism,
corporatism & elitism.” Discuss. (89/I/2/60)
Challenges of liberalization,
Privatisation, Globalisation
1. Regulation is an old but increasingly necessary
mode of social coordination and political
intervention into societal processes. Examine
it in the context of globalization.
(21/I/3c/15)
2. “Globalization has constructed the
administrative state to save and serve
corporate power structure.” Discuss how
transnational corporations impact government
and public administration in the contemporary
era. (19/I/3a/20)
3. “Globalisation has transformed the nature and
character of State from traditional
administrative Welfare State to a Corporate
Good Governance : concept
and application
1. “Governance is about managing self-
organizing networks.” Elaborate.
(21/I/1a/10)
2. “The movement towards governance as an
organizing concept for public administration
and management is because the focus of
administration has been shifting from the
bureaucratic state to the ‘hollow state’ and
‘third-party government’.” Critically examine.
(20/I/2a/20)
3. “Governance is neither a paradigm nor a
panacea for all the ills of government. It
may be a more useful approach when other
methods fail in providing public service.”
Critically evaluate. (19/I/2a/20)
4. With the entry of the concept of ‘good
gov e r na n c e’ t he dis c i pl i n e o f P u b li c
Administration has shed its statist character.
Explain. (19/I/2b/15)
5. “Good governance is ensuring respect for
human rights and the rule of law,
s t r e n g t h e n i n g d e m o c r a c y, p r o m o t i n g
transparency and capacity in Public
Administration.” (Kofi Annan) In the light
of the statement, critically examine the
criteria of good governance as provided by
United Nations and Nayef Al-Rodhan.
(16/I/3b/15)
6. “Governance theory and the notion of
governmentality have many points of
convergence, but they run on parallel lines.”
Comment. (14/I/2a/20)
7. Civil Servants must be social moralists in action,
living up to Paul Appleby’s dictum that
12 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
‘responsible government is ethical government’.
Examine this statement in the light of good
governance. (11/I/7a/30)
8. “Not merely governance but good governance
is the key factor in achieving the United Nations
Millennium Goals (2000).” Explain. (10/I/1a/20)
9. Democracy and good governance are
contradictions in terms. Discuss with examples.
(04/I/2/60)
10. “Elaborate the World Bank’s concept of ‘Good
Governance.” (99/I/7b/30)
New Public Management;
New Public Service
1. New public service celebrates what is
distinctive, important and meaningful about
public service. Discuss. (22/I/3b/15)
2. Public Management takes ‘what’ and ‘why’
from Public Administration and ‘how’ from
Business Management. Elaborate.
(22/I/1a/10)
3. 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.
(21/I/4a/20)
4. New Public Service emphasizes democracy
and citizenship as the basis for public
administration theory and practice. Elucidate.
(20/I/3b/15)
5. “Accountability under New Public Management
has undergone a radical change, although
the focus has continued to remain on
management.” Comment. (20/I/3c/15)
6. Has New Public Management failed in
promoting a democratic polity ? Analyse in
the contexts of individual as a citizen and
individual as a customer. (19/I/2c/15)
7. "New Public S ervice a pproach is an
improvement over its predecessor, New Public
Management." Discuss. (18/I/1c/10)
8. New Public Management has been branded
by certain scholars as ‘Neo-Taylorism’. Is
it a justified comparison ? What factors
have led to the decline of NPM so soon
after its birth ? (17/I/2a/20)
9. “New public management and post new
public management reforms initiatives ever
affected the balance between managerial,
political, administrative, legal, professional
and social accountability.” Analyse.
(14/I/4a/20)
10. "New Public Management may have neither
been the saviour its enthusiasts promised
nor the devil its critics worried it would be."
Discuss. (13/I/2a/25)
11. It is said that “the perspective of public
administration, developed over a century, with
a tradition of management of public institutions
and services has received a jolt from the
novelty of New Public Management”. Bring
out the core values, approaches and
assumptions of traditional public administration
and show how the New Public Management
has attempted to change or retain them, and
to what extent. (09/I/3/60)
12. “In the last two decades, almost all countries
of the world have experienced transformations
in their administrative systems.” Explain this
phenomenon with examples from the developed
and the developing nations in the context of
New Public Management Movement.
(08/I/2/60)
13. “The ‘New Public Management’ (NPM) is an
incarnation of a new model of public sector
management in response of the challenges of
liberalization, international competitiveness and
technological changes.” Explain.
(03/I/1c/20)
Entrepreneurial Government
1. ‘A crisis of credibility ’ in the administrative
system can be overcome only by ‘ reinventing
government ’. Comment. (11/I/1a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. Administrative Thought
Scientific Management and
Scientific Management
movement
1. Fayol and Taylor had different management
perspectives, while having similar goal of
organizational efficiency. Comment.
(21/I/1e/10)
2. “Principles of analysis and principles of action
were not differentiated in Taylor’s scientific
management.” Comment. (20/I/1b/10)
3. “ Taylorism is considered very controversial
despite its popularity.” (Stephen P. Waring)
Comment. (16/I/1a/10)
4. “Taylor’s ideas need modification in the
context of post-industrial economies in
contemporary era.” Justify with reasons.
(14/I/2b/15)
5. In what respects is Taylor’s ‘Scientific
Management’ or classical motivational theory
different from the classical organizational theory
expounded by Gulick, Urwick etc ?
(12/I/2b(i)/15)
6. What light does Antonio Gramsci’s critique of
Taylorism throw on its socio - psychological
underpinnings ? (12/I/2b(ii)/15)
7. “Taylor’s contribution was not a set of general
principles for organising work efficiency, but a set
of operating procedures that could be employed
in each concrete situation to secure their
application.” (09/I/1c/20)
8. “Taylor’s scientific management ignored social
and psychological factors.” Comment.
(07/I/1b/20)
9. “Taylor’s Scientific Management already offered
a ‘humanistic’ theory of motivation, with its
democratic and participatory emphases, that
was hardly improved on by Elton Mayo and
others.” Comment. (94/I/1c/20)
10. ‘Taylor’s Scientific Management had a major
influence on the growing reform and economy
13
movements in Pu blic A dmin istratio n .’
Comment. (92/I/1a/20)
11. ‘Scientific Management is a primitive tool for
industrial polyarchies.’ (Dahl). Explain.
(87/I/3b/30)
Classical Theory
1. Classical Organisation Theory formed the
bedrock for the modern organisation theories.
Analyse. (22/I/1d/10)
2. "The design of the physical structure, the
anatomy of the organization came first,
and was indeed the principal consideration."
"An organisation is a system of inter-
related social behaviours of participants,"
Analyse these statements and evaluate
t h e c o n t r i bu t i o n s o f t h e r e s p e c t i v e
approaches to administration theory.
(13/I/2b/25)
3. Structural theory is, by and large, grounded
i n c l a s si c a l pr i n c i p l e s o f e ff i c i e n c y,
effectiveness and productivity. Explain.
(13/I/4a/25)
4. Explain the ‘Peter Principle’ in respect of
promotion policy in a hierarchical organisation.
(10/I/6a/20)
5. Discuss the main approaches to increase the
ef fici ency of gover nm ent and pu bl ic
administration. (06/I/8/60)
6. Critically examine the Classical Science of
Administration with special reference to its
criticism by Dwight Waldo and Robert Dahl.
(06/I/2/60)
7. “The failure of classical science of administration
lies in its capacity to confront theory with
evidence.” Discuss. (05/I/1d/20)
8. In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise
to his level of incompetence. Comment.
(96/I/1c/20)
9. Although the theory of V.A. Graicunas is
admittedly crude, it is useful as reference
against which variations between organisations
as well as within organisations can be examined.
14 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Comment. (96/I/1b/20)
10. Compare the relative merits of the classical
theory of organisation and the systems
approach. (90/I/2/60)
11. Elucidate whether increasing organizational size
gives rise to dialectical forces having opposite
organization effects. (89/I/4a/30)
12. “Managing means looking ahead, which
makes the process of prevoyance a
central business activity.” (Henry Fayol).
Comment. (88/I/1b/20)
13. Describe the institutional and organisational
consequences of delegation of authority.
(87/I/3a/30)
14. ‘The law of Graicunas about the span of
relationships in an organisation states a partial
truth.’ Comment. (87/I/1a/20)
Weber’s bureaucratic model –
its critique and post-
Weberian Developments
1. Neo - Weberian State involves changing the
model of operation of administr ative
structures into a model focussed on meeting
citizens’ needs. Discuss. (21/I/4b/15)
2. “Bureau pathology denigrates competence
in organizations.” Explain. (19/I/1b/10)
3. "The concepts of rationality and efficiency
are intertwined in the bureaucratic analysis
of Max Weber." Comment. (18/I/1b/10)
4. “Weberian model of bureaucracy lacks
emotional validity when applied to modern
democratic administration.” Comment.
(15/I/4b/15)
5. ‘In the canonization of this abstract idea of
‘Staatsraison’ are inseparably woven the sure
instincts of the bureaucracy for the conditions
which preserve its own power in the State’
[ Weber ]. Explain. (12/I/1b/12)
6. Consider the statements below :
(i) “Technically, the bureaucracy represents the
purest type of legal-rational authority.”;
(ii) “Bureaucracy does not represent the only
type of legal authority.”
Identify the theoretical context and analyse
the above statements. (09/I/2a/30)
7. Weber’s ideas of impersonal detachment and
esprit de corps are incompatible. Explain.
(04/I/3/60)
8. “Bureaucracy can exist only where the whole
service of the state is removed from the
common political life of the people, its chiefs
as well as rank and file. Its motives, its
objectives, its policy, its standards must be
bureaucratic.” — Discuss. (04/I/1a/20)
9. “Weberian model of bureaucracy lacks
empirical validity when applied to modern
democratic administration.” Examine.
(03/I/1b/20)
10. Critically examine the models of Max Weber
and Chester I Barnard with reference to
‘bureaucratic authority’. (01/I/1d/20)
11. “It is not weak but strong bureaucracy that
creates concern in democracy.” Comment.
(99/I/3b/30)
12. “Once fully established, bureaucracy is among
those social structures which are the hardest
to destroy.” Comment. (97/I/1c/20)
13. Bureaucracy is “a system of government the
control of which is so completely in the hands
of officials that their power jeopardizes the
liberties of ordinary citizens.” Comment.
(96/I/1d/20)
14. “The transition to a study of the negatives
aspects of bureaucracy is afforded by the
application of Veblen’s concept of trained
incapacity.” Examine. (93/I/3a/30)
15. ‘Bureaucracy thrives under the cloak of ministerial
responsibility in a parliamentary democracy.’
Comment. (92/I/1d/20)
16. For charisma to be transformed into a
permanent routine structure, it is necessary
that its anti economic character should be
altered. (Weber). Comment. (89/I/1a/20)
17. “Hierarchy of authority and the system of
rules ensure depersonalization and efficiency.”
(Max Weber). Comment. (88/I/1a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 15
4. To what extent has the human relations
Dynamic Administration movement contributed to the knowledge and
( Mary Parker Follett ) practice within the field of personnel
administration ? (06/I/7/60)
1. Mary Parker Follett traced the foundational
value of business and enterprise on her way 5. Explain the contribution of George Elton Mayo
to understand the organism of governmental to the development of the Human Relations
machinery. Comment. (19/I/4b/15) School. How did behavioural scientists modify
his basic findings ? (02/I/3/60)
2. “Conflict is the appearance of differences
– differences of opinions and of interests” 6. Examine the basic postulates of the Human
– (Mary Parker Follett). Comment. Relations Theory and show how far it differs
(17/I/1c/10) from the classical theory of organizations.
3. “Follett’s work was not directed towards the (97/I/2/60)
resolution of the conflict of ideas, but towards
7. “The Hawthorne researches demonstrate the
the resolution of structural conflicts between
need to analyse organisations as living social
workers and capitalists.” In the light of the
structures.” Comment. (93/I/1c/20)
statement critically evaluate Follett’s idea of
dynamic administration. (15/I/3a/20) 8. Evaluate the contributions of George Elton
4. Critically examine conflict resolution according Mayo to Administrative organization. Do you
to M. P. Follett. Explain how McGregor took consider his contributions as great innovations
forward her ideas to the context of complex of modern times ? (92/I/2/60)
organizations. (11/I/2b/30)
9. ‘Mayo was a behavioural scientist long before
5. “Mary Parker Follett was far ahead of her the term became popular.’ Comment.
times.” Discuss. (08/I/1c/20) (90/I/1b/20)
6. “The main problem with Mary Parker Follett’s
10. “From Taylorism to Mayoism the organisation
work is that her idealism is showing”. Explain.
theory has travelled a long road in quest of
(06/I/1c/20)
Organisational Effectiveness.” Comment.
7. In Follett’s view, “authority belongs to the job (89/I/5a/20)
and stays with the job.” Explain.
(05/I/1c/20) 11. “Many problems of Worker-Management co-
operation were the results of the emotionally
Human Relations School based attitudes of the workers rather than
objective difficulties in the situation.” (Elton
( Elton Mayo and others ) Mayo). Comment. (88/I/1c/20)
1. Human relationists postulate that ‘what is
important to a worker and what influences Functions of the Executive
his/her productivity level may not be the
organisational chart but his or her associations (C. I. Barnard )
with other workers’. Is it more relevant
1. Barnard posits the zone of indifference as
today ? (22/I/2c/15)
the human condition that animates authority
2. “Productivity is not the result of working relationships and cooperation in modern
conditions but the result of emotional response organisations. Examine. (22/I/3a/20)
of workers to work performed.” Are Elton
Mayo’s findings relevant in contemporary 2. “Chester Barnard in ‘The Functions of the
organizations ? (20/I/2c/15) Executive’ injected ‘the social’ in the study of
organization. Explain in this context how the
3. “What is distinctive about the Classical executive is expected to play a much greater
and Human Relations schools of role than a manager.” (19/I/1d/10)
administration is their complementarity to
each other.” Analyse. (17/I/1b/10) 3. “Executive positions imply a complex
16 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
morality and require a high capacity of
respon sibil ity” – (Chester Bar na rd).
Comment. (17/I/3b/15)
4. “Contemporary Organisational theory seems
further afield of Chester Barnard’s Functions
of the Executive than of organisational ecology.”
Examine the statement in the light of ecological
elements in Barnard’s thought. (15/I/2b/15)
5. “The Barnard - Simon Theory of Organisation
is essentially a theory of motivation.” Comment.
(09/I/1d/20)
6. “Organisation is a system of consciously
coordinated activities or forces of two or more
persons.” Comment. (05/I/1b/20)
7. ‘The inculcation of belief in the real existence
of a common purpose is an essential executive
function.’ Comment. (01/I/5a/20)
8. ..... “a more thorough consideration leads to
the understanding that communication, authority,
specialisation and purpose are all aspects
compre-hended in coordination.” — (Chester
I. Barnard) Comment. (00/I/1c/20)
9. Why is it that the behavioural approach to the
study of organisations is a continuous
phenomenon ? Discuss Chester Barnard’s
contributions to this approach. (98/I/2/60)
10. Show how Barnard while analysing the multiplicity
of satisfactions, clearly identifies four specific
inducements. (96/I/3a/30)
Simon’s decision - making
theory
1. “Two-dimensional taxonomy was used by
Herbert Simon to describe the degree to
which decisions are programmed or non-
programmed.” Explain. (21/I/1b/10)
2. Administrative man bridges the psychological
man and the rational man. Explain.
(20/I/1e/10)
3. "Herbert Simon's book Administrative Behavior
presents a synthesis of the classical and
behavioural approaches to the study of
Public Administration." Explain. (18/I/1e/10)
4. "Decisions are not made by 'organizations',
but by 'human beings' behaving as members
of organizations." How do Bernard and
Simon conceptualize the relation between
the decisions of the individual employee
and the organizational authority ?
(13/I/3a/20)
5. ‘Three features characterize Simon’s original
view of bounded rationality : search for
alternatives, satisfici ng, and aspiration
adaptation.’ Elucidate. (12/I/3a/20)
6. “Simon’s identifying decision - making as the
core field of public administration appears
logically acceptable but his positivist underpinning
is problematic.” Critically examine the statement.
(10/I/2a/40)
7. “Simon’s work has had major implications for
the study of public administration and the
practice of public administration professionalism.”
Comment. (06/I/1b/20)
8. The ‘decision-making scheme’ and ‘satisfying
model’ of Herbert A Simon is the major
component of administrative theory. Comment.
(01/I/2/60)
9. “Administrative efficiency is enhanced by
keeping at a minimum the number of
organizational levels through which a matter
must pass before it is acted upon.” — (Herbert
A. Simon) Comment. (00/I/1a/20)
10. “The basic question in the relationship between
political and permanent executives is the
separation of facts and values at the operational
level.” Comment. (99/I/1b/20)
11. “The study of decision-making is proceeding in
so many directions that we can lose sight of
the basic administrative processes that Barnard
and Simon were trying to describe and that so
many men have been trying to improve.”
Elucidate. (95/I/4/60)
12. “As March and Simon point out, there seems
to exist a ‘Gresham’s Law’ of decision-making.”
Explain. (94/I/3a/30)
13. “Though somewhat unwittingly, Herbert Simon
and James March have provided, the muscle
and the flesh to the Weberian (bureaucratic)
skeleton.” Comment. (93/I/1b/20)
14. ‘Simon explains that decision-making basically
involves choice between alternative plans of
action and choice in turn, involves facts and
values.’ Comment. (92/I/1c/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
15. Argue for and against the Simonian perspective
that the “decisional science envelopes decisional 8.
structure, decisions and their feedback not in
an integrated manner but anything other than
that.” (89/I/4b/30)
16. Discuss the Simonian concept of ‘satisfying’ as
a bridge between rational and non-rational
perspectives on organizations. (88/I/4a/30)
17. ‘The first stage (in administrative decision- 1.
making) is what I call “Intelligence”, the second
represents “Designin” and the last stage is
“Choice”. Critically examine the Simonian Model
of Rational Decision - Making in administration.
(87/I/4/60)
Participative Management
( R. Likert, C. Argyris, D. McGregor ) 1.
1. Every human organisation shall start from
System-I and ultimately end up with System-
IV. Comment on Likert’s statement.
(22/I/1b/10)
2. The Participative Management School of
Argyris and Likert advocates democracy
within the administrative system. Will this 1.
approach be equally useful to developing
countries with evolving democracies ?
(17/I/3a/20)
3. “Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory
Y describe two contrasting models of
workforce motivation applied by managers
1.
in an organization.” Examine. (16/I/2a/20)
4. According to McGregor, “true professional
help is not in playing God with the client, but
in placing professional knowledge and skills
at the client’s disposal.” In the light of
above, justify how theory-Y is indicative and 2.
not prescriptive. (14/I/3a/20)
5. The theory of 'organizational incompetence'
has two separate and distinct faces. Examine
Chris Argyris' views on this. (150 words)
(13/I/1b/10)
1.
6. “In McGregor’s view, the managerial cosmology
meaningfully addresses the understanding of
manager and his role perceptions.” Explain.
(10/I/1b/20) 2.
7. “The successful management leaders are found
in Likert’s ‘System - 4’ approach to organisational
17
leadership.” Examine. (10/I/1c/20)
Analyse McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y.
Do you agree with the view that with every
passing year, McGregor’s message has become
more relevant and more important ?
Substantiate your answer. (07/I/2/60)
Systems Approach
The Systems Approach is relevant even
today for organisational analysis. Discuss
how Chester Barnard and David Easton
adopted this approach in their respective
areas of study. (11/I/3b/30)
Behavioural Approach
Behavioural approach has been questioned
on the basis of its utility in the analysis of
adm inis trat ive pr obl em s. Disc uss th e
weaknesses of the approach and the shifts
made therein. (21/I/2a/20)
Karl Marx
“Karl Marx’s interpretation of bureaucracy
was rooted in the history of the nature of
the State”. Evaluate. (14/I/1c/10)
Dwight Waldo
Dwight Waldo in his book, The Administrative
State emphatically mentions that the roots
of administrative theory lie in political theory.
Critically examine Waldo's contention.
(18/I/2a/20)
Waldo’s ‘The Administrative State’ provides a
fundamental challenge to some of the orthodox
premises. Explain. (15/I/1a/10)
Miscellaneous
“That is, to be a successful administrator one
must have a catholic curiosity.” Comment.
(97/I/1b/20)
‘The Chief Executive is a trouble shooter, a
supervisor, and a promoter of the future
programme.’ Comment. (91/I/1c/20)
18 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
3. Administrative Behaviour
Process and techniques of
decision - making
1. “ ‘Performance information use’ is a form of
organizational behaviour that is influenced
by individual, job, organizational and
environmental factors.” Critically analyze.
(20/I/3a/20)
2. “If there is ever to be a science of Public
Administration it must derive from an
understanding of man’s behaviour.” Explain.
(19/I/1c/10)
3. Examine the respective roles of facts and values
in the decision - making process. Is it possible to
make value - free decisions in government
system ? How can government decisions be
made more rational ? (08/I/3/60)
4. “‘Consensus’ and ‘Unanimity’ are used as
styles in decision - making.” Comment.
(98/I/1d/20)
5. “While the entrepreneur makes strategic
decisions, the manager makes tactical ones.”
Elucidate. (93/I/3b/30)
6. ‘A management which takes its environment
as given..... is pursuing a dangerous course.’
Comment on the environment of decision -
making. (90/I/3a/30)
7. Elucidate the socio - psychological bases of
individual and group behaviour in a complex
organization. (88/I/4b/30)
Communication
1. Strategic communication ought to be an
agile management process. Discuss the
conceptualization of strategic communication
for the government actions. (22/I/3c/15)
2. Communication represents the "Nerves of
Government" (Karl Deutsch). How can the
communication system in the government
be made more effective, responsive and
motivational ? (18/I/3a/20)
3. “Information constitutes the life-blood of the
functioning of an organisation.” Explain the
utility and significance of communication in
decision-making. (15/I/3b/15)
4. ‘The nature and role of communication in
administration indicates that “Communication
is authority”.’ Comment. (01/I/1c/20)
5. “Information constitutes the life-blood of the
functioning of organization.” In the light of this
statement, explain the utility and importance
of communication in decision - making.
(00/I/3/60)
6. “Communication holds the organisation
together.” Comment. (98/I/1b/20)
7. Authority has been defined in part as a
“character of a communication in a formal
organisation.’’ Comment. (95/I/1c/20)
8. Bring out the importance of communication in
administrative organisations. What are the
drawbacks in upward communication ?
(94/I/4/60)
9. ‘Without communication, there can be no
organisation’. Discuss the importance of
communication in Public Administration.
(90/I/3b/30)
10. Critically examine the functions of administrative
leadership. What role does communication play
in improving the quality of administrative decisions
in goal setting and goal getting by public servants.
(87/I/8/60)
Morale
1. “Morale can drive an organization forward
or can lead to employees’ discontent, poor
j o b p e r f o r m a n c e a n d a b s e n t e e i s m .”
Examine. (16/I/1c/10)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. What is the nature of psychological contract
pursued by organizational management
through authority and the employees
through exertion of upward influence ?
(13/I/3c/15)
3. What is meant by morale ? There is a belief
that “moral and productivity go hand in hand
and higher the morale, higher the productivity.”
Do you agree ? Substantiate.
(07/I/3/60)
4. What is morale ? State its significance and
suggest methods to foster and sustain morale
in an organization. (03/I/4/60)
Motivation Theories – content,
process and contemporary
1. Examine the approach of public service
motivation as an inducement to bring the
desired level of efficiency in public service
delivery. (21/I/1c/10)
2. “The content and process theories of
motivation have the ssame focus but are
different in approaches.” Do you agree ?
Give reasons. (20/I/4b/15)
3. "Chester Barnard's model of 'Contribution-
Satisfaction Equilibrium' is still considered a
logical model of organisational motivation."
Do you agree ? Give arguments.
(18/I/4b/15)
4. “Abraham Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’
and Frederick Herzberg’s ‘Two-Factor
theory’ have commonalities in the analysis
of human motivation.” Comment.
(17/I/2b/15)
5. Read the following instances carefully and
suggest what specific perspectives on
organizational psychology of motivation would
help the concerned organization to reconcile
the needs of the following four persons
with the needs of the organization :
(i) Mr. A comes to his office with clocklike
punctuality, does his work with impeccable
honesty and integrity; takes order from
above gladly; responds well to overtures by
peers; but neither mixes with anyone himself
19
nor seeks anyone's company. What is
more, he seems quite happy in his isolation.
(ii) Mr. B is an efficient charge-hand at the
welding shop. He is very outgoing and
makes friends fast, but falls out with them
very fast too. He is, however, easily pacified
where anyone asks him to calm down in
the name of the organization.
(iii) Dr. C is completely happy and absorbed
when he is teaching in the classes, and
does not at all mind when his workload gets
heavier and covers new areas. But he gets
angry when the finance section raises
objections about his medical bills; and is
furious that the higher administration is yet
to give him full tenure.
(iv) Mr. D is a metallurgist in the forge shop of
the steel plant, and has received honours
f o r h i s i n n o v a t i v e n e s s i n m o di f y i n g
conventional alloys. He also paints well and
values his painting skills far more than his
metallurgy and is extremely unhappy that
the company house journal did not finally
carry his water sketch on its front cover.
(13/I/8a/30)
6. ‘Man’s motives ... in different subparts of the
same organization may be different’ [Edgar
Schein]. Discuss. (12/I/1c/12)
7. “Motivation theory is not synonymous with
behaviour theory. The motivations are only
one class of determinants of behaviour while
behaviour is almost always motivated, it is
also almost always biologically, culturally and
situationally determined as well.” Comment.
(04/I/1b/20)
8. Compare Abraham Maslow’s theory of
motivation and Herzberg’s motivation – hygiene
theory. Do you think that they are universally
applicable ? If so, why ? If not, why not ?
(02/I/4/60)
9. “Frederick Herzberg’s Two-factor theory is
more or less an extension of Abraham Maslow’s
theory of motivation.” Explain.
(97/I/3a/30)
10. “The interest or power group base provides a
member of an organisation with negotiable
goods that can be cashed in for recognition,
status and rewards.” Examine. (95/I/3b/30)
20 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
11. “A managerial leader should effectively
communicate to motivate his team.” How do
Maslow and Herzberg see this inter linkage
between motivation and communication ?
(93/I/4/60)
12. Compare the relative merits of Maslow’s Theory
of Human Needs and Herzberg’s conception
of Motivation and Hygiene Theory.
(91/I/2/60)
13. Outline the intrinsic and extrinsic rewards that
motivate the public employees to achieve
personal and organizational goals.
(89/I/6/60)
14. “Adam nature of man seeks the avoidance of
dissatisfaction and is basically concerned with the
job environment : Abraham nature of man seeks
satisfaction in job content.” (Frederick Herzberg).
Comment. (88/I/1d/20)
15. ‘Contributions of Maslow and Herzberg have
deepened our understanding about the State
of morale and motivation of the public servants.’
Comment. (87/I/1b/20)
Theories of Leadership -
Traditional and Modern
1. ‘Leadership is seen as dealing with change,
whereas administration is viewed as coping
with complexity.’ In this context, discuss the
contextuality of leadership and administration
for the success of organisations.
(22/I/4a/20)
2. Transformational leadership requires high
degree of coordination, communication and
cooperation. Explain. (22/I/2b/15)
3. Nothing in public administration is more
important, interesting or mysterious than
leadership. Analyze the statement in the
context of strategic leadership.
(21/I/4c/15)
4. “A leader is a people’s developer ” (Napoleon).
Which aspects of subordinates’ development
can be positively influenced by a leader ?
Discuss. (18/I/1d/10)
5. “Leaders do the right things; managers
do them rightly” – (Warren Bennis). Is
this distinction by him valid ? Explain.
(17/I/1d/10)
6. “Blake and Mouton defined leadership styles
based on two dimensions – concern for
people and concern for production. In the
light of the statement, discuss the
Managerial Grid Model. Explain with reason
which one of the styles is the best.”
(16/I/4a/20)
7. Do you agree with the view that the charismatic
approach of the mid-1970s is a “new version”
of the Classical Trait Theory of Leadership ?
Give reasons. (15/I/1d/10)
8. Leadership is the ‘ influential increment over
and above mechanical compliance with the
routine directives of the organization’ [Katz
and Kahn ]. Analyze. (12/I/1d/12)
9. “Leaders do the right things, managers do
them rightly.” (Bennis) Comment.
(08/I/1b/20)
10. “Thus the endurance of organisation depends
upon the quality of leadership.” Comment.
(94/I/1d/20)
11. ‘A leader must always adapt his behaviour to
take account of the persons whom he leads.’
Comment. (90/I/1c/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
4. Organizations
Theories -
Systems, Contingency, Critical
theory, Post-modernism, Post-
structuralism
1. Contingency theory of organization is founded
on the interplay of ‘external fit’ and ‘internal
fit’. Discuss. (19/I/4a/20)
2. “Systems Theory in essence is not a
theory, but an approach to the study of
administrative phenomena.” Comment.
(17/I/4b/15)
3. What are the implications of the post-
structuralist perspective on the discrete aspects
of Public Administration, coming from its
epistemological positions ? (14/I/1a/10)
4. How does the Strategic Contingencies Theory
of organizational design deal with problems
arising from sub-unit centrality and non-
substitutability ? (14/I/2c/15)
5. (i) ‘The essence of the contingency theory
pa r a di gm i s t h a t o r ga n i z a t i o n a l
ef fectiven ess resu lts fr o m fitting
characteristics of the organization, such
as its structure, to contingencies that
reflect the situation of the organization.’
Give your reactions to this statement.
(12/I/3b(i)/20)
(ii) In the light of your discussion on 3(b) (i)
above, also show where and how this
‘ fitting ’ differs essentially from the
‘ coping ’ with ‘ stress ’ from the
e n v i r o n m e n t e m ph a s i z e d by t h e
systems theory of organization.
(12/I/3b(ii)/20)
6. “The process of change may create crises in
the system.” Comment. (99/I/5a/20)
7. Examine the view that systems theory, despite
its promises to the contrary, followed similar
patterns that characterised the structural classical
theories. (96/I/3b/30)
21
8. How does systems Theory help to delineate
functional and dysfunctional characteristics of
a public bureaucracy ? (88/I/3/60)
Structure and Forms
1. “Organizations of the future will be organic-
adaptive structures but temporary systems.”
Discuss how Warren Bennis characterises
the new form of organization.
(20/I/2b/15)
2. “Markets, hierarchies and networks represent
modern governing structures in government.”
Explain. (20/I/5b/10)
3. "Form of an organisation influences the
success of a public enterprise, but the
choice of a form has always remained
problematic." Discuss the statement in the
context of the comparative merits and
limitations of departments, corporations,
companies and boards. Give illustrations.
(18/I/4a/20)
4. “ The notion of informal organisation is a
residual or cafeteria concept of diverse and
sprawling contents.” How does Gouldner
established the need for understanding the
interdigitations between the formal and
informal organisation ? (14/I/3b/15)
5. "A variety of different organizational
arrangements can be used to provide
different public goods and services." Explain
the theory underlying this proposition and
its potential contribution. (13/I/3b/15)
6. “The distinction between line and staff is
relative rather than absolute.” Discuss.
(07/I/1c/20)
7. A fairly adequate analysis of the Administrative
Organization in Government is possible when
we treat ‘bureaucracy’ as a ‘structure’ and
‘administration’ as a ‘function’. Discuss.
(01/I/6/60)
22 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
8. Why do all administrative organizations consider
‘hierarchy’ as the many splendoured technique ?
Discuss. (01/I/3/60)
9. Differentiate between managerial and functional
aspects of co - ordination. How is co - ordination
achieved ? (98/I/3a/30)
10. “Theoretically the Board administration violates
the distinction between government and politics
because through it politics is injected in the
administration.” Comment. (97/I/1d/20)
11. Hierarchic control, whereby instructions are
passed down the line is not the only dimension
of control. Comment. (95/I/5b/20)
12. “Much of what the recruit learns in an organisation
is communicated after the fashion of Bentham’s
‘dog law’.” Discuss. (95/I/3a/30)
13. “The distinction between line authority and
professional expertness is also less clear-cut in
reality than the abstract concepts of line and
staff make it appear.” Discuss. (94/I/3b/30)
14. ‘It is difficult to state any demarcating
principle to differentiate between Line and
Staff functions of agencies.’ Discuss.
(92/I/3b/30)
15. ‘And therefore Modern Civilization has an
u npr e ced en t ed n e ed o f O rg an is at io n
Development (OD). Comment. (87/I/5d/20)
16. ‘The distinction between line and staff is a
distinction without a difference.’ Comment.
(87/I/1d/20)
Centralization and
Decentralization
1. “Centralization inclines toward power and
domination. Decentralization, on the other hand,
inclines toward competition and self-
determination.” Discuss. (97/I/3b/30)
2. “Decentralization is never just a technical
exercise, with intentions and effects neatly
confined to questions of economy and
efficiency.” Comment. (93/I/1d/20)
3. ‘Decentralization has a more important
justification than more administrative efficiency.’
Comment. (92/I/1b/20)
4. Account for the growing tendency of central-
ization in the modern state. (91/I/4/60)
5. ‘The essence of delegation is to confer
discretion upon others, to use their judgement
in meeting specific problems within the
framework of their duties.’ Comment.
(91/I/1b/20)
6. Explain the impact of privatisation on public
administration with special reference to
(10/I/3/60)
(a) the issue of user fees.
(b) public - private partnership.
(c) outsourcing technique.
Ministries and Departments,
Corporations, Companies
1. “The autonomy of Public Corporations
raised a great debate about their internal
working and external relation with the
Ministers and the Parliament.” Discuss.
(16/I/1d/10)
2. “There is no doubt the departmentalisation is
fraught with complexities. These are in part
technical, in part political.” Discuss.
(09/I/5a/20)
3. “To claim that a company or a corporation
form is always more effective than a
departmental form of organization is an outdated
view. The real test of a sound structure is its
capacity to balance decisional autonomy and
operational flexibility with optimal accountability.”
Critically examine this statement. (08/I/4/60)
4. “Public corporations are not an end in thems-
elves but an extension of the government activities
design ed to promote pu blic welfare.” –
Substantiate. (02/I/1c/20)
5. ‘The Departmental pattern of undertaking does
not offer the necessary, autonomy, flexibility
and entrepreneurship to Management’. Examine.
(92/I/3a/30)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 23
6. ‘A Public Corporation is a combination of Public 3. “If the Regulatory Commissions ... are
ownership, public accountability and business wholly independent, they are completely
managements for public ends. Comment. irresponsible for the doing of very important
(91/I/1d/20) policy determining and administrative work
.... on the other hand, to rob the
commissions of th eir independence is
Boards and Commissions seriously to menace the impartial
p e r f o r m a n c e o f t h e i r ju d i c i a l w o r k .”
1. “Departments, Boards and Commissions as (Cushman) Examine. (16/I/3a/20)
forms of organization are dissimilar in the
context of accountability and responsibility.” 4. “Delegation to independent agencies has
Analyse. (20/I/1d/10) taken place in an interdependent progress
driven by emulation.” Discuss in the context
2. “The Commission form of organisation would of independent regulatory agencies in the
tend to be a ‘headless fourth branch’ of modern regulatory State. (14/I/4b/15)
government.” Comment. (99/I/1c/20)

Public - Private Partnerships

Headquarters and Field 1. Public - private partnership phenomenon has
relationships been transformed into a type of governance
scheme or mechanism. Discuss its capacity
1. "An effective Management Information
to overcome future challenges.
System (MIS) is the key to successful
(21/I/2c/15)
headquarter-field relationships." Comment.
(18/I/3c/15) 2. Discuss the essential characteristics of public
2. “Headquarter and Field relationships determine sector-centred and market-centred
the tendor of implementation of programmes.” perspectives in Public Private Partnerships
Comment. (98/I/1c/20) and also compare the two. (18/I/2c/15)
3. “PPPs serve too many parties and too many
interests ... to be focussed.” Identify in the
Regulatory Authorities context of the statement, the parties involved
in Public-Private Partnerships and their
1. Regulatory governance frameworks have
conflicting aims. (15/I/2c/15)
become essential building blocks of world
society. Discuss their potential and impact in 4. "To talk about the regulatory framework is to
fulfilling the hopes and demands. talk about governance." Analyse the statement
(22/I/4b/15) in the context of public-private partnerships
and identify the elements of regulation.
2. “The advent of the regulatory regimes
indicates the demise of the arbitrator state.” (13/I/6c/15)
Comment. (19/I/3c/15)
24 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers

5. Accountability and Control

Concepts of Accountability activism. (00/I/5b/20)

and Control
1. Public administration in the neo-liberal era is
governed less by instruments of internal
accountability and more by those of external
accountability. Elaborate. (150 words)
(13/I/1d/10)
2. “Autonomy and accountability in Public
Enterprises cannot walk together”. Explain.
(06/I/1d/20)
3. “The weakest aspect of Indian Administrative
System is utter disregard of accountability.”
Examine the current mechanism for enforcing
accountability. What steps are necessary to
make it more effective ? (00/I/7/60)
4. It would be fatal for administration if the public
functionaries indulge in procrastination, betray
inaction, or more in circles simply because the
demand for accountability has overawed and
benumbed them.’ Comment. (92/I/5b/20)
Legislative, Executive and
Judicial Control over
administration
1. Edward Gibbon, the author of Decline and
Fall of the Roman Empire remarked :
"Corruption, the most infallible symptom of
Constitutional liberty." Critically examine this
statement. (18/I/5b/10)
2. “The legislative control over administration
is not as effective as it ought to be.”
Comment. (16/I/3c/15)
3. “Legislative action is not subject to the rules
of natural justice.” Explain the exceptions to
the rule of natural justice. (15/I/3c/15)
4. What is judicial activism ? How far has it been
successful in exercising a check over
administration ? (05/I/4/60)
5. Write short note on Judicial control over
administration in India and concept of judicial
6. “Public Interest Litigation is an effective
innovation in realizing social justice.” Comment.
(99/I/5d/20)
7. “Executive control over administration is much
more real.” Comment. (98/I/5b/20)
8. “The controls exercised over administration by
legislature are, in sum, of greater theoretical
than practical efficiency. Comment.
(97/I/5a/20)
9. At one extreme, the vigour of judicial control
may paralyse effective administration, at the
other the result may be offensive bureaucratic
tyranny, exactly where the balance may be
best struck is a major problem of judicial
administration relationship. Comment.
(96/I/5d/20)
10. ‘The Judicial Control over administration operates
through a system of writs.’ Comment.
(87/I/5b/20)
Citizen and Administration
1. Thrust on the citizen centricity and Right
based approaches, aim to empower the
citizens. In the light of the above, has the
administrative accountability improved ?
Justify your argument. (20/I/4c/15)
2. "The political approach to Public Administration
stresses on the values of representativeness,
political responsiveness and accountability
through elected officials to the citizenry"
(David H. Rosenbloom). Comment.
(18/I/4c/15)
3. "For those who use the euphemism of 'shared
power' for participation, the appro-priate
literature for guidance is practical politics, not
organization and management."
“Strong state and strong civil society are the
need to develop both participatory democracy
and responsive government as mutually
reinforcing and supportive.”
Bring out the myths and realities associated
with public participation. (13/I/6a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 25
4. What are the various institutional devices service organizations, but in practice, their
available for the redressal of citizen’s grievances activities restrict the promotion of government
against the excesses and malfunctioning of programmes. Analyze. (21/I/1d/10)
administration ? How successful have they 3. Civil Society supplements and
been ? (03/I/8/60) complements the State. However, its
capacity and role depend upon the will
of the State. Comment. (17/I/2c/15)
Role of media, interest groups, 4. “C iv il so ci ety per f or ms a key r ol e in
voluntary organizations defending people against the State and
market and in asserting the democratic will
1. “Media, the fourth estate is in chains.” t o i n f l u en c e t h e S t a t e .” A n a l y z e t h e
Examine the statement in the context of statement with suitable examples.
governmental accountability. (19/I/4c/15) (16/I/4c/15)
2. When the media is controlled by vested 5. Comment on the role of Civil Society in
interests, how can it control the vested facilitating administrative accountability with
interests in the government ? How can special reference to the ‘Janlokpal’ issue in
the media become more responsible and India. (12/I/4c/15)
impartial ? (17/I/3c/15) 6. Define the term ‘civil society’. How does civil
3. How far do you agree with the view that the society influence the public policy ?
growing influence of media comes in the way (06/I/3/60)
of agenda-setting by the Government ? 7. “Civil society exists to ensure that government
(15/I/4c/15) does provide good governance.” Discuss.
(02/I/1b/20)
4. “ Voluntary organizations have become tools
of sensitization of governmental agencies.” Citizen’s Charter
Comment. (14/I/4c/15)
1. “Right from the days of the ‘Peoples’ Charter ’
5. Should media exposure be included in rules for to the new concept of ‘Precariat Charter’, the
administrative accountability in India ? State concept of Citizen’s Charter and its scope is
your views. (12/I/4b/15) constantly evolving.” Comment.(15/I/4a/20)
6. ‘Media is a Parliament of citizens ’. Explain. 2. Explain the basic principles underlying Citizen’s
(11/I/1b/20) Charter with special reference to
7. “Instruments of public accountability can be (10/I/4/60)
truly effective only if the people and their (a) its administrative philosophy.
associations, backed by a responsible media, (b) promoting public accountability.
are assertively pro-active.” Comment. (c) ensuring standards of public service.
(08/I/1d/20)
3. “ ‘Citizens’ charter’ is the most important
8. “Voluntarism is not anti-thesis of state- innovation in the context of promotion of
centricism.” Comment. (99/I/5c/20) customer - orientation of administration.” Discuss.
(03/I/1d/20)
Civil Society
1. Interaction between the State and Civil Right to Information
society has hitherto been largely neglected, 1. “ The right to information is not all about
especially in developing countries. Examine. citizens empowerment, it essentially redefines
(22/I/1e/10) the concept of accountability.” Discuss.
2. In theory, the ‘civil society organizations’ (14/I/3c/15)
promote cooperation between people and public
26 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. ‘Open access to government records is ... the
hallmark of a democratic government’, but
‘governments are not hesitant about destroying
records – very deliberately – in order to
prevent investigations, as well as to generally
weaken accountability’. Do you think that in
this situation right to information can go to the
extent of demanding complete declassification
and ‘de - archivization’ of government records ?
Argue. (12/I/4a/30)
3. “Right to information promotes transparency
and accountability in the working of every
public authority.” Explain. (07/I/4/60)
4. Discuss the legal and political implications of
Right to information. Is it a feasible concept
in the developing countries ? (04/I/4/60)
6. Administrative Law
Meaning, scope and
significance
1. “Arbitrariness in the application of rule of law
is a primary cause of poor governance.”
Discuss. (20/I/1c/10)
2. “Developments in the field of Administrative
Law reflect an increasingly blurred boundary
between the state and society, and between
justice and administration.” Has administrative
law become more constitutional than the
Constitution itself ? Argue. (20/I/4a/20)
3. “Red light and Green light theories provide
contrasting approaches to the role of
administrative law.” Which of the two theories
will be effective in achieving the objectives
of administrative law ? Justify your choice.
(19/I/3b/15)
4. “Administrative law is recognised by its
substance rather than its form.” Discuss.
(17/I/1e/10)
5. “The central concern of Administrative Law
has been the legal limitation of
administrative discretion.” Give reasons.
(16/I/2c/15)
Social Audit
1. Social auditing is not just saving the money,
it creates positive impact on governance.
Comment. (22/I/4c/15)
2. Can we say that statutory audit and
social audit are two sides of the same
coin ? Or, are they two separate coins
with varying values ? Discuss.
(17/I/7c/15)
3. “In spite of certain advantages, Social Audit
arrangements have mostly been ineffective
because there is no legal provision for
punitive action.” Comment. (16/I/1e/10)
6. “The conceptual division between
administrative and constitutional law is quite
porous, and that along many dimensions,
administrative law can be considered more
c on s t it u ti o n al in c ha rac t e r t ha n th e
constitutions.” How would you justify the
statement ? (14/I/1d/10)
7. Would you agree that the strong Rechsstaat
version of the rule of law found on the
Continent never existed in England because of
its particular history ? (12/I/6b/20)
8. Why is le droit administratif regarded alongside
the Napoleonic Code as the most notable
achievement of French legal science?
(12/I/6c/20)
9. “Today the content of administrative law is
driven primarily by the scope of public
administrative activity.” Explain. (06/I/4/60)
10. “Today the content of administrative law is
driven primarily by the scope of public
administration activity.” Explain. (05/I/3/60)
11. “Administrative Law in modern government
system is inevitable.” Comment. (98/I/5c/20)
12. The central concern of administrative law has
been the legal limitation of administrative
‘discretion.’ Comment. (97/I/5c/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 27
13. The field of administrative law, after a century a power to bind us, with rules … that are
of litigation & adjudication, remains alive with not made by legislature.’ Discuss the
simmering issues. Comment. (95/I/5c/20) constitutionality of the administrative state
14. “Administrative law is not a rigid, rule -bound and its future. (22/I/2a/20)
barrier to good management.” Discuss. 2. “Delegated Legislation has become a strategic
(94/I/7a/30) tool in the hands of the executive despite its
15. How has the interest of judiciary in administrative utility.” Comment. (19/I/1e/10)
decisions grown over the years ? Has it 3. The principle of delegated legislation, is
extended the frontiers of administrative law ? I think right, but I must emphasise that
(93/I/6/60) it is well for Parliament to keep a
16. ‘Rule of law is the base of India’s constitutional watchful and even zealous eye on it at
life, and administrative law seeks to ensure all stages” – (Herbert Morrison). Analyse.
that this basic premise remains upheld and (17/I/4c/15)
protected.’ Comment. (92/I/5d/20) 4. “Delegated Legislation is a necessary evil.”
17. ‘...... administrative law, with its creature Comment. (15/I/1c/10)
administrative tribunals, is like martial law, the
5. Make out a case for Delegated Legislation.
negation of law.’ Comment. (90/I/5c/20)
(11/I/4b(ii)/15)
18. “Administrative Law has the obligation to
observe the principles of natural justice and 6. “Delegated legislation is a necessary evil.”
fairness.” Elaborate. (89/I/7/60) Examine. (07/I/1d/20)
7. Delegated Legislation is not absolute. Explain.
(04/I/1c/20)
Dicey on Administrative law 8. “Increased delegated legislation is a
phenomenon of a modern positive state.”
1. "The Journey of Administrative Law has Elucidate. (99/I/6/60)
moved much beyond A.V. Dicey." Comment.
(18/I/5a/10) 9. How far is it true to state that delegated
legislation has become a present day necessity
2. Do you think that there is an unresolved and
and it has come to stay, it is both inevitable
often overlooked tension in Dicey’s concept of
and indispensable ? (97/I/7b/30)
rule of law, considering that the other principle
of parliamentary sovereignty in English 10. Bring out the reasons for the growth and the
constitutional system runs counter to it ? dangers of delegated legislation.
(12/I/6a/20) (95/I/7a/30)
3. Make a critical assessment of Dicey’s 11. “The most effective safeguard against the
understanding of the Rule of Law and Droit abuse of delegated legislation is not to delegate
Administratif. (11/I/4b(i)/15) it in such a manner that it may invite abuse.”
Comment. (93/I/5c/20)
4. “Dicey was wrong not only in his concept of
the rule of law, but he also overlooked the 12. ‘Increased legislative delegation should be
significance of the administrative law.” – considered as a phenomenon of the modern
Comment. (02/I/1d/20) positive state.’ Discuss. (92/I/8/60)
5. ‘The Droit Administratiff violates Dicey’s basic
principles of Rule of Law.’ Comment.
(87/I/5c/20)
Administrative Tribunals;
Judicial Review
Delegated legislation
1. All tribunals are courts, but all courts are not
1. ‘The administrative state is the creation of tribunals. Explain. (22/I/1c/10)
28 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. 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. (21/I/3b/15)
3. Discuss the views that 'tribunals should
have the same degree of independence
from the executive as that enjoyed by the
Supreme Court and the High Courts,
especially for those tribunals that look over
the functions of High Courts."
(150 words) (13/I/1e/10)
4. Write short note on Effectiveness and utility of
Central and State Administrative Tribunals.
(00/I/5c/20)
7. Comparative Public Administration
Historical and sociological
factors affecting
administrative systems
1. Weber’s construct of bureaucracy has served
a great heuristic purpose in furthering
research in the field of Comparative Public
Administration. Do you agree with the
statement ? Give reasons. (22/I/5c/10)
2. "Administrative systems across the world
can be understood only in their respective
historical and social contexts." Explain the
statement giving examples. (18/I/8a/20)
3. How does Ferrel Heady rationalize the three
stages of development in comparative
administration ? (15/I/7a/20)
4. "Comparative Public Administration both
r e se m bl es a n d d i f f er s f r o m m o de r n
organization theory." Elaborate.
(150 words) (13/I/5a/10)
5. “No science of public administration is possible
unless.... there is a body of comparative
studies from which it may be possible to
discover principles and generalities that
transcend national boundaries and peculiar
historical experiences.” Discuss.
(05/I/5d/20)
5. Administrative Tribunals are authorities outside
the ordinary court system which interpret and
apply the laws when acts of Public Administration
are attacked in formal suits or by other
established methods.’ Discuss.
(91/I/6b/30)
6. Administrative tribunals and judicial review are
not only instruments of interpretation of law
but also safeguards against administrative
weaknesses and administrative excesses.
Comment. (88/I/5c/20)
6. “Instead of looking inward in their own
values and requirements, the Asian countries
looked outward.” Comment. (99/I/1a/20)
7. A major problem with comparative public
administration is that it has been behavioural.
Comment. (95/I/5d/20)
8. “The main distinction between administration
in western countries and in underdeveloped
countries does not lie in differences in socio-
cultural heritage but rather in the respective
economic environments.” Comment.
(94/I/5a/20)
9. ”Comparative Public administration as a field
of research is not so much comparative, as
it is the study of Public administration in
foreign countries.” Comment. (93/I/5a/20)
Administration and politics
in different countries
1. ".... in most cases .... newly independent
states, of the nations of Africa, Asia and
Latin America, despite their differences ....
are in transition." (Ferrel Heady). What
common features are indicative of
characteristics of their administrative patterns
(cultures) ? (13/I/6b/15)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. “... non - western states often, if not always,
have unbalanced politics, but these may not
necessarily be bureaucratic politics.” Discuss.
(09/I/5c/20)
3. Critically comment on the function of
administrative capabilities with reference to
developing countries. (99/I/4/60)
Current status of Comparative
Public Administration
1. Integration of different streams of
administrative thought to propound a universal
administrative theory is hindered by the
impact of culture. Critically examine.
(21/I/3a/20)
2. “Comparative Public Administration started
with no paradigm of its own and developed
none.” Comment. (20/I/5a/10)
3. The failure to discard its elitist character and
west-centric orientation has led to the decline
of Comparative Public Administration. Explain.
(19/I/5b/10)
4. Comment on the reasons why universal
theory remains elusive in comparative public
administration. (12/I/7a/20)
5. “Truly comparative administrative studies are
empirical, nomothetic and ecological.” (Riggs)
In this perspective, examine the current
status of Comparative Public Administration.
(08/I/5c/20)
6. Explain the meaning, significance and Models
of Comparative Public Administration.
(04/I/7/60)
7. “The emphasis in most of the writings on
comparative bureaucracy appears to be on
the interaction between the administrative
subsystem and the politicalsystem in which
it exists.” Comment. (94/I/5d/20)
8. ‘The growth of comparative Public
Administration is a continuing process and is
of relevance for both operational and
academic study of Public Administration.
(91/I/5d/20)
9. Discuss the major conceptual approaches to
the study of Comparative Public
Administration and explain how Max Weber
is considered to be the foremost mentor in
the field. (90/I/7/60)
29
Ecology & Environment
1. The approach to the study of administration
in its environmental context is especially
more useful for developing countries.
Comment. (21/I/5a/10)
2. “Administrative ideas must be seen in the
context of environment in which they
develop.” In the ligh t of the above
statement, examine the influence of New
Public Management and Information and
Communication Technologies on comparative
study of Public Administration.
(20/I/6a/20)
Riggsian models and their
critique
1. ‘The more exogenetic the process of
diffraction, the more formalistic and
heterogenous its prismatic phase; the more
endogenetic, the less f ormalistic and
heterogenous.’ Examine this hypothesis of
Riggs. (22/I/6a/20)
2. In modern context, Riggsian terms have not
altogether disappeared, but have emerged
in different forms with newer meanings.
Discuss. (21/I/6b/15)
3. “The Riggsian Models of Fused-Prismatic-
Diffracted Societies and their administrative
systems have been in spired by Max
Weber’s typology of Traditional Charismatic
Legal-Rational Authorities.” Analyse.
(17/I/7a/20)
4. “ Riggs observed that three ‘trends’ could
be discerned in the comparative study of
Public Administration.” Discuss.
(16/I/5d/10)
5. “Fred Riggs continuously changed his
theory in order to create the perfect
model.” Comment. (16/I/6a/20)
6. Critically examine the Riggsian concept of
differentiation in context of post-globalisation
era. (14/I/5a/10)
7. ‘Rigg’s classification of societies into fused,
prismatic, and diffracted is built around the
concept of differentiation.’ Analyze.
(12/I/5a/15)
30 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
8. “The Prismatic model of Riggs is equally
applicable to developing as well as developed
society.” Comment. (10/I/5b/20)
9. Which of the model(s) in development admini-
stration is/are characterised by ‘Selectivism’,
‘Attainment’ and ‘Poly-functionalism’ ? Describe
the corresponding theoretical roots & attributes.
(09/I/2b/30)
10. “Not to be comparative is to be naively
parochial” (Riggs). Comment. (07/I/5c/20)
11. How did F.W. Riggs conceptualise the inter-
actions between administrative systems and
their environment ? (02/I/7/60)
12. Critically comment on Riggsian Prismatic Sala
model of administration of developing
s o c i e t i e s . To w h a t e x t e n t I n d i a n
Administrative system exhibits prismatic
characteristics ? (01/I/5c/20)
13. Cr itic all y exami ne th e appr oach a nd
methodology adopted by Fred W. Riggs in
his study of prismatic and sala societies.
What is valid-content of Raj Krishna’s criticism
of refraction ? (00/I/8/60)
14. “Political environment conditions administrative
system.” — (F. W. Riggs) Comment.
(00/I/1d/20)
15. What, according to Riggs, are the three
important characteristic features of the
prismatic society ? (96/I/7a/30)
8. Development Dynamics
Concept of Development
1. Development Administration ’embraces the
array of new functions assumed by the
developing countries’. Explain. (22/I/5a/10)
2. “Development dynamics is marked by a
dilemma : the concept of development has
a built-in participatory orientation but the
practice of development has been inherently
exclusionary.” Discuss. (19/I/6a/20)
16. Rigg’s key concepts have alerted the
researcher that Weberian bureaucracy might
not be entirely predictive of behaviour in
most Third World countries. Comment.
(95/I/1b/20)
17. ‘Rigg’s approach and models m ay be
considered as more sophisticated tools for
describing and diagnosing administrative
situations.’ Discuss. (92/I/7a/30)
18. Explain how the concept of ‘clects’ and
‘bazaar-canteen’ model explain the working
of the administrative system in a developing
society. In this context compare the working
of the administrative system in a developed
& in a developing society. (90/I/8/60)
19. The prismatic sala model “enables us to
cope with many problems of transitional
societies....” (Riggs). What are these problems
and how can this model enables us to cope
with them. (89/I/3/60)
20. “The nature of Prismatic Society adversely
tells upon the phenomenon of administrative
development which in-turn hinders the working
of development administration.” Comment.
(88/I/5d/20)
21. D i s t i n g u i s h b e t w e e n a d m i n i s t r a t i v e
development and administration of
development. In what way is the former
supplementary to the latter in a Prismatic
Society ? (87/I/7b/30)
3. "The process of administrative development
is generally slower than the process of
socio-economic development." How can the
speed of administrative development be
made faster ? (18/I/5e/10)
4. “Development administration and
administration development have a chicken
and egg kind of relationship” – (Riggs).
Elaborate. (17/I/5b/10)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
5. “ The term Development Administration can
be used only in a broad sense to mark the
variety of approaches and point of view.”
Discuss. (14/I/5b/10)
6. Neither Edward Weidner nor Fred Riggs was
able to describe the process of development
administration adequately. Explain the
dr a w b ac k s a n d w ea k n e s se s i n t h ei r
theoretical analyses. (11/I/6a/30)
7. “The concept of development is multi -
dimensional and ever - expanding.” Explain.
(10/I/5a/20)
8. “People’s participation is crucial to development
administration.” Comment. (07/I/5a/20)
9. Do you agree with the view that development
administration has in recent years lost its
impetus without making any significant
intellectual breakthrough ? Discuss.
(06/I/6/60)
10. “Development administration is starved for
theories which will guide the pooling of empirical
knowledge, orient new research, and
recommend administrative policy.” Explain.
(05/I/5a/20)
11. “Development Administration has two important
aspects viz. ‘the administration of development’
and ‘the development of administration’.” Explain.
(03/I/5b/20)
12. “Development administration is concerned with
maximising innovation for development.” –
Discuss. (02/I/5a/20)
13. What are the objectives of Development
Administration ? Also examine the demands
D.A. places on the structure and practices of
administration. (98/I/7a/30)
14. Development administration is basically an
action - oriented, goal - oriented administrative
system.” Comment. (97/I/5b/20)
15. Outline the features of development
administration and explain the reasons for its
marginal performance. (95/I/7b/30)
16. ‘Development administration calls for some
revolutionary changes in the attitudes, behaviour,
orientation and out-look of public services at all
levels of administration.’ Comment.
(91/I/5c/20)
31
17. Development administration is “an action
oriented goal oriented administrative system.”
(Edward Weidner). Comment. (89/I/1d/20)
18. Examine the positive and negative roles of
ideology and culture in administrative
development. (88/I/7/60)
Washington Consensus;
Development
1. The results of Washington Consensus were
far from optimal for transitional economies.
In this background, discuss the change of
d i r e c t i o n t o w a r d s p o s t -Wa s h i n g t o n
Consensus. (22/I/7a/20)
Changing profile of
development administration
1. Contractualism has become a favourite policy
of the neoliberal forces, but not without its
share of controversy. Argue.
(19/I/5a/10)
2. How does ethnocentrism impact development
administration in achieving sustainable goals ?
Argue with examples. (18/I/7a/20)
3. “Lenin’s concept of Socialist management
re fe rs to di rec tin g the or ga nis ati on al
development of Socialist society.” Explain.
(15/I/6b/15)
4. Indicate the milestones in the story of
development from the Nehruvian Model to the
Liberalisation Model. (11/I/6b/30)
5. “The market has become the new icon of
developmentalism.” Comment. (10/I/5c/20)
6. “In certain discourses, there is a reflected
basic distrust against bureaucracy as an
instrument of development.” Do you think
bureaucracy is more appropriate for regulatory
a dm in is tr a ti on t ha n f or de velo pm en t
administration ? In the changing profile of
development administration in a liberalizing
environment, what role of bureaucracy can be
envisaged ? (08/I/8/60)
32 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
7. Describe the changing profile of Development
Administration and identify its efforts towards
people’s empowerment. (04/I/8/60)
Anti - development thesis
1. “The idea of development stands like a
ruin in the intellectual landscape” and “it
is time to dismantle this mental structure”.
(Wolfgang Sach s) In the light of th e
statement, critically examine the anti-
development thesis. (16/I/6b/15)
2. ‘The anti - development thesis ... reduces
development to an idea without history,
impervious to change’, but ‘fails to take account
of the fact that for all its faults, development
can be empowering.’ Discuss.
(12/I/5b/15)
3. An attack has been made on the “top down”
character of the kind of implementation studies
and an alternative ‘bottom up’ ‘approach has
been developed.’ Comment. (96/I/5a/20)
Bureaucracy and
Development
1. In order to be development-oriented,
bureaucracies need to be innovative, flexible,
citizen-centric and result-orented, but they
are slow in imbibing these virtues in a
democratic system. Do we need to go
beyond the traditional models of bureaucracy
and create alternative structures ? Elaborate.
(18/I/6a/20)
2. “Bureaucracy has inbuilt limitations to act
as the prime catalyst to multi-faceted
development in a democratic country.”
Analyse this statement with appropriate
examples. (17/I/7b/15)
3. “Bureau-Shaping Model has been developed
as a response to the Budget-Maximizing
Model.” Comment. (16/I/4b/15)
4. “Adaptive, problem-solving, temporary
systems of diverse specialists, linked together
by coordinating executives in an organic
flux-this is original form that will gradually
replace bureaucracy”. Discuss, in the light of
this statement, the ‘end of bureaucracy’
thesis and its strengths and limitations.
(14/I/1b/10)
5. “ Many Asian and African countries have
inherited the colonial idea of civil service as
a privileged elite. Hence, the social status of
the civil services is an important aspect of
the bureaucracy’s unsuitability for change.”
Comment. (14/I/7c/15)
6. “The principle of bureaucratic neutrality is
more superfluous and redundant in the context
of developing countries.” Comment.
(99/I/1d/20)
Strong state versus the market debate,
Impact of liberalisation on
administration in developing
countries
1. It is widely agreed that the government
ought to provide the goods that market
fails to provide or does not provide
efficiently. Argue. (21/I/5d/10)
2. A striking feature of economic development
is an apparent symbiotic evolution of strong
States and strong market economies.
Analyze. (21/I/6c/15)
3. “Liberalisation, privatisation and
globalisation have transformed the nature
of development administration.” Discuss.
(17/I/6a/20)
4. “The problem is to achieve the right balance
between a competitive market economy
and an effective State : markets where
possible; the S tate where necessary.”
Justify your answer.
(16/I/7c/15)
Women and development – the
self-help group movement
1. Gender equality and women’s rights have
laid down a strong foundation of
development. Elaborate. (21/I/5b/10)
2. A ff i rm a ti v e a ct i on i n so ci o -ec on o mi c
development has not altogether eliminated
discrimination. Discuss it in the context of
women empowerment. (20/I/6b/15)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
3. In a society marked by social inequity and
gender inequality women self-help groups
are bound to play a marginal role. Do you
agree ? Give reasons for your answer.
(19/I/8a/20)
4. "The issue of development of women is
closely related to the issue of women in
development." How can women become
equal partners in the process of socio-
economic development ? (18/I/5d/10)
5. “ Self-Help Groups are considered as one
of the most significant tools to adopt
p a r t i c i p a t o r y a p pr o a c h f o r e c o n o m i c
empowerment of women.” Comment.
(16/I/5c/10)
6. Show in what way the Gender and Development
approach differs from the Woman and
Development approach. (15/I/5e/10)
7. “ Self - help groups have not only empowered
women, but have also brought about
9. Personnel Administration
Importance of human
resource development
1. The environment and situational conditions
under which the government operates have
an important bearing on its human resource
development practices. Examine.
(22/I/6b/15)
2. Administrative reform is “an artificial
inducement of administrative transformation
against resistance.” (Gerald Caiden). Identify
the nature of resistance and inducements
required to overcome it. (20/I/7c/15)
3. In the absence of a merit-based, fair and
objective civil service a more partisan and
corrupt government will emerge. Is the
statement justified ? Give reasons.
(19/I/8c/15)
4. “Various components of Human Resources
Management are inter-related.” Discuss.
(17/I/8a/20)
5. “To talk of administrative modernization and
33
attitudinal change among all stakeholders
towards women development.” Discuss.
(14/I/7b/15)
8. "In organizational analysis, there is always
gender around." (Gouldner). Argue.
(150 words) (13/I/5b/10)
9. Given the importance of the issue of sex
equality in development do you think the self -
help group movement adequately addresses
absence of women in the former mainstream
development agenda ? (12/I/7b/20)
10. Consider the statements below :
(a) Self - Help Groups (SHGs) enable women to
realise their full potential in some spheres of
life.
(b) Self - Help Groups (SHGs) are providing avenues
of political mobilisation. Examine the implications
of these two statements and assess the
potential of SHGs for development.
(09/I/6a/60)
still continue with the conventional practice of
public personnel administration is a gross
incongruity.” Offer suggestions to initiate radical
reforms in Human Resource Management of
public administrative systems. (08/I/6/60)
6. “Public Personnel Administration is concerned
with a number of functions.” Elaborate. Why
are PROCUREMENT and DEVELOPMENT
functions important ? (98/I/4/60)
7. “It is said that the generalist rationale was
part of a revealed truth. All of us should have
known better, for in a world of increasing
scientific and technical complexity, it has
compelling inadequacies.” Discuss.
(96/I/2/60)
8. “Be it an occupation or a profession, Public
Personnel has certainly developed a series of
subspecialists and techniques that, over the
years, have combined to produce an
organisational subsystem that must be staffed
by experts if it is to meet the standards set
by Public Personnel Administration.” Explain.
(95/I/2/60)
34 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
9. “The administrator is a layman rather than a
specialist; or at least he has about him
something of the qualities of a layman.”
Comment. (94/I/5b/20)
Recruitment
1. "Lateral entry is an antidote to the
complacency in civil service." Discuss.
(18/I/6c/15)
2. “Lateral entry of competent experts into
the government will promote freshness
and innovation, but it can create problems
of accountability.” Discuss. (17/I/6b/15)
3. The ‘selection model of recruitment rests on
the assumption that the primary needs to be
met are those of the organization.’ Examine.
(12/I/5c/15)
4. Recruitment is the backbone of Public
Administration. Explain. (04/I/5c/20)
5. Differentiate between the open and closed
career systems. Do you favour the coexistence
of both the systems for a balanced career
development ? (92/I/4/60)
6. ‘Government has been slow in using modern
methods for discovering executive talent.’
Examine the validity of the statement with
reference to recruitment to higher civil service
in India, USA and France. (90/I/4/60)
Training
1. Currently, administrative training focusses
more on improving efficiency than on
transforming the attitudes and behaviour of
civil servants. What type of training will you
suggest to fill this gap ?
(18/I/8b/15)
2. “ Training is considered as paid holidays.”
Comment (16/I/5a/10)
3. Distinguish fully between the syndicate method,
role playing method, and T - Group training
method in personnel management.
(10/I/7a/40)
4. “Training has proved its incapacity to change
the attitudes, behaviour and values of civil
servants.” Do you agree with this statement ?
(08/I/5d/20)
5. “Training is essential not only for efficiency
and effectiveness but also for broadening the
vision of the employees.” Substantiate.
(07/I/5b/20)
6. “Training is practical education in any profession,
not only to improve skills but also to develop
attitudes and scheme of values necessary for
effective performance.” Elaborate.
(03/I/5c/20)
Career advancement
1. What opportunities are available to All India
Services and state services in career
development? Do you agree that days of
generalists in modern administrative state are
numbered ? (00/I/4/60)
Position classification
1. “The position-classification attempts to
establish a triangular relationship between
duties and responsibilities, working conditions
and qualification requirements.” Elucidate.
(15/I/8b/15)
2. ‘Position Classification can be problematic. A
serious complaint in its practice is that it
dehumanises the employee.’ Discuss.
(11/I/5c/20)
3. It is said that ‘position classification’, as originally
conceived is sound in terms of its operational
c h a ra c t e ri st i c s, bu t c o m pl i c a t e d an d
unresponsive in practice. Why is it still
considered better than other models of civil
service classification ? (09/I/7/60)
4. “If positions are the raw material of classification,
class is the operating unit.” Discuss.
(05/I/5b/20)
5. “The Generalist will always have an edge over
the specialist.” Substantiate the view.
(99/I/3a/30)
Discipline, Performance
appraisal
1. Performance problems are rarely caused
simply by lack of training and rarely can
performance be improved by training alone.
Critically analyse the statement.
(22/I/7c/15)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 35
2. Performance appraisal needs to be seen 2. “The widening gap in emoluments of
beyond the mere suitability of the official for government employees versus the public sector
vertical promotion. Explain. (21/I/5c/10) corporations and private sector employees
3. “Performance Management Framework has a strong bearing on the motivation and
enables a clear line of sight between planning, ability to work.” Comment. (07/I/7/60)
measuring and monitoring performance.”
Critically analyse. (20/I/8b/15) Employer - employee relations
4. A more effective system of performance
appraisal should acknowledge the subjective 1. Analyse the relevance of Whitleyism in
elements in it and be less obsessed with the contemporary employer – employee
objective criteria. Elucidate. (19/I/6b/15) relationship. (15/I/5b/10)
5. “360° performance appraisal system is a 2. Analyse the constitutional, political and
rational idea, but it involves complex and operational dimensions of employer – employee
inauthentic procedures.” How can it be relations. What are your suggestions to bring
made foolproof ? (17/I/5d/10) about a satisfactory relationship between
them ? (02/I/6/60)
6. “A c e n t r a l r e a s o n f o r u t i l i z a t i o n o f
Performance Appraisal is perf orman ce 3. ‘Whitleyism represents a typical British response
improvement of the employees.” In the to Trade Unionism by public servants.’
light of the statement, analyze the needs Comment. (87/I/1c/20)
of Performance Appraisal in an Organization.
(16/I/7b/15) Grievance redressal
7. “Disciplinary action may be informal and mechanism
formal.” Explain and point out the provisions
made in the Constitution or Statute to 1. In what respects, the powers of proposed
check the misuse of power to take institution of Lok Pal in the Bill already introduced
disciplinary action. (16/I/8b/15) in Indian Parliament, will strengthen the institution
as compared to Parliamentary Commissioner
8. Why do public organisations evaluate employees’ of UK ? (01/I/4/60)
performance ? How can performance evaluation
systems affect employees’ behaviour ? How 2. ‘Professional standards, ethics, philosophy,
can administration effectively evaluate attitudes and ideology of public service are the
employees ? (05/I/6/60) means to promote accountability of Public
Administration.’ Explain how career and no -
9. What techniques the Government of India Career Public Service is accountable to judiciary.
have employed to evaluate (appraise) the (90/I/6b/30)
performance of senior level employees, i.e.,
Class I and Class II ? Are you satisfied with
these techniques ? (01/I/7/60) Code of Conduct
( Anonymity and Neutrality )
10. Public Agencies have used a number of sources
and procedures for measuring Performance.
Comment. (96/I/5c/20) 1. Standards are the foundation which do not
replace regulations but complement them.
Comment. (22/I/5d/10)
Promotion, Pay and Service 2. Distinguish between ‘Codes of Conduct’ and
Conditions ‘Codes of Ethics’. Justify your answer.
(15/I/7b/15)
1. Discuss in this connection the case for and
against promotion based on seniority. 3. Civil Service neutrality is a thing of the Past.
(10/I/6b/40) Discuss. (04/I/5b/20)
36 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
4. “The doctrine of political neutrality and 5. "Administrative values have no value unless
anonymity is no more relevant to modern civil they are valued by all stakeholders of the
service.” – Comment. (02/I/5c/20) governance system." Comment.
5. How far is it true to state that for a developing (18/I/6b/15)
democracy the concept of civil service neutrality 6. “Administrative ethics includes the code
is outdated; instead there is a need for a civil of conduct of civil servants, but goes
service with professional competence and beyond it as well.” Discuss.
commitment ? (97/I/4/60) (17/I/8b/15)
6. “Committed bureaucracy is unsuitable in a
Parliamentary democracy.” Comment. 7. “Admin istrative ethics is a process of
(96/I/5b/20) independently critiquing decision standards,
based on core social values that can be
7. ‘Public interest demands the maintenance of discovered, within reasonable organisational
political impartiality in the civil services.’ boundaries that can be defined, subject to the
Comment. (90/I/1d/20) personal and professional accountability.”
(Denhardt). Explain. (15/I/6a/20)
Administrative ethics 8. Briefly discuss the principles of ensuring ethics
in public service as recommended in the Nolan
1. Most civil service regimes still equate ‘Public Committee Report (1994).
Sector Ethics’ with anti-corruption efforts. (10/I/8b/20)
Discuss the insufficiency of Ethics-code in
this background. (22/I/8b/15) 9. The administrator needs autonomy and
discretion in much the same way as the
2. Civil servants generally tend to exhibit the
politician needs control and intervention. Discuss.
values and ethical framework of the political
(04/I/5d/20)
executives under whom they function.
Explain. (21/I/8c/15) 10. Account for the increasing corruption in
3. “Prevention of misconduct requires Administration. Suggest remedies to curb
institutionalization of ethical values in the administrative corruption. (03/I/3/60)
political and administrative levels.” Justify. 11. ‘The Civil Servants must not forget that he is
(20/I/5e/10) the servant, not the master of the community
4. The imperatives of administrative ethics are and that the official competence need not,
necessarily an antidote to “I was only obeying and should not involve the loss of human
the orders” argument by public officials. touch.’ Examine. (91/I/3b/30)
Explain. (19/I/7b/15)

10. Public Policy

Models of policy - making & 3. Have political realities thwarted the move
towards evidence based policy making ?
their critique Critically examine. (20/I/6c/15)
1. ‘Lindblom regarded rational decision-making 4. “Globalization is impacting the context of
as an unattainable goal.’ In the light of the national policy making. The national policy
statement, suggest measures to avoid policy agenda is becoming international.” Explain.
failures. (22/I/6c/15) (20/I/7a/20)
2. Policy problems are increasingly tending
5. “Maximum social gain” in public policy making
towards being wicked. Discuss the capacity
is an attractive goal which is rarely found in
and preparedness of the State to tackle
practice. Discuss. (19/I/5c/10)
such problems. (21/I/7a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
6. "A public policy without the active involvement
of people in its formulation, implementation
and evaluation is only a facade." How can
this anomaly be corrected ? (18/I/8c/15)
7. “ In Public Policy Making, ‘Rationalism’ is
the opposite of ‘Incrementalism’.” Examine.
(16/I/5e/10)
8. “In the appreciative systems of policy makers,
goals are subsidiary to norms and values.”
(Vickers). Explain. (15/I/5d/10)
9. “The concept of political feasibility in policy
alternative is a probabilistic concept and is
related to each policy alternative.” In the
context of the above statement analyse Dror’s
contribution. (15/I/8a/20)
10. “Policies determine politics as governments
constrain.” Attempt a critique of this
statement. (14/I/5d/10)
11. According to Y.Dror, “The Science of Muddling
through is essentially a reinforcement of pro
inertia and anti-innovation ideas in policy-
making.” Comment. (14/I/8b/15)
12. "The policy process was not structured in
the way required by bureaucratic planning.
"Arguably, incrementalism now stands most
in contrast to neo-liberal nationality that
impose markets against both gradual change
and democratic liberalism." Analyse these
two statements. (13/I/7b/20)
13. ‘Policy judgements comprise reality judgements,
value judgements and instrumental judgements’
[Geoffrey Vickers]. Elucidate. (12/I/1e/12)
14. Would you agree with Bachrach and Baratz
that along with decisions, non - decisions are
also part of policy ? Give reasons for your
answer. (12/I/7c/20)
15. Critically examine the following statements in
the field of Policy Sciences :
(i) The incrementalist paradigm posits a
conservative tendency in public policy making.
(11/I/7b(i)/15)
(ii) Dror’s Optimal Model is a fusion of the
economically rational model with the extra -
rational model. (11/I/7b(ii)/15)
16. ‘Policy is being made as it is being
administered and administered as it is being
made.’ Comment. (11/I/5b/20)
37
17. “Yehezkel Dror’s normative models of policy
making tend to be academic in perspective
with poor operational utility.” Comment.
(09/I/5d/20)
18. Policy is a decision driven model of research
use. Explain. (04/I/5a/20)
19. Public Policy is not an independent variable and
human history shows little evidence of
systematic learning from policy experience.
Discuss. (04/I/1d/20)
20. “Public policy is what politics is about.” –
Substantiate. (02/I/5b/20)
21. Elucidate the political process of policy
formulation. Bring out its distinguishing features
in developing countries. (99/I/8/60)
22. “Policy-making does not end once a decision
is made. The implementation of the decision
can have just as great an impact on public
policy as the decision itself.” Discuss.
(97/I/8/60)
23. Sketch and overview of the State of Public
Policy Analysis as it is most likely to interest
those who have a public administration
perspective. (96/I/8/60)
24. ‘Policy - making is a series of continuing dynamic
processes which are plural and composite.’
Explain. (92/I/7b/30)
25. ‘The emerging discipline of policy science aims
to work out solutions to problems in policy
making. Comment. (90/I/5d/20)
26. “Incrementalism in administration is not, in
principle, a slow moving tactic of conservatism,
instead, it is a fast moving sequence of small
changes that after the status que” Examine,
in the light of this statement, the desire of
development administration, for incrementalist
policy - making. (88/I/8a/30)
Processes of
conceptualisation
1. Groups work to elevate issues on the policy
agenda or seek to deny other groups the
oppor tu ni ty to place issues. In t h is
background, discuss the role of interest
groups in agenda setting in the developing
countries. (21/I/8b/15)
38 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. “... even if policies are well-organized, efficiently
operated, widely utilized, adequately financed
and supported, we may still ask, so what ? Do
they work ? ... What about their costs, outputs
and impact ?” Discuss. (09/I/8/60)
3. “The activities of public administrators at
various stages of the policy process illustrate
the difficulty of divorcing politics from
administration.” Comment. (93/I/5d/20)
4. ‘There has been an increasing emphasis on
the need for policy formulation and policy
analysis in order to ensure improved
performance and to avoid ad hoc or
fragmented approach to administration,
particularly in the context of active role of the
state in economic, social, defence and scientific
areas.’ Discuss. (91/I/8/60)
5. ‘Every public policy is a government decision
aimed at solving a problem of society and a
calls for collective approach to its planning and
implementation. Comment. (91/I/5b/20)
6. “Policy process must take account of
the political complexion of an authority,
demography and the historical pattern of
service.” Comment. (89/I/5d/20)
Planning, Implementation
1. Failure of Public policies has often been
attributed to problems of implementation,
while implementors question the policy design.
Discuss the contestation. (22/I/8c/15)
2. 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.
(21/I/8a/20)
3. “Of all the processes involved in public
policy, implementation is of greatest
importance.” Examine the impediments in
policy implementation. (17/I/8c/15)
4. “Policy analysis is incomplete without taking
into account policy delivery.” Argue.
(15/I/6c/15)
5. “The term policy implementation is, in some
respects preferable to the label public
administration.” Argue. (15/I/1e/10)
6. Suppose the Government of India is thinking
of constructing a dam in a mountain valley
girded by forests and inhabited by ethnic
communities. What rational techniques of
policy analysis should it resort to for coping
with likely uncertainties and unforeseen
contingencies. (13/I/8b/20)
7. ‘Our normal expectation should be that new
programs will fail to get off the ground and
that, at best, they will take considerable time
to get started. The cards in this world are
stacked against things happening’ [ Pressman
and Wildavsky ]. Comment. (12/I/5d/15)
8. “Public administration can be portrayed as a
wheel of relationships focused on the formulation
and implementation of public policy.” Explain.
(10/I/5d/20)
9. “Implementing a public policy is a process of
discovering what works and what does not.”
Examine. (07/I/5d/20)
10. “Nothing comes across more strongly than
the great naivete about policy implementation.”
Discuss. (06/I/5c/20)
11. Give an assessment of the processes of
policy formulation and discuss the problems of
policy implementation. (05/I/7/60)
12. Comment on the role of public administration
in policy making and its implementation. What
are the other factors influencing the policy
process ? (03/I/7/60)
13. “Policy implementation in Less Developed
Countries needs to be effective.” Comment.
(98/I/5d/20)
14. Explain how factors such as communications,
resources, self interests and bureaucratic
structures affect implementation of public
policies. (95/I/6/60)
15. Elucidate the concept of policy implementation.
How does implementation assessment focus
on the operation of a public policy ?
(94/I/8/60)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 39
16. “The basic issue of administrative accountability to sound public governance. Discuss.
relates to that part of Public Administration (22/I/5b/10)
which has something concrete to contribute 2. Has policy analysis become a major source
towards not only policy execution but also of legitimation of status quo in political and
policy formulation and policy adjudication.” social order ? Discuss. (20/I/5c/10)
Comment. (94/I/7b/30)
3. "Public interest is still inadequate as a
17. “One way of analysing implementation problems ground concept to evaluate public policy."
is to begin by thinking about what “perfect Discuss. (13/I/4b/25)
administration” would be like, comparable to
4. “Cost - benefit analysis is a very unsatisfactory
the way in which economists employ the
view of evaluating public policy.” Comment.
model of perfect competition.” Discuss.
(10/I/8c/20)
(93/I/7a/30)
18. Define Public Policy. How does its formulation 5. Outline the traditional and Cost - Benefit
and implementation involve participation by approaches to policy - evaluation.
administrators, voluntary agencies and pressure (88/I/8b/30)
groups in a democracy ? (87/I/6/60)
State theories and public
Monitoring policy formulation
1. “Collaboration and its cognates for public 1. “The output studies approach to public policy
service delivery need to be viewed from the analyses ovestresses the rational techniques
governance lenses.” Comment. and allocative dimension of public policy.”
(20/I/7b/15) Analyse the statement. (14/I/6b/15)
2. “Laxity in monitoring and evaluation can render
2. “All policy - making is decision-making, but all
even the best policies infructuous.” Discuss.
decision - making is not policy-making.”
(08/I/5a/20)
Elaborate. How does a policy emanate and
what course does policy-making in government
Evaluation and review and
follow ? (98/I/8/60)
their limitations
1. Policy evaluation contributes fundamentally

11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement

Organization and methods 4. Examine the needs and facets of administrative

reforms in the fast changing scenario of the
(Management by Objectives) 21st century. What are the obstacles to
administrative reforms ? Give suggestions to
1. Is Peter Drucker justified in saying,
“Management principles should not tell us overcome them. (03/I/6/60)
what to do, but only tell us what not to do”? 5. Bring out the importance of Organization and
Comment. (14/I/1e/10) Methods (O & M). Do you think that there
2. What are the main functions of an O and M should be a separate O & M organization ?
office ? (11/I/8a(i)/15) (97/I/6/60)
3. Bring out the various techniques of O & M 6. “Administrative reforms are induced changes
adopted in India to improve efficiency in in the machinery of government undertaken in
administration. (07/I/6/60)
40 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
order to bridge the gap between reality and
desirability.” Comment. (97/I/5d/20)
7. “Whatever is purpose it is true that reform always
takes place against ‘resistance’ and that failure to
recognise the various sources of opposition, and
to plan and to neutralise them, is a major reason
for the widespread failure of reform efforts.”
Examine. (96/I/6/60)
8. “The entire process of development and nation
building hinges on the effectiveness of
administrative reforms.” Comment.
(94/I/5c/20)
9. “Administrative reforms represent efforts,
intended to enhance and/or expand the
administrative and managerial capacity of Public
administration to achieve national objectives or
goals.” Elucidate. (93/I/7b/30)
10. ‘Administrative reform, by its very definition,
seeks to apply new ideas to administration
and thus entails new values. Comment.
(92/I/5c/20)
11. ‘There are widely different views not only
about the context of O and M, but also
concerning its relationship with other techniques
concerned with improving effectiveness and
efficiency. Discuss. (91/I/6a/30)
Work study and work
management
1. In the era of increasing stress on productivity
work study provides the road ahead for the
administrators. Identify the positive attributes
of work study in the light of the statement.
(19/I/8b/15)
2. “The term ‘work study’ may be used in
narrower and wider senses.” Elucidate.
(16/I/8c/15)
3. Write short note on Work study and work-
measurement in Indian Administration.
(00/I/5d/20)
4. “Work study succeeds because it is systematic
in investigating a problem and also in developing
a solution for it.” Explain. Also discuss the
components of Work Study and their usefulness.
(98/I/6/60)
5. Work study comprises all ‘systematic activities
concerned with the investigation, recording,
measurement and improvement of work.’
Comment. (90/I/5b/20)
e - governance and
information technology
1. ICT has immense potential to transform
governance and empower citizens. Examine.
(21/I/7c/15)
2. “Disruptive nature of developments in
Information Technology has changed the
contours of e-governance in the last one
decade.” Analyse. (20/I/8a/20)
3. Has e-governance led to debureau-cratization
and decentralization ? Assess its impact on
bureaucratic inertia. (19/I/5e/10)
4. To what extent has e-governance made the
administrative system more citizen-oriented ?
Can it (e-governance) be made more
participative ? (18/I/5c/10)
5. “Digitalisation provides great impetus to
E-governance”. Discuss. (17/I/5c/10)
6. “Information Technology brings efficiency
and transparency to Public Administration.”
E x am i n e th e st a t e m e n t w i t h su i t a bl e
examples. (16/I/6c/15)
7. “E-Governance creates a direct relationship
between the Citizen and the State.” In this
context, explain the changing role of the
elected representatives. (15/I/7c/15)
8. “ The bottom line for governance outcome
rather than the outputs of government.”
Analyse in context of e-government and e-
governance. (14/I/5c/10)
9. “ The technical and multidisciplinary nature of
e-governance has created an interdependent
relationship within government between
policymakers, program administrators and
technical specialists.” Analyse in context of
generalist – specialist relationship.
(14/I/7a/20)
10. The success rate of e-government projects
in most developing countries is stated to
be rather low. Assess the reason. (150
words) (13/I/5d/10)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
11. ‘The apparent demise of e - Government and
e-Business as the main organizing principles of
society has created the conditions for the rise
of e - Governance from the ashes’ – In the
context of the above statement show the 1.
distinctions between e - Government and e -
Governance. (12/I/8b/15)
2.
12. A system of Information ties planning and
control by managers to the operational system
of implementation. Elaborate. 3.
(11/I/8a(ii)/15)
13. E - governance is the final arrival of Max
Weber ’s ‘ iron cage of rationality ’. Discuss. 4.
(11/I/1c/20)
14. Do you think that there is a sort of paradox
between e- Governance and good governance ?
5.
Explain fully. (10/I/7b/20)
15. “e-governance has the potentiality to emerge
as the most effective instrument of efficiency,
transparency and accountability.” Comment.
(08/I/5b/20)
16. “The rise of information technology is an 1.
opportunity to overcome historical disabilities”.
Explain. (06/I/5a/20)
17. In what ways and how can information 2.
technology play a crucial role in effective
government - citizen interaction in the context
of good governance ? (05/I/2/60)
18. What is Information Technology ? Describe its 3.
impact on Public Administration. (04/I/6/60)
19. “Organisations today seem to invest in 4.
information and information systems, but their
investments often do not seem to make 5.
sense.” Comment. (03/I/5a/20)
20. Do you think that sudden eruption of 6.
‘Information society’ has adapted and
accelerated administrative development ?
(89/I/8a/30)
41
Management aid tools like
networking analysis, M I S
MIS has evolved and gone far beyond its
traditional advantages due to technological
advancements. Comment. (21/I/5e/10)
A narrow view of information comes in the
way of successful implementation of MIS in
organizations. Analyse. (19/I/5d/10)
“ The field of MIS is not necessarily an
extension of computer science, but of
management and organisation theory.”
Elucidate. (14/I/6c/15)
‘ Relations are the building blocks of network
analysis ’ – In the light of this statement
summarize the form and content of relations
in ‘ network analysis ’. (12/I/8a(i)/15)
There is a need for intimate relation between
Generalists, Specialists and the Management
Information System (MIS). Comment.
(88/I/5a/20)
PE RT, C PM
“Comparative Performance Measurement
(CPM) bridges everyday work experience with
the broader horizons of comparativism.”
Explain. (15/I/5a/10)
“MIS, PERT and CPM have accelerated the
process of reinventing O & M.” In the context
of the above statement, explain the recent
developments in managerial techniques.
(15/I/8c/15)
Trace the background and development of
PERT and enumerate the steps involved in
the application of PERT. (12/I/8a(ii)/15)
Draw a simple PERT chart for a seminar
planning project. (12/I/8a(iii)/15)
“Techniques like P E R T and C P M help in
effective office management.” Elaborate.
(09/I/5b/20)
Time may be regained as an alternative to
reform, as by ‘efflux of time’ remarkable
powers may be acquired to resolve conflict.
Comment. (88/I/5b/20)
42 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
12. Financial Administration
Monetary & Fiscal Policies
1. “Fiscal policy should address the issues of
inequity, intricacy and obscurantism.” Explain.
(20/I/5d/10)
2. Discuss the major areas of change in the
Tax-Reforms of the post liberalisation era.
How do you justify the importance of the
direct ta reform in this context ?
(19/I/7c/15)
3. Monetary policy of a country can help or
hinder its development process." Discuss.
(18/I/7b/15)
4. “Fiscal policy and monetary policy are the
two tools used by the State to achieve its
macroeconomic objectives.” Examine the
statement and point out the differences
between the tools. (16/I/7a/20)
5. "Economic reforms are a work in progress
with the state reluctant to fully relinquish
its reins." Discuss the statement with regard
to implementation of economic reforms in
India. (13/I/7a/15)
6. Critically examine the monetary and fiscal
policies of Government of India in the decade
1991 to 2001. Do you think world financial
institutions had a role to play in opening Indian
economy to global forces ? Give reasons to
substantiate your argument. (01/I/8/60)
7. “Time-honoured and yet often not sufficiently
appreciated are the fiscal techniques for securing
responsible conduct of administrative business.”
Discuss. (97/I/7a/30)
Public Borrowings and
Public Debt
1. “A large public debt forces the adoption
of tax and spending policies that result
into higher taxes and reduced services.”
Analyse. (17/I/5e/10)
2. “ Public borrowings produces differen t
effects on the economy”. Examine
(16/I/5b/10)
Budgets – types and forms
1. A sound budgeting system is one which
engenders trust among citizens that the
government is listening to their concerns.
Elaborate this in the context of budgetary
governance. (22/I/7b/15)
2. ‘Outcome budgeting addresses the
weaknesses of performance budgeting.’
Elaborate. (22/I/5e/10)
3. Zero-based budgeting was intended to get
away from incrementalism, but ended up
being the most incremental of any budgetary
approach. Discuss. (21/I/7b/15)
4. “Objectives of performance budgeting include
i m p ro v i n g e x p e n d i t u r e p r i o r i t i za t i o n ,
e f f e c t i v e n e s s a n d e f f i c i e n c y.” H a s
performance budgeting worked effectively in
governmental system ? Argue.
(20/I/8c/15)
5. Is William Niskanen’s “Budget Maximising
Model” relevant today? Argue.
(19/I/6c/15)
6. "Sound Performance Auditing is impossible
without systematic Performance or Outcome
Budgeting." Explain the relationship between
the two. (18/I/7c/15)
7. “The key to understanding performance-
based budgeting lies beneath the word
‘result’.” In the light of the statement,
examine the elements of performance-
based budgeting. (16/I/8a/15)
8. “Instead of reforms to budgetary process
Wildavsky proposes to redefine the role of
political institutions and rules by which politics
leads to agreement on budget.” Explain.
(14/I/5e/10)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
9. Identify the main elements of program
budgeting, output budgeting and new
performance budgeting. What do they have
in common with PP B S ? (14/I/8a/20)
10. What new models of budgetary capacity
and incapacity have emerged after the
decline of Planning Programming Budgeting
and Zero-based Budgeting ? (150 words)
(13/I/5e/10)
11. An administrator uses the budget as a
framework for communication and co -
ordination, as well as for exercising
administrative discipline throughout the
administrative structure. Explain.
(11/I/8b/20)
12. ‘Budget is a series of goals with price-tags
attached.’ Explain. (11/I/5a/20)
13. Distinguish between PPBS and performance
budgeting. (10/I/8a/20)
14. What is performance budgeting ? Bring out its
merits, limitations and difficulties.
(07/I/8/60)
15. “Successfully implementing budgeting approach
requires favourable incentive structures.”
Discuss. (06/I/5d/20)
16. Why does the issue of budgeting as politics
versus budgeting as analysis remain important
in the budgeting process ? Do you agree that
some synthesis of the two positions seems
possible ? Illustrate. (05/I/8/60)
17. “The budget is an instrument of coordination.”
Explain. (05/I/5c/20)
18. Examine the government budget as an
instrument of public policy and a tool of
legislative control. (02/I/8/60)
19. Burekehead says : ‘Budget in Government is
a vehicle of fiscal policy and a tool of
management.’ Examine this statement.
(01/I/5b/20)
20. Give reasons for the failure of Government of
India to introduce the performance programme
budgetary technique in Union Ministries. What
type of budgetary system is being currently
practiced in India and why ? (00/I/6/60)
43
21. Write short note on Budget as an instrument
of socio-economic transformation.
(00/I/5a/20)
22. “Budget is a tool which serves many purposes.”
Comment. (98/I/5a/20)
23. “Budgeting and fiscal administration require
the public administrator to resolve a variety of
operational, managerial and strategic issues.”
Examine. (96/I/7b/30)
24. Program budgeting is often considered
interchangeable with performance budgeting,
but there is a significant difference, at least in
theory. Comment. (95/I/5a/20)
25. Examine the view that during the last two
decades Programming, Planning and Budgeting
system and even Zero Base Budgeting have
been driven out by political dissensions.
(94/I/6/60)
26. Explain the principle involved in the preparation
of budget. Assess the scope of budgetary
techniques in financial management.
(93/I/8/60)
27. What is performance budgeting ? Do you
agree with the statement that it is a tool of
business management ? (92/I/6/60)
28. ‘Financial administration is a vital institution for
economic and social change in a poor country.’
Comment. (92/I/5a/20)
29. ‘....... budget office needs accountants,
statisticians and procedure analysis; it must
provide a working climate in which these
specialist skills are applied in a general context.’
Comment. (90/I/5a/20)
30. “In so far as budgeting is successful or
otherwise, if depends not only on its internal
workings but upon the environment in which it
operates.” Explain. (88/I/6/60)
31. Explain Performance Budgeting and illustrate
it s n eed an d u t ili ty i n dev el opme nt
administration. (87/I/7a/30)
44 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Budgetary Processes
1. “Budgeting is a political process” – (Aaron
Wildavsky). Examine. (17/I/5a/10)
2. “No significant change can be made in the
budgetary process without affecting the
political process.” (Wildavsky). Analyse.
(15/I/5c/10)
3. Budget allocation involves series of tensions
between actors with different backgrounds,
orientations and interests and between short-
term goals and long-term institutional
requirements. Discuss. (13/I/7c/15)
4. ‘Those who budget, deal with their overwhelming
burdens by adopting heuristic aids to calculation’
[Wildavsky]. Explain. (12/I/5e/15)
5. “Good economics and bad politics cannot
coexist in a sound budgetary process.” Discuss
this statement in the context of the
developmental challenges in countries
experiencing competitive politics.
(08/I/7/60)
6. Give reasons for the failures on the part of
bureaucracy and the legislature to supervise
the enactment of the budgetary provisions.
(89/I/8b/30)
Financial accountability
1. Emphasis on cost control and reducing public
expenditure has diverted the focus of
gov e r nm en t b u dg et s f r om t h e b as i c
objectives of reallocation of resources,
bringing economic stability and promoting
social equity. Examine. (21/I/6a/20)
2. Performance measurement r emains an
emerging issue but it is relegated to exclusively
monitor and assess the use of funds. In light
of the statement discuss various non-financial
parameters of performance measurement to
evaluate public sector organizations.
(19/I/7a/20)
3. “Legislative controls over finances are
inadequate and incomplete.” Comment.
(03/I/5d/20)
4. Describe the methods by which the Public
Accounts Committee and the Estimates
Committee control administration.
(95/I/8/60)
5. Examine the nature of parliamentary control
over the National Finances in India.
(91/I/7/60)
Accounts and audit
1. The audit function has always been viewed
as an integral part of government financial
management. Discuss the significance of
internal audit in improving the performance
of the government sector. (22/I/8a/20)
2. “There can be no performance auditing
without performance budgeting.” Elucidate.
(17/I/6c/15)
3. “ The fact that we call something
performance auditing means that we imply
salient features which can distinguish it from
other forms of enquiry.” Discuss with
reference to the main measures or indicators
of performance measurement.
(14/I/6a/20)
4. Whereas ‘value for money’ audit aims at
economy and ‘performance’ audit seeks
efficiency, ‘social’ audit goes beyond both, to
examine the effectiveness of a programme or
activity.
Examine this statement with suitable
illustrations. (11/I/4a/30)
5. “Audit continues to be considered as
something alien, something extraneous and
something of the nature of an impediment.”
Explain. (06/I/5b/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 45
6. “Auditing in Government is an exercise in legislature which appropriated money.’ Comment.
post - mortem.” – Examine. (02/I/5d/20) (91/I/5a/20)

7. ‘Statutory External auditing is one of the 10. ‘What the auditors know is auditing..... which
protectors of democracy in the parliamentary is not administration.’ Comment on the nature,
form of Government.’ Comment. importance and role of audit in administration.
(01/I/5d/20) (90/I/6a/30)

8. ‘‘Government has numerous ideal objectives, 11. “Public bureaucracies have not grown yet to
and three of these are closely linked to adopt their accounting and auditing mechanisms
accounting and finance : efficiency, effectiveness to the ever growing automation within them.”
and equality.” Comment. (93/I/5b/20) Comment. (89/I/5c/20)

9. ‘It (Audit) is the process of ascertaining 12. ‘The financial administration in modern times
whether the administer has spent or is spending needs updating administrative cybernetics and
its fund in accordance with the terms of Audit reforms.’ Comment. (87/I/5a/20)


46 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
P U BL I C
A DM INISTRATI O N
Topicwise Previous Years’ Questions
1. Evolution of Indian Administration
Kautilya’s Arthashastra
1. Kautilya envisages protection, welfare and
prosperity of the State and its people as the
utmost concern of a ruler. In this context,
discuss the significance of Kautilya’s emphasis
on governing, accountability and justice in
contemporary India. (21/II/2a/20)
2. In the text of Arthashastra, “the State is
neither a Police State nor merely a tax
gathering State.” Comment. (19/II/1a/10)
3. “In contemporary times, Kautilya’s
Arthashastra is relevant more in the field
of international relations than in economic
affairs.” Analyse the statement.
(16/II/2a/20)
4. “ Ethics in public services has been the
central concern of Kautilya’s Arthashastra.”
Critically examine the statement.
(14/II/1a/10)
5. “ Indian admin istration is said to be
characterised by its three features viz.
Weberian structures, Kautilyan practice and
Gandhian rhetoric.” Examine the statement.
(14/II/2b/20)
6. ‘The Arthashastra is a book of political realism.’
Elaborate. (12/II/4c/15)
7. “The rule of kings depends primarily on written
orders ...........” Why did Kautilya favour
Codification of Laws ? (10/II/1a/20)
8. Comment on the view that despite different
PAPER - II
contexts, administrative maxims of Kautilya’s
Arthashastra bear considerable similarity with
features of Weber’s ideal bureaucratic model.
(09/II/1b/20)
9. “Kautilya was not only the foremost politico -
administrative thinker of ancient India but he
was an advocate and preacher of moral values
too.” Comment. (07/II/1a/20)
10. “In the happiness of his subjects lies the king’s
happiness; in their welfare his welfare.” Comment
on Kautilyan state administration. In what
respects is modern democratic rulers’ behaviour
different from Kautilyan rulers ? (06/II/1a/20)
11. “The Arthashastra is India’s oldest complete
text on public administration.” Comment.
(03/II/1a/20)
12. “The machinery of government designed in
Kautilya’s Arthashastra does not exactly
resemble our modern-day polity, but it does
contain some principles which could be said to
be the part of today’s science of public
administration.” Comment. (01/II/1a/20)
13. “Kautilya’s Arthashastra has significant relevance
to the contemporary Indian administration.”
Comment. (98/II/1a/20)
14. ‘The principles in Arthshastra do not command
as much of our attention as the delineation of
the machinery of administration in it..... It
reveals the authors mastery of detail, which
could have developed only as a result of his
actual experience of administration.’ Comment.
(90/II/1b/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
15. ‘It is not possible to maintain that the
administrative system, described in Arthashastra
was in actual existence during the Mouryan
period’. Comment. (87/II/1a/20)
Mughal administration
1. “Mu ghal administrative system was
centralised despotism”. Comment.
(22/II/1a/10)
2. Mughal admin istration incorporated a
combination of Indian and extra-Indian
elements. Discuss. (20/II/1a/10)
3. “A significant legacy of the Mughal rule in
India is a well-organized revenue
administration at the State and District
Levels.” Comment. (16/II/2c/10)
4. “The Mughal Administrative System was military
rule by nature and a form of centralised
despotism.” Analyse. (12/II/1a/12)
5. ‘Some features of Mughal Administration, in
essence, do exist in Indian Administration.’
Elaborate. (08/II/1d/20)
6. “The Mughal Administrative System was a
military rule by nature and was centralized
despotism.” Comment. (05/II/1a/20)
7. Trace the evolution of Judicial Administration in
India during the Mughal and British periods of
Indian History and highlight the major landmarks
of this evolution from 1774 to 1911.
(89/II/2/60)
8. “Iqta’, the lowest unit of administration during
the Sultanate period was sub-divided ‘Shiqs’.
The Shiqdar administered a number of
‘Paraganas’. A Chaudhari in every paragana
and a Patwari in every Village Constituted the
Local administration.” Comment.
(88/II/1a/20)
47
Legacy of British rule in
politics and administration -
Indianization of public services,
revenue administration, district
administration, local self-government
1. Red - tapism is a major obstacle to the
implementation of ‘ good governance ’.
Comment. (21/II/1c/10)
2. The public services in India are an evolution
of the British Raj. Trace the Indianization of
the services. (20/II/2c/10)
3. "A government next-door is the government
that matters most for the people." Discuss
the statement with special reference to the
values of local government. (18/II/1a/10)
4. “Climate change issues pose new challenges
for district adminstration to be proactive."
Elaborate. (18/II/4a/20)
5. “Effectiveness of local self-government
institutions is hampered due to the lack
of capacity building of the elected
representatives.” Elaborate.
(17/II/1c/10)
6. “Indianisation of Public Services is a slow
but steady process.” Explain.
(17/II/3b/20)
7. “The Regulating Act of 1773 not only
introduced values in administration but also
laid the foundation of centralized
administration in India.” Explain.
(16/II/1a/10)
8. " T h e C h ar t e r A c t o f 1 8 5 3 m ar k e d t h e
beginning of parliamentary system in India."
Explain. (150 words) (13/II/1a/10
9. It is said that the British made a significant
contribution towards modernising the Indian
Administrative System on a ‘rational - legal’
basis. Justify the assessment with reference
to the period from 1830 to 1865.
(10/II/2a/30)
48 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
10. “Bureaucracy developed by the British stifled
the village self-rule.” Comment. (09/II/1a/20)
11. “The main features of British governmental and
administrative system continue to influence the
present Administrative System.” Comment.
(04/II/1a/20)
12. “Though India emerged as a sovereign state
after Independence, the administrative system
remained the same as was during the British
period.” Comment. (03/II/1b/20)
13. “After independence, despite the change in
socio - economic and political milieu, the basic
features of colonial impact on administration
continues to exist in our administrative
system.” Comment. (02/II/2/60)
14. “The period of British rule generated most of
the structural and behavioural values of Indian
Administration not by imitation but through
interaction.” Comment. (00/II/1a/20)
15. “Under the Company’s rule a distinction was
drawn between Regulation and Non-Regulation
Provinces.” Comment. (97/II/1a/20)
16. “It is not wholly correct to suggest that British
rule had seriously attempted to bring about
unity in India’s administration.” Comment.
(96/II/1a/20)
17. “The purpose of Clive’s famous ‘double
government’ was to mask Company’s
sovereignty.” Comment. (95/II/1a/20)
18. Trace the evolution of Judicial Administration in
India during the British period and highlight the
legacies that persist and the judicial reforms
that have followed during the Twentieth Century.
(93/II/2/60)
19. “The generalist - neutralist model of Civil Service,
more than any other model of Civil Service, fits
in framework of parliamentary democracy in
India, a legacy of the British pattern with which
Indians have been familiar.” Comment.
(93/II/1b/20)
20. “The British colonial administration superimposed
the prefectorial system on the historically
inherited district administration in India, in the
absence of rural local governments at the
district level.” Comment. (93/II/1a/20)
21. ‘Lord Ripon was the prophet of local government
in India.’ Comment. (92/II/1b/20)
22. ‘The proposals of the Royal Commission on
Decentralisation (1907-1909) did little more than
echo the resolution of May, 1882, yet even
such entirely conservative reforms were
postponed for a further ten years : the last of
the years of opportunity for British statesmen
and officials and they passed away unused.’
Comment. (90/II/1c/20)
23. ‘The Cabinet Committees provide a useful
forum for interface between officials and non -
officials in participatory situation in “Policy
Administration” in a Parliamentary Democracy’.
Comment. (89/II/1b/20)
24. ‘Lord Ripon’s Resolution of 1882 has been
described as the Magna Carta of Local Self-
Government in India. It was a Policy Statement
and marked a fundamental change in the basic
approach.’ Comment. (89/II/1a/20)
25. “The formative stage of administration,
preceding the Indian mutiny of 1857 witnessed
a struggle between the ‘Cornwallis’ and ‘Munro’
schools of district administration.” Comment.
(88/II/5a/20)
26. Trace the evolution of the system of Public
Administration in India from 1858 to 1919,
highlighting the major landmarks of this period
of administrative history. (87/II/2/60)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. Philosophical and Constitutional
framework of government
Salient features and value
premises; Constitutionalism;
Political culture; Bureaucracy and
democracy; Bureaucracy and
development
1. “The Indian federal structure is largely
symmetric albeit with some asymmetric
features”. Examine the status of States and
Union Territories through the principle of
weighted and differentiated equality in India.
(22/II/2a/20)
2. “The Government of India Act, 1935 is the
most important source of Indian constitution”.
Identify its features. (22/II/1d/10)
3. The Preamble to the Constitution of India
provides a foundational framework of ideals
and values for the Indian administration.
Discuss. (21/II/1a/10)
4. Examine the extent to which the ideal of
Constitutionalism as ‘government by limited
powers’ has been a functional reality in
India. (21/II/1b/10)
5. There is a constant and continuous collusion
between bureaucratic values and democratic
values which adversely affects development.
Do you agree ? Elaborate. (20/II/1b/10)
6. The structural part of the Constitution of
India is to a large extent derived from the
Government of India Act, 1935, whereas its
philosophical part has many other sources.
Discuss the sources of the philosophical
part. (20/II/2b/20)
7. The economic reforms have significantly
infringed the basic values and spirit of the
Indian Constitution. Discuss. (19/II/1b/10)
8. Macaulay’s ideas on Indian Civil Service
corresponded to the el ite theo ry of
bureaucracy, which continue to persist. Do
you agree ? Justify. (19/II/1c/10)
49
9. "The philosophy of the Westminster model
is at odds with the political culture of India."
Critically analyse. (18/II/1b/10)
1 0 . “Constitutionalism is the foundation of
the administrative edifice in India.”
Discuss. (17/II/1a/10)
1 1 . “The market reforms have not infringed
the basic structure of the Constitution of
India, but have largely compromised the
realisation of the ideals of social and
economic justice.” Comment.
(17/II/2a/20)
1 2 . “Bureaucracy has to make a balance
between the need for en vironmental
sustainability and developmental
imperatives.” Discuss. (17/II/4a/20)
1 3 . Do you think that some of the ideals
enshrined in the Preamble of the
Constitution remain only on paper even
today ? Critically evaluate. (16/II/1b/10)
14. “Democracy within bureaucracy is likely to
reduce its effectiveness.” Do you agree with
this view ? Argue your case.
(15/II/1a/10)
15. To what extent has political culture influenced
the administrative culture of India ? Explain.
(15/II/2a/20)
16. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar observed, “the text of
the Constitution can provide the organs of the
State, but the final outcome of the governance
process depends on how it has operationalized
by the political parties and people”. Elucidate
the statement. (15/II/2c/10)
17. D i s c u s s t h e v a l u a b l e p r e m i s e o f
co n sti tuti onal ism in I n dia whi ch t h e
bureaucracy cannot violate. (14/II/1b/10)
50 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
18. “ Beneath the soft outer shell of democratic
administrative framework lies unscathed the
steel frame of Indian administration which
has survived through ages.” In the light of
this statement, examine the relationship
between bureaucracy and development in
the last one decade. (14/II/3c/10)
19. "The liberal-democratic ideology of the West
influenced the shaping of value premises of
the Indian Constitution." Discuss. (In about
250 words) (13/II/2b/20)
20. “Over - dependence on bureaucracy for bringing
about socio - economic development in India
has proved to be dysfunctional.” Comment.
(11/II/1a/20)
21. Explain with appropriate illustrations the interface
between political culture and bureaucratic culture
in contemporary India. (11/II/1c/20)
22. The prevalence of multiple channels for transfer
of resources from the Centre to the States is
stated to have compounded the problems of
federal fiscal arrangements. Discuss.
(10/II/3b/30)
23. “Values of Indian administration must be rooted
in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.”
Discuss. (09/II/8a/30)
24. ‘The shift from the Nehruvian to the liberalisation
model of development has necessitated
reinventing government.’ Comment.
(08/II/1a/20)
25. There is constant and continuous collision
between bureaucratic values and democratic
values which adversely affects development. In
the light of this statement examine the role of
bureaucracy in development. (08/II/2/60)
26. “The basic values of the Constitution of India
enshrine social, political and economic philosophy
symbolising sovereignty of the people, rule of
law and basic characteristics of a socialist,
secular, democratic, republic.” Comment.
(06/II/1b/20)
27. “Culturally sanctioned values and symbols have
acted as important influencing catalyst in
administration.” – Elaborate. (02/II/7a/30)
28. “Indian federalism is described as federal in
form but unitary in spirit.” Comment.
(02/II/1b/20)
29. “The value premises of our Constitution in the
era of global constitutionalism.” Comment.
(02/II/1a/20)
30. “The use of the word ‘Socialist’ in the Indian
Constitution has become redundant in the
context of the liberalization of economy.”
Comment. (01/II/1b/20)
31. “Reservation policy and its implementation has
had some positive impact in relation to terms
on the socio-economic development of the SCs
and STs but it is very meagre in absolute
terms.” Comment. (00/II/7a/30)
32. “Indian Constitution considerably influences the
nature, role and structure of Indian
administration.” Elucidate. (98/II/3b/30)
33. “The Directive Principles of State Policy are
socialistic in their direction and content.”
Comment. (97/II/1c/20)
34. “The Preamble to the Constitution is a key to
open the mind of the markers.” Comment.
(97/II/1b/20)
35. Examine the motives and intentions of the
framers of the Indian Constitution as they
opted for the system of parliamentary
democracy in India. (97/II/2/60)
36. “The constitutional provisions for the
appointment of a special officer for the
Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes are more
investigative than executive in orientation.”
Comment. (96/II/5d/20)
37. “The first Article of the Draft Constitution of
India provided that India shall be a federation.”
Comment. (96/II/1b/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
38. “The Indian Constitution is a bag to borrowed
materials.” Comment. (95/II/1b/20)
39. “The purists have criticized the Indian
Constitution as not conforming to the conception
of a federation and so being unduly rigid.”
Examine the statement. (95/II/2/60)
40. “The word ‘socialist’ in the Preamble to our
Constitu tion requ ires to be defined.”
Comment. (94/II/1a/20)
41. “In framing a Federal Constitution the
Constituent Assembly had many models to
draw upon, but it wisely decided to take the
Government of India Act, 1935 as the basis on
which the new Constitution was to be framed.”
Critically examine this statement.
(94/II/2/60)
42. ‘Reservation Policy in Public Services as a
mandate from the Constitution has been
conducive to the promotion of Social Justice.’
Discuss and illustrate. (92/II/3b/30)
43. ‘The Indian Constitution provides a mere
environmental setting for our politics and
administration but the state of conflict arises
from the mass base and the elitist orientations
of the two respectively.’ Comment.
(92/II/1a/20)
3. Public Sector Undertakings
Public sector in modern India
1. “The size of the leviathan goes on expanding,
despite the country’s recent commitment to
downsizing or rightsizing.” Comment.
(03/II/5a/20)
2. “The steady expansion and the gradual decline
of the public sector has been one of the most
conspicuous development in post-Independence
India.” Discuss this statement and suggest
measures to arrest the decline of the public
sector in India. (03/II/4/60)
51
44. ‘The fine art of deception which the British
Practised in the name of “Dyarchy” was too
crude for it to pass the test of self-government.
It hastened “Provincial Autonomy” but this too
did not promote Parliamentary democracy of
federalism.” Comment. (91/II/1b/20)
45. ‘As the Fundamental Law of Administration
of the land, the Indian Constitution lacks
teeth in its institutional package to realise
th e landable ideals enshrined in the
Constitution.’ Comment. (91/II/1a/20)
46. ‘Welfare and development administration calls
for qualities different from law and order
administration.’ Examine, in the light of this
statement, the crucial issues in tribal welfare
and development administration, highlighting
the role of the Government agencies involved
in it. (91/II/6/60)
47. ‘The Preamble to the Constitution of India
contains the ideals to be achieved by the
administration; the progress in regard to
their realisation has however been halting
and patchy, the libertarian ideal on the
whole gaining an upper hand over the
egalitarian.’ Comment. (90/II/1a/20)
3. “Indian public enterprises are neither adequately
‘public’ nor truly ‘enterprising’.” Comment.
(98/II/3a/30)
4. “The public sector has to grow. It has a
strategic importance.” Comment.
(94/II/1d/20)
5. ‘With the fall of the Soviet System, the fervor
socialist administration has declined. Examine
the statement in the light of recent policy
decisions in the Government of India with
regard to public undertakings.
(92/II/3a/30)
52 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
6. Public Undertakings of the Central Government
could be booked upon both as an asset and
a liability. Which measures would you suggest
to enhance their utility as an asset and to
reduce their drag as a liability ? Examine in
depth the working of one central public
undertaking in this context. (90/II/4/60)
7. ‘Pricing Policy for Products and Services
have to be different for monopolistic, semi-
monopolistic and competitive kinds of Public
Enterprise. A policy of No Profit, No Loss
cannot be recommended as the long-term
goal or as a permanent policy for most
State Undertakings in India.’ Comment.
(89/II/5a/20)
8. “The development of the Joint Sector, the
availability of organised trade unions and the
entry of the Public Sector into low Social priority
areas have rendered the administration of
public enterprises politically unaccountable,
managerially ineffective and financially non-
viable.” Comment. (88/II/1c/20)
Forms of PSUs
1. Can the holding company’s structure act as
an institutional change to add to efficiency ?
Give your answer with appropriate
illustrations. (11/II/7a/30)
2. “The Public Corporations in India are like
exhausted Leviathans.” Comment.
(99/II/1d/20)
3. “The departmental public undertakings have
necessarily been placed under the full control
of th e G ove rnm en t an d Parl iam ent .”
Comment. (95/II/1d/20)
4. ‘The company form of organization in public
sector is said to be a fraud on the principle
of parliamentary accountability. Yet it is the
most popular enterprise in the field of public
sector organization in India.’ Comment.
(91/II/4/60)
Problems of autonomy,
accountability and control
1. "Contracting out tasks without effective
accountability mechanisms can be counter-
productive for effective service delivery."
Comment. (18/II/1e/10)
2. Explain fully how a balance can be struck
between autonomy and accountability of India’s
public enterprises. (15/II/3b/20)
3. Argue the case for and against creating
Indian Public Enterprises and Industrial
Service for boosting the moribund public
sector in India. (15/II/8c/10)
4. “Public sector undertakings must learn to
survive and be entrepreneurial, without
assured government budgetary support.” In
the light of this statement give your
suggestions for strengthening their autonomy
and reviving the health of sick Public Sector
Undertakings. (14/II/2a/20)
5. "Autonomy to public sector undertakings is
a myth." Analyse in the context of the use
of government expenditures by politicians
who control governments at different levels.
(In about 150 words) (13/II/2c/10)
6. Is it correct to state that “one of the major
reasons for the failure of many ........ public
sector undertakings was due to departures
from the original concept of autonomy” ?
(10/II/1b/20)
7. “The blame for our poor public sector
performance can be laid on the way our
bureaucracy is structured.” Comment.
(07/II/5a/20)
8. “Public undertakings no longer occupy
‘commanding heights’.” Comment.
(02/II/5d/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
9. ‘The poor performance of Public Undertakings
in the Core Sectors of Indian economy has
sparked off problems of political accountability
and labour participation in management.’
Comment. (87/II/1d/20)
Impact of liberalization and
privatization
1. Following the onset of globalisation, the
traditional bureaucratic model appears to
have lost its significance. Comment.
(22/II/5d/10)
2. “The New Economic Reforms during the
past three decades have not only reduced
the scope of industrial licensing and areas
reserved exclusively for Public Sector but
also infringed the autonomy of existing public
sector undertakings”. Examine.
(22/II/3a/20)
3. The government policy of large scale
privatization of the key sectors of the
economy may affect India’s economic health.
Comment. (21/II/3c/10)
4. Does the privatization of key public sector
bodies augur well for welfarism in India ?
Discuss with suitable illustrations.
(20/II/3a/20)
5. Public Sector Undertakings were expected to
take the Indian economy to the ‘commanding
heights’, instead the successive governments
have been pushing for disinvestment.
Critically examine how the scenario has
changed over the years. (19/II/2b/20)
6. "The market-driven profitability concerns have
shaken the foundation of the public sector
undertakings." Do you agree ? Give reasons.
(18/II/2a/20)
7 “Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in
India face tough competition from the
private enterprises and Multi-National
Corporations (MNCs).” Explain.
(17/II/1d/10)
53
8. Evaluate the performance and efficacy of
the Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna
type of Public Sector Undertakings in the
context of Liberalization, Privatization and
Globalization (LPG). (16/II/1d/10)
9. “ ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ scheme
between the Gover nm ent and Public
enterprises has forced public undertakings to
improve their overall performance.” Do you
agree with this statement ? (12/II/1d/12)
10. “Memorandum of understanding scheme’
between government and public enterprise has
forced public undertakings to improve the overall
performance.” Comment. (07/II/1d/20)
11. “In the context of liberalisation the role of
Public Sector and its welfarist approach is
being drastically changed.” Elucidate.
(04/II/3b/30)
12. “The role of public sector has been changing
tremendously in the context of liberalisation.”
Comment. (02/II/1d/20)
13. “Despite liberalization, privatization and
globalization of economy, the public sector has
its own relevance for India.” Discuss the
functions and role of public sector in the new
economic scenario and the changes that they
need to bring about in them. (01/II/4/60)
14. Do you agree that globalization, liberalization
and privatization policies are going to change
the very fabric of Indian Administration ? What,
according to you, are the major challenges
before it in the 21st century ?
(00/II/8/60)
15. Discuss the major problems of management
and working of Public Sector Undertakings in
India. Give suggestions in the light of
liberalization policy to improve their
performance. (00/II/4/60)
54 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
4. Union Government and Administration
Executive
1. “Ordinance-making power of the Executive
needs to be suitably restrained.” Examine it
critically. (15/II/1d/10)
2. In the exercise of his / her functions, the
President of India is a mere ‘Convenient
working hypothesis’. Do you agree with this
view ? Justify your reasoning with illustrations.
(12/II/2b/30)
3. “In an era of hung parliaments the power of
the President expands, more so when the
incumbent decides to be assertive.” Comment
on the statement with reference to the situation
in India during the last two decades.
(10/II/4a/30)
4. Does the emergence of an Empowered Group
of Ministers at the Central level impair the
doctrine of Cabinet responsibility ?
(10/II/1c/20)
5. “By taking some offices out of the jurisdiction
of the Office of Profit Act, the Government of
India has doubly assured the public mind of its
duplicity.” Comment. (06/II/5c/20)
6. Indian Prime Minister should not only be
accountable to the Indian Parliament but should
appear to be so.” Commen t on the
accountability of the Prime Minister to the
Indian Parliament in the context of extra-
constitutional power. (06/II/3/60)
7. “Not the Potomac, but the Thames, fertilizes
the flow of Yamuna”. In the light of the
statement comment on the symbolic institution
of the President of India. (06/II/1d/20)
8. “The veto-power of the Indian President is a
combination of the absolute, suspensive and
pocket veto.” Comment. (05/II/1b/20)
9. “Presidents of India prior to the passage of
42nd and 44th amendment could afford to be
more assertive.” Comment. (04/II/1c/20)
10. “Looking back to our past experience, the fear
that the emergency provisions can be misused
have at times proved right and wrong at other
times.” Discuss with examples. (03/II/2/60)
11. “Despite all the powers that he has, the Indian
Prime Minister cannot become a dictator.”
Comment. (03/II/1c/20)
12. “The Prime Minister stands out as the most
powerful authority even today.” Comment.
(01/II/1c/20)
13. “Indian Constitution confers vast legislative
powers on the President.” Comment.
(00/II/1d/20)
14. “Though the dictatorship of the Cabinet is a
stark reality in modern times, it does not mean
that the Cabinet is omnipotent.” Comment.
(00/II/1b/20)
15. “Art. 78 of the Constitution confers Executive
Power on the President.” Comment.
(98/II/1b/20)
16. “The essential purpose of Cabinet Committee is
relieve the Cabinet of some burden of work.”
Discuss. (96/II/3a/30)
17. “Rather than describing the Prime Minister’s
position through phrases, it is better to examine
how the office of the Prime Minister has actually
evolved over time.” Explain. (96/II/2/60)
18. “While discussing the President’s position in the
Constitution, the model of the British monarch
being impracticable and the model of the
French Presidency having been ruled out, the
compromise model had to fall back upon some
such device as the German one.” Comment.
(95/II/1c/20)
19. “The Cabinet is not a constitutional body.”
Comment. (94/II/1b/20)
20. ‘The Cabinet Committees in the Union
Government are a proven asset to it as staff
agencies.’ Elucidate. (91/II/3b/30)
21. “Administrative talent of a Minister determined
his success.” Comment. (09/II/5d/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Parliament
1. Parliamentary control over administration is
no substitute for judicial control. Comment.
(22/II/6c/10)
2. The role and status of the Speaker in
parliamentary system have their foundation
in the Speaker’s stance on neutrality.
Comment. (21/II/1d/10)
3. Parliamentary committees are at the
deliberative core of parliamentary work which
is crucial for refining legislations. Elucidate.
(20/II/1c/10)
4. Parliamentary committees bring about
accountability and public expenditure. Discuss.
(14/II/5b/10)
5. ‘Parliamentary Departmental Committees have
played their role effectively in analysing the
demands for grants.’ Evaluate. (12/II/3a/20)
6. ‘Parliament is an independent institution, not to
be seen as an extension of government or of
a party.’ Elaborate. (12/II/3c/20)
7. It is said that the image and influence of Indian
Parliament have suffered a serious decline in
recent years. How far do you agree with this
view - point ? (99/II/2/60)
8. ‘The Parliamentary Control over administration
is a misnomer......... It is like the blade at the
top of the Guillotine, which need not fall to be
politically effective........ If accountability to
Parliament gets improved, the desire to control
by its members will abate.’ Comment.
(89/II/5d/20)
9. “The judicial control over administration is no
substitute for parliamentary control. Infact,
they are supplementary but serve two different
kinds of purposes.” Discuss. (88/II/7b/30)
Role of the Union govt. in inter-
state river water disputes
1. Examine the role of central government in
adjudication of disputes relating to water of
interstate rivers. (22/II/4c/10)
55
Judiciary - structure, functions,
work processes; Recent trends;
Intragovernmental relations
1. “The Indian judicial system has failed to
deliver justice expeditiously”. Examine the
challenges faced by the judiciary and suggest
measures to overcome them.
(22/II/4a/20)
2. The spirit of democratic values requires that
the independence of judiciary remains
absolute. It is high time that the All India
Judicial Service (A I J S ) was created.
Elaborate. (20/II/3b/20)
3. There has been an opinion that the ethos
of Indian Judicial System continue to be
colonial. Suggest measures for raising the
level of judicial excellence for achieving
speedy justice. (19/II/1d/10)
4. "Judicial overreach to a large extent is a
consequence of ineffective executive."
Examine. (18/II/4b/20)
5. Do you think that ‘All India Judicial
Service (AIJ S) would contribute to timely
delivery of justice to the citizens ? Argue
your case. (17/II/1e/10)
6. “The absence of congruence of views on
appointments to judiciary between the
Supreme Court and the Union Government
has had an adverse impact on the judicial
s y s t e m .” I n t h e l i g h t o f t h e a b o v e
statement, examine the proposal to
constitute an All India Judicial Service
(AJIS). (16/II/4a/20)
7. “ National Green Tribunal is viewed by many
critics as a hindrance to economic
development” Evaluate the statement and
give arguments in support of your answer.
(16/II/5c/10)
8. Discuss the arguments for and against the
National Judicial Appointments Commission Act,
2014. (15/II/4a/20)
9. “Management of intragovernmental relations is
as important as that of intergovernmental
relations.” Examine its impact upon the
performance of the government.(14/II/4a/20)
56 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
10. ‘Judges should not govern the country. They
can lay down a law, not interfere with
governance.’ Discuss. (12/II/1b/12)
11. “............ Judges and Courts have creatively
reinterpreted their statutory authority and
expanded their own power and enhanced their
standing vis - a - vis the legislature and
executive.” Critically examine this assessment.
(10/II/4b/30)
12. “Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has undergone
several changes since its inception in 1980s.”
Comment. (10/II/5a/20)
Cabinet Secretariat
1. “The smooth transaction of business in
Ministries and Departments depends on the
role played by Cabinet Secretariat”. Discuss.
(22/II/1c/10)
2. "The attached offices and subordinate offices
are integral to the functioning of the Cabinet
Secretariat." Discuss. (18/II/1c/10)
3. “The status and functioning of the Cabinet
Secretariat face a stiff challenge from
the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).” Argue
both in favour and against the contention.
(17/II/1b/10)
4. Critically examine the variables in the
composition and functioning of Cabinet
Committees. (12/II/1c/12)
5. “The respective roles of the Cabinet Secretary
of the Government of India and of the Chief
Secretary of a State are similar in certain
respects, and dissimilar in other.” Explain.
(09/II/6a/30)
6. “The Cabinet Secretariat provides the eyes &
ears for the Prime Minister to keep in touch with
the process of official business in Central
Government.” Comment. (05/II/3a/30)
7. “The leadership qualities of a civil servant are
test most during his tenure as the Cabinet
Secretary — a dream - post for every
bureaucrat.” Elucidate. (00/II/3a/30)
8. “The efficiency of the Cabinet depends to a
large extent on the Cabinet Secretariat.”
Elucidate. (97/II/3a/30)
9. ‘The cabinet secretariat in India as an innovation
in the central administration has been emulated
from the British experience. Its fortunes have
changed with the vicissitudes of the Prime
Minister.’ Review the working of the Cabinet
Secretariat since its inception in the light of the
above statement. (90/II/3a/30)
10. “Cabinet Secretariat the Prime Minister’s
Secretariat in India have Common but dissimilar
staff, functions.” Elucidate.
(88/II/7a/30)
Prime Minister’s Office
1. The Prime Minister’s Office has become a
powerful institution in itself by virtue of its
role in decision - making on strategic issues
o f u t mo st i m po r t a n c e . E x am i n e t h e
statement. (21/II/5d/10)
2. “Strong PMO is anti-thesis to the feature of
collective responsibility of Council of Ministers.”
Examine the issues in relation to the position
of PMO vis-a-vis council of Ministers in the
light of this statement. (19/II/3a/20)
3. “Dominant centralized administration is
correlated with decisive and authoritative
leadership provided by the Prime Minister’s
Office.” Explain with suitable examples since
independence. (16/II/2b/20)
4. The functional role of Prime Minister’s office
(PMO) depends on the Prime Minister’s
policy orientation, personality and style of
administration. Comment on the statement
with suitable examples. (14/II/1c/10)
5. Discuss the evolution of the role of the Prime
Minister’s Office (PMO) since independence.
(11/II/2a/30)
6. “A strong PMO is a salvation for any Indian
Prime Minister, but concentration of power is a
danger to democracy.” Comment.
(05/II/1d/20)
7. “The rise of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and
the Cabinet Secretariat in India during the past
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
three decades is an indication of the growing
centralisation of policy and decisional authority in
the positions of the Prime Minister.” Examine.
(99/II/4/60)
8. “The Prime Minister’s Office is a staff agency.
Its line functions are inconsistent with the
Secretariat Systems of administration.”
Comment. (93/II/3b/30)
9. Examine the comparative roles of the Cabinet
Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Secretariat
in the functioning of the Union and the
Governments in India. Illustrate your answer.
(92/II/2/60)
10. ‘The Prime Minister’s Secretaria - the youngest
of the Central Secretariat Organizations-has
grown taller than the Cabinet Secretariat.’
Discuss this, analysing the role and influence of
the Prime Minister’s Office on the Adminis-
tration of the country. (91/II/2/60)
Central Secretariat
1. "Central Secretariat is the nodal agency for
administering the Union subjects and
establishing coordination among the various
activities of the government." Discuss. (In
250 words) (13/II/3b/20)
2. “The central secretariat is a policy formulating,
co - ordinating and supervisory agency besides
being the principal executive agency of the
government.” Explain. (02/II/3a/30)
3. “The Central Secretariat is thus today
encumbered with non - essential work and has,
for a large part, become an unwisely and over -
staffed organization.” Elucidate. (99/II/3b/30)
4. “The Secretariat system of work has lent
balance, consistency and continuity to the
administration and serves as a nucleus for the
total machinery of a ministry.” Explain.
(95/II/3a/30)
5. “One weakness of the Gopalaswami plan was
to identify a ministry with a minister’s charge.”
Discuss, in this context, Gopalaswami
Ayyangar’s recommendations regarding
Secretariat organization. (94/II/3a/30)
57
6. Trace the evolution of Secretariat system in
India during the British period of administrative
history with special reference to the structure of
central administration and its field organisations.
(88/II/2/60)
Ministries and Departments
1. What factors have led to the expansion of
the role of the Ministry of Home Affairs ?
How can it coordinate its affairs more
effectively with the Ministry of Defence ?
(16/II/3a/20)
2. Critically analyse the functions and role of
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
with regard to development of disabled persons
in India. (07/II/8a/20)
3. What concrete steps have been taken by the
Union and the State Govern-ments to protect
child labour and prevent abuse of children ?
(06/II/8c/20)
4. What measures have been taken by the Union
and the States for the welfare of women in the
profession of sex ? (06/II/8b/20)
5. Critically evaluate the policies of the Union
Government with regard to the welfare of
women and children of India. (06/II/8a/20)
6. Explain the role and structure of the Ministry of
Home Affairs of the Government of India.
What are the challenges being faced by this
Ministry ? Give suggestions for enhancing the
capacity of this organization to meet these
challenges. (98/II/4/60)
7. Critically examine the role of the Finance
Ministry as the custodian of all public
revenues. (97/II/6/60)
8. Outline in brief the organisation and working of
the Union Ministry of Finance and offer concrete
suggestions for organisational reforms in the
light of the new economic policy of liberalisation
of the Central Government. (93/II/4/60)
9. Outline the organisation and working of the
Ministry of Home Affairs in the Government of
India & examine its role in the event of
breakdown of constitutional machinery in a
state. (92/II/6/60)
58 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
10. Analyse the role and functions of the Ministry of
Finance of the Government of India. What
steps would you visualise to improve its
performance of the function of financial
management. Suggest measures to streamline
its relationships with other Ministries ?
(91/II/8/60)
11. Outline in brief the organisational structure and
working of the Ministry of Finance or Ministry of
Home of the Union Government of India and
discuss the role, relationship and relevance of
its field organisations. (89/II/4/60)
Boards ; Commissions ; Attached
Offices ; Field organizations
1. "Finance Commission in India performs the
job of statistics aggregation." Comment.
(150 words) (13/II/1d/10)
5. Plans and Priorities
Machinery of planning
1. “National Institution for Transforming India
(NITI) Ayog has become super cabinet in
formulating the development agenda of our
country”. Examine the statement by giving
suitable examples. (22/II/3b/20)
2. NITI Aayog has been con stituted to
i m pl e me n t t h e go a l o f c o -o pe ra t i v e
federalism. Discuss. (21/II/5b/10)
3. ‘NITI Aayog’ has changed the way India
strategized for economic development, but
its effectiveness is yet to be seen, especially
when its financial powers are far less than
its predecessors. Analyze. (19/II/8a/20)
4. It is argued that the NITI Aayog has
broken the edifice of planning into fragments.
Comment. (18/II/2b/20)
5. “Planning in India has failed to meet the
challenges of economic development and
social change.” Discuss the statement in
the context of the emergence of NITI
Aayog. (16/II/3c/10)
2. “For national planning, the commission type of
organisation was deliberately preferred.”
Examine the statement. (97/II/3b/30)
3. ‘The recomm endations of a Finance
Commission, according to Constitutional
provisions, do not constitute an award. These
are recommendations...... the Finance
Commission is an aid, and the executive may
or may not accept its recommendations
considering their feasibility and desirability of
implementation on objective considerations.’
Comment. (90/II/3b/30)
4. ‘It is high time that the distribution of Central
Assistance Under Article 282 of Indian
Constitution, (which is entirely or even mainly
made on the basis of Semi-Judicial Awards of
the Finance Commission) needs to be re-
examined in all its implications.’ Why ?
(89/II/3a/30)
6. The objectives, approaches and organisational
arrangements for decision-making of the NITI
Aayog aim at restoring the federal character
of the Indian polity. Explain. (15/II/3a/20)
7. "Planning enables comprehensive and
scientific understanding of problems."
Examine the statement in the context of
planning methodology. (150 words)
(13/II/1e/10)
8. “Effective implementation of plan projects has
been the weakest link in the chain of the entire
planning programme.” Elucidate. (04/II/7b/30)
9. “Indian planning is highly centralized.” Comment.
(03/II/5d/20)
10. ‘Planning in a federal system, needs to
depoliticised.’ Comment. (92/II/5c/20)
Role, composition and
functions of the Planning
Commission
1. Explain the context and perspectives of the
following statements :– (10/II/6a/30)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 59
(i) The Planning Commission is “an armchair district, the State and the regional levels of
adviser”. national planning processes. Do you agree ?
(ii) The Planning Commission should reinvent itself (88/II/3a/30)
as a systems reforms commission in the 8. Examine the inadequacies of machinery for
backdrop of changed global and domestic
planning to ensure democratic but depoliticised
scenarios.
planning process in Indian federation. How does
2. “The Planning Commission continues to exist National Development Council accentuate or
but some would say that it is withering away, inhibit this process ? (87/II/3a/30)
along with real planning itself.” Comment.
(99/II/1a/20)
Indicative’ planning
3. “The organization of the Planning Commission is
in consonance with its expert character.” 1. “Indicative Planning, is a middle path of
Comment. (94/II/1c/20) planning and market mechanism to ensure
coordination between public and private
Role, composition and activities.” Explain. (22/II/2c/10)
functions of the National 2. Considering India’s diversity, the planning
Development Council pattern of ‘one-size-fits-all’ was discarded in
favour of indicative planning. To what extent
has it been useful to India ? (20/II/1d/10)
1. How far do you agree with the view that
National Development Council could resonate 3. "In the transition from the State-led economy
the demands of the state governments as to the market economy, India should rely
long as planning commission is kept more on 'indicative planning'." Do you agree ?
subservient to it ? Critically examine. Explain your position. (18/II/4c/10)
(14/II/4b/20)
4. Justify ‘indicative’ planning in the context
2. “National Development Council is criticized as an of LPG. (12/II/3b(ii)/10)
usurping authority — functioning as a virtual
5. “From highly centralized planning system,
super - cabinet.” Explain. (05/II/7b/30)
India has moved towards indicative planning
3. “National Development Council was established under which long-term strategic vision of
to co-ordinate between Union government, the the future is built and nation’s priorities are
Planning Comm ission an d the S tate decided.” Elucidate. (05/II/6/60)
governments.” Comment. (04/II/5c/20)
4. “National Development Council has virtually
Process of plan formulation
become a super - cabinet and tries to arrogate at Union and State levels
itself the functions of Parliament.” Comment.
1. Why has District Planning been marginalised in
(02/II/5c/20) many States and remained prominent in a few
5. “National Development Council, it seems, is like a States ? Explain. (15/II/1c/10)
super - Cabinet.” Comment. (00/II/1c/20) 2. Discuss the problems in the planning process
6. ‘The National Development Council should be at the state and sub-state levels.
grafted as a Federal Economic Cabinet of the (08/II/3b/30)
Prime Minister in the East Minister model of 3. “State and district planning bodies in India
Indian democracy.’ Comment. (92/II/5a/20) have not been effective in achieving their
7. “The National Development Council (not the goals.” Comment. (98/II/1d/20)
planning Commission) is the appropriate
instrument to ensure linkages between the
60 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Constitutional Amendments
( 1992 ) and decentralized
planning for economic
development and social justice
1. Despite the constitutional status, the District
planning committees remained a non-entity
in preparation and implementation of plans.
Discuss. (22/II/3c/10)
2. The institutional legacy of ‘well - entrenched
state’ affected the post - reforms promises
in India. Explain the statement in the light
of economic reforms in India.
(21/II/8b/20)
3. “Decentralised governance must serve as an
instrument of realising social change and social
justice.” Comment on the statement.
(15/II/3c/10)
4. Despite the adoption of decentralised
planning, participatory initiative remain
marginalised and divisive live in many regions.
Discuss. (14/II/1d/10)
5. “In spite of having Constitutional status the
District Planning Committee is not able to
implement decentralised planning due to
centralised nature of economic planning.”
Comment. (07/II/5c/20)
6. “Welfare of the people has been a constitutional
and legal obligation of the state, wherein —
both the Centre and State Governments are
required to discharge the obligation within
available resources.” Does this stand true in the
context of globalization ? (04/II/6/60)
7. “The emphasis in women’s development
programmes has in recent years shifted from a
purely welfare and consumption oriented one to
a realistic one which recognizes women as
contributors to the country’s economy.”
Elaborate. (95/II/7b/30)
8. “Development administration ultimately boils
down to effective project implementation, and it
is implementation that has been badly negated
in Indian planning. Critically examine the
statement.” (95/II/7a/30)
9. How would you respond to the view that the
welfare programmes for Women have touched
the fringe of their problems. Account for the
existing state of apathy of the administration.
Examine the working of a government agency
involved in the implementation of a women’s
welfare programme. (90/II/6/60)
10. ‘The ultimate picture of the Planning Organisation
in India has to be a network of planning units in
the villages and enterprises, coordinated at
successive higher levels by State Planning
Commissions, which will ultimately feed the
Planning Commission at New Delhi.’ Make out a
case for decentralised and depoliticised federal
planning in India. (89/II/7a/30)
Government Policies
1. The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a
progressive policy. Analyse. (22/II/2b/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
6. State Government and Administration
Union - State administrative,
legislative and financial
relations
1. Analyse the specific areas of controversies
with regard to Union-State financial relations,
particularly in the context of one nation –
one tax policy. (22/II/4b/20)
2. Even if all the States combine together, they
cannot have their way in the decision-
making in the GST Council, unless the Union
agrees to it. Analyze this in the perspective
of federalism in India. (20/II/1e/10)
3. Article 356 acts “very much like the proverbial
bolt from the blue ... without giving an
o pp o r t u n i t y o r n o t i c e t o t h e S t at e
Government to correct its alleged
shortcomings”. This phenomenon not only
undermines the autonomy of the State
Government, but also demeans the status
of the President of India. Critically analyse.
(19/II/2a/20)
4. “Implementation of Goods and Services
Tax (GST) has led to a paradigm shift in
the Centre-State relations, both financially
and politically.” Analyse with examples.
(17/II/6b/20)
5. Examine the efficacy of the measures taken
t o r ed e f i n e an d ex ec u t e c o o p er a t i v e
federalism in India. (16/II/1c/10)
6. “Introduction of G.S.T. (Goods and Services
Tax) no doubt has economic benefits, but
tends to compromise the States’ inherent
right to impose taxes.” In this context,
comment on the changing nature of Union-
State financial relations. (16/II/3b/20)
7. Briefly discuss the main recommendations of
the Punchhi Commission (2010) on Centre-
State relations for transforming Indian Federal
System. (15/II/2b/20)
8. Comment on the recent changes in the
approach and methodology of devolution of
61
responsibilities and transfer of funds from the
Union to the States. (15/II/4c/10)
9. “The Centre State relations have acquired
new dimensions in recent times due to
several political parties being in power at the
C e n t r e a n d t h e S t a t e s .” ( S e c o n d
administrative, commission). Do you agree ?
Give reasons to support your arguments.
(14/II/1e/10)
10. "There is a tendency of centralism in
Indian federalism, but it is not because of
its institutional framework but because of
its socialist goals and centrally devised plan
development." Explain the statement in the
context of Union-State relationship. (In about
250 words) (13/II/4a/20)
11. What are the tension areas in Union-State
relations in Planning ? (08/II/3a/30)
12. There is a separate Central Ministry or
Department on each subject allocated to State
List. Does it mean supremacy of the Union
Government or an emphasis on development
administration ? Analyse. (07/II/2/60)
13. “The main problem of Centre-State relations in
India is bottlenecks in fiscal federalism.”
Comment. (06/II/6/60)
14. “One of the greatest weakness inherent in a
Federal polity is the possibility of conflict of
loyalty and responsibility on the part of public
servants as between Central and State
Governments.” — Elaborate and comment.
(04/II/8/60)
15. “Among several other problems, the problem of
financial relationship is perhaps the most complex
one.” Explain in the context of recent
developments in Union – State relations in India.
(00/II/2/60)
16. “The legislative and executive powers of the
States are comprehensive, but the exercise of
these powers are subject to regulation,
abridgement and even suspension by the
Union.” Comment. (99/II/3a/30)
62 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
17. “The States are constitutionally obliged to ensure
that the laws passed by Parliament are
implemented.” Explain the constitutional position
fully. (97/II/4/60)
18. “The legislative relations between Union and
State governments are more biased towards
Union government.” Comment. (97/II/1d/20)
19. “The Union-State financial relations, as provided
in the Constitution, are biased towards Union
Government in the context of borrowing.”
Comment. Comment. (96/II/1c/20)
20. Critically review the constitutional provisions
relating to centre-state administrative relations
in India during normal times within the
framework of a normative federal system.
(94/II/4/60)
21. ‘In the case of the centre-tilt in the
administrative relations between Centre and
States, neither the causes are unknown nor are
they incurable.’ Discuss and Suggest measures
to improve this relationship. (91/II/3a/30)
22. ‘The planning commission of India in the post-
Nehru period has conduced to better Centre-
State relations, but (it has) not necessarily
brought about depoliticisation of the planning
process.’ Discuss and illustrate. (90/II/2/60)
23. Discuss the various facets of the All India
Services and examine the emerging patterns of
Conflict and Co-operation between the Union
and the State in Indian Federalism.
(88/II/4/60)
24. Discuss the financial and administrative
relationships obtaining between the Union and
the States in India. Do you think States have
been reduced to a position of glorified
municipalities ? (87/II/4/60)
Role of the Finance Commission
1. The recommendations of National Finance
Commissions are more norms based than
the need based. In the light of this statement
analyse the terms of references of 15th
National Finance Commission. (22/II/6a/20)
2. As a constitutionally mandated body the
Finance Commission stands at the centre of
fiscal federalism. Evaluate the role of Finance
Commission in ensuring just and equitable
resource sharing among the states and the
union. (21/II/4a/20)
3. E f f o r t s t o st r e n g t h en S t a t e Fi n a n c e
Commissions have faced apathy of State
Governments over the years, which has
also affected the successive Central Finance
Commissions in recommending appropriate
fiscal transfers to local bodies. Substantiate
the answer with examples. (19/II/7b/20)
4. Critically examine the criteria adopted by the
15 th Finance Commission for allocation of
resources to States. What have been the
major issues of contention since the 10th
Finance Commission ? (18/II/3a/20)
5. “The objectives of fiscal devolution to local
bodies as mandated by the 73rd and 74th
Constitutional Amendment Acts has been
derailed by the actual working of the State
Finance Commissions.” Comment.
(16/II/7b/20)
6. States with a record of good governance, it is
argued by spokesperson of some states, lost
their earlier share from the Finance Commission’s
award. Comment. (10/II/5c/20)
7 “After the creation of the Planning Commission,
the role of the Finance Commission has started
diminishing.” Review the statement.
(96/II/4/60)
8. “The concept of Fiscal Federalism calls for the
National Development Council to regulate Plan
decisions about discretionary grants-in-aid, which
should in fact be distributed by the Finance
Commission.” Comment. (93/II/1c/20)
9. ‘The jurisdictions of Planning Commission and
Finance Commission overlap and together the
two circumscribe the Sovereign character of
Indian Parliament.’ Comment. (92/II/1c/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Governor
1. The role of the Governor is of a sagacious
counsellor, mediator and arbitrator rather
than that of an active politician. In this
context, examine the role of the Governor
in state politics in India. (21/II/2c/10)
2. Various commissions have reiterated the
crucial role of the Governor in Indian system
of governance, but the successive
governments have not heeded to make the
Governor’s office apolitical. Examine with
examples. (19/II/1e/10)
3. "In the coalition era with elusive majority of
a single party in the State Legislature, the
role of the Governor becomes even more
challenging." Discuss. (18/II/3b/20)
4. “In very recent time, the role of the State
Governor is found to be more of diplomatic
than administrative nature.” Comment on the
statement with suitable examples.
(15/II/4b/20)
5. “The gubernatorial position of the Governor
is comfortably placed in the fuzzy area
between ‘ Withdrawal of the pleasure of the
President’ and ‘Compelling reasons for
re moval’.” D iscu ss with so me rece nt
examples. (14/II/3b/20)
6. Is there a need to dispense with the Office
of the Governor ? Examine in the context
of coalition governments. (150 words)
(13/II/3c/10)
7. ‘The authority of the Governor in the
discretionary field is not unrestrained. If it is
misused ... the President can check him / her
and if necessary, he may even remove the
Governor.’ Examine this statement critically in
the context of the Office of the Governor.
(12/II/4a/25)
8. “Because of several judicial pronouncements,
Governors in States are no longer viewed as
agents of the ‘Party in Power’ at the Central
level.” Evaluate. (07/II/1b/20)
9. “The position of Governors towards exercising
their discretion and powers has considerably
changed after 1967.” Discuss. (04/II/2/60)
10. “Article 163 makes the Governor the sole judge
63
in matters in which he is required to act in his
discretion.” Explain. (03/II/3a/30)
11. “It would be a gross fallacy to regard the
institution of the Governor as a faint presence
like a full moon at midday.” Comment.
(99/II/1c/20)
12. “The Governor of a State wears two hats, and
therefore, dilemmas have arisen in practice.”
Comment. (96/II/5b/20)
Chief Minister
1. ‘The Chief Minister is the real executive of the
State, whose effectiveness is largely related to
his personality traits and equation with central
leadership.’ Explain and illustrate with relevant
examples. (08/II/4/60)
2. “The Chief Minister symbolizes ruling power
structure and is the real executive head of the
State Government.” Discuss the above
statement in the light of his position in a
Coalition Government. (05/II/2/60)
Legislature and
Council of Ministers
1. “The position of the Council of Ministers in
a State is reduced to that of a body of
secretaries in the presence of a
domineering Ch ief Minister.” Critically
analyse with examples. (17/II/3a/20)
2. “Legislatures have become a place for
infighting rather than for proper policy
making.” Comment in the context of the
working of State Governments.
(16/II/4c/10)
Chief Secretary
1. “The Chief Secretary is the chief
communication link between the state and
central government”. Explain. (22/II/1e/10)
2. “The Chief Secretary is often termed as
the alter ego of the Chief Minister.”
Discuss, with examples, the dynamics of
their relationships in State administration.
(17/II/4b/20)
64 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
3. “The success and prestige enjoyed by a Chief
Secretary depend, to a large extent, upon his
equations with the varied sets of people and
institutions that form the work environment.”
Critically evaluate the statement and its
relevance to the role of the Chief Secretary in
the discharge of his functions. (12/II/2a/30)
4. “The highly significant and elevated position of
Chief Secretary is significantly undermined in
practice today.” Comment. (04/II/1d/20)
5. “In the Chief Secretary, the State Government
has an officer whose counterpart does not
obtain in the Union Government.” Elucidate.
(00/II/7b/30)
6. “By virtue of his unique position as head of the
official machinery and adviser to the State
Council of Ministers, the Chief Secretary has an
extremely important role to play in the state
administration.” Comment. (94/II/5b/20)
7. ‘The Office of the Chief Secretary should be
rotated among the top Civil Servants in the
State Administration.’ Comment.
(89/II/1d/20)
8. ‘The role of the Chief Secretary as Principal Co-
ordinator in State administration is comparable
with that of the Cabinet Secretary in Union
Government.’ Do you agree or not ? Give
reasons. (87/II/7a/30)
7. District Administration since Independence
Changing role of the Collector
1. “The office of the District Collector admirably
survived the changing times from colonialism
to the present times”. Comment.
(22/II/1b/10)
2. District Collector is the most important
functionary in district administration in India.
In light of the above statement, discuss the
multidimensional responsibilities of District
Collector in effecting coordinated
developmental administration in India.
(21/II/2b/20)
State Secretariat
1. “The dispute between Secretariat and
Directorate is the result of Generalist vs
Specialist controversy.” Analyse. (07/II/4/60)
2. ‘The Secretariat in State Government is an
anachronism held over from the British regime.
The sooner the secretariat disappears from the
State administrative scene, the better it would
be in the interests of improvement of
administrative efficiency and promotion of equity
between the officials at the levels of the
secretariat and the Executive Departments.’
Comment. (90/II/5c/20)
Directorates
1. “State Directorates are administrative and
implementation units assisting the Departments
functioning from the Secretariat.” Explain.
(01/II/3a/30)
2. “The departments, the directorates, the
corporations, the companies and the Boards
have different organisational purposes and
statutory functions in State administration.”
Discuss. (93/II/7b/30)
3. ‘The Directorates in the departments of State
Administration serve very little functional
purpose.’ Comment. (89/II/5c/20)
3. At the district level, police functions under
the overall supervision and control of the
District Magistrate. Comment.
(20/II/4c/10)
4. The office of the District Collector has
merely become a bureau for funnelling
government schemes, collecting statistics
and an officer on attendance for unending
VIP duties. Critically examine its role in the
light of the recommendations of the Second
Administrative Reforms Commission.
(19/II/6a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
5. “The separation between regulatory and
development functions in many States has
not only weakened the District Collector
but also development administration.”
Critically examine the need to relook at
this policy. (16/II/4b/20)
6. “District Collector’s role in the development
process has been overemphasised.” Comment
on the statement. (15/II/1b/10)
7. “ District collector is a legacy of the British
Raj and has largely remained insulated from
the demands of contemporary
professionalism.” Discuss. (14/II/2c/10)
8. "Reducing the size (geographical area) of
the district will provide relief to the
overburdened and overworked collector."
Comment. (150 words) (13/II/5d/10)
9. Explain the emerging ambiguity in respect of
the developmental role of the District Collector
in the wake of the 73rd Constitutional
Amendment Act. (12/II/3b(i)/10)
10. “District Administration is like a small tortoise
carrying the load of an elephant.’ Discuss.
(08/II/1c/20)
11. “The District Collector, the Additional Deputy
Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Officer, have
virtually become ‘officers-in-attendance’ and
have lost initiative and independent of
judgement.” Comment. (06/II/4/60)
12. “One of the most distinctive characteristics of
Indian Administrative Service is its multipurpose
character.” Comment. (05/II/5a/20)
13. “District Collector has increasingly become multi-
dimensional.” Comment. (03/II/1d/20)
14. “Collector is the representative of the State
government in the district and also represents
public interest.” Comment. (02/II/3b/30)
15. “The District Collector admirably survived the
historical change of role from an alien regime to
a national one.” Comment. (01/II/1d/20)
65
16. ‘The office of collector created by the British
forms the basis of district administration in
India, but today it needs a new look to
metamorphise itself into a Key office of District
Government.’ Comment. (92/II/1d/20)
17. ‘The designation “District Collector” is a misnomer
at the present juncture, the correct designation
would be “Chief District Administrator”. He is
the pivot, in district administration, of the
stability and progress of the district, but his
performance in both these respects depends
on the co-operation of and co-ordination with
the officials in various departments in the
district.’ Elucidate the statement in the light of
the experience, particularly during the eighties
and nineties. (90/II/7b/30)
18. ‘The role of District Collector has changed but
not diminished for now he has an additional
function of guiding democratic bodies and has
to carry conviction with members of these
democratic institutions.’ Comment.
(87/II/5a/20)
Union - state local relations
1. The Union governmen t develops and
practices strategies to administer increasing
number of existing local government services
by sidelining local initiatives and discretion.
Examine. (21/II/1e/10)
2. “Indian federalism is passing through a state
of potential maturity.” Discuss this statement
in the context of the views of the Commission
on Centre - State Relations (Justice M. M.
Punchi). (11/II/3b/30)
3. “Many of the programmes of development
being implemented at the State and the Local
level have been initiated or financed by the
Union Government. This has transformed the
nature of Indian federalism.” Critically examine
this assessment. (09/II/8b/30)
4. “Autonomy of local bodies is conditioned by
state-local relations and the managerial capability
of the local bodies themselves.” Comment.
(94/II/5c/20)
66 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
5. Examine some of th e Challenges to
Development Administration in the Panchayati
democracy of rural India. Do you think that the
Constitutionalisation of three-tier Federalism will
be a viable model for future ?
(92/II/8/60)
Imperatives of development
management and law and
order administration
1. "Development management advocates self-
sustaining customer-friendly institutions at
the district level." Comment.
(18/II/3c/10)
2. “The primary emphasis in District Administration
has to be on implementation of development
programmes in cooperation with active support
of people.” Elucidate. (05/II/3b/30)
3. “The District Collector is an overburdened officer
due to the expansion and in creasing
developmental activities.” Comment.
(05/II/1c/20)
4. Critically review the evolving relationship
between the district magistrate and the
superintendent of police in the field of law
and order management in a district.”
(95/II/6/60)
District administration and
democratic decentralization
1. District administration is the most important
unit in governance. Most of the Central and
State Government schemes and programmes
are directed towards the district
administration. In this context, discuss the
challenges and problems posed to the district
administration. (20/II/2a/20)
2. It is observed that non-functioning of District
Planning Committees is preventing the
convergence of rural and urban planning
needs. Do you agree ? Justify.
(19/II/4b/20)
3. “Digitalisation of land records is a necessary
but not sufficient precondition for ensuring
transparent distict administration.” Explain.
(17/II/3c/10)
4. NGOs demand greater autonomy from the
State and are now ‘new actors’ in development.
How effective are they as instruments of
decentralisation and debureaucratisation ?
Critically evaluate. (12/II/7c/30)
5. “The district officer as a chief agent and
representative of state serves as a channel of
communication between the Government and
the residents of the district.” Explain.
(04/II/3a/30)
6. “It is at the district level that the common man
comes into direct contact with the
administration.” Elucidate. (03/II/3b/30)
7. “It is a major challenge to balance the role of
District Collector with the powers of democratic
bodies.” Comment. (00/II/5c/20)
8. “The Bengal pattern of district administration
was based on the Zamindari system of land
tenure.” Explain. (94/II/7a/30)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
8. Civil Services
Constitutional position
1. Emerging developmental aspirations of the
society necessitate th e con stitutional
amendment to change the present
safeguards available to the civil servants.
Evaluate the pros and cons of such
amendment. (19/II/2c/10)
2. “Article 320 states that the Government shall
consult the U.P.S.C. on certain specific matters.”
Comment. (99/II/1b/20)
3. “Independence of the Public S ervice
Commissions has been ensured under specific
provisions of the Constitution.” Examine.
(96/II/3b/30)
4. “The public services in India have been
conferred a Constitutional status.” Comment.
(96/II/1d/20)
5. ‘Though the legislature and the executive rule
as well as administer, the Civil Servants only
administer and do not rule.’ Comment.
(87/II/1c/20)
Structure, recruitment,
training & capacity -building
1. “The objective of Mission Karmyogi is to
enhance capacity building of Indian Civil
Servants and improve governance.” Discuss.
(22/II/6b/20)
2. Examine the lateral entry recruitment in
government in the context of Part XIV of
the Indian Constitution. (22/II/5a/10)
3. Well planned and goal - oriented training
programmes are the backbone of the civil
service system in India. Examine the
statement. (21/II/5e/10)
4. Recruitment is the cornerstone of the whole
public personnel structure and it revolves
67
around the problem of attracting the best.
Discuss the essential elements of a good
recruitment system. (21/II/3a/20)
5. Immediate post - retirement appointments
of high officers of government have become
a new trend. Discuss its pros and cons.
(20/II/6c/10)
6. Civil servants are trained to follow rules and
procedures so much that they become
bureaucrazy. Do you agree ? Justify.
(20/II/7c/10)
7. Capacity issues relating to employees have
hampered the implementation of several
government programmes. Trace the reasons
in the context of the provisions of the
National Training Policy, 2012.
(19/II/3b/20)
8 It is apprehended that lateral entry will lead
to politicisation of bureaucracy. Do you
agree ? Justify. (18/II/1d/10)
9. “Competency mapping is important for
effective allocation of responsibilities to
administrators." Do you think that a generalist
administrator can handle all issues as
effectively as a specialist ? Discuss.
(18/II/6a/20)
1 0 . “The idea of lateral entry in to the Civil
Services would energise Indian
a dm i n i s t r at i o n .” W h a t ar e i t s p o s si bl e
advantages and limitations ?
(17/II/2b/20)
1 1 . “ Autonomy granted to higher civil servants
tends to in crease their creativity and
productivity.” Argue the case to make the
civil service more accountable as well as
innotative. (16/II/5a/10)
12. Assess the role of honest and upright civil
servants in regulatory and development
administration in India. Give examples to
substantiate your arguments.
(14/II/6a/20)
68 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
13. Do State Services suffer in comparison with the
All - India and Central Services ? Suggest
measures for enhancing the role, competence
and impact of State Services. (09/II/4b/30)
14. ‘Training of civil servants for capacity building
should be in consonance with the needs of the
socio-economic and technological development
of the country.’ Explain. (08/II/6a/30)
15. “A well - designed module-based training for Civil
Servants is the best way to achieve the goals
of good governance.” Analyse. (07/II/5d/20)
16. “The generalist character of I.A.S. is its chief
characteristic as well as its chief criticism.”
Comment. (06/II/5a/20)
17. “In - service training of officers belonging to
higher civil services has been perhaps the most
conspicuous development in Indian
administration.” Discuss with reference to training
designed for the Indian Administrative Service
officers. (03/II/6/60)
18. “All India Services as an institution – is the result
of history.” Comment. (02/II/5a/20)
19. “All India Services play a crucial unifying role in
the whole administrative system of the country.”
Explain. (00/II/3b/30)
20. “The All - India Services have, naturally, to be
remunerated on a higher level than services
recruited purely on a local basis.” Comment.
(99/II/5b/20)
21. It is argued that the recruitment and training of
All India and Central Services have not kept
pace with the changing needs and time. Give
suggestions for improving these processes in
order to make administrators more effective,
committed and honest. (98/II/2/60)
22. “Central Services are more ‘All - India’ in
character than are the All-India Services.”
Comment. (98/II/1c/20)
23. “The Satish Chandra Committee made a valiant
attempt to correct the imbalances unnecessarily
introduced in the selection process for civil
servants during the late 1970s.” Comment.
(95/II/3b/30)
24. “Although training in development administration,
on the surface, appears to be a straight, simple
matter a close hard look reveals its manifold
complexities and interrelated problems.”
Elucidate the statement. (94/II/3b/30)
25. “Professionalisation Civil Services demand that
their training programmes should be tagged
with the Personnel policies of promotion,
placement and career planning at each level.”
Comment. (93/II/5c/20)
26. ‘The recruitment of recruiters in the Public
Service Commissions of India n eeds
streamlining.’ Examine the statement.
(92/II/7b/30)
27. ‘Systematic training of higher Civil Servants has
been conducive to promote ability, skills and
integrity of the Civil Services, but the objectives
of training have not been realised to the desired
extent.’ Comment. (91/II/1c/20)
28. ‘Training is viewed as a paid holiday by a large
number of public officials in India. It essentially
betrays a crisis of motivation : in the process of
administration, and on the part of both the
trainers and trainees.’ Comment.
(90/II/1d/20)
29. ‘The Union Public Service Commission should
have an integrative and coordinating role vis-a-
vis State Public Service Commissions in more or
less the same way as in the Case of Supreme
Court of India vis-a-vis the High Courts in the
States. A sound case exists for an institutional
linkage between UPSC and SPSCs for evolving a
National Policy, a uniform approach and common
work procedures.’ Discuss. (89/II/7b/30)
30. “Higher Civil Service Training in India is too
pedagogic to be result-oriented, too Casual to
be promotion-linked and too generalistic to be
professionally relevant.” Discuss.
(88/II/3b/30)
31. ‘Generalism in Civil Service is a powerful bulwark
against committed bureaucracy.’ Comment.
(87/II/5d/20)
32. ‘The objective and methods of higher Civil
service training hardly match with the personnel
policies and man-power planning by government
of India.’ Discuss. (87/II/3b/30)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Good Governance initiatives
1. Responsibility and accountability are two
major goals of Good Governance. Discuss
the statement in the context of Indian
administration. (21/II/5c/10)
2. ‘Sevottam Scheme’ had great potential to
reform service delivery, but opportunity is
frittered away. Comment. (19/II/6c/10)
3. "The ‘enablers' and ‘facilitators' are yet to
replace the 'inspectors' and 'controllers' in
the civil service in India." Do you agree ?
Justify. (18/II/5a/10)
4. “There is a need for greater inclusion of
technocrats in bureaucracy to ensure
effective governance in India.” Do you
agree ? Elucidate. (17/II/5b/10)
5. “The Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence
in Public Administration encourage good
governance initiatives.” Discuss some such
initiatives by the Civil Servants in this
context. (17/II/6a/20)
6. “‘Minimum government, maximum
governance’ is not just a slogan but a philosophy
of administration with enormous potentialities.’
Do you agree ? Give reasons for your answer.
(15/II/1e/10)
7. “Most Civil Servants in India are competent
administrators, but they pay little attention to
encourage people’s participation in decision-
making.” Comment on the statement.
(15/II/5c/10)
8. Supreme Court ruling on 31st October, 2013
in respect of bureaucracy’s functioning would
help achieve good governance. Analyze this
ruling and add your comments on it.
(14/II/8b/20)
9. "Gandhian model of decentralization is similar
to the process of reinventing governance."
Analyse in the context of good governance.
(In about 250 words) (13/II/6a/20)
10. ‘Good governance is closely aligned with
effective democratic governance.’ Elaborate.
(12/II/5b/12)
69
11. Indian administration is yet to fully appreciate
and adopt the benefits of Information
Technology. Elucidate. (12/II/7a/15)
12. ‘Performance Appraisal Systems’ with special
reference to the Performance Management
and Evaluation System (PMES) are expected
to transform the bureaucratic culture of Indian
administration. Do you agree ? Give reasons.
(11/II/4b/30)
13. Comment on the following statements :–
(10/II/2b/30)
(i) “The more developed an administrative system
became the greater the likelihood that it would
have developmental effects.”
(ii) “The thrust of development administration
failed to energise the Indian bureaucracy.”
14. “A fixed tenure in Civil Service postings can
increase productivity, accountability, and
probity in Government.” Comment.
(09/II/5b/20)
15. Discuss the relationship between governance
and development in any one Indian State,
giving illustrations. (09/II/4a/30)
16. “Social (Welfare) Administration in India is
witnessing specialization and faster expansion
of its administrative agencies.” Evaluate.
(07/II/8c/20)
17. Define Civil Society. Is it an effective organ
to control administrative machinery ?
Comment. (07/II/8b/20)
18. “If information is power, nothing can perhaps
empower a citizen more than the secret and
developmental informations held by various
public authorities.” Analyse the merits and
demerits of RTI Act, 2005 in the light of this
statement. (07/II/6/60)
19. “Information technology, if properly used, can
bring about sweeping changes in the nature of
governance in India.” Discuss the current status
and future possibilities about the use of
information technology in the governance of
India. (03/II/8/60)
70 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
20. “The Central Social Welfare Board has
become an anomalous institution.” In light of
this statement, examine the functions and
role of the Central Social Welfare Board and
suggest measures for making it an effective
institution. (01/II/8/60)
21. “Indian administration is yet to fully appreciate
and adopt the benefits of the information
technology.” Elucidate. (01/II/7b/30)
22. “The need and significance of all-India
services has been well recognized in political
as well as administrative circles.” Comment.
(01/II/5a/20)
23. “A middle way should be worked out to
utilize the services of both generalists and
specialists for the national development.”
Comment. (00/II/5d/20)
24. ”People’s participation in administration, being
a part of the political mobilisation process in
India, is determined by the elite groups at
each level of administration.” Comment.
(93/II/5d/20)
Code of Conduct and
discipline
1. Discuss the major highlights of the reforms
introduced from time-to-time in Central Civil
Services Conduct Rules and add your own
comments. (15/II/7c/10)
2. “Values, more than techniques are the
eventual determinants of the actions of the
administrators.” Comment. (04/II/5b/20)
Grievance redressal
mechanism
1. "Effective public grievance redressal requires
administrative commitment. But process
reengineering can help prevent some
grievances." Discuss. (18/II/8a/20)
2. “Pro-Active Governance And Timely
Implementation (PRAGATI) is an innovative
project of the Union Government.” Discuss
its features and modalities. (17/II/2c/10)
3. “Civil Servants should avoid airing
grievances in the media.” In this context,
discuss the grievance redressal mechanism
available to the Civil Servants in India.
(17/II/5c/10)
4. Elaborate the features of the grievance
redressal mechanism of the civil services in
India. Does this mechanism satisfy the
objectives of its creation ? (14/II/7a/10)
5. "Judicial review of administrative tribunal's
decisions defeats the very objective of
establishing tribunals." Comment with
reference to Central Administrative Tribunal.
(In about 150 words) (13/II/4c/10)
6. “Grievance redressal system is perhaps the
we ak es t lin k in I ndi a’ s ci vil s er vi ce
management.” Comment. (11/II/6a(ii)/15)
7. “The weakest aspect of Indian administration
is the grievance redressal machinery.” Discuss.
(09/II/1c/20)
8. Do you think that our administration is
sensitive to public grievances ? Discuss the
existing grievances redressal mechanism and
give suggestions for enhancing its capabilities.
(00/II/6/60)
9. Peoples participation in administration is a
democratic rhetoric, which when translated
into action, tends to become mere redressal
of citizen’s grievances.’ Discuss.
(92/II/7a/30)
10. T h e Om bu dsman , T h e P ar li am entar y
Commissioner, The People’s Procurator
General, the Conseil d’etat and the Lokpal
represent some of the major experiments in
designing a “Machinery for Redress of
Citizen’s Grievances.” Comment.
(89/II/5b/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
11. What do you understand by ‘Peoples’
participation in administration’ ? Suggest
measures to sensitise administrators to
citizen’s grievances and enlist co-operation
from voluntary agencies. (87/II/6/60)
Civil service neutrality;
Civil service activism
1. Do you agree with the view that the civil
service in India is losing its neutral and
anonymous character ? Argue your case.
(21/II/8c/10)
2. Political neutrality of civil servants has been
regarded as one of the cardinal principles in
democratic governments. Is its sanctity being
maintained in practice in India ? Elucidate.
(20/II/5a/10)
3. Effective ‘Performance Management System’
needs to precede ‘taking deadwood out’
from bureaucracy. Comment. (19/II/5d/10)
4. Discuss the need for civil service neutrality
in development administration. Suggest some
measures for achieving and strengthening it
in practice. (14/II/8a/20)
5. "Civil service neutrality is founded on the
application of the principles of Rule of Law."
Comment. (150 words) (13/II/1b/10)
9. Financial Management
Budget as a political
instrument
1. Budget proposals in the Parliament / State
Legislatures fail to ensure their effective
scrutiny. Identify the factors which constrain
effective scrutiny of the budget proposals.
(21/II/6a/20)
2. Budget is an indicator of financial health of
a polity which is reflected in the statement
of income and expenditure. Discuss.
(20/II/5b/10)
71
6. ‘Bureaucrats should not play politics, but
understand how politics works.’ Comment.
(12/II/5a/12)
7. “Civil service neutrality is a fiction. How any
thinking person can be neutral ?” Comment.
(10/II/5b/20)
8. “There is no basic contradiction between
Civil Service neutrality and Civil Service
activism.” Comment. (09/II/1d/20)
9. “It is axiomatic that a country’s public
a dm i n i s t r a t i o n s y s t e m , i n c l u d i n g i t s
bureaucracy, must fit into and respond to its
overall political system.” In the light of this
statement discuss the mutual relations
between the civil servants and the ministers
since Independence. (01/II/2/60)
10. ‘The Politician-Civil Servant relationship in
India has been a much complex
phenomenon; it just cannot be tackled
through mere structural remedies.’ Comment.
(91/II/5c/20)
11. ‘The line of demarcation between the spheres
of Jurisdiction of the political executive and
the Civil Servants get blurred more vividly as
we descend from the Union to the State
and further to the local level.’ Comment.
(90/II/5d/20)
3. "Gender budgeting requires rethinking beyond
allocations to become a powerful tool of
gender mainstreaming." Discuss.
(18/II/5c/10)
4. "Performance management requires
identification of indicators and measures to
ensure that goals are achieved efficiently."
Discuss. (18/II/6c/10)
5. Wha t me rits do yo u fo r esee in the
proposed merger of the Railway Budget
with the General Budget ?
(16/II/6c/10)
72 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
6. Explain how budget can be used as a
political instrument. (15/II/5b/10)
7. “Gender responsive budgeting has infused
greater accountability of planning departments
towards women empowerment programs.”
Examine the statement. (14/II/3a/20)
8. "Performance budgeting failed because it
was applied to sectors/programmes where
quantitative evaluation was not feasible."
Examine the principles underlying performance
budgeting techniques. (150 words)
(13/II/5b/10)
9. What is an output - based performance
budgeting system ? Analyse this system in
the context of India. (12/II/7b/15)
10. ‘The Budget is more than the economic
horoscope of the nation.’ Comment.
(08/II/5c/20)
11. “The policy of the government is reflected
by various items of the budget.” Explain by
distinguishing between a commercial budget
and a government budget. (01/II/7a/30)
Parliamentary control of
public expenditure
1. The strategy to deal with the non-performing
assets of banks may lead to overburdened
taxpayers. Examine the role of government
to protect the interests of both.
(19/II/3c/10)
2. Justify the constitutional provision to treat
certain expenditure as charged upon the
Consolidated Fund of India. (150 words)
(13/II/8c/10)
3. ‘Questions represent a powerful technique
of parliamentary control over expenditure.’
Explain. (12/II/5d/12)
4. The optimism expressed by the proponents
of the Financial Responsibility and Budget
Management Act, 2003, in ensuring fiscal
discipline appears to be unwarranted.
Comment. (10/II/7b/20)
5. “Parliamentary Departmental Committees
have played their role effectively in analysing
the demands for grants.” Evaluate.
(07/II/5b/20)
6. “Public Accounts Committee conducts a post-
mortem examination of Public Accounts.”
Comment. (05/II/5b/20)
7. “The Estimates Committee is — ‘a continuous
economy committee’.” Comment.
(04/II/5a/20)
8. “Questions represent a powerful technique
of parliamentary control over expenditure.”
Comment. (03/II/5b/20)
9. “Control over public expenditure is an
essential feature of accountable and
responsible financial administration.” In the
light of this statement discuss various
methods of control over public expenditure
which are exercised by the Indian Parliament.
(01/II/6/60)
10. “The Public Accounts Committee is probably
the best medium through the eyes of which
the tax-payer sees what has been done
with his money.” Comment. (99/II/5a/20)
11. “The main function of the Public Accounts
Committee is to ascertain that the money
granted by Parliament has been spent by
the government within the scope of the
demand.” Comment. (97/II/5a/20)
12. “The Estimates Committee merely gives a
big list of advices.” Comment.
(95/II/5a/20)
13. ‘Public Accounts Committee of Parliament is
the real watch dog of financer of Union
Govt.’ Comment. (92/II/5d/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
14. ‘Whereas the control over expenditure, as
well as on actual expenditure, incurred after
the accounts are closed and audited, is
essential, it appears to be neither necessary
nor desirable to scrutinise the estimate before
their inclusion in the budget in a parliamentary
system of government.’ Comment.
(90/II/5b/20)
15. What have you to suggest to make legislative
control over public administration healthy
and purposeful ? (87/II/7b/30)
Role of finance ministry in
monetary and fiscal area
1. Performance grants devolved by Finance
Commission of India have increased the
financial accountability of the local bodies.
Elaborate. (19/II/8c/10)
2. Justify the budgetary support to
nationalized banks to overcome the crisis
resulting out of Non-Performing Assets
(NPA). (16/II/5b/10)
3. Examine the role of the Finance Ministry of
the Union Government in designing and
implementing monetary and fiscal policies.
(09/II/3b/30)
Accounting Techniques
1. "Accounting is the essence of producing
promptly and clearly the facts relating to
financial conditions and operations that are
required as a basis of management."
Substantiate the statement in the context
of accounting methods and techniques in
government. (In about 250 words)
(13/II/6b/20)
73
Audit
1. "Social audit has lent a critical edge to the
implementation of programmes such as
MGNREGA." Comment. (18/II/5d/10)
2. "The concept of social audit is more
comprehensive than that of traditional audit."
Comment. (150 words) (13/II/5e/10)
3. “Audit, like the judiciary, the executive and
the legislature is one of the important
ingredients of democracy.” Comment.
(06/II/5d/20)
4. “Audit provides a healthy safeguard against
public money going down the drain.”
Comment. (05/II/7a/30)
Role of Controller General
of Accounts and
Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG)
1. Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is
today a primary cause of widespread and
paralysing unwillingness on the part of
government institutions to decide and act.
Discuss. (22/II/7b/20)
2. The office of the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India stands on the pillar of
autonomy. Discuss the major lacunae in the
functioning of this constitutional body and
also suggest measures for its strengthening.
(20/II/6a/20)
3. “The Office of the Controller General of
Accounts (CGA) is expected to strengthen
public financial management in India.”
Discuss its mandate. (17/II/5e/10)
4. Discuss the changes in the powers of
Controller and Auditor General (CAG) of
India, following a recent Supreme Court
judgement concerning a private service
provider. (14/II/5a/10)
5. “Social auditing of flagship programmes of
the Central government facilitates the
performance of the Comptroller and Auditor-
74 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
General.” Elaborate the statement with
appropriate examples. (14/II/6b/20)
6. Comment on the following statement :
“ The Comptroller and Auditor - General
(C A G ) of India is a prosecutor with a law
that hobbles its functioning, a judge without
the power to sentence and a litigant with no
right to appeal .” (11/II/3a/30)
7. “The role of Comptroller and Auditor General
is a limited one.” Comment. (02/II/5b/20)
8. “It is the audit of propriety that distinguishes
the audit of the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India (CAG) from the audit made
by any professional auditor.” Comment.
(01/II/5b/20)
9. Do you think that the Comptroller and
Auditor-General’s role is to maintain the
dignity, independence, detachment of outlook
and fearlessness necessary for a fair, impartial
and dispassionate assessment’ of the actions
of the executive in the financial field ? Give
arguments. (99/II/6/60)
10. “CAG should be watch-dog and not a blood-
hound.” Comment. (98/II/5d/20)
11. “CAG is the friend, philosopher and guide of
the Public Accounts Committee.” Comment.
(96/II/5a/20)
10. Administrative Reforms since Independence
Major concerns
1. Traditionally structured administrative systems
have outlived their utility. Discuss as how
a d mi n i st r a t i v e r e f o r m s c a n r e v am p ,
restructure and redesign the existing
governmental structure to meet the new
challenges faced by the Indian administration
set - up. (21/II/3b/20)
2. Implementation of administrative reforms is
humongous and arduous. What lacks the
push to realize the changes ? (20/II/6b/20)
12. “The Comptroller and Auditor General’s audit
of Public Undertakings is an effective
instrument of parliamentary control, but the
form, content and the approach of this
audit have affected the efficiency and
profitability of the Public Undertakings in
India.” Comment. (93/II/1d/20)
13. ‘The office of the Comptroller and Auditor
General of India is a Constitutional device to
ensure parliamentary accountability, federal
supervision and expert administrative control
over expenditure in the Financial
administration of the nation.’ Comment.
(91/II/5a/20)
14. “Unlike Finance Ministry, the Comptroller and
Auditor General of India do not control public
expenditure. He only offers an objective-
oriented mechanism which is conductive to
popular control of public expenditure.”
Comment. (88/II/5d/20)
15. “As an auditor, the Comptroller and Auditor-
General’s functions and authority are wider
an d more comprehensive th an those
e xe r c i se d b y pr o fe s s i o n al a u di t o r s.”
Comment. (94/II/5a/20)
3. Considerable attention has been paid to the
restructuring of the administrative systems
at the Central and local levels, but very few
reforms have been undertaken at the State
level. What steps would you suggest to
rectify it ? (19/II/4a/20)
4. “Excellent ideas but poor implementation
have charactersed the administrative reforms
in India since Independence.” Critically
examine the statement giving examples from
the Union and State Governments.
(15/II/6a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
5. “Unimplemented reforms in administration
weaken the administrative reforms process
most.” Do you agree ? Give your answer
citing specific cases as illustrations.
(14/II/7c/20)
6. ‘Efforts made towards administrative reforms
so far have been lacking in congruence
between strategy, structure and substance.’
Discuss with illustrations. (12/II/6b/30)
7. “The real problem of administrative
reforms in India at the State and the
local levels is that they are imposed
from above.” Comment..(11/II/5a/20)
8. “Administrative reforms get diluted
because of constant tinkering on the
margin rather than a holistic
transformation.” Discuss the statement
in the context of reforming district
administration in India. (11/II/2b/30)
9. With reference to India, discuss the
assertion that administrative reforms
are multi - dimensional and need to be
substantiated by reforms in other
related areas of state action.
(10/II/3a/30)
10. In your view, which have been the five
most important administrative reforms
implemented after Independence ? What
has been their impact ? (09/II/7b/30)
11. “All efforts in the field of reforms in
public administration by the political
executive have resulted in no significant
output.” Comment. (06/II/5b/20)
12. “Efforts made towards administrative
reforms so far have been lacking in a
congruence between strategy, structure
and substance.” Comment.
(05/II/5c/20)
13. “In spite of valuable suggestions
through Administrative Reforms, still we
have not been able to come up to the
expectations of the people.” Discuss.
(04/II/7a/30)
75
14. “ T he p r ob l e m s o f ad m i nis t r a ti ve
improvement in India are larger and
more complex than in any other country
in the world.” – Comment.
(02/II/7b/30)
15. “Administrative Reforms in India are
not necessarily the result of the
recomme ndati ons o f any spe cifi c
committees or c o m m i s s i o n s .”
Comment. (01/II/5d/20)
16. “Most administrative reforms have a
political cost.” Comment.(00/II/5b/20)
17. Do you agree with the view that the
Indian reform effort has been
conservative or orthodox, not breaking
radically never ground, but only
modifying the existing structures and
process ? Give arguments.
(99/II/8/60)
18. In tune with the winds of administrative
change blowing throughout the world,
the Indian administration has also taken
certain noticeable initiatives in
administrative restructuring in the
ninetee n ninet y. What are these
initiatives and how effective have they
been ? (98/II/6/60)
19. “The success of administrative reforms
in a country like India depends upon
political as well as administrative will.”
Comment. (98/II/5a/20)
Important Committees and
Commissions
1. To strengthen the Election Commission of
India and its commissioners is the need of
the hour. Suggest measures to make it
more independent and impartial.
(20/II/3c/10)
2. "The recommendations of various
commissions on administrative reforms have
76 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
not made a radical departure from the Paul 10. B r i e f l y discuss the main
Appleby Report." Do you agree ? Give recommendations of any two of the
reasons. (18/II/6b/20)
following : (09/II/3a/30)
3. “ Th e S e c on d A d mi n i st r at i ve R ef o rm s
(i) Paul Appleby (1953 and 1956),
Commission (ARC) makes a strong case
for the principle of subsidiarity.” Elaborate. (ii) Santhanam Committee,
(17/II/8c/10)
(iii) Hota Committee,
4. Do you agree that the Seventh Pay
(iv) Sixth Pay Commission
Commission’s recommendations do not
reflect and correlate the need for civil 11. “The recommendations of the Second
services reforms and accountability with Administrative Reforms Commission on
pay increase ? Justify your answer. reforming the Civil Service are radical
(16/II/8a/20) yet implementable.” Do you agree ?
(09/II/2b/30)
5. What are the major concerns of the Second
Administrative Reforms Commission on Civil 12. National Commission to review the
Service reforms ? Indicate the current status wo rkin g o f th e C o nst it uti o n has
of their implementation. suggested revolutionary changes in
(15/II/6c/10) administrative culture. Analyse its major
recommendations on Civil Services and
6. The 13th Finance Commission highlighted an
Administration. (07/II/7/60)
indispensable need to improve the finances
of rural and urban level bodies. Does this
make local bodies more accountable in the Reforms in financial
discharge of their functions ? (14/II/7b/20) management and human
7. Explain the important recommendations of resource development
V. T. Krishnamachary Committee (1962) on
Indian and State Administrative Services and 1. “Financial inclusion needs legal backing but it
problems of District Administration. (In about also requires increasing awareness for it to
150 words) (13/II/6c/10) become a reality." Discuss.
(18/II/5b/10)
8. Discuss the recommendations of the Sarkaria
2. "Public Administration today tends to be less
Commission in respect of the National
public in quantitative terms, but more
Development Council for improving Centre - responsive to public needs than before in
State planning relations. (12/II/4b/20) qualitative terms." Examine with reference
to citizen-centric administration. (150 words)
9. The Second Administrative Reforms (13/II/5a/10)
Commission, in it s 10 th Re port ,
3. Describe the changing character and
observes that “the common perception
new orientations of Public Services in
is that the incentive structure in India since Independence.
government is too weak and inadequate (08/II/7/60)
to mot ivate bett er performance.”
Elucidate. (10/II/6b/30)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 77

11. Rural Development

of rural development at the district

Institutions and agencies
since independence
1. “District Planning Committee (DPC) has
been the weakest structure in the local
self-government mechanism in India.”
Analyse with examples (17/II/4c/10)
2. “The growing prominence of NGOs in
development areas is strongly related to
the declining legitimacy of the State.”
Explain. (16/II/1e/10)
3. "Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have contributed
to a change in the role of rural women in
development – from symbolic participation
to empowerment." Discuss. (150 words)
(13/II/7c/10)
4. “A b s e n c e o f D i s t r i c t P l a n n i n g
Committees in a large number of
districts has prevented convergence of
planning at the district level.”
Examine the above statement with
examples. (11/II/5c/20)
5. “Non - Governmental Organisations play
a catalytic role in enabling communities
to define their own priorities....... .”
Comment. (10/II/7a/20)
6. “Although District Planning Committee
and Metropolitan Planning Committees
have been provided, those remain
mostly on paper.” Comment.
(01/II/5c/20)
7. “The most momentous
recommendation of the Ashoka Mehta
Committee was the creation of a two-
tier system of Panchayati Raj.” Examine
the statement. (97/II/7b/30)
8. “The District Rural Development Agency
is presently serving as the nodal agency
level.” Explain. (97/II/7a/30)
9. “The most important feature of the
second generation panchayats is their
change from lo cal deve lopme nt al
organization to local political
institutions.” Comment. (95/II/5b/20)
10. “ C o n c e p t u a l l y, d i s t r i c t p l a n n i n g
introduces a spatial dimension to the
planning process at the state level.”
Examine, in this context, the role of
district planning in practice in different
states. (95/II/4/60)
11. ‘District Planning in India has been the
dream of the technocrat, the promise
of the democrat and a vanishing trick
of the political administration. The nature
and working of the district planning
machinery are a mute witness to these.’
Comment. (91/II/1d/20)
12. The real problem with Panchayati Raj
institutions is to promote efficiency in
th e im pl em ent at io n o f the rur al
development programmes and to
ensure social and economic justice to
the poor in the country side.’ Examine
the past experience of working of
Panchayati Raj and Suggest specific
constitutional measures to enforce
genuine decentralisation in the light of
the above statement. (90/II/8/60)
13. ‘As the Panchayati Democracy descends
down to the hustings, the Office of the
‘Collector’, like that of the ‘Governor’
tends to become anachronistic in the
Federal Political System of India.’
Examine the Statement.
(89/II/3b/30)
78 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Rural development
programmes : foci and
strategies
1. Rural development programmes are designed
to facilitate multifaceted growth of rural
poor. Evaluate the role of some key rural
development programmes in India in this
context. (21/II/7b/20)
2. No rural development strategy can succeed
unless it is complemented by appropriate
Panchayati Raj Institutions. Examine the
statement. (21/II/5a/10)
3. All weather rural connectivity scheme to
even unconnected rural habitations has the
potential to transform the rural economy.
Do you agree ? Justify. (19/II/5e/10)
4. "Rural development programmes have failed
to effectively address the problems of small
and marginal farmers." Analyse and give
suggestions. (18/II/7a/20)
5. What are the basic hurdles and pitfalls
in the implementation of the National
Rural Employment Guarantee Act ?
(08/II/6b/30)
6. “The special development programmes
taken up for poverty alleviation with a
hope that benefits of these programmes
may reach to the people living below
poverty line — have utterly failed to
achieve its objectives.” Comment.
(04/II/4/60)
7. “Women’s development programmes of
recent have shifted from welfarist
approach to empowerment of women.”
– Elaborate. (02/II/8/60)
8. “The machinery for welfare
administration at the national and state
level trickling down to grassroots
becomes meaningless in the context of
global constitutionalism.” Discuss.
(02/II/6/60)
9. “Rural and urban development
programmes have gained in importance,
but implementation has been a failure.”
Comment. (02/II/1c/20)
10. “Despite the serious commitment on
the part of the government, the benefits
of the rural development programmes
do not seem to reach the intended
targets and they fail to serve fully the
purpose for which they were intended.”
Elucidate. (01/II/3b/30)
11. “The failure of I.R.D.P. is attributed to
its over-powering centralized approach.”
Comment. (99/II/5d/20)
12. “Rural development programmes in India
suffer from lack of co-ordination and a
sound appraisal system.” Comment.
(98/II/5b/20)
13. “In rural development, people are the
starting point centre and end goal of all
development programmes.” Comment.
(95/II/5d/20)
14. “Special development programmes seek
to solve special problems, but their
successful implementation depends on
complex inter-institutional linkages.”
Comment. (95/II/5c/20)
15. “The resource base and the social and
cultural heritage of our Scheduled Tribe
population is getting eroded through a
combination of development
interventions, commercial exploitation
and ineffective legal and administrative
systems.” Comment. (94/II/7b/30)
16. Attempt an evaluation of various
welfare programmes, sponsored by the
Central and State governments and
district level agencies, for the
development of women and children,
accounting for their success or failure.
(93/II/6/60)
17. “A holistic approach to Integrated Rural
Development implies strengthening and
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
regulating the sectoral and spatial
interactions and linkages and
transformation of the rural habitat.”
Comment. (93/II/5a/20)
18. Evaluate the administrative experience
of Rural Development Schemes or
Programmes in the area of Social
Justice during last two decades. What
role should the voluntary agencies play
in the administration of Social welfare
to ameliorate the conditions of women
in the villages ? (89/II/8/60)
19. Identify the major inadequacies in the
administration of the welfare
programmes of the weaker sections.
Su gge st e ffec ti ve s tra te gie s a nd
alternative measures to ensure their
proper implementation and to enhance
beneficiary faction. (88/II/8/60)
20. “The rural development programs have
helped only those who are on the
fence of the poverty line. The ‘guest
schemes’ have lots of organisational
overlap and the lack of ‘orchestration
of development effort’ has pushed the
‘real poor’ into a state of destitution,
deruralisation and detribalisation,.”
Comment. (88/II/5b/20)
21. ‘ T he a d m i n i s t r a t i ve p r o b l e m s o f
Integrated Rural Development Program
include the most fatal but common
cold of public administration—the sheer
difficulty of doing ordinary things.’
Comment. (87/II/5b/20)
Decentralization and
Panchayati Raj
1. 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment
Acts aimed at making the third tier of
government more powerful and effective for
democratic decentralization. Critically examine
the extent to which this goal has been
transformed into reality. (21/II/6b/20)
79
2. Panchayati Raj Institutions are still plagued
by s ta te co n tro l an d d o mi n at io n o f
bureaucracy. Argue your case.
(20/II/5c/10)
3. The evidences suggest that the dream of
deliberative democracy could not be realized
in practice at the grassroot level. Evaluate
the impediments in the functioning of Gram
Sabha. (19/II/5a/10)
4. “The institution of Gram Sabha has very
little connection with the Gandhian spirit of
direct democracy.” Critically examine.
(17/II/5a/10)
5. Do you think that the functioning of
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), in practice,
reflects genuine devolution of powers and
resources ? Give reasons for your answer.
(15/II/5d/10)
6. Do you think that the role of Panchayati Raj
should go beyond development
Administration ? Give reasons for your answer.
(14/II/5c/10)
7. "The second generation reforms in the
Panchayati Raj institutions have changed
Panchayats from an agency of development
at local level into a political institution."
Discuss. (150 words) (13/II/1c/10)
8. "Use of Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) in Panchayat's functions
enhances efficiency, transparency and
accountability and also induces mass ICT
culture." Examine. (In about 250 words)
(13/II/4b/20)
9. ‘Panchayati Raj Institutions are still affected
by S tate control and domination by
bureaucracy.’ Do you agree ?(12/II/5e/12)
10. “The Panchayati Raj institutions at
grass-roots level are ensuring greater
peoples participation and involvement
in development work.” Comment.
(96/II/7b/30)
80 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
9.
73 r d Constitutional
amendment
1. Despite the constitutional provisions for
representation, the voice of weaker sections
is not having the desired impact in the
realms of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Critically
examine. (20/II/8b/20)
10. ‘The political will at higher levels seems
2. "The 73 rd Amendment, it is felt, may
accentuate fiscal indiscipline by establishing
between States and Local Governments a
system of transfers similar to the one in
place between the Central and State
Governments." (World Bank). Comment. (In
about 250 words) (13/II/7a/20)
3. ‘Economic Development and Social
Justice are the hallmarks of the 1992
C o n s t i t u t i o n a l A m e n d m e n t Ac t s .’
Elucidate. (08/II/1b/20)
11. “It is unrealistic to attempt to eliminate
4. “ 73 rd Constitutional Amendment has
provided permanent structural
framework to PRI’s resulting into silent
social revolution.” Comment.
(07/II/3/60)
12. ‘The Panchayati Raj bodies do provide
5. “The 73 rd and 7 4 th Constitutional
Amendments are major landmarks in
India’s Constitutional History and Local
Governance.” Comment. (06/II/1c/20)
6. “Even after a decade of having adopted
the 73rd Amendment to the
C o n s t i t ut i o n , t he P a nc h a ya t R a j
institution still faces a number of
problems towards making it a strong
and vibrant unit of Government.”
Comment. (05/II/4/60)
1.
7. The role of local self-government in the
state administration is of considerable
importance. Evaluate the statement in
the context of the 73rd and 74th
amendments made. (02/II/4/60)
8. “The State Finance Commission under
Panchayat Raj Law is designed to
ensure regional balance i n the
distribution of State and Central Funds.”
Comment. (98/II/8/60)
Discuss some of the State models of
Panchayati Raj in the Uniform
Constitutional frame of 73rd
Amendment with special reference to
Panchayati Polls, grassroot justice, local
finance s and central ly sponso red
development programmes.
(93/II/8/60)
hesitating to go wholehog for
democratising the entire field
administration. So long as this trend
would persist, we would be having
successive Committee Reports
pinpointing same ailments of Panchayati
Raj and prescriptions to restore its
health,’ Elucidate the achievements and
failures of the Panchyarti Raj Institutions
in the context of this statement.
(91/II/7a/30)
political parties from Panchyati Polls....
The issue is how to get these parties
to provide good government at the
local level ?” Comment. (88/II/5c/20)
an appropriate forum for effecting
welfare of Weaker Sections, including
the members of Scheduled Castes and
Scheduled Tribes through decision-
making and programme implementation
processes at local level.’ Comment.
(87/II/5c/20)
PESA Act, 1996
The main objective of Panchayats (Extension
to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 is to enable
tribal society to assume control over their
livelihoods and traditional rights. Critically
examine the implementation of the Act.
(22/II/8a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers 81

12. Urban Local Government

Municipal governance : main 7. Local self - government in India is the interplay

features, structures, finance of several factors – historical, ideological, and
and problem areas administrative. Critically examine these factors.
(12/II/6a/30)
1. “The financial suitability of the Urban local
8. Examine the institutional vulnerability of
bodies can become a reality only when they
municipal governance in the midst of an
receive their due share of public finances.”
emerging spectre of multiple partnerships.
Explain. (22/II/5e/10)
(11/II/7b/30)
2. Contemporary urbanism advocates the
9. “Sound municipal governance requires a
integration of diverse modes of urban planning
cadre of specialized municipal services
and management concerns. Discuss the
executives equal in status to State
above statement in light of urban
Services.” Comment. (09/II/5c/20)
development in India. (21/II/7a/20)
10. “It is time to rationalise urban bodies in
3. Urban local governance is perpetually afflicted
matters of size and distribution of
with lack of financial autonomy and starvation
functions with a regional authority taking
of funds. Elaborate.
an overall charge of area-wide problems.”
(20/II/5d/10)
Comment. (93/II/5b/20)
4. "The disempowerment and depoliticisation of
11. ‘The State Governments now have little
urban local government has happened in
alternative but to accept autonomy,
multiple ways." Comment. (18/II/8c/10)
innovation and political directions by
5. “The goals of good governance will remain representative bodies in Urban Local
utopian if local governments, responsible Government.’ Comment. (92/II/5b/20)
for providing all basic services directly to
12. ‘The mega growth of urban areas
t h e c i t i ze n s , a r e n o t e m p o w e r e d a s
unaccompanied by matching urban
mandated by the 73rd and 74th
government reforms in which the ruralised
Constitutional Amendment Acts.” Critically
State Governments are least interested,
evaluate the status of empowerment of
have left urban governance in India neither
the local bodies. (16/II/6a/20)
autonomous nor effective.’ Comment.
6. "Municipal Administration in India faces both (91/II/5b/20)
structural and operational challenges."
13. ‘The Old City owned its vitality to religious
Examine in the context of post-74th
and cultural forces as a centre of
Amendment Act. (In about 250 words)
administration.... The Modern City,
(13/II/7b/20)
however, is an economic phenomenon.’
82 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
In the light of the above statement discuss 5. “The institution of Nagar Panchayat as
the problems of mentioned in the 74th Constitutional
Amendment has to be created with
(a) Suburban Sprawls, utmost care.” Comment. (96/II/5c/20)
(b) Slum Dwelling, and

(c) Urban Renewal in Metropolitan areas,

Global – local debate
high-lighting the Central Issues of
Note : Till now, no direct question came from this section.
(i) structural reorganisation, and

(ii) functional distribution in City

Government. (89/II/6/60) New Localism
14. ‘The public administration perspective of 1. Do you think that the new localism relegate
urban areas has primarily been concerned the spirit of 74th Constitutional Amendment
with the problems of their multiple Act, 1992 ? (22/II/7c/10)
structures and working relationships in
the field.’ Examine the validity of this 2. The concept of new localism arrangement
observation. (87/II/8/60) may defeat the very purpose of local self-
governance. Do you agree ? Justify.
(19/II/5c/10)

74 t h Constitutional Amendment 3. “ The concept of ‘new localism’ is related

1. Ward Committees in urban local governance
have remained mere paper tigers. The ideal
of realizing effective people’s participation in
collaboration with local functionaries is still in
the pipeline. Examine the gap in theory and
practice. (20/II/7a/20)
2. To what extent has the 74 th Constitutional
Amendment Act created a ‘federation within a
federation’ in India ? (12/II/1e/12)
3. “A singul ar fe at ure o f the 74 th
Constitutional Amendment is the new role
assigned to the urban local bodies in the
field of planning.” Comment.
(97/II/5c/20)
4. Examine the provisions of the 73rd and
74th Constitutional Amendments from the
point of view of the autonomy of the
local bodies. (96/II/6/60)
to the emerging nature of the relationship
between the State Governments and local
government bodies.” Explain.
(16/II/5e/10)
4. How does New Localism impact Centre - State -
Local relations in the era of LPG ?
(12/II/8c/15)
5. Discuss the basic principles of ‘New
Localism’ as a part of the global - local
debate. (11/II/5b/20)
6. New Localism is identified with the new
Local-State and local activism. Examine
how this has impacted city management
in India. (08/II/8/60)
7. “NGOs are fast replacing the government
in the implementation of a large number
of programmes.” Elucidate. (03/II/7d/30)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Development dynamics, politics
and administration with
special reference to city
management
1. “ Neighbourhood management provides an
appropriate glocal strategy of dealing with
social exclusion in the urban development
scenario.” Comment. (18/II/7c/10)
2. How do the Union Government policies on
Smart and AMRUT Cities address the problems
of management of urban development ?
Explain. (15/II/7a/20)
3. Do you agree that there has been a serious
governance-deficit in development
administration in India ? Give reasons for your
answer and add your suggestions.
(15/II/6b/20)
13. Law and Order Administration
British Legacy
1. Is training of police in India still a reflection
of the colonial mindset ? Give reasons for
your answer. (16/II/5d/10)
2. Critically examine the statement : ‘ Thana ’
(police station) as the last bastion of the
waning British administrative legacy in India.
(14/II/4c/10)
National Police Commission,
Investigative agencies
1. There has been a long-standing demand for
separation of police investigation from
prosecution. Analyze its merits and demerits.
(20/II/5e/10)
2. Discuss critically the salient features of
the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
regarding its purposes and jurisdiction.
(15/II/8b/20)
83
4. Explain the notion of one hundred ‘smart
cities’ and its likely impact on India’s
urbanization. (14/II/6c/10)
5. “The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban
Renewal Mission (JNURM) is one of the
biggest reforms - linked development
programmes taken up by the
Government.” Comment. (10/II/7c/20)
6. In urban governance, uni-functional
agencies and development authorities
create a “functional jungle.” Explain.
(08/II/5a/20)
7. Di scus s th e urban an ti-p o ver ty
programmes launched in recent times to
ameliorate the poverty situation in our
urban areas. (94/II/8/60)
3. "Laws are enacted without involving the
police in the conception stage, with the
result implementation of these laws leaves
much to be desired." Examine the role of
police in protection of children. (In about
250 words) (13/II/3a/20)
4. ‘No Statement made by any person to a
Police Officer in the course of an
investigation shall be signed by the person
making it; nor shall any such Statement
or any record thereof, be used for any
purpose at any enquiry or trial.’ Comment.
(89/II/1c/20)
Role of Central and state
agencies including paramilitary
forces in maintenance of law and
order and countering insurgency
and terrorism
1. Even though the law and order administration
is a State subject, it is paradoxical that the
84 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
Central agencies – NIA or paramilitary forces
under the Union Government – have
restricted the powers of State Governments.
Discuss. (19/II/8b/20)
2. "The AFSPA debate reveals that the Indian
paramilitary forces are caught between the
imperatives of national security and protection
of human rights." Discuss.
(18/II/5e/10)
3. In view of the contemporary internal
scenario should ‘law and order’ be made
a part of the Concurrent List of the
Constitution of India ? Justify your opinion.
(17/II/7b/20)
4. Discuss the significance and role of the Central
Paramilitary Forces in maintaining law and
order and countering insurgency as well as
terrorism. (15/II/7b/20)
5. Do you think that the Central para-military
police forces have proven more effective
than the State police service? Give your
answer objectively in a critical vein.
(14/II/8c/10)
6. “Even though law and order administration is a
State subject in the Indian Constitution, it is
paradoxical that the para - military and other
kinds of security forces under the Union
Government have grown in recent years.”
Critically analyse the statement. (12/II/8b/20)
7. “Law and order problems of the twenty-
first century cannot be tackled through
legislations and structures of the
nineteenth century.” Give suggestions
for transforming the law and order
machinery at the State level.
(09/II/2a/30)
8. “The role played by Central and State
Governments in maintaining law and order
is inadequate and unmatched to growing
criminalization.” Comment.
(05/II/5d/20)
9. “Maintenance of law and order is a State
subject but the Union Government can
deploy armed forces in any State.”
Comment. (00/II/5a/20)
10. “In the midst of political and socio-
economic challenges, the law and order
administration has become both difficult
and delicate.” Explain. (99/II/7a/30)
11. “The word ‘Police’ in the title of the
Central Reserve Police Force and the
Indo-Tibetan Border Police is a misnomer.”
Comment. (97/II/5b/20)
12. “Internal Security is a para-political
exercise and a para-military operation in
detecting, combating and dissolving
‘Threat Profiles’ in the area of law and
order, social order and national security.”
Discuss. (93/II/3a/30)
13. ‘Even though law and order administration
is a State subject in the Indian Constitution
it is paradoxical that the para-military and
other kinds of security forces under the
Union Government have surgeoned in
recent years.’ Comment. (87/II/1b/20)
14. “Maintenance of law and order is a de
facto concurrent subject.” Discuss, in this
connection, the roles of the centre and
the states in the law-and-order field.
(94/II/6/60)
Criminalisation of politics and
administration
1. The increasing criminalization of politics is a
major threat to the basic fabric of Indian
democracy. Comment. (21/II/4c/10)
2. "Institutional change is a necessary but not
a sufficient condition for reducing
criminalisation of politics." Examine.
(18/II/8b/20)
3. "There is both criminalisation of politics and
politicisation of criminals in India." Examine
and identify the challenges they cause for
law & order administration. (250 words)
(13/II/8a/20)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
4. “Criminalisation of politics has been
responsible for the problems related to
law and order in our nation.” Comment.
(04/II/5d/20)
5. “Criminalization of politics in India has
been extended to politicization of
criminals.” Comment. (03/II/7a/30)
Police - public relations
1. T h e e ff ect iv en e ss o f l aw a n d orde r
administration depends on cooperative
attitudes of people towards police, than
bringing reforms in the structure and
procedures of law and order machinery. Do
you agree ? Give reasons. (22/II/8b/20)
2. Police - Public relations in India need to be
improved. Suggest measures to strengthen
relations between police and public.
(21/II/7c/10)
3. Critically examine the concept of community
policing as a tool for improving public-police
relations. (15/II/5a/10)
4. “Police – public relations are a story of
insincere efforts made on both sides.”
Elaborate. (14 / II/5d/10)
5. “Community policing has become a victim
of elite capture.” Discuss the concept of
community policing and bring out the
implications of the above statement.
(11/II/6b/30)
6. ‘The Present culture of the Indian police
system appears as continuation of what
obtained under the British regime. In public
estimate the police appears as an agency
more to implement and enforce the
objectives of the Government in power
as district from enforcing law as such as
an independent and impartial agency.’
Comment. (90/II/5a/20)
85
Reforms in Police
1. Police needs to be made accountable and
freed from the grip of politics. It is a big
challenge not only for law and order but also
for the development of the country. Critically
examine. (20/II/7b/20)
2. The police-public interface is punctuated with
distrust and fear. Suggest how the police
can reform its image in the eyes of the
public. (19/II/4c/10)
3. “The image of Indian Police can be
improved if its structure and orientations
are transformed radically.” Do you agree ?
Elaborate. (17/II/7c/10)
4. “Police reforms in India have remained a
contentious issue”. Critically analyse.
(16/II/8c/10)
5. "The design of the Indian Police was to
subjugate the Indian People in the aftermath
of 1857." Analyse in the context of the
Indian Police Act of 1861.
(150 words) (13/II/5c/10)
6. Compare and contrast the Padmanabhaiah,
Ribeiro and Mallinath Committee Reports.
(12/II/8a/25)
7. “The theme of Police Reforms continues
to haunt the Parliament.” In the light of
this statement, discuss the state of
Criminal Justice System administration in
India. (11/II/4a/30)
8. Do you think that the Indian police
legislation, structure, technology, attitudes
and behaviour are appropriate to meet
the law and order problems in the
country ? What fundamental changes
would you suggest in these realms to
make the Central and the State police
forces more effective in their role-
performance ? (98/II/7/60)
86 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
9. “The work of crime prevention has gone
down in the priority list of police activities
in recent years.” (96/II/7a/30)
10. Write a critical essay on ‘The Dilemmas of
Police Administration in a Plural Society.’
(92/II/4/60)
14. Significant Issues in Indian Administration
Values in public service
1. In India, for the upliftment of majority of
people, governmental intervention remains a
central fact of life. Nevertheless, the effective
implementation of policies depends on the
ethical values of Public Servants. Discuss.
(22/II/7a/20)
2. Recent market approaches to public services
present serious challenges to traditional and
state-sponsored public service values.
Evaluate the statement in the context of
Indian administration. (21/II/4b/20)
3. “In a democratic polity, any conception of
ethics and integrity in public life most
encompass not only politicians and civil
servants but also citizens.” Dscuss
(16/II/8b/20)
4. “The President of India acts like grand-
parent in a family. If younger generation
does not follow his/her advice, he/she is
just unable to do anything.” Comment.
(07/II/1c/20)
Regulatory Commission
1. Examine the role of Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI) in protecting the
interests of the investors in securities.
(22/II/5b/10)
2. Accountability of regulatory bodies would
address the problem of over-regulation and
help make them truly facilitators. Analyze
11. “Law and order are neither synonymous
nor supplementary hence one perspective
on police reforms in India can be a
bifurcation of the existing Police
administration into two independent
entities—Judicial (or law) Police and
Executive (or Order) Police.” Comment.
(88/II/1b/20)
the present status of regulators and suggest
measures to induce accountability in the
mechanism. (19/II/7c/10)
3. "In the Network Era the TRAI has the
challenging task of protecting the Net
Neutrality from digital aggression." Comment.
(18/II/7b/20)
4. Discu ss, with suitable examples, the
emerging challenges faced by the
Regulatory Commissions as the arbitrating
agents between the State and the market
forces. (17/II/8a/20)
5. With the creation of new regulatory
agencies in the wake of a liberalisation,
overlapping jurisdictions and conflicts
became the new trend. Is there need for
the creation of a super - regulator or
unified regulator ? (10/II/8b/30)
6. “R igid ity in a dmi ni st rati o n and
centralization has greatly incapacitated the
Central Social Welfare Board.” Examine, in
the li ght of this state ment, the
organization and working of the Central
Social Welfare Board. (96/II/8/60)
National Human Rights
Commission
1. National Human Rights Commission is
handicapped by its jurisdictional limitations of
not being able to investigate the cases of
violation of human rights by the armed
forces. Discuss. (21/II/6c/10)
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
2. “The National Human Rights Commission
has done a commendable job in
developing a sense of responsibility among
organizations towards the protection of
human right s.” Comment on this
assessment. (09/II/7a/30)
3. “The role played by the National Human
Rights Commission in maintaining and
preserving dignity of India’s citizens has
been sat isfactory and up to the
expectations.” Elucidate. (06/II/2/60)
4. “The National Human Rights Commission
is unable to play its role effectively due to
various hindrances.” Comment.
(04/II/1b/20)
Problems of administration in
coalition regimes
1. The Speaker of the State Assembly has
assumed a significant role in formations and
dissolutions of governments. Examine under
the circumstances of coalition governments
with examples. (20/II/4b/20)
2. “ From coalition government to one-party
dominance is a big change that is bound to
affect the governmental system.” Explain
why and how. (14 / II/5e/10)
3. Examine the constitutional, political and
operational dimensions of official & non-
official relationship in Indian policy. What
kind of institutional reforms are needed
for bringing about a satisfactory rela-
tionship between them ? (88/II/6/60)
Citizen - administration
interface
1. Citizens charters in India have not succeeded
in their objectives in making administrative
system citizen centric. Do you agree ? Give
reasons. (22/II/5c/10)
87
2. Ideally citizen-administration interface is
supposed to be based on trustworthiness
and purposefulness, in reality it is observed
to be plagued by suspicion, conflicts, stresses
and strains. Do you agree ? Elaborate.
(20/II/8c/10)
3. “The RTI has started its journey, but is far
from its destination.” In the view of the
statement, examine the present status of
the RTI movement. (19/II/5b/10)
4. "Autonomy of civil society is crucial for
responsive and effective administration."
Examine the statement. (18/II/2c/10)
5. Do you th ink that the Pu blic Service
Guarantee Acts passed by various State
G o v e r n m en t s a r e a n ex t e n s i o n o f t h e
Citizen Charters ? Give reasons.
(17/II/5d/10)
6. “The Right to Information (RTI) has
started its journey but is far from its
destination.” Comment. (17/II/6c/10)
7. “The Right to Information Act is a path-
breaking legislation which signals the march
from darkn ess of secrecy to dawn of
transparency.” What hurdles do the citizens
face in obtaining information from the
government ? Explain how the reluctance
of the government to part with information
under R.T.I. can be addressed.
(16/II/7a/20)
8. Do you agree with the view that Citizens’
Charters in India have not succeeded in
th eir obj ect i ve o f m aki ng t he
administrative system citizen-centric ?
Analyze and give your suggestions in this
regard. (09/II/6b/30)
9. ‘Right to Information Act has led to
greater transparency and accountability
of administration.’ Comment.
(08/II/5d/20)
10. “A distinctive feature of the Indian
administration, since Independence, has
been the noticeable efforts undertaken to
make t he a dmi ni st rat ive syst em
effectively reach and respond to citizens’
grievances.’’ Comment. (03/II/5c/20)
88 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
11. “The machinery of administrative tribunals
has been provided for the purpose of
speedy and cheap justice against official
excesses.” Comment. (97/II/5d/20)
Corruption & administration
1. Examine the role of Lokpal in ensuring
transparency and accountability in Indian
administration. (22/II/8c/10)
2. “There are adequate legal mechanisms to
address corruption and malpractices in
administration, but they have failed to curb
the menace to any noticeable degree.” In
the light of this statement, discuss the
efficacy and the institution of Lokayukta in
Indian States. (20/II/8a/20)
3. Minimal accountability being the dominant
norm in the political system, the Lokpal can
only be an ideal institution with limited
effectiveness. Explain. (19/II/6b/20)
4. “The ‘policy of non-action’ regarding the
institutional mechanisms and legal
provisions to eradicate corruption is a
feature of Indian administration.” Critically
examine. (17/II/8b/20)
5. “ T h e i n i t i a t i v e o f t h e I n c o m e Ta x
Department on disclosure of black money
h a s h a d a m i x e d r e s p o n s e .” G i v e
su ggestion s fo r tacklin g this co mplex
problem. (16/II/7c/10)
6. “Information Communication Technology (ICT)
improves the quality of public service delivery,
but fails to check bribery.” Comment.
(15/II/5e/10)
7. "The basic ethical problem f or an
administrator is to determine how he /she
can use discretionary power in a way that
is consistent with democratic values."
Comment with reference to corruption in
administration. (In about 250 words)
(13/II/8b/20)
8. ‘Corruption is more of an environmental than an
administrative problem.’ Discuss.
(12/II/5c/12)
9. “One Lok Pal, howsoever strong it may
be, cannot eliminate corruption in the
politico - administrative system in India.”
Comment. (11/II/6a(i)/15)
10. “The performance of Lok Ayuktas in
various States has been uneven.”
Comment with examples. (11/II/1b/20)
11. “Lok - Ayuktas are judicial institutions
without adequate teeth”. Comment.
(06/II/7/60)
12. “The Lokayuktas in States have not
succeeded in tackling mal-administration,
while the Bill on Lokpal still faces stiff
opposition on the floor of the Parliament.”
Comment. (05/II/8/60)
13. “Only a systematic-ecological approach
to the study of corruption in India can
help us understand its causes and
dimensions.” Comment. (99/II/7b/30)
14. “The performance of Lok Ayuktas in Indian
States do not create a very positive
impression.” Comment. (99/II/5c/20)
15. “Corruption is more of an environmental
than an admi nistrative problem.”
Comment. (98/II/5c/20)
16. Trace the origin of the Lokayukta plan
and comment on its working.
(97/II/8/60)
17. “Be twe e n so ci al b ack grou nd and
administrative culture, it is the latter that
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
has a dominating influence on integrity in
administration in the Indian situation.”
Review the statement in the light of
research findings in this area.
(95/II/8/60)
18. “Corruption has been considered desirable
and functional on various grounds.”
Comment. (94/II/5d/20)
19. “The incumbents to civil service posts and
political offices, who derive, their
legitimacy and strength from intellectual
merit and popular support respectively,
cannot have identical perspectives on
development. Naturally, therefore, the
fo rmer ha s a hig her & he avi er
responsibility to avoid conflict & preserve
integrity in development administration.”
Comment. (93/II/7a/30)
20. ‘The institution of Lokpal is still-born while
that of Lokayuktas in states are
ineffective. But strengthening of these
institutions is a sure way of the
development of democracy with integrity.’
Comment. (91/II/7b/30)
21. ‘Co rrupt ion and development are
apparently not antagortic. But, speed in
administration is not substitute for
integrity. In Indian Administration neither
speed nor integrity is showing an upward
curve.’ Comment. (91/II/5d/20)
22. ‘The Lokayuktas are not social reformers,
nor are they persons who do little and
accomplish nothing. Experience also
seems to indicate that there is no
comprehensive knowledge of the duties
and functions of the Lokayuktas and the
scope of their activities, on the part of
the ordinary members of the public.
Discuss. (90/II/7a/30)
89
23. “The institution of ‘Lokpal’ in India is likely
to confront a different set of problems as
compared to the set of problems
experienced by the ‘Lokayuktas’ in the
past.” Comment. (88/II/1d/20)
Disaster management
1. In the past two decades India’s public policy
on Disaster Management has shifted its
focus from rescue, relief and rehabilitation
efforts to holistic management of disaster.
Analyse. (21/II/8a/20)
2. Examine the National Health Policy in the
context of the current pandemic situation.
Identify the problem and suggest
improvements. (20/II/4a/20)
3. The National Policy on Disaster Management
envisages a paradigm shift from hitherto
reactive post-disaster relief centric regime to
more pro-active and enabling environment.
Examine the responses of State Governments
in this regard. (19/II/7a/20)
4. ‘Disaster preparedness and management
has become an important component of
district administration in India.” Discuss
with suitable illustrations. (17/II/7a/20)
5. Explain how the National Disaster
Man age me nt Pla n ( ND MP) pr ov ides a
framework and direction to the government
agencies for all phases of disaster
management cycle. (16/II/6b/20)
6. “Municipal governance in India is not sufficiently
prepared to meet the challenges of frequent
natural disasters.” Elucidate the statement
and add your suggestions.
(15/II/8a/20)
90 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Topic wise papers
7. "Bureaucratic agencies, characterized by 10. It is argued that the Bhopal gas disaster
established procedures, specialization, and the response pattern to it reflect
leadership, clear objectives, are not ideal multiple vulnerabilities relating to systems
to handle disaster management." Examine of corporate social responsibility,
with reference to the need for administrative governance at local, state and central
flexibility in managing disasters. (250 words) levels, and legal safeguards and liabilities.
(13/II/2a/20) Comment on this assessment.
(10/II/8a/30)
8. (i) Identify the different conceptual
11. “India has failed to devise a long-term
categories of disasters.
strategy for drought management.”
(11/II/8a(i)/15)
Comment. (09/II/5a/20)
(ii) Write a note on the new culture
12. ‘In India, there appears to be more
of disaster management.
di sast e r of ma nag e me nt th an
(11/II/8a(ii)/15)
management of disaster.’ Comment.
9. “Disaster insurance is desirable but not (08/II/5b/20)
an easy proposition to implement.”
Illustrate with suitable examples.
(11/II/8b/30)


I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers 91

Part – B
IAS
Year - wise
Unsolved
Question Papers
92 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main )
Pap er – I
Time Allowed : 3 Hours Max. Marks : 250
There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and
printed both in Hindi and English. Candidates has to
attempt FIVE Questions in all.
Question No. 1 and 5 are compulsory, and out of the
remaining THREE are to be attempted choosing at least
ONE from each Section.
SECTION A
1 . Answer the following questions in not
more than 150 words each : 10× 5 = 50
(a) How did traditional public administration
"resolve a fundamentally irresolvable
problem – creating an administration
strong enough to be effective but not
so strong enough to endanger
accountability" ?
(b) T h e t h e o r y o f ' o r g a n i z a t i o n a l
incompetence' has two separate and
distinct faces. Examine Chris Argyris'
views on this.
(c) "In the globalized public administration,
hierarchy creates more ethical problems
than it solves ....." Comment.
(d) Public administration in the neo-liberal
era is governed less by instruments of
internal accountability and more by
t h o s e o f e x t e r n a l a c c o u n t a b i l i t y.
Elaborate.
( e ) Discuss the views that 'tribunals should
have the same degree of independence
from the executive as that enjoyed by
the S upreme Cou r t a nd t h e H igh
Courts, especially for those tribunals
that look over the functions of High
Courts."
2 . (a) "New Public Management may have
neither been the saviour its enthusiasts
promised nor the devil its critics worried
it would be." Discuss. 25
(b) "The design of the physical structure,
2013
the anatomy of the organization came
first, and was indeed the principal
consideration."
"An organisation is a system of inter-
related social behaviours of
participants,"
Analyse these statements and evaluate
the contributions of the respective
approaches to administration theory.
25
3 . (a) " D e c i s i o n s a r e n o t m a d e b y
'organizations', but by 'human beings'
behaving as members of organizations."
How do Bernard and Simon
conceptualize the relation between
the decisions of the individual employee
and the organizational authority ?
20
(b) "A variety of different organizational
arrangements can be used to provide
different public goods and services."
Explain the theory underlying this
proposition and its potential
contribution. 15
(c) What is the nature of psychological
contract pursued by organizational
management through authority and
the employees through exertion of
upward influence ? 15
4 . (a) Structural theory is, by and large,
grounded in classical principles of
e f f i c i e n c y, effectiveness and
productivity. Explain. 25
(b) "Public interest is still inadequate as a
ground concept to evaluate public
policy." Discuss. 25
SECTION B
5 . Answer the following questions in not
more than 150 words each : –10 × 5 = 50
(a) "Comparative Public Administration both
resembles and differs from modern
organization theory." Elaborate.
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(b) "In organizational analysis, there is always
gender around." (Gouldner). Argue.
(c) What is administrative elitism ? How
does it evolve in public administration ?
Elaborate your response with reference
to historical examples.
(d) The success rate of e-government
projects in most developing countries
is stated to be rather low. Assess the
reason.
(e) W h at n ew models of budgetary
capacity and incapacity have emerged
after the decline of Planning
Programming Budgeting and Zero-based
Budgeting ?
8 . (a) Read the following instances carefully
6 . (a) "For those who use the euphemism of
'shared power' for participation, the
appropriate literature for guidance is
practical politics, not organization and
management."
"Strong state and strong civil society
are the need to develop both
participatory democracy and responsive
government as mutually reinforcing and
supportive.
Bring out the myth s and realities
associated with public participation.
20
(b) " . . . . i n m o s t c a s e s . . . . n e w l y
independent states, of the nations of
Africa, Asia and Latin America, despite
their differences .... are in transition."
(Ferrel Heady). What common features
are indicative of characteristics of their
administrative patterns (cultures) ?
15
(c) " To t a l k a b o u t t h e r e g u l a t o r y
framework is to talk about governance."
Analyse the statement in the context
of pu bl ic-p rivate partn er sh ips an d
identify the elements of regulation.
15
7 . (a) "Economic reforms are a work in
progress with the state reluctant to
fully relinquish its reins." Discuss the
statement with regard to
implementation of economic reforms
in India. 15
93
(b) "The policy process was not structured
in the way required by bureaucratic
planning.
"Arguably, incrementalism now stands
most in contrast to neo-liberal
nationality that impose markets against
both gradual change and democratic
liberalism."
Analyse these two statements. 20
(c) Budget allocation involves series of
tensions between actors with different
backgrounds, orientations and interests
and between short-term goals and
long-term institutional requirements.
Discuss. 15
and suggest what specific perspectives
on organizational psychology of
motivation would help the concerned
organization to reconcile the needs of
the following four persons with the
needs of the organization : 30
(i) Mr. A comes to his office with clocklike
p u n c t u a l i t y, d o e s h i s w o r k w i t h
impeccable honesty and integrity; takes
order from above gladly; responds well
to overtures by peers; but neither
mixes with anyone himself nor seeks
anyone's company. What is more, he
seems quite happy in his isolation.
(ii) Mr. B is an efficient charge-hand at
the welding shop. He is very outgoing
and makes friends fast, but falls out
with them very fast too. He is, however,
easily pacified where anyone asks him
to calm down in the name of the
organization.
(iii) Dr. C is completely happy and absorbed
when he is teaching in the classes,
and does not at all mind when his
workload gets heavier and covers new
areas. But he gets angry when the
finance section raises objections about
his medical bills; and is furious that the
higher administration is yet to give
him full tenure.
(iv) Mr. D is a metallurgist in the forge
shop of the steel plant, and has
received honours for his innovativeness
in modifying conventional alloys. He
94 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
also paints well and values his painting
skills far more than his metallurgy and
is extremely unhappy that the company
house journal did not finally carry his
water sketch on its front cover.
(b) Suppose the Government of India is
P U B L I C A D M I N I S T R A T I O N (Main) PAPER – II
SECTION A
1 . Attempt the following in about 150 words
each : 10× 5 = 50
(a) "The Charter Act of 1853 marked the
beginning of parliamentary system in
India." Explain.
(b) "Civil service neutrality is founded on
the application of the principles of
Rule of Law." Comment.
(c) "The second generation reforms in the
Panchayati Raj institutions have changed
Panchayats from an agency of
development at local level into a political
institution." Discuss.
(d) "Finance Commission in India performs
th e job of statistics aggregation ."
Comment.
( e ) "Planning enables comprehensive and
scientific understanding of problems."
Examine the statement in the context
of planning methodology.
2 . (a) "Bureaucratic agencies, characterized
by established procedures,
specialization, leadership, clear
objectives, are not ideal to handle
disaster management." Examine with
reference to the need for
administrative flexibility in managing
disasters. (In about 250 words) 2 0
(b) "The liberal-democratic ideology of the
West influenced the shaping of value
premises of the Indian Constitution."
Discuss. (In about 250 words) 20
(c) " A u t o n o m y to public sector
undertakings is a myth." Analyse in
thinking of constructing a dam in a
mountain valley girded by forests and
inhabited by ethnic communities. What
rational techniques of policy analysis
should it resort to for coping with
likely uncertainties and unforeseen
contingencies. 20
2013
the context of the use of government
expenditures by politicians who control
governments at different levels. (In
about 150 words) 10
3 . (a) "Laws are enacted without involving
the police in the conception stage,
with the result implementation of these
laws leaves much to be desired."
Examine the role of police in protection
of children. (In about 250 words) 2 0
(b) "Central Secretariat is the nodal agency
for administering the Union subjects
and establishing coordination among
the various activities of the
government." Discuss. (In about 250
words) 20
(c) Is there a need to dispense with the
Office of the Governor ? Examine in
the context of coalition governments.
(150 words) 10
4 . (a) "There is a tendency of centralism in
Indian federalism, but it is not because
of its in stitu tion al framework but
because of its socialist goals and
centrally devised plan development."
Explain the statement in the context
of Union-State relationship. (In about
250 words) 20
(b) "Use of Information and Communication
Te c h n o l o g y ( I C T ) i n P a n c h a y a t ' s
functions enhances e f f i c i e n c y,
transparency and accountability and
also induces mass ICT culture." Examine.
(In about 250 words) 20
(c) " J u d i c i a l r ev i ew o f ad m i n i st ra t i v e
tribunal's decisions defeats the very
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
objective of establishing tribunals."
Comment with reference to Central
Administrative Tribunal. (In about 150
words) 10
SECTION B
5 . Attempt the following in not more than
150 words each : 10 × 5 = 5 0
(a) "Public Administration today tends to
be less public in quantitative terms,
but more responsive to public needs
than before in qualitative terms."
Examine with reference to citizen-
centric administration.
(b) "Performance budgeting failed because
it was applied to sectors/programmes
where quantitative evaluation was not
feasible." Examine the principles
u n d er l y i n g pe rf o r m an c e bu dget i n g
techniques.
(c) "The design of the Indian Police was
to subjugate the Indian People in the
aftermath of 1857." Analyse in the
context of the Indian Police Act of
1861.
(d) "Reducing the size (geographical area)
of the district will provide relief to the
overburdened and overworked
collector." Comment.
( e ) "The concept of social audit is more
comprehensive than that of traditional
audit." Comment.
6 . (a) "Gandhian model of decentralization is
similar to the process of reinventing
governance." Analyse in the context
of good governance. (In about 250
words) 20
(b) " A c c o u n t i n g i s t h e e s s e n c e o f
producing promptly and clearly the
facts relating to financial conditions
and operations that are required as a
basis of management." Substantiate
t h e s t a t e me n t i n t h e c o n t ex t o f
95
accounting methods and techniques in
government. (In about 250 words)
20
(c) Explain the important recommendations
of V. T. Krishnamachary Committee
(1962) on Indian and State
Administrative Services and problems
of District Administration. (In about
150 words) 10
7 . (a) "The 73 rd Amendment, it is felt, may
accentuate fiscal indiscipline by
establishing between States and Local
Governments a system of transfers
similar to the one in place between
the Central and State Governments."
(World Bank). Comment. (In about
250 words) 20
(b) "Municipal Administration in India faces
both structural and operational
challenges." Examine in the context
of post-74th Amendment Act. (In about
250 words) 20
(c) " S e l f - H e l p G r o u p s ( S H G s ) h a v e
contributed to a change in the role of
rural women in development – from
symbolic participation to
empowerment." Discuss. (150 words)
10
8 . (a) "There is both criminalisation of politics
and politicisation of criminals in India."
Examine and identify the challenges
they cause for law & order
administration. (250 words) 20
(b) "The basic ethical problem for an
administrator is to determine how he /
she can use discretionary power in a
way that is consistent with democratic
values." Comment with reference to
corruption in administration. (In about
250 words) 20
(c) Justify the constitutional provision to
treat certain expenditure as charged
upon the Consolidated Fund of India.
(150 words) 10
96 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers

I.A.S. Public Administration 2014

( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)

Paper – I

SECTION A (b) “Taylor’s ideas need modification in the

context of post-industrial economies in
1. Answer the following questions in about 150
contemporary era.” Justify with reasons.
words each : 10 × 5 = 50
15
(a) What are the implications of the post-
(c) How does the Strategic Contingencies
structuralist perspective on the discrete
Theory of organizational design deal
aspects of Public Administration, coming
with problems arising from sub-unit
from its epistemological positions?
centrality and non-substitutability ? 15
(b) “Adaptive, problem-solving, temporary
3. (a) A c c o r d i n g to M c G r e g o r, “true
systems of diverse specialists, linked
professional help is not in playing God
together by coordinating executives in
with the client, but in placing
an organic flux-this is original form that
professional knowledge and skills at the
will gradually replace bureaucracy”.
client’s disposal.” In the light of above,
Discuss, in the light of this statement,
justify how theory-Y is indicative and
the ‘end of bureaucracy’ thesis and its
not prescriptive. 20
strengths and limitations.
(b) “ The notion of informal organisation is
(c) “ K a r l M a r x ’ s i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f
a residual or cafeteria concept of diverse
bureaucracy was rooted in the history
and sprawling contents.” How does
of the nature of the State”. Evaluate.
Gouldner established the need for
(d) “ Th e co n c ept u al div i sio n be t w een u n d e r s t a n di n g t h e i n t e rd i g i t a t i o n s
administrative and constitutional law is bet w ee n t h e f or m al an d i n f o r ma l
quite porous, and that along many organisation ? 15
dimensions, administrative law can be
(c) “ The right to information is not all
c o n si de r ed mo r e c o n st i t u t i o na l i n
about citizens empowerment, it
character than the constitutions.” How
essentially redefines the concept of
would you justify the statement?
accountability.” Discuss. 15
( e ) Is Peter Drucker justified in saying,
4. (a) “New public management and post new
“Management principles should not tell
public management reforms initiatives
us what to do, but only tell us what
ever affected the balance between
not to do”? Comment.
managerial, political, administrative, legal,
2. (a) “Governance theory and the notion of professional and social accountability.”
governmentality have many points of Analyse. 20
convergence, but they run on parallel
(b) “Delegation to independent agencies
lines.” Comment. 20
has taken place in an interdependent
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
progress driven by emulation.” Discuss
in the context of independent regulatory
agencies in the modern regulatory State.
15
(c) “ Voluntary organizations have become
tools of sensitization of governmental
agencies.” Comment. 15
SECTION B
5. Answer the following questions in about
150 words each :– 10 × 5 = 50
(a) Critically examine the Riggsian concept
of differentiation in context of post-
globalisation era.
(b) “ The term Development Administration
can be used only in a broad sense to
mark the variety of approaches and
point of view.” Discuss.
(c) “ T h e b o t t om l i n e f o r go v e r n an c e
outcome rather than the outputs of
government.” Analyse in context of e-
government and e-governance.
(d) “ P o l i c i e s d e t e r m i n e p o l i t i c s a s
governments constrain.” Attempt a
critique of this statement.
( e ) “I n stead of r ef o rms to bu dgeta ry
process Wildavsky proposes to redefine
the role of political institutions and
rules by which politics leads to
agreement on budget.” Explain.
6. (a) “ The fact that we call something
performance auditing means that we
i m p l y s al i e n t f e at u r e s w h i c h c an
distinguish it from other forms of
enquiry.” Discuss with reference to the
main measures or indicators of
performance measurement. 20
(b) “ The output studies approach to public
97
policy analyses ovestresses the rational
techniques and allocative dimension of
public policy.” Analyse the statement.
15
(c) “ The field of MIS is not necessarily an
extension of computer science, but of
management and organisation theory.”
Elucidate. 15
7. (a) “ The technical and multidisciplinary
nature of e-governance has created an
i n ter de pe n d en t r el at i on s h ip w i th i n
government between policymakers,
program administrators and technical
specialists.” Analyse in context of
generalist – specialist relationship. 20
(b) “ S el f - h el p g ro u ps ha ve no t o n l y
empowered women, but have also
brought about attitudinal change among
all stakeholders towards women
development.” Discuss. 15
(c) “ Many Asian and African countries have
inherited the colonial idea of civil service
as a privileged elite. Hence, the social
status of the civil services is an important
aspect of the bureaucracy’s unsuitability
for change.” Comment. 15
8. (a) Identify the main elements of program
budgeting, output budgeting and new
performance budgeting. What do they
have in common with PPB S ? 20
(b) According to Y.Dror, “The Science of
Mu ddl ing th rou gh i s e ssen tia lly a
reinforcement of pro inertia and anti-
innovation ideas in policy-making.”
Comment. 15
(c) “ British philosophy of Administration is
based on a unification of science of
Administration with ethics.” Analyze.
15
98 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)
Paper – II
SECTION A
1. Attempt the following in about 150 words
each :– 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “ Ethics in public services has been the
central concern of Kautilya’s
Arthashastra.” Critically examine the
statement. 10
(b) D i s c u s s t h e v a l u a b l e p r e m i s e o f
constitutionalism in India which the
bureaucracy cannot violate. 10
(c) The functional role of Prime Minister’s
office (PMO) depends on the Prime
Minister’s policy orientation, personality
and style of administration. Comment
on the statement with suitable
examples. 10
(d) Despite the adoption of decentralised
planning, participatory initiative remain
marginalised and divisive live in many
regions. Discuss. 10
( e ) “ T he Cen t r e S t a te r el a t i on s h av e
acquired new dimensions in recent times
due to several political parties being in
power at the Centre and the States.”
(Second administrative, commission). Do
you agree ? Give reasons to support
your arguments. 10
2. (a) “Public sector undertakings must learn
to survive and be entrepreneurial,
without assured government budgetary
support.” In the light of this statement
give your suggestions for strengthening
their autonomy and reviving the health
2014
of sick Public Sector Undertakings. 20
(b) “ Indian administration is said to be
characterised by its three features
v i z . We be r i a n st r u c t u re s, K a u ti l y an
practice and Gandhian rhetoric.” Examine
the statement. 20
(c) “ District collector is a legacy of the British
Raj and has largely remained insulated from
the demands of contemporary
professionalism.” Discuss. 10
3. (a) “Gender responsive budgeting has infused
greater accountability of planning
departments towards women
empowerment programs.” Examine the
statement. 20
(b) “The gubernatorial position of the
Governor is comfortably placed in the
fuzzy area between ‘ Withdrawal of the
pleasure of the President ’ and
‘Compelling reasons for removal’.” Discuss
with some recent examples. 20
(c) “ B en ea t h t h e s o ft o u te r sh e l l o f
democratic administrative framework lies
unscathed the steel frame of Indian
adm inistr ation wh ic h has survi ved
through ages.” In the light of this
statement, examine the relationship
between bureaucracy and development
in the last one decade. 10
4. (a) “Managemen t of in tragovernmental
relations is as important as that of
intergovernmental relations.” Examine
its impact upon the performance of
the government. 20
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(b) How far do you agree with the view
that national development Council could
resonate the demands of the state
go ve rn me nt s as l on g as pla nn in g
commission is kept subservient to it ?
Critically examine. 20
(c) Critically examine the statemen t :
‘ Thana ’ (police station) as the last
bastion of the waning British
administrative legacy in India. 10
SECTION B
5. Attempt the following in about 150 words
each :– 10 × 5 = 50
(a) Discu ss the ch anges in the powers of
Controller and Auditor General (CAG) of
India, following a recent Supreme Court
judgement concerning a private service
provider. 10
(b) Parliamentary committees bring about
accountability and public expenditure.
Discuss. 10
(c) Do you think that the role of Panchayati Raj
should go beyond development Adminis-
tration ? Give reasons for your answer. 10
(d) “Police – public relations are a story of
insincere efforts made on both sides.”
Elaborate. 10
( e ) “ From coalition government to one-
party dominance is a big change that is
bound to aff ect the governmental
system.” Explain why and how. 10
6. (a) Assess the role of honest and upright civil
servants in regulatory and development
administration in India. Give examples to
substantiate your arguments. 20
99
(b) “Social auditing of flagship programmes of
the Central government facilitates the
perf ormance of th e Com ptroller an d
Auditor-General.” Elaborate the state-
ment with appropriate examples. 20
(c) Explain the notion of one hundred
‘smart cities’ and its likely impact on
India’s urbanization. 10
7. (a) Elaborate the features of the grievance
redressal mechanism of the civil services
in India. Does this mechanism satisfy
the objectives of its creation ? 10
(b) T h e 1 3 t h F i n a n c e C o m m i s s i o n
highlighted an indispensable need to
improve the finances of rural and urban
level bodies. Does this make local bodies
more accountable in the discharge of
their functions ? 20
(c) “ U n i m p l e m e n t e d reforms in
administration weaken the administrative
reforms process most.” Do you agree?
Give your answer citing specific cases
as illustrations. 20
8. (a) Discuss the need for civil service
neutrality in development administration.
Suggest some measures for achieving
and strengthening it in practice. 20
(b) Supreme Court ruling on 31st October,
2 0 13 i n r e spe c t o f bu r e au c r acy ’ s
functioning would help achieve good
governance. Analyze this ruling and add
your comments on it. 20
(c) Do you think that the Central para-military
police forces have proven more effective
than the State police service? Give your
answer objectively in a critical vein. 10
100 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)
Paper – I
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory
and out of the remaining, THREE are to
be attempted choosing at least ONE
question from each Section.
SECTION A
1. Answer the following questions in about
150 words each : 10 × 5 = 50
(a) W a l d o ’ s ‘ T h e A dm in i s t ra t i v e S t at e ’
provides a fundamental challenge to
some of the orthodox premises. Explain
(b) Discuss how the Public Choice Theory
promotes the concept of ‘Steering’ and
undermines the concept of ‘Rowing’ in
visualizing efficient and effective
administration.
(c) “Delegated Legislation is a necessary
evil.” Comment.
(d) Do you agree with the view that the
charismatic approach of the mid-1970s
is a “new version” of the Classical Trait
Theory of Leadership ? Give reasons.
( e ) “The term policy implementation is, in
some respects preferable to the label
public administration.” Argue.
2. (a) “Globalisation has transformed the nature
and character of State from traditional
a dm i n i s t r a t i v e W e l f a r e S t a t e t o a
Corporate State.” Analyse the changes
in the nature of public administration in
this context. 20
(b) “Contemporary Organisational theory
seems further afield of Chester Barnard’s
Functions of the Executive than of
organisational ecology.” Examine the
statement in the light of ecological
elements in Barnard’s thought. 15
(c) “PPPs serve too many parties and too
many in terests ... to be focussed.”
Identify in the context of the statement,
the parties involved in Public-Private
2015
Partnerships and their conflicting aims.
15
3. (a) “Follett’s work was not directed towards
the resolution of the conflict of ideas,
but towards the resolution of structural
conflicts between workers and
capitalists.” In the light of the statement
critically evaluate Follett’s idea of dynamic
administration. 20
(b) “Information constitutes the life-blood
of the functioning of an organisation.”
Explain the utility and significance of
communication in decision-making. 15
(c) “Legislative action is not subject to the
rules of natural justice.” Explain the
exceptions to the rule of natural justice.
15
4. (a) “Right from the days of the ‘Peoples’
Charter ’ to the new concept of ‘Precariat
Charter’, the concept of Citizen’s Charter
and its scope is constantly evolving.”
Comment. 20
(b) “Weberian model of bureaucracy lacks
em otion al validit y when applied to
modern dem ocratic administration .”
Comment. 15
(c) How far do you agree with the view
that the growing influence of media
comes in the way of agenda-setting by
the Government ? 15
SECTION B
5. Answer the following questions in about
150 words each : 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “Comparative Performance Measurement
(CPM) bridges everyday work experience
with the broader horizons of
comparativism.” Explain.
(b) Analyse the relevance of Whitleyism in
contemporary employer – em ployee
relationship.
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(c) “No significant change can be made in
the budgetary process without affecting
th e political process.” (Wildavsky).
Analyse.
(d) “In the appreciative systems of policy
makers, goals are subsidiary to norms
and values.” (Vickers). Explain.
( e ) Show in what way the Gender and
Development approach differs from the
Woman and Development approach.
6. (a) “Administrative ethics is a process of
independently critiquing decision
standards, based on core social values
that can be discovered, within reasonable
organisational boundaries that can be
defined, subject to the personal and
professional accountability.” (Denhardt).
Explain. 20
(b) “Lenin’s concept of Socialist management
refers to directing the organisational
development of Socialist society.” Explain.
15
(c) “Policy analysis is incomplete without
taking into account policy delivery.”
Argue. 15
Paper – II
There are EIGHT Questions divided in two
Sections. Candidates has to attempt FIVE
questions in all.
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory
and out of the remaining, THREE are to
be attempted choosing at least ONE
question from each Section.
SECTION A
1. Attempt all of the following in about 150
words each : 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “Democracy within bureaucracy is likely
to reduce its effectiveness.” Do you
agree with this view ? Argue your case.
(b) “ D i s t r i c t C o l l e c t o r ’ s r o l e i n t h e
development process has been
o ver em ph asi s ed.” Co m me n t on th e
statement.
101
7. (a) How does Ferrel Heady rationalize the three
stages of development in comparative
administration ? 20
(b) Distinguish between ‘Codes of Conduct’
and ‘Codes of Ethics’. Justify your answer.
15
(c) “E-Governance creates a direct relationship
between the Citizen and the State.” In this
context, explain the changing role of the
elected representatives. 15
8. (a) “The concept of political feasibility in policy
alternative is a probabilistic concept and is
related to each policy alternative.” In the
context of the above statement analyse
Dror’s contribution. 20
(b) “The position-classification attempts to
establish a triangular relationship between
duties and responsibilities, working conditions
and qualification requirements.” Elucidate.
15”
(c) “MIS, PERT and CPM have accelerated the
process of reinventing O & M.” In the
context of the above statement, explain
the recent developments in managerial
techniques. 15
(c) W h y h a s D i s t r i c t P l a n n i n g b e e n
mar gin alised in many S tates an d
remained prominent in a few States ?
Explain.
(d) “Ordinance-making power of the Executive
needs to be suitably restrained.” Examine
it critically.
(e) “ ‘ M i n i m u m go v er n m en t , m a x i m u m
governance’ is not just a slogan but a
p h i l o s o p h y o f a dm i n i s t r a t i o n w i t h
enormous potentialities.’ Do you agree ?
Give reasons for your answer.
2. (a) To what extent has political culture
influenced the administrative culture of
India ? Explain. 20
(b) Briefly discuss the main recommendations
of the Punchhi Commission (2010) on
102 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
Centre-State relations for transforming
Indian Federal System. 20
(c) As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar observed, “the text
of the Constitution can provide the organs
of the State, but the final outcome of the
governance process depends on how it
has operationalized by the political parties
and people”. Elucidate the statement. 10
3. (a) The objectives, approaches and
organisational arrangements for decision-
making of the NITI Aayog aim at restoring
the federal character of the Indian polity.
Explain. 20
(b) Explain fully how a balance can be struck
between autonomy and accountability
of India’s public enterprises. 20
(c) “Decentralised governance must serve
as an instrument of realising social change
and social justice.” Comment on the
statement. 10
4. (a) Discuss the arguments for and against
th e N at ion al Judic ial Ap poi nt m en ts
Commission Act, 2014. 20
(b) “In very recent time, the role of the
State Governor is found to be more of
diplomatic than administrative nature.”
Comment on the statement with suitable
examples. 20
(c) Comment on the recent changes in the
approach and methodology of devolution
of responsibilities and transfer of funds
from the Union to the States. 10
SECTION B
5. Attempt all of the following in about 150
words each : 10 × 5 = 50
(a) C r i t i c a l l y e x a m i n e t h e c o n c e p t o f
community policing as a tool for improving
public-police relations.
(b) Explain how budget can be used as a
political instrument.
(c) “ M o s t C i v i l S e r v a n t s i n I n di a a r e
competent administrators, but they pay
little attention to encourage people’s
p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n d e c i s i o n - m a k i n g .”
Comment on the statement.
(d) Do you think that the functioning of
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), in
practice, reflects genuine devolution of
powers and resources ? Give reasons for
your answer.
(e) “Information Communication Technology
(ICT) improves the quality of public
ser vice delivery, but fails to check
bribery.” Comment.
6. (a) “Excellent ideas but poor implementation
have charactersed the administrative
reforms in India since Independence.”
Critically examine the statement giving
examples from the Union and State
Governments. 20
(b) Do you agree that there has been a
serious governance-deficit in
development administration in India ?
Give reasons for your answer and add
your suggestions. 20
(c) What are the major concerns of the
Second Administrative Reforms
Commission on Civil Service reforms ?
Indicate the current status of their
implementation. 10
7. (a) How do the Union Government policies
on Smart and AMRUT Cities address the
problems of mana gement of u rban
development ? Explain. 20
(b) Discuss the significance and role of the
Central Paramilitary Forces in maintaining
law and order and countering insurgency
as well as terrorism. 20
(c) Discuss the major highlights of the
reforms introduced from time-to-time in
Central Civil Services Conduct Rules and
add your own comments. 10
8. (a) “Municipal governance in India is not
s u f f i c i en t l y pr e p a r e d t o m e e t t h e
challenges of frequent natural disasters.”
Elucidate the statement and add your
suggestions. 20
(b) Discuss critically the salient features of
the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
regarding its purposes and jurisdiction.
20
(c) Argue the case for and against creating
Indian Public Enterprises and Industrial
Service for boosting the moribund public
sector in India. 10
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)
Paper – I
SE CTION A
1. Answer the following questions in about 150
words each :– 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “ Taylorism is considered very controversial
de s pit e it s po pu l a r ity.” ( S tep h en P.
Waring) Comment.
(b) “Public Administration is the translation
of polit ics i nto r eali ty th at citi zens s ee
ever yday.” (D on ald F. Kett l and J am es
W. Fes ler) Explain.
(c) “Morale can drive an organization forward
or c an lead t o em ployees ’ disco nt en t,
poor job performance and absenteeism.”
Examine.
(d) “The aut on omy o f Pu blic Co rpor at io ns
raised a great debate about their internal
wo rkin g an d ext er nal relatio n wi th the
Ministers and the Parliament.” Discuss.
(e) “In spit e o f cert ain advan tages , So cial
Au dit ar rangemen ts have m os tl y been
in ef fective becau se th er e is no l egal
provision for punitive action.” Comment.
2. (a) “Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Theory
Y desc ribe two co nt rasting m odel s of
workforce motivation applied by managers
in an organization.” Examine. 20
(b) “The New Publ ic A dm in istration h as
seriously jolted the traditional concepts
and outlook of the discipline and enriched
the subject by imparting wider perspective
by linking it closely to the society.” (Felix
A. Nigro and Lloyd G. Nigro ) Elucidate.
15
(c) “The central concern of Administr ative
Law has been the legal limitation of ad-
ministrative discretion.” Give reasons. 15
3. (a) “If th e Regu lat or y Co mm iss ions ... are
wholly independent, they are completely
irr es po ns i ble fo r t he doin g of ver y
important policy determining and
admi ni st rative wo rk .... o n t he o th er
103
2016
hand, to rob th e com mi ss io ns of t heir
independence is seriously to menace the
impartial per fo rm ance of t heir ju di cial
work.” (Cushman) Examine. 20
(b) “Good governance is ensuri ng r es pect
fo r hu man r ight s and the r ule o f law,
s t ren gt h en in g dem o cracy, pro m o t in g
tr an spar en cy and capacity i n Pu bl ic
Administration.” (Kofi Annan) In the light
of the statement, critically examine the
criteria of good governance as provided
by United Nations and Nayef Al-Rodhan.
15
(c) “The legislative control over administration
is n o t a s ef fe ct iv e a s it o u g h t t o be .”
Comment. 15
4. (a) “B lake and Mo ut on def in ed leader sh ip
styles based on two dimensions – concern
fo r peo ple and co ncer n f or pr oduct io n.
In t he light of t he s tatem en t, discu ss
the Managerial Grid Model. Explain with
reas on which on e of th e styles is the
best .” 20
(b) “ B u r e a u - S h a p i n g M o d e l h a s b e e n
developed as a response to the Budget-
Maximizing Model.” Comment. 15
(c) “C ivil s ociet y perfo rm s a key r ole in
defending people against the State and
market and in asserting the democratic
will to influence the State.” Analyze the
statement with suitable examples. 15
S E C TI O N B
5. Answer the following questions in about 150
words each :– 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “ Training is considered as paid holidays.”
Comment
(b) “ Pu blic bor row in gs pro du ces dif ferent
effects on the economy”. Examine
(c) “ Self-Help Groups are considered as one
of the m os t significant to ol s to ado pt
104 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
part icipator y appro ac h fo r econ om ic
empowerment of women.” Comment.
(d) “ Riggs observed that three ‘trends’ could
be discerned in the comparative study of
Public Administration.” Discuss.
(e) “ In Public Policy Making, ‘Rationalism’ is
the opposite of ‘Incrementalism’.” Examine.
6. (a) “Fred Riggs con tinu ou sly c hanged h is
th eo ry i n o rder t o creat e the per fect
model.” Comment. 20
(b) “The idea of develo pment stan ds like a
ruin in the intellectual landscape” and “it
is time to dismantle this mental structure”.
(Wolfgan g Sachs ) In t he ligh t of the
statemen t, cr it ically exam in e t he ant i-
development thesis. 15
(c) “Information Technology brings efficiency
and transparency to Public Administration.”
Examine the st atement with suitable
examples. 15
7. (a) “Fis cal poli cy an d mo netar y po licy are
th e two tools u sed by th e St at e to
achieve its macr oecono mic object ives .”
Examine the statement and point out the
Paper – II
SECTION A
1. At tempt all o f th e follo wing qu es tion s in
abou t 150 wo rds each :– 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “The Regulati ng A ct of 177 3 no t on ly
introduced values in administration but
also laid t he f ou ndati on o f cen tr al iz ed
administration in India.” Explain.
(b) Do y ou t hink th at s om e of th e ideals
enshrined in the Preamble of the
Constitution remain only on paper even
to day ? Cri ticall y evalu at e.
(c) Exam in e th e eff icacy of th e meas ur es
taken to redefine and execute cooperative
federalism in India.
(d) Evaluate th e perf orm an ce and ef ficacy
of the Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna
type of Public Sector Undertakings in the
co nt ext of Liberali zatio n, Privatization
and Globalization (LPG).
(e) “The gr owi ng pr om in en ce of NGOs in
development areas is strongly related to
th e decl ining legitimacy o f the S tate.”
differences between the tools. 20
(b) “A central r eas on for ut il iz atio n o f
Perf or manc e A pprais al is perfo rm an ce
improvement of the empl oyees.” In the
light of the statement, analyze the needs
of Performance Appraisal in an
Organization. 15
(c) “The problem is to achieve the right balance
between a competitive market economy and
an effective State : markets where possible;
th e State wh ere n ec es sary.” Ju st ify yo ur
an sw er. 15
8. (a) “The key to understanding performance-
based budget ing lies beneath t he wo rd
‘r es ul t’.” In the ligh t of t he stat em en t,
exam in e th e element s of perf or mance-
based budgeting. 20
(b) “Disciplinary action may be informal and
fo r mal .” Expl ain an d po in t o u t t h e
pr ovis io ns m ade i n th e Con stit ut ion or
Statute to check the misuse of power to
take disciplinary action. 15
(c) “The t er m ‘wo rk s tudy’ m ay be u sed in
narrower and wider senses.” Elucidate. 15
Explain.
2. (a) “ I n c o n t e m p o r a r y t i m e s , K a u t i l y a ’ s
Arthashastra is relevant more in the field
of international relations than in economic
af fairs.” Analys e the st atemen t. 20
(b) “Dominant centralized administration is
correlated with decisive and authoritative
leadership provided by the Prime Minister’s
Of fice.” Explain wit h su it able exam pl es
since independence. 20
(c) “A significant legacy of the Mughal rule in
India is a well-organized revenue
admi ni st rati on at the S tate an d Di st rict
Levels.” Comment. 10
3. (a) What factor s have led to the expansion
of t he r ole of the Ministry of Ho me
Affairs ? How can it coordinate its affairs
mo re eff ect ivel y wit h th e Min is tr y of
Defence ? 20
(b) “In t r o du ct io n of G.S. T. (Go o d s an d
Services Tax ) no do ubt has econ om ic
benefits , but t en ds to c om pro mise the
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
States’ inherent right to impose taxes.”
In this context, comment on the changing
nature of Union-State financial relations.
20
(c) “Plann in g in In di a has f ailed to meet t he
challenges of economic development and
social change.” Discuss the statement in the
context of the emergence of NITI Aayog.
10
4. (a) “The absence of congruence of views on
appo in tm ents to judi ciary bet ween the
Supreme Court and the Union Government
has had an adverse impact on the judicial
syst em .” In the l ight of the abo ve
statemen t, exam in e th e pro posal to
co ns titu te an A ll India J udici al S er vice
(AJIS). 20
(b) “The separ ation between regulatory and
develo pm en t f un ctio ns in m an y Stat es
has no t on ly weaken ed th e Di st rict
Collector but also development
administration.” Critically examine the need
to r elo ok at t hi s polic y. 20
(c) “Legis latu r es have beco m e a place fo r
in figh ti ng r ath er t han fo r pro per po licy
making.” C om men t in t he co nt ext of t he
working of State Governments. 10
SECTION – B
5. At tempt all o f th e follo wing qu es tion s in
abou t 150 wo rds each :– 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “ Autonomy granted to higher civil servants
tends to i nc rease t heir cr eativity and
pr oducti vity.” Ar gue t he case to make
th e ci vil s er vice mo re accoun table as
well as in notati ve.
(b) J u s t i f y t h e b u d g e t a r y s u p p o r t t o
nationalized banks to overcome the crisis
res ulting ou t of Non-Perfo rming Ass ets
(NPA).
(c) “ Nation al Green Tr ibun al is viewed by
many critics as a hindrance to economic
development” Evaluate the statement and
give arguments in support of your answer.
(d) Is t rain in g of po lice i n India still a
reflection of the colonial mindset ? Give
reas on s for you r ans wer.
(e) “ The concept of ‘new localism’ is related
to the emerging nature of the relationship
105
between the State Governments and local
government bodies.” Explain.
6. (a) “The goals of good governance will remain
utopian if local governments, responsible
fo r pr oviding all basic services direct ly
to the citi zens , are n ot empo wered as
mandated by the 73rd and 74th
Constitutional Amendment Acts.” Critically
evaluate the status of empowerment of
the local bodies. 20
(b) E x p l a i n h o w t h e N a t i o n a l D i s a s t e r
Management Plan (ND MP) prov ides a
framework and direction to the
go vern ment agen cies fo r al l phases of
disaster management cycle. 20
(c) What merits do you foresee in the proposed
merger of t he Rai lway Bu dget with the
General Budget ? 10
7. (a) “The Right to Information Act is a path-
br eaki ng l egislatio n wh ich s ignals the
march from darkness of secrecy to dawn
of trans par en cy.” Wh at h ur dles do the
citizens face in obtaining information from
t he go ver n men t ? Explain h ow th e
relu ct an ce of t he gover nment t o part
with infor mat io n un der R.T.I. can be
addr essed. 20
(b) “The o bject ives o f f is cal devolutio n to
lo cal bo di es as m an dated by th e 73 rd
and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts
has been derailed by the actual working
of the S tate Fin an ce C om mi ss io ns .”
Comment. 20
(c) “ T h e i n i t i a t i ve o f t h e I n c o m e Ta x
Department on disclosure of black money
h a s h a d a m i x e d r e s p o n s e .” G i v e
su gges tions f or t ack ling this c om plex
problem. 10
8. (a) Do you agree t hat the S even th Pay
Co mm is sion ’s r ec omm en dation s do n ot
reflect an d cor relate the need f or c ivil
services reforms and accountability with
pay in crease ? J ust ify yo ur ans wer. 20
(b) “In a democratic polity, any conception
of ethics and integrity in public life most
encompass not only politicians and civil
servants but also citizens.” Dscuss 20
(c) “Police reforms in India have remained a
contentious issue”. Critically analyse. 10
106 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)
Paper – I
SECTION A
1 . Answer the f ollowing questions in about
150 words each : – 10 × 5 = 50
(a) “ E v e n a f t e r 1 3 0 y e a r s o f i t s
publication, Woodrow Wilson’s essay
‘The Study of Administration’
contin ues to have great relevance
even to day.” C omm en t.
(b) “W hat is distinct ive abo ut the
Classical and Human Relations schools
of administration is their
c o m p l e m e n t a r i t y t o e a c h o t h e r.”
Analyse.
(c) “Conflict is the appearance of
differences – differences of opinions
an d of inter ests ” – (Mar y Par ker
Fo ll et t) . Co mm en t.
(d) “L eaders d o the r ig ht t hi ng s;
managers do them righ tly” – (Warren
Benn is). Is this distinction by him
valid ? Explain .
( e ) “Administrative law is r ecognised by
its substance rather than its form.”
Discuss.
2 . ( a ) New Public Management has been
bran ded by certain scholars as ‘Neo-
Taylorism’. Is it a justified comparison
? What factors have led to the
decline of NPM so soon after its
birth ? 20
( b ) “A b ra h a m M a s l o w ’s ‘ H i e r a r c h y o f
Needs’ and Frederick Herzberg’s
‘ Tw o - F a c t o r theory’ have
c o m m o n a l i t i e s i n t h e an a l y si s o f
hu man motivation.” Comment. 1 5
(c) Civil Society supplements and
complements the State. However,
its capacity and role depend u pon
the will of th e State. Comment.
15
3. (a) The Participative Management School of
2017
Argyris and Likert advocates democracy
within the administrative system. Will this
approach be equally useful to developing
countries with evolving democracies ? 20
( b ) “Executive position s imply a complex
morality and require a high capacity
of responsibility” – (Chester Barnard).
Comment. 15
( c ) When th e media is controlled by
vested interests, how can it control
the vested interests in the
government ? How can th e media
become more responsible and
impartial ? 15
4 . ( a ) “ Wi t h e v e ry m ajo r t r an sf o rm a t io n
in the applied world of Public
Administration, the study of Public
Administration h as grown in scope
and i n t e n s i t y.” Discuss the
relationsh ip between th e evolution
of the disciplin e and profession of
Public Admin istration. 20
( b ) “Systems Theory in essence is not a
theory, bu t an approach to th e study
o f a d m i n i s - t r a t i v e p h e n o m e n a .”
Comment. 15
( c ) The principle of delegated legislation ,
is I think right, but I must em ph asise
that it is well for Par liament to keep
a watch ful and even zealou s eye on
it at all stages” – (Her bert Morrison).
Analyse. 15
SECTION B
5 . Answer the f ollowing questions in about
150 words each : – 10 × 5 = 50
( a ) “Budgeting is a political process” –
(Aaron Wildavsky). Examine.
(b) “Development administration and
administration developm ent have a
chicken an d egg kind of relationship”
– (Riggs). Elaborate.
( c ) “Digitalisation provides great impetus
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers 107
to E-governance”. Discuss. inspired by Max Weber’s typology of
( d ) “360° performance appraisal system Traditional Charismatic Legal-Rational
is a rational idea, bu t it involves Authorities.” Analyse. 20
complex and inauthentic (b) “Bureaucracy has inbuilt limitations to
procedures.” How can it be made act as the prime catalyst to multi-
foolproof ? faceted development in a democratic
( e ) “A l a r g e p u b l i c d e b t f o r c e s t h e country.” Analyse this statement with
adoption of tax and spending policies appropriate examples. 15
that r esu lt in to higher taxes an d ( c ) C an w e s ay t h a t st a t u t o r y a u d i t
reduced services.” A nalyse. and social audit are two sides of
6. (a) “ L i b e r a l i s a t i o n , p r i v at i sa t i o n a n d the sam e coin ? Or, are they two
gl o ba l i s a ti o n h a ve t r a n sf o r m e d t h e separate coins with varyin g values ?
nature of development administration.” Discuss. 15
Discu ss. 20 8. (a) “Various componen ts of H uman
( b ) “Lateral entry of competent experts Resources Managem ent are inter-
into th e govern ment will pr omote related.” Discuss. 20
freshness and innovation, but it ( b ) “Admin istrative ethics includes the
can create problems of code of conduct of civil servants,
accountability.” D iscuss. 15 but goes beyon d it as well.” D iscuss.
(c) “There can be no performance 15
auditing without performance ( c ) “Of all th e processes involved in
bu dg eti n g.” E l u ci da t e . 15 public policy, implementation is of
7. (a) “The Riggsian Models of Fused-Prismatic- greatest importance.” Examine the
Diff racted Societies an d their impediments in policy
administrative systems have been i m p l e m en t a t i o n . 15

Paper – II
SECTION A
1 . Answer the f ollowing questions in about
150 words each : – 10 × 5 = 50
( a ) “Con stitutionalism is the fou ndation
of the administrative edif ice in India.”
Discuss.
( b ) “T he stat u s and f un cti oni n g o f t he
Cabinet Secretariat face a stiff
challen ge from th e Prime Min ister’s
Office (PMO).” Argue both in favour
an d a gai nst th e con ten tio n .
(c) “Eff ec tiveness of local self-
governmen t institu tions is h ampered
due to the lack of capacity buildin g
o f t h e e l e c t e d r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s .”
E l a bo ra t e .
( d ) “Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
in India f ace tough competition from
the private en ter prises and Multi-
N a t i o n a l C o r p o r a t i o n s ( M N C s ) .”
Explain.
( e ) Do you thin k th at ‘All India Judicial
Servi ce ( A I J S ) w ould con tribute to
timely delivery of justice to the
citizens ? Argu e your case.
2. (a) “ T h e m a r k e t r e f o r m s h a v e n o t
infringed th e basic stru cture of the
Constitution of India, but have
largely compromised the realisation
of the ideals of social an d econ omic
ju stic e.” Co mm en t. 20
( b ) “The idea of lateral entry into the
Civil S ervices would energise Indian
administration .” Wh at are its possible
advantages and limitations ? 20
( c ) “P ro-A cti ve G overn an ce A nd Time ly
I m p l e m e n t a t i o n ( P R A G AT I ) i s a n
innovative project of the Union
Government.” D iscuss its features and
modalities. 10
3. (a) “The position of the Council of
Min isters in a S tate is reduced to
108 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
that of a body of secr etaries in the strengthen public financial management
pr e s en c e o f a d o m i n e er i n g Ch i ef in India.” Discuss its m andate.
M i n i s t e r.” C r i t i c a l l y a n a l y s e w i t h 6. (a) “ Th e P rim e M i ni s t er ’ s A war ds fo r
e x ampl e s . 20 Excellence in Public A dministration
( b ) “Indianisation of Public S ervices is encourage good governance
a slow but steady process.” Explain . i n i t i a t i v e s .” D i s c u s s s o m e s u c h
20 initiatives by the Civil S ervants in
( c ) “ Di g it al i sa t io n o f l an d r ec o r ds i s a this context. 20
necessary but not sufficient (b) “Implementation of Goods and
precondition for en suring transparent S e r v i c e s Ta x ( G S T ) h a s l e d t o a
distict adm in istration.” Explain. 1 0 pa r ad i gm s h i f t i n t h e Ce n t r e- S t at e
4 . ( a ) “Bureaucracy has to make a balance relations, both financially and
between the n eed f or environmental politically.” Analyse with exam ples.
sustainability and developmental 20
imperatives.” Discuss. 20 (c) “The Righ t to Inform ation (RTI) has
(b) “The Chief Secretary is often termed as s t a r t e d i t s j o u r n e y bu t i s f a r f r o m
the alter ego of the Chief Minister.” i ts d es ti n at io n.” C om men t . 10
Discuss, with examples, the dynamics of 7. (a) ‘Disaster preparedness and
their relationships in State administration. management has become an
20 important component of district
( c ) “D istr ict Pla nnin g Co mmi ttee (DPC) administration in India.” Discuss with
h as b ee n th e w eak es t str u c t u r e i n suitable illustrations. 20
the local self-government mechanism (b) In view of the con tem porary internal
in In dia.” A nalyse with examples scen ario should ‘law an d order’ be
10 made a part of the Concurrent List
SECTION B of the Con stitution of India ? Justify
you r opin ion . 20
5 . Answer the f ollowing questions in about
150 words each : – 10 × 5 = 50 (c) “The image of In dian Police can
be improved if its structure an d
( a ) “The institution of Gram S abha has
orientations are transformed
very little connection with the
radically.” D o you agree ? Elaborate.
Gandh ian spirit of dir ect democracy.”
10
Critically exam ine.
8. (a) Discu ss, with suitable examples, the
( b ) “There is a n eed for greater inclusion
emerging challenges faced by the
of technocrats in bureaucracy to
Regulatory Commissions as the
ensure effective governance in India.”
arbitrating agents between the State
Do you agree ? Elu cidate.
and the market forces. 20
( c ) “ Ci v i l S er v a n t s sh o u l d av o i d a i r i n g
(b) “The ‘policy of non-action’ regar din g
g r i e v a n c e s i n t h e m e d i a .” I n t h i s
the institutional mechanisms and
context, discuss the grievance
legal provisions to eradicate
redressal mech anism available to the
corruptio n is a featu re o f Indian
Civil Servants in India.
admin istration.” Critically examine.
( d ) Do you thin k that the Pu blic Service 20
G u a ra n t e e A c t s p a s s e d b y v a r i o u s
(c) “The Secon d Admin istrative Reforms
State Governments are an extension
C o m m i s si o n ( A R C ) m ak e s a s t r o n g
of the Citizen Charters ? Give reasons.
case for the principle of subsidiarity.”
( e ) “The Of fice of the Con troller General E l a bo ra t e . 10
of A ccou nts (CGA) is expected to
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers 109

I.A.S. Public Administration 2018

( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)

Paper – I

Section ‘A’
1. Answer the following questions in about 150
words each : 10×5=50
(a) "The scope of the discipline of Public
Administration is determined by what
an administrative system does." Does it
mean that the scope of this discipline is
boundaryless ? Explain. 10
(b) " T h e c o n c e p t s o f r a t i o n a l i t y a n d
efficiency are intertwined in the
bureaucratic analysis of Max Weber."
Comment. 10
(c) "New Public Service approach is an
improvement over its predecessor, New
Public Management." Discuss. 10
(d) " A l e a d e r i s a p e o p l e ' s d e v e l o p e r "
(Napoleon ). Which aspects of
subordinates' development can be
po s i t i v el y i n f l u e n c e d b y a l ea de r ?
Discuss. 10
( e ) "Herbert Simon's book Administrative
Behavior presents a synthesis of the
classical and behavioural approaches to
the study of Public Administration."
Explain. 10
2. (a) D w i g h t W a l d o i n h i s b o o k , T h e
Administrative State emphatically
mentions that the roots of administrative
theory lie in political theory. Critically
examine Waldo's contention. 20
(b) " T h e P h e n o m e n o l o g i c a l A p p r o a c h
advocated by the New Public
Administration has obstructed the path
of theory building in Public
Administration." Comment. 15
(c) Discuss the essential characteristics of
pub lic sector- cen tr ed and mark et-
centred perspectives in Public Private
Partnerships and also compare the two.
15
3. (a) "Communication represents the "Nerves
of Government" (Karl Deutsch). How
can the communication system in the
government be made more effective,
responsive and motivational ? 20
(b) "Political and administrative systems have
reciprocal relationship." Discuss. 15
(c) "An effective Management Information
System (MIS) is the key to successful
headquarter-field relationships."
Comment. 15
4. (a) "Form of an organisation influences the
success of a public enterprise, but the
choice of a form has always remained
problematic." Discuss the statement in
the context of the comparative merits
and limitations of departments,
corporations, companies and boards.
Give illustrations. 20
(b) " C h e s t e r Barnard's model of
'Contribution-Satisfaction Equilibrium' is
still considered a logical model of
organisation al motivation." Do you
agree ? Give arguments. 15
(c) " T h e po l i t i ca l a pp roa c h t o Pu bl i c
Administration stresses on the values
of representativeness, political
r e sp o n s i v e n es s an d a c c o u n t a b i l i t y
through elected officials to the citizenry"
(David H. Rosenbloom). Comment. 15
SECTION 'B'
5. Answer the following questions in about
150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) "The Journey of Administrative Law has
m o ve d m u ch be yon d A . V. D i c ey. "
Comment. 10
110 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(b) Edward Gibbon, the author of Decline
and Fall of the Roman Empire remarked
: " Cor r u pt i on , t h e m o st in f all i bl e
symptom of Constitutional liberty."
Critically examine this statement. 10
(c) To what extent has e-governance made
the administrative system more citizen-
oriented ? Can it (e-governance) be
made more participative ? 10
(d) "The issue of development of women
is closely related to the issue of women
in development." How can women
become equal partners in the process
of socio-economic development ? 10
(e) "The pro cess of administrative
development is generally slower than
the process of socio-economic
development." How can the speed of
administrative development be made
faster ? 10
6. (a) In order to be development-oriented,
bureaucracies need to be innovative,
flexible, citizen-centr ic and result-
orented, but they are slow in imbibing
these virtues in a democratic system.
Do we need to go beyond the
traditional models of bureaucracy and
create alternative structures ? Elaborate.
20
(b) "Administrative values have no value
unless they are valued by all
stakeholders of the governance
system." Comment. 15
(c) "Lateral entry is an antidote to the
complacency in civil service." Discuss.
15
7. (a) H o w d o e s e t h n o c e n t r i s m i m p a c t
development administration in achieving
sustainable goals ? Argue with examples.
20
(b) Monetary policy of a country can help
or hinder its development process."
Discuss. 15
(c) " S o u n d P e r f o r m a n c e A u d i t i n g i s
impossible without systematic
Performance or Outcome Budgeting."
Explain the relationship between the
two. 15
8. (a) "Administrative systems across the world
c a n be u n d e rs t o o d o n l y i n t h e i r
respective historical and social contexts."
Explain the statement giving examples.
20
(b) Currently, administrative training focusses
more on improving efficiency than on
transforming the attitudes and
behaviour of civil servants. What type
of training will you suggest to fill this
gap ? 15
(c) "A public policy without the active
involvement of people in its formulation,
implementation and evaluation is only a
facade." How can this anomaly be
corrected ? 15
PAPER - II – 2018
SECTION 'A'
1. Answer the following questions in about
150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) " A g o v e r n m e n t n e x t - d o o r i s t h e
government that matters most for the
people." Discuss the statement with
special reference to the values of local
government. 10
(b) "The philosophy of the Westminster
model is at odds with the political
culture of India." Critically analyse. 10
(c) "The attached offices and subordinate
offices are integral to the functioning
of the Cabinet Secretariat." Discuss. 10
(d) It is apprehended that lateral entry will
lead to politicisation of bureaucracy. Do
you agree ? Justify. 10
( e ) "Contracting out tasks without effective
acc ounta bilit y mech anism s can be
counter-productive for effective service
delivery." Comment. 10
2. (a) "The market-driven profitability concerns
have shaken the foundation of the
public sector undertakings." Do you
agree ? Give reasons. 20
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(b) It is argued that the NITI Aayog has
broken the edifice of planning into
fragments. Comment. 20
(c) "Autonomy of civil society is crucial for
responsive and effective administration."
Examine the statement. 10
3. (a) Critically examine the criteria adopted
by the 15 th Finance Commission for
allocation of resources to States. What
have been the major issues of
con tent ion s ince the 10 th Fin an ce
Commission ? 20
(b) "In the coalition era with elusive majority
of a single party in the State
Legislature, the role of the Governor
be co m e s e v en m o r e c h a l le n gi n g. "
Discuss. 20
(c) "Development management advocates
self-sustaining customer-frien dly
i n st it u ti o n s a t t h e di s tr i c t l ev e l. "
Comment. 10
4. (a) “C lima te cha nge issu es pos e n ew
challenges for district adminstration to
be proactive." Elaborate. 20
(b) "Judicial overreach to a large extent is
a consequence of ineffective executive."
Examine. 20
111
(d) "Social audit has lent a critical edge to
the implementation of programmes such
as MGNREGA." Comment. 10
( e ) "The AFSPA debate reveals that the
Indian paramilitary forces are caught
between the imperatives of national
security an d protection of hu man
rights." Discuss. 10
6. (a) "Competency mapping is important for
effective allocation of responsibilities to
administrators." Do you think that a
generalist administrator can handle all
issues as effectively as a specialist ?
Discuss. 20
(b) " T he r eco m m e nda t i on s o f v a rio u s
commissions on administrative reforms
have not made a radical departure from
the Paul Appleby Report." Do you
agree ? Give reasons. 20
(c) "Performance management requ ires
identification of indicators and measures
to ensure that goals are achieved
efficiently." Discuss. 10
7. (a) "Rural development programmes have
failed to effectively address the problems
of small and marginal farmers." Analyse
and give suggestions. 20

(c) "In the transition from the State-led
economy to the market economy, India
should rely more on 'in dicative
planning'." Do you agree ? Explain your
position. 10
Section B
5. Answer the following questions in about
150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) "The ‘enablers' and ‘facilitators' are yet
to replace the 'inspectors' and
'controllers' in the civil service in India."
Do you agree ? Justify.
(b) “Financial inclusion needs legal backing
but it also requires increasing awareness
for it to become a reality." Discuss. 10
(c) "Gender budgeting requires rethinking
beyond allocations to become a powerful
tool of gender mainstreaming." Discuss.
10
(b) "In the Network Era the TRAI has the
challenging task of protecting the Net
Neutrality from digital aggression."
Comment. 20
(c) "Neighbourhood management provides
an appropriate glocal strategy of dealing
with social exclusion in the urban
development scenario." Comment. 10
8. (a) "Effective public grievance redressal
requires administrative commitment. But
process reengineering can help prevent
some grievances." Discuss. 20
10
(b) "Institutional change is a necessary but
not a sufficient condition for reducing
criminalisation of politics." Examine.
20
(c) " T h e disempowerment and
depoliticisation of urban local
government has happened in multiple
ways." Comment. 10
112 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)
Paper – I
Section ‘A’
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) “Public Administration is constantly being
reinvented because it is contextual.”
Elaborate.
(b) “Bureau pathology denigrates competence
in organizations.” Explain.
(c) “If there is ever to be a science of
Public Administration it must derive from
an understanding of man’s behaviour.”
Explain.
(d) “Chester Barnard in ‘The Functions of
the Executive’ injected ‘the social’ in the
study of organization. Explain in this
context how the executive is expected
to play a much greater role than a
manager.”
(e) “Delegated Legislation has become a
strategic tool in the hands of the
executive despite its utility.” Comment.
2. (a) “Governance is neither a paradigm nor a
panacea for all the ills of government. It
may be a more useful approach when
other methods fail in providing public
service.” Critically evaluate. 20
(b) With the entry of the concept of ‘good
governance’ the discipline of Public
Administration has shed its s t at i s t
character. Explain. 15
(c) Has New Public Management failed in
promoting a democratic polity ? Analyse
in the contexts of individual as a citizen
and individual as a customer. 15
3. (a) “Globalization has constructed the
administrative state to save and serve
corporate power structure.” Discuss how
t r a n s n a t i o n a l c o r p o r a t i o n s i mp a c t
2019
government and public administration in
the contemporary era. 20
(b) “Red light and Green light theories
provide contrasting approaches to the
role of administrative law.” Which of the
two theories will be effective in
achieving the objectives of administrative
law ? Justify your choice. 15
(c) “The advent of the regulatory regimes
indicates the demise of the arbitrator
state.” Comment. 15
4. (a) Contingency theory of organization is
founded on the interplay of ‘external fit’
and ‘internal fit’. Discuss. 20
(b) Mary Parker Follett traced the foundational
value of business and enterprise on her
way to understand the organism of
governmental machinery. Comment. 15
(c) “Media, the fourth estate is in chains.”
Examine the statement in the context
of governmental accountability. 15
SECTION 'B'
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) Contractualism has become a favourite
policy of the neoliberal forces, but not
without its share of controversy. Argue.
(b) The failure to discard its elitist character
and west-centric orientation has led to
the decline of Comparative Public
Administration. Explain.
(c) “Maximum social gain” in public policy
making is an attractive goal which is
rarely found in practice. Discuss.
(d) A narrow view of information comes in
the way of successful implementation of
MIS in organizations. Analyse.
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(e) Has e-governance led to debureau-
cratization and decentralization ? Assess
its impact on bureaucratic inertia.
6. (a) “Development dynamics is marked by a
dilemma : the concept of development
has a built-in participatory orientation
but the practice of development has
been inherently exclusionary.” Discuss.
20
(b) A more effective system of performance
appraisal sh ould acknowledge the
subjective elements in it and be less
obsessed with the objective criteria.
Elucidate. 15
(c) Is William Niskanen’s “Budget Maximising
Model” relevant today? Argue. 15
7. (a) Performance measurement remains an
emerging issue but it is relegated to
exclusively monitor and assess the use
of funds. In light of the statement
discuss various non-financial parameters
of performance measurement to evaluate
public sector organizations.
20
(b) The imperatives of administrative ethics
are necessarily an antidote to “I was
only obeying the orders” argument by
public officials. Explain. 15
(c) Discuss the major areas of change in
the Tax-Reforms of the post liberalisation
era. How do you justify the importance
of the direct ta reform in this context ?
15
8. (a) In a society marked by social inequity
and gender inequality women self-help
groups are bound to play a marginal
role. Do you agree ? Give reasons for
your answer. 20
(b) In the era of increasing stress on
productivity work study provides the road
ahead for the administrators. Identify
the positive attributes of work study in
the light of the statement.
15
(c) In the absence of a merit-based, fair
and objective civil service a more partisan
and corrupt government will emerge. Is
the statement justified ? Give reasons.
15
113
PAPER - II – 2019
SECTION 'A'
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) In the text of Arthashastra, “the State
is neither a Police State nor merely a
tax gathering State.” Comment.
(b) The economic reforms have significantly
infringed the basic values and spirit of
the Indian Constitution. Discuss.
(c) Macaulay’s ideas on Indian Civil Service
corresponded to the elite theory of
bureaucracy, which continue to persist.
Do you agree ? Justify.
(d) There has been an opinion that the
ethos of Indian Judicial System continue
to be colonial. Suggest measures for
raising the level of judicial excellence for
achieving speedy justice.
(e) Various commissions have reiterated the
crucial role of the Governor in Indian
system of governance, but the
successive governments have not heeded
to make the Governor’s office apolitical.
Examine with examples.
2. (a) Article 356 acts “very much like the
proverbial bolt from the blue ... without
giving an opportunity or notice to the
State Government to correct its alleged
shortcomings”. This phenomenon not only
undermines the autonomy of the State
Government, but also demeans the
status of the President of India. Critically
analyse. 20
(b) Public Sector Undertakings were expected
to take the Indian economy to the
‘commandin g heigh ts’, instead the
successive governments have been
pushing for disinvestment. Critically
examine how the scenario has changed
over the years. 20
(c) Emerging developmental aspirations of
the society necessitate the constitutional
114 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
amendment to change the present
safeguards available to the civil servants.
Evaluate the pros and cons of such
amendment. 10
3. (a) “Strong PMO is anti-thesis to the feature
of collective responsibility of Council of
Ministers.” Examine the issues in relation
to the position of PMO vis-a-vis council
of Ministers in the light of this
statement. 20
(b) Capacity issues relating to employees
have hampered the implementation of
several government programmes. Trace
the reasons in the context of the
provisions of the National Training Policy,
2012. 20
(c) The strategy to deal with the non-
performing assets of banks may lead to
overburdened taxpayers. Examine the
role of government to protect the
interests of both. 10
4. (a) Considerable attention has been paid to
the restructuring of the administrative
systems at the Central and local levels,
but very few reforms have been
undertaken at the State level. What
steps would you suggest to rectify it ?
20
(b) It is observed that non-functioning of
District Planning Committees is preventing
the convergence of rural and urban
planning needs. Do you agree ? Justify.
20
(c) The police-public interface is punctuated
with distrust and fear. Suggest how the
police can reform its image in the eyes
of the public. 10
Section B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) The evidences suggest that the dream
of deliberative democracy could not be
realized in practice at the grassroot
level. Evaluate the impediments in the
functioning of Gram Sabha.
(b) “The RTI has started its journey, but is
far from its destination.” In the view of
the statement, examine the present
status of the RTI movement.
(c) The concept of new localism arrangement
may defeat the very purpose of local
self-governance. Do you agree ? Justify.
(d) Effective ‘Performance Management
System’ needs to precede ‘takin g
de adwo od ou t ’ fr om bur eau crac y.
Comment.
(e) All weather rural connectivity scheme to
even unconnected rural habitations has
the potential to transform the rural
economy. Do you agree ? Justify.
6. (a) The office of the District Collector has
merely become a bureau for funnelling
government schemes, collecting statistics
and an officer on attendance for unending
VIP duties. Critically examine its role in
the light of the recommendations of the
Second A dministrative Reforms
Commission. 20
(b) Minimal accountability being the dominant
norm in the political system, the Lokpal
can only be an ideal institution with
limited effectiveness. Explain. 20
(c) ‘Sevottam Scheme’ had great potential
to reform service delivery, but opportunity
is frittered away. Comment. 10
7. (a) T h e N a t i o n a l P o l i c y o n D i s a s t e r
Management envisages a paradigm shift
from hitherto reactive post-disaster relief
centric regime to more pro-active and
enabling environment. Examine the
responses of State Governments in this
regard. 20
(b) Efforts to strengthen State Finance
Commissions have faced apathy of State
Governments over the years, which has
also affected the successive Central
Finance Commissions in recommending
appropriate fiscal transfers to local bodies.
Substantiate the answer with examples.
20
(c) Accountability of regulatory bodies would
address the problem of over-regulation
and help make them truly facilitators.
Analyze the present status of regulators
a nd s ugg est m ea s ur es t o i n d uc e
accountability in the mechanism. 10
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers 115

8. (a) ‘NITI Aayog’ has changed the way NIA or paramilitary forces under the
India strategized for economic Union Government – have restricted the
development, but its effectiveness is yet powers of State Governments. Discuss.
to be seen, especially when its financial 20
powers are far less than its predecessors. (c) Performance grants devolved by Finance
Analyze. 20 Commission of India have increased the
(b) E v en t h o u gh the law an d o r d er financial accountability of the local bodies.
administration is a State subject, it is Elaborate. 10
paradoxical that the Central agencies –
116 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)
Paper – I
Section ‘A’
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) “The strength of Public Administration is
in its exploration of the complexities
and nuances of public policy making and
implementation.” Discuss.
(b) “Principles of analysis and principles of
action were not differentiated in Taylor’s
scientific management.” Comment.
(c) “Arbitrariness in the application of rule
of law is a primary cause of poor
governance.” Discuss.
(d) “Departments, Boards and Commissions
as forms of organization are dissimilar
in the context of accountability and
responsibility.” Analyse.
(e) A d m i n i s t r a t i v e m a n b r i d g e s t h e
psychological man and the rational man.
Explain.
2. (a) “The movement towards governance as
a n o rg a n i z i n g c o n c e pt f o r p u b l i c
administration and management is
because the focus of administration has
been shifting from the bureaucratic state
to the ‘hollow state’ and ‘third-party
government’.” Critically examine.
20
(b) “Organizations of the future will be
organic-adaptive structures but
t e m po ra ry s y s t e m s.” D i s c u s s h o w
Warren Bennis characterises the new
form of organization. 15
(c) “Productivity is not the result of working
conditions but the result of emotional
response of workers to work performed.”
Are Elton Mayo’s findings relevant in
contemporary organizations ?
15
3. (a) “ ‘Performance information use’ is a
form of organizational behaviour that is
2020
influenced by individual, job,
organizational and environmental factors.”
Critically analyze. 20
(b) N e w P u b l i c S e r v i c e e m p h a s i z e s
democracy and citizenship as the basis
for public administration theory and
practice. Elucidate. 15
(c) “A c c o u n t a bi l i ty u n d e r N e w P u b l i c
Management has undergone a radical
change, although the focus has
continued to remain on management.”
Comment. 15
4. (a) “ D e v e l o p m e n t s i n t h e f i e l d o f
Administrative Law reflect an increasingly
blurred boundary between the state and
s o ci e ty, a n d b etw e e n ju s ti c e a n d
administration.” Has administrative law
become more constitutional than the
Constitution itself ? Argue. 20
(b) “The content and process theories of
motivation have the ssame focus but
are different in approaches.” Do you
agree ? Give reasons. 15
(c) Thrust on the citizen centricity and Right
based approaches, aim to empower the
citizens. In the light of the above, has
the administrative accountability improved
? Justify your argument. 15
SECTION 'B'
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) “Comparative Public Administration started
with no paradigm of its own and
developed none.” Comment.
(b) “Markets, hierarchies and networks
represent modern governing structures
in government.” Explain.
(c) Has policy analysis become a major
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
source of legitimation of status quo in
political and social order ? Discuss.
(d) “Fiscal policy should address the issues
of inequity, intricacy and obscurantism.”
Explain.
(e) “Prevention of misconduct requires
institutionalization of ethical values in the
political and administrative levels.” Justify.
6. (a) “Administrative ideas must be seen in
the context of environment in which
they develop.” In the light of the above
statement, examine the influence of New
Public Management and Information and
C o m m u n i c a t i o n Te c h n o l o g i e s o n
com parative study of
Administration.
(b) Affirmative action in socio-economic
developm ent h as n ot altogether
eliminated discrimination. Discuss it in
the context of women empowerment.
15
(c) Have political realities thwarted the move
towards evidence based policy making ?
Critically examine. 15
7. (a) “Globalization is impacting the context
of national policy making. The national
policy agenda is becoming international.”
Explain. 20
(b) “Collaboration and its cognates for public
service delivery need to be viewed from
the governance lenses.” Comment.
15
(c) Administrative reform is “an artificial
inducement of administrative
transformation again st resist ance.”
(Gerald Caiden). Identify the nature of
resistance and inducements required to
overcome it. 15
8. (a) “Disruptive nature of developments in
Information Technology has changed the
contours of e-governance in the last
one decade.” Analyse. 20
(b) “Performance Management Framework
enables a clear line of sight between
planning, measuring and monitoring
performance.” Critically analyse. 15
(c) “Objectives of performance budgeting
include impr oving expenditure
117
prioritization, effectiveness and
efficiency.” Has performance budgeting
worked effectively in governmental
system ? Argue. 15
PAPER - II – 2020
Section ‘A’
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) Mughal administration incorporated a
combination of Indian and extra-Indian
elements. Discuss.
Public
(b) There is a constant and continuous
20
collusion between bureaucratic values
and democratic values which adversely
affects development. Do you agree ?
Elaborate.
(c) Parliamentary committees are at the
deliberative core of parliamentary work
which is crucial for refining legislations.
Elucidate.
(d) Considering India’s diversity, the planning
pattern of ‘one-size-fits-all’ was discarded
in favour of indicative planning. To what
extent has it been useful to India ?
(e) Even if all the States combine together,
they cannot have their way in the
decision-making in the GST Council,
unless the Union agrees to it. Analyze
this in the perspective of federalism in
India.
2. (a) District administration is the most
important unit in governance. Most of
the Central and State Government
schemes and programmes are directed
towards the district administration. In
this context, discuss the challenges and
problems posed to the distr ict
administration. 20
(b) The structural part of the Constitution
of India is to a large extent derived
from the Government of India Act,
1935, whereas its philosophical part has
many other sources. Discuss the sources
of the philosophical part. 20
(c) The public services in India are an
evolution of the British Raj. Trace the
Indianization of the services. 10
118 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
3. (a) Does the privatization of key public
sector bodies augur well for welfarism in
India ? Discuss with suitable illustrations.
20
(b) The spirit of democratic values requires
that the independence of judiciary
remains absolute. It is high time that
the All India Judicial Service (A I J S ) was
created. Elaborate. 20
(c) To strengthen the Election Commission
of India and its commissioners is the
need of the hour. Suggest measures to
make it more independent and impartial.
10
4. (a) Examine the National Health Policy in
the context of the current pandemic
situation. Identify the problem and
suggest improvements. 20
(b) The Speaker of the State Assembly has
assumed a significant role in formations
a n d di s so l u t i o n s o f g o v e r n m e n t s .
Examine under the circumstances of
coalition governments with examples.
20
(c) At the district level, police functions under
the overall supervision and control of
the District Magistrate. Comment. 10
SECTION 'B'
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) Political neutrality of civil servants has
been regarded as one of the cardinal
principles in democratic governments. Is
its sanctity being maintained in practice
in India ? Elucidate.
(b) Budget is an indicator of financial health
of a polity which is reflected in the
statement of income and expenditure.
Discuss.
(c) Panchayati Raj Institutions are still
plagued by state control and domination
of bureaucracy. Argue your case.
(d) Urban local governance is perpetually
afflicted with lack of financial autonomy
and starvation of funds. Elaborate.
(e) There has been a long-standing demand
for separation of police investigation from
prosecution. Analyze its merits and
demerits.
6. (a) The office of the Comptroller and
Auditor General of India stands on the
pillar of autonomy. Discuss the major
lacunae in the functioning of this
constitutional body and also suggest
measures for its strengthening. 20
(b) Implementation of administrative reforms
is humongous and arduous. What lacks
the push to realize the changes ? 20
(c) Immediate post-retirement appointments
of high officers of government have
become a new trend. Discuss its pros
and cons. 10
7. (a) Wa r d C o m m i t t e e s i n u r b a n l o c a l
governance have remained mere paper
tigers. The ideal of realizing effective
people’s participation in collaboration with
local functionaries is still in the pipeline.
Examine the gap in theory and practice.
20
(b) Police needs to be made accountable
and freed from the grip of politics. It is
a big challenge not only for law and
order but also for the development of
the country. Critically examine. 20
(c) Civil servants are trained to follow rules
and procedures so much that they
become bureaucrazy. Do you agree ?
Justify. 10
8. (a) “There are adequate legal mechanisms
to address corruption and malpractices
in administration, but they have failed
to curb the menace to any noticeable
degree.” In the light of this statement,
discuss the efficacy and the institution
of Lokayukta in Indian States. 20
(b) Despite the constitutional provisions for
representation, the voice of weaker
sections is not having the desired impact
i n t h e r ea l ms o f P a n c h ay at i R aj
Institutions. Critically examine. 20
(c) Ideally citizen-administration interface is
supposed to be based on trustworthiness
and purposefulness, in reality it is
observed to be plagued by suspicion,
conflicts, stresses and strains. Do you
agree ? Elaborate. 10
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Year wise Paper)
Paper – I – 2021
Time Allowed : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 250
Instructions : There are EIGHT questions divided
in two Sections. Candidate has to attempt FIVE
questions in all.
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out
of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted
choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
Section – A
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) “Governance is about managing self-
organizing networks.” Elaborate.
(b) “Two-dimensional taxonomy was used by
Herbert Simon to describe the degree to
which decisions are programmed or non-
programmed.” Explain.
(c) Examine the approach of public service
motivation as an inducement to bring the
desired level of efficiency in public service
delivery.
(d) 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.
(e) Fa y o l a n d Ta y l o r h a d d i f f e r e n t
management perspectives, while having
similar goal of organizational efficiency.
Comment.
2. (a) 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. 20
(b) 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. 15
(c) Public-private partnership phenomenon has
119
2021
been t ra n sf o rm ed in t o a t yp e o f
governance scheme or mechanism.
Discuss its capacity to overcome future
challenges. 15
3. (a) Integration of different streams of
administrative thought to propound a
universal administrative theory is hindered
by the impact of culture. Critically
examine. 20
(b) 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.
15
(c) Regulation is an old but increasingly
necessary mode of social coordination
and political intervention into societal
processes. Examine it in the context of
globalization. 15
4. (a) The new public service model approaches
governance on the premises of an active
and involved citizenship, wherein the role
o f pu bl ic o f f i ci al s is t o f ac il it at e
opportunities for citizens’ engagement in
governance. Explain. 20
(b) Neo - Weberian State involves changing
the model of operation of administrative
structures into a model focussed on
meeting citizens’ needs. Discuss. 15
(c) Nothing in public administration is more
important, interesting or mysterious than
leadership. Analyze the statement in the
context of strategic leadership. 15
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) T h e a p p r o a c h t o t h e s t u d y o f
administration in its environmental context
is especially more useful for developing
countries. Comment.
120 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(b) Gender equality and women’s rights have
laid down a strong f ou ndation of
development. Elaborate.
(c) Performance appraisal needs to be seen
beyond the mere suitability of the official
for vertical promotion. Explain.
(d) It is widely agreed that the government
ought to provide the goods that market
fails to provide or does not provide
efficiently. Argue.
(e) MIS has evolved and gone far beyond its
traditional advantages due to technological
advancements. Comment.
6. (a) 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. 20
(b) In modern context, Riggsian terms have
not altogether disappeared, but have
emerged in different forms with newer
meanings. Discuss. 15
(c) A s t r i k i n g f e a t u r e o f e c o n o m i c
development is an apparent symbiotic
evolution of strong States and strong
market economies. Analyze. 15
7. (a) Policy problems are increasingly tending
towards being wicked. Discuss the
capacity and preparedness of the State
to tackle such problems. 20
(b) Zero-based budgeting was intended to
get away from incrementalism, but ended
up being the most incremental of any
budgetary approach. Discuss. 15
(c) ICT has immense potential to transform
governance and empower citizens.
Examine. 15
8. (a) 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. 20
(b) 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. 15
(c) Civil servants generally tend to exhibit
the values and ethical framework of the
political executives under whom they
function. Explain. 15
Paper – II – 2021
Time Allowed : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 250
Instructions : Same as in Paper – I
Section – A
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) The Preamble to the Constitution of India
provides a foundational framework of
i de a l s a n d v a lu es f o r t h e I n d ian
administration. Discuss. 10
(b) Examine the extent to which the ideal of
Constitutionalism as ‘government by
limited powers ’ has been a functional
reality in India. 10
(c) Red-tapism is a major obstacle to the
implementation of ‘ good governance ’.
Comment. 10
(d) The role and status of the Speaker in
parliamentary system have their
foundation in the Speaker’s stance on
neutrality. Comment. 10
(e) The Union government develops and
pr a ct i c e s s t r at e gi e s t o a dm i n is t er
increasing number of existing local
government services by sidelining local
initiatives and discretion. Examine. 10
2. (a) Kautilya envisages protection, welfare and
prosperity of the State and its people as
the utmost concern of a ruler. In this
context, discuss the significance of
Kau ti lya’s em ph asis o n govern in g,
accountability and justice in contemporary
India. 20
(b) District Collector is the most important
functionary in district administration in
India. In light of the above statement,
discuss the multidimensional responsibilities
of District Collector in effecting coordinated
developmental administration in India. 20
(c) The role of the Governor is of a sagacious
counsellor, mediator and arbitrator rather
than that of an active politician. In this
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
context, examine the role of the Governor
in state politics in India. 10
3. (a) Recruitment is the cornerstone of the
whole public personnel structure and it
revolves around the problem of attracting
the best. Discuss the essential elements
of a good recruitment system. 20
(b) Traditionally structured administrative
systems have outlived their utility. Discuss
as how administrative reforms can
revamp, restructure and redesign the
existing governmental structure to meet
the new challenges faced by the Indian
administration set-up. 20
(c) The government policy of large scale
privatization of the key sectors of the
economy may affect India’s economic
health. Comment. 10
4. (a) As a constitutionally mandated body the
Finance Commission stands at the centre
of fiscal federalism. Evaluate the role of
Finance Commission in ensuring just and
equitable resource sharing among the
states and the union. 20
(b) Recent market approaches to public
services present serious challenges to
traditional and state-sponsored public
service values. Evaluate the statement in
the context of Indian administration. 20
(c) The increasing criminalization of politics is
a major threat to the basic fabric of
Indian democracy. Comment. 10
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) No rural development strategy can
succeed unless it is complemented by
appropriate Panchayati Raj Institutions.
Examine the statement. 10
(b) NITI Aayog has been constituted to
implement the goal of co-operative
federalism. Discuss. 10
(c) Responsibility and accountability are two
major goals of Good Governance. Discuss
the statement in the context of Indian
administration. 10
(d) The Prime Minister’s Office has become
a powerful institution in itself by virtue of
its role in decision - making on strategic
121
issues of utmost importance. Examine
the statement. 10
(e) Well planned and goal - oriented training
programmes are the backbone of the
civil service system in India. Examine the
statement. 10
6. (a) Budget proposals in the Parliament / State
Legislatures fail to ensure their effective
scrutiny. Identify the factors which
constrain effective scrutiny of the budget
proposals. 20
(b) 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment
Acts aimed at making the third tier of
government more powerful and effective
for democratic decentralization. Critically
examine the extent to which this goal
has been transformed into reality. 20
(c) National Human Rights Commission is
handicapped by its jurisdictional limitations
of not being able to investigate the cases
of violation of human rights by the armed
forces. Discuss. 10
7. (a) Contemporary urbanism advocates the
integration of diverse modes of urban
planning and management concerns.
Discuss the above statement in light of
urban development in India. 20
(b) Rural development programmes are
designed to facilitate multifaceted growth
of rural poor. Evaluate the role of some
key rural development programmes in
India in this context. 20
(c) Police - Public relations in India need to
be improved. Suggest measures to
strengthen relations between police and
public. 10
8. (a) In the past two decades India’s public
policy on Disaster Management has
shifted its focus from rescue, relief and
rehabilitation efforts to holistic
management of disaster. Analyse. 20
(b) T h e i ns ti tu t io na l lega c y of ‘ we ll -
entrenched state’ affected the post -
reforms promises in India. Explain the
statement in the light of economic reforms
in India. 20
(c) Do you agree with the view that the civil
service in India is losing its neutral and
anonymous character ? Argue your case.
10
122 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
I.A.S. Public Administration
( Main ) (Yearwise Paper)
Paper – I – 2022
Time Allowed : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 250
Instructions : There are EIGHT questions divided
in two Sections. Candidate has to attempt FIVE
questions in all.
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out
of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted
choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
Section – A
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) Public Management takes ‘what’ and ‘why’
from Public Administration and ‘how’ from
Business Management. Elaborate.
(b) Every human organisation shall start from
System-I and ultimately end up with
S y s t e m -I V. C o m m e n t o n L i k e r t ’s
statement.
(c) All tribunals are courts, but all courts are
not tribunals. Explain.
(d) Classical Organisation Theory formed the
bedrock for the modern organisation
theories. Analyse.
(e) Interaction between the State and Civil
s oc ie t y ha s h it he r to be en l a rgel y
neglected, especially in developing
countries. Examine.
2. (a) ‘The administrative state is the creation
of a power to bind us, with rules … that
are not made by legislature.’ Discuss the
constitutionality of the administrative state
and its future.
(b) Transformational leadership requires high
degree of coordination, communication
and cooperation. Explain.
(c) Human relationists postulate that ‘what is
important to a worker and what influences
his/her productivity level may not be the
organisational chart but his or her
associations with other workers’. Is it
more relevant today ?
2022
3. (a) Barnard posits the zone of indifference
as the human condition that animates
authority relationships and cooperation in
modern organisations. Examine. 20
(b) New public service celebrates what is
distinctive, important and meaningful about
public service. Discuss. 15
(c) Strategic communication ought to be an
agile management process. Discuss the
conceptualization of strategic
communication for the government
actions. 15
4. (a) ‘Leadership is seen as dealing with change,
whereas administration is viewed as coping
with complexity.’ In this context, discuss
10 the contextuality of leadership and
ad mi n i st r ati on f o r th e su cc es s of
organisations. 20
(b) Regulatory governance frameworks have
10 become essential building blocks of world
society. Discuss their potential and impact
10 in fulfilling the hopes and demands. 15
(c) Social auditing is not just saving the
money, it creates positive impact on
10 governance. Comment. 15
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
10 each : 10×5=50
(a) Development Administration ’embraces the
array of new functions assumed by the
developing countries’. Explain. 10
(b) Policy evaluation contributes fundamentally
20 to sound public governance. Discuss.10
(c) Weber’s construct of bureaucracy has
served a great heuristic purpose in
15
furthering research in the field of
Comparative Public Administration. Do you
agree with the statement ? Give reasons.
10
(d) Standards are the foundation which do
not replace regulations but complement
15
them. Comment. 10
 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
(e) ‘Ou tcome bu dgeting addresses the
weaknesses of performance budgeting.’
Elaborate. 10
6. (a) ‘The more exogenetic the process of
diffraction, the more formalistic and
heterogenous its prismatic phase; the
more endogenetic, the less formalistic
a n d h e t e r o g e n o u s .’ E x a m i n e t h i s
hypothesis of Riggs.
(b) The environment and situational conditions
under which the government operates
have an important bearing on its human
resource development practices. Examine.
15
(c) ‘Lindblom regarded rational decision-making
as an unattainable goal.’ In the light of
the statement, suggest measures to
avoid policy failures. 15
7. (a) The results of Washington Consensus
were far from optimal for transitional
economies. In this background, discuss
the change of direction towards post-
Washington Consensus. 20
(b) A sound budgeting system is one which
engenders trust among citizens that the
government is listening to their concerns.
Elaborate this in the context of budgetary
governance. 15
(c) Performance problems are rarely caused
simply by lack of training and rarely can
performance be improved by training
alone. Critically analyse the statement.
15
8. (a) The audit function has always been viewed
as an integral part of government financial
management. Discuss the significance of
internal audit in improving the performance
of the government sector. 20
(b) Most civil service regimes still equate
‘Public Sector Ethics’ with anti-corruption
efforts. Discuss the insufficiency of Ethics-
code in this background. 15
(c) Failure of Public policies has often been
attributed to problems of implementation,
while implementors question the policy
design. Discuss the contestation. 15
123
Paper – II – 2022
Time Allowed : 3 Hours Maximum Marks : 250
Instructions : There are EIGHT questions divided
in two Sections. Candidate has to attempt FIVE
questions in all.
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out
20
of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted
choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
Section – A
1. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) “Mughal administrative system was
centralised despotism”. Comment. 10
(b) “The office of the District Collector
admirably survived the changing times
from colonialism to the present times”.
Comment. 10
(c) “The smooth transaction of business in
Ministries and Departments depends on
the role played by Cabinet Secretariat”.
Discuss. 10
(d) “The Government of India Act, 1935 is
the most important source of Indian
constitution”. Identify its features. 10
(e) “The Chief Secretary is the chief
communication link between the state
and central government”. Explain. 10
2. (a) “The Indian federal structure is largely
symmetric albeit with some asymmetric
features”. Examine the status of States
and Union Territories through the principle
of weighted and differentiated equality in
India. 20
(b) The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a
progressive policy. Analyse. 20
(c) “Indicative Planning, is a middle path of
planning and market mechanism to ensure
coordination between public and private
activities.” Explain. 10
3. (a) “The New Economic Reforms during the
past three decades have not only reduced
124 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers
the scope of industrial licensing and areas
reserved exclusively for Public Sector but
also infringed the autonomy of existing
public sector undertakings”. Examine. 20
(b) “National Institution for Transforming India
(NITI) Ayog has become super cabinet
in formulating the development agenda
of our country”. Examine the statement
by giving suitable examples. 20
(c) Despite the constitutional status, the
District planning committees remained a
non-entity in preparation and
implementation of plans. Discuss. 10
4. (a) “The Indian judicial system has failed to
deliver justice expeditiously”. Examine the
challenges faced by the judiciary and
suggest measures to overcome them.
20
(b) Analyse the specific areas of controversies
with regard to Union-State financial
relations, particularly in the context of
one nation – one tax policy. 20
(c) Examine the role of central government
in adjudication of disputes relating to
water of interstate rivers. 10
SECTION – B
5. Answer the following in about 150 words
each : 10×5=50
(a) Examine the lateral entry recruitment in
government in the context of Part XIV of
the Indian Constitution. 10
(b) Examine the role of Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in
protecting the interests of the investors
in securities. 10
(c) Citizens charters in India have not
succeeded in their objectives in making
administrative system citizen centric. Do
you agree ? Give reasons. 10
(d) Following the onset of globalisation, the
traditional bureaucratic model appears to
have lost its significance. Comment. 10
(e) “The financial suitability of the Urban
local bodies can become a reality only
when they receive their due share of
public finances.” Explain. 10
6. (a) The recommendations of National Finance
Commissions are more norms based than
the need based. In the light of this
statement analyse the terms of
references of 15th National Finance
Commission. 20
(b) “The objective of Mission Karmyogi is to
enhance capacity building of Indian Civil
Servants and improve governance.”
Discuss. 20
(c) Parliamentary control over administration
is no substitute for judicial control.
Comment. 10
7. (a) In India, for the upliftment of majority of
people, governmental intervention remains
a central fact of life. Nevertheless, the
effective implementation of policies
depends on the ethical values of Public
Servants. Discuss. 20
(b) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is
today a primary cause of widespread and
paralysing unwillingness on the part of
government institutions to decide and
act. Discuss. 20
(c) Do you think that the new localism
relegate the spirit of 74th Constitutional
Amendment Act, 1992 ? 10
8. (a) The main objective of Panchayats
(Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996
is to enable tribal society to assume
control over their livelihoods and traditional
rights. Critically examine the
implementation of the Act. 20
(b) The effectiveness of law and order
administration depends on cooperative
attitudes of people towards police, than
bringing reforms in the structure and
procedures of law and order machinery.
Do you agree ? Give reasons. 20
(c) Examine the role of Lokpal in ensuring
transparency and accountability in Indian
administration. 10
I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers 125

Other Useful books

126 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers

Other Useful books

 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers 127

New Vishal’s Agricultural Books

Objective Agriculture for ARS – Dr. S. R. Kantwa 480.00
Objective Agriculture for JRF – Dr. S. R. Kantwa 460.00
Agriculture Current Affairs 200.00
MSc Agriculture 480.00
IBPS AFO Exam (Agriculture) 300.00
Agri-Notes 225.00
340.00
480.00
Applied Entomology – Dr. D. S. Reddy 280.00
Objective Entomology – Dr. T. V. Prasad 580.00
Handbook of Entomology – Dr. T. V. Prasad 540.00
Objective Crop Protection – Dr. T. V. Prasad, S. Srinivas 630.00
Objective Agricultural Entomology – Dr. Shravan Haldhar 450.00
Objective Horticulture – U.S. Meena, V. R. Sagar 330.00
MCQs in Horticulture – Bharat Singh Hada 450.00
Glimpses of Post Harvest Technology – U. S. Meena 225.00
Glaustas Horticulture (P. Muthu Kumar) 480.00
Glaustas Olericulture (R. Selva Kumar) 950.00
Objective Soil Science – T. Ramesh, Brajendra 510.00
MCQs in Agriculture Extension – Sunil V.G. 460.00
Instant Extension Education 310.00
Plant Sciences At a Glance – Mangesh Dudhe 410.00
Terminology of Agriculture – S. R. Dhaka, B. L. Dhaka 410.00
Vegetable Science – D. Singh 350.00
Objective Plant Science – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 440.00
Competitive Forestry – Uthappa 440.00
An introduction to Agricultural Social Science 600.00
Soil Science at a glance – Gopal Mahajan 350.00
B.Sc. Agriculture 380.00
Agri-facts Agronomy – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 300.00
Agri-facts Soil Science – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 300.00
Agri-facts Agri. Economics – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 350.00
128 I. A. S. Public Administration (Main) Question Papers

Agri-facts Plant Pathology – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 350.00

Agri-facts Plant Physiology – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 300.00
Agri-facts Horticulture – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 350.00
Agri-facts Seed Science – Dr. S.V. Sai Prasad 250.00
Concise Agriculture – C.R. Kantwa 550.00
Concise Agronomy – C.R. Kantwa 550.00
Concise Crop Science – C.R. Kantwa 340.00
Horticulture vision – Megha 280.00
Objective Agricultural Social Sciences – Jagdish K. 450.00
A Textbook of Olericulture – Chouhan Shohaib Sheikh Ayub 280.00
Inception – A Competitive Book of Agronomy – BR Meena 600.00
Treasure of Fruit Science – Sunil Kumar 610.00
Ready Reckoner of Pomology – Vivek Kumar 300.00
Entomology Treatise – Dr. T.V. Prasad 400.00
Fundamentals of Agricultural Extension – Sunil VG 540.00
Concise Vegetable Science – Deepak Maurya 300.00
Fundamentals of Nematology – Deepak Kumar 220.00
Agronomy Wizard – Jagadish Jena 360.00
Agricultural Extension at a glance – Prof. Sarthak Chowdhury 320.00
Nihzesa Floriculture – V. Bhargav 320.00
Agriculture Treatise – Dr. S. R. Kantwa 530.00
Elixir of Pomology – Vivek Kumar, Praveen Choyal 320.00
Glimpses of Crop Protection – Darshan K., Thagavel S 560.00
Objective Agricultural Chemicals – Arkadeb Mukhopadhyay 220.00
Insights on Entomology – Ipsita Samal 460.00
Quick Review on Agriculture – Prasanta Kumar Majhi 360.00
An Essence of Agricultural Entomology – Rajkumar V Bajolge 440.00
Insights of Processing of Horticultural Crops
– Swaraja Laxmi Nayak 320.00
Instant Plant Science – Santosh Kumar 310.00
Glimpses of Fruit Science – Dr. Dinesh Nagar 360.00
Objective Olericulture for JRF, ARS/NET
– K. Madhusudhan Reddy 280.00
Horticultural Updates – Kripa Shankar 220.00