Public Administration Optional PYQs Topic-wise 1987–2026

17 questions

2026Hierarchical structures do not align with the modern business world. Discuss the different forms of structuring modern organisations.
2020“Organizations of the future will be organic-adaptive structures but temporary systems.” Discuss how Warren Bennis characterises the new form of organization.
2020“Markets, hierarchies and networks represent Modern governing structures in government.” Explain.
2018“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.
2014“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?
2013“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.
2007“The distinction between line and staff is relative rather than absolute.” Discuss.
2001A fairly adequate analysis of the Administrative Organization in Government is possible when we treat ‘bureaucracy’ as a ‘structure’ and ‘administration’ as a ‘function’. Discuss.
2001Why do all administrative organizations consider ‘hierarchy’ as the many splendoured technique? Discuss.
1998Differentiate between managerial and functional aspects of co-ordination. How is co-ordination achieved?
1997“Theoretically the Board administration violates the distinction between government and politics because through it politics is injected in the administration.” Comment.
1995Hierarchic control, whereby instructions are passed down the line is not the only dimension of control. Comment.
1995“Much of what the recruit learns in an organisation is communicated after the fashion of Bentham’s ‘dog law’.” Discuss.
1994“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.
1992‘It is difficult to state any demarcating principle to differentiate between Line and Staff functions of agencies.’ Discuss.
1987‘And therefore, Modern Civilization has an unprecedented need of Organisation Development (OD). Comment.
1987‘The distinction between line and staff is distinction without a difference.’ Comment.

Ministries, corporations, companies

6 questions

2016“The autonomy of Public Corporations raised a great debate about their internal working and external relation with the Ministers and the Parliament.” Discuss.
2009“There is no doubt the departmentalisation is fraught with complexities. These are in part technical, in part political.” Discuss.
2008“To claim that a company or a corporation form is always more effective than 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.
2002“Public corporations are not an end in thems-elves but an extension of the government activities designed to promote public welfare.” – Substantiate.
1992‘The Departmental pattern of undertaking does not offer the necessary, autonomy, flexibility and entrepreneurship to Management’. Examine.
1991‘A Public Corporation is a combination of Public ownership, public accountability and business managements for public ends. Comment.

Boards and commissions

2 questions

2020Departments, Boards and Commissions as forms of organization are dissimilar in the context of accountability and responsibility.” Analyse.
1999“The Commission form of organisation would tend to be a ‘headless fourth branch’ of government.” Comment.

Headquarters–field relations

3 questions

2024Healthy Headquarters and Field Agencies relationship thrives on effective communication. Comment.
2018“An effective Management Information System (MIS) is the key to successful headquarter-field relationships.” Comment.
1998“Headquarter and Field relationships determine the tendor of implementation of programmes.” Comment.

Centralisation and decentralisation

6 questions

2010Explain the impact of privatisation on public administration with special reference to The issue of user fees. Public-private partnership. Outsourcing technique.
1997“Centralization inclines toward power and domination. Decentralization, on the other hand, inclines toward competition and self-determination.” Discuss.
1993“Decentralization is never just a technical exercise, with intentions and effects neatly confined to questions of economy and efficiency.” Comment.
1992‘Decentralization has a more important justification than more administrative efficiency.’ Comment.
1991Account for the growing tendency of central-ization in the modern state.
1991‘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.

Regulatory Authorities

Notes: Regulatory Authorities and PPPs

5 questions

2024Regulatory authorities are independent and effective for controlling service delivery activities but are subjected to extraneous factors. Do you agree? Give reasons.
2022Regulatory governance frameworks have become essential building blocks of world society. Discuss their potential and impact in fulfilling the hopes and demands.
2019“The advent of the regulatory regimes indicates the demise of the arbitrator state.” Comment.
2016“If the Regulatory Commissions … are wholly independent, they are completely irresponsible for the doing of very important policy determining and administrative work …. on the other hand, to rob the commissions of their independence is seriously to menace the impartial performance of their judicial work.” (Cushman) Examine.
2014“Delegation to independent agencies has taken place in an interdependent progress driven by emulation.” Discuss in the context of independent regulatory agencies in the modern regulatory State.

Public-Private Partnerships

Notes: Regulatory Authorities and PPPs

6 questions

2025Under the New Public Management framework ‘Public Private Partnership’ challenges the entropy of closed and open models of organization. Analyse.
2023“Public- Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been justified in various ways over time that seek to privatise public services for the profit of private entities.” Do you agree?
2021Public-private partnership phenomenon has been transformed into a type of governance scheme or mechanism. Discuss its capacity to overcome future challenges.
2018Discuss the essential characteristics of public sector-centred and market-centred perspectives in Public Private Partnerships and also compare the two.
2015“PPPs serve too many parties and too many interests … to be focussed.” Identify in the context of the statement, the parties involved in Public-Private Partnerships and their conflicting aims.
2013“To talk about the regulatory framework is to talk about governance.” Analyse the statement in the context of public-private partnerships and identify the elements of regulation.

Unit 05 · Accountability and Control · 53 questions

53 questions · 30 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Accountability and control

Notes: Accountability and Control

5 questions

2026Have governments under governance become more transparent and accountable? Elucidate.
2013Public administration in the neo-liberal era is governed less by instruments of internal accountability and more by those of external accountability. Elaborate.
2006“Autonomy and accountability in Public Enterprises cannot walk together”. Explain.
2000“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?
1992It 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.

Legislative, executive, judicial control

Notes: Accountability and Control

13 questions

2026The fine demarcation between judicial control and judicial overreach disappears when judicial prudence is replaced by activism. Critically examine.
2024Ineffectiveness of legislative control over administration can stem from various factors, hence in ensuring effectiveness, a comprehensive approach is the need of the hour. Discuss.
2023“The judiciary is playing a more positive role in policy formulation, not just in limiting government actions, but also in mandating them.” Comment.
2018Edward Gibbon, the author of Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire remarked: “Corruption, the most infallible symptom of Constitutional liberty.” Critically examine this statement.
2016“The legislative control over administration is not as effective as it ought to be.” Comment.
2015“Legislative action is not subject to the rules of natural justice.” Explain the exceptions to the rule of natural justice.
2005What is judicial activism? How far has it been successful in exercising a check over administration?
2000Write short note on Judicial control over administration in India and concept of judicial activism.
1999“Public Interest Litigation is an effective innovation in realizing social justice.” Comment.
1998“Executive control over administration is much more real.” Comment.
1997“The controls exercised over administration by legislature are, in sum, of greater theoretical than practical efficiency. Comment.
1996At 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.
1987‘The Judicial Control over administration operates through a system of writs.’ Comment.

Citizen and Administration

Notes: Citizen and Administration

4 questions

2020Thrust 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
2018“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.
2013“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.
2003What are the various institutional devices available for the redressal of citizen’s grievances against the excesses and malfunctioning of administration? How successful have they been?

Media, interest groups, NGOs

Notes: Citizen and Administration

10 questions

2025Has the media nixed its role in holding the governments accountable and ensuring transparency? Argue.
2024Media has become more of a societal lens than an institutional lens. Analyse.
2019“Media the Fourth estate is in chains.” Examine the statement in the context of governmental accountability.
2017When the media is controlled by vested interests, how can it control the vested interests in the government? How can the media become more responsible and impartial?
2015How far do you agree with the view that the growing influence of media comes in the way of agenda-setting by the Government?
2014“Voluntary organizations nave become tools of sensitization of governmental agencies.” Comment.
2012Should media exposure be included in rules for administrative accountability in India? State your views.
2011‘Media is a Parliament of citizens’. Explain.
2008“Instruments of public accountability can be truly effective only if the people and their associations, backed by a responsible media, are assertively pro-active.” Comment.
1999“Voluntarism is not anti-thesis of state-centricism.” Comment.

Civil society

Notes: Citizen and Administration

8 questions

2025The effectiveness of civil society in development process is only when state institutions are receptive to inputs from the civil society organizations. Discuss.
2022Interaction between the State and Civil society has hitherto been largely neglected, especially in developing countries. Examine.
2021In 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.
2017Civil Society supplements and complements the State. However, its capacity and role depend upon the will of the State. Comment
2016“Civil society performs a key role in defending people against the State and market and in asserting the democratic will to influence the State.” Analyze the statement with suitable examples.
2012Comment on the role of Civil Society in facilitating administrative accountability with special reference to the ‘Janlokpal’ issue in India.
2006Define the term ‘civil society’. How does civil society influence the public policy?
2002“Civil society exists to ensure that government does provide good governance.” Discuss.

Citizen’s Charter

Notes: Citizen’s Charters, RTI and Social Audit

4 questions

2023“Citizen Charter’s focus is on empowering citizens concerning public service delivery.” Analyze.
2015“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.
2010Explain the basic principles underlying Citizen’s Charter with special reference to Its administrative philosophy. Promoting public accountability. Ensuring standards of public service.
2003“’Citizens’ charter’ is the most important innovation in the context of promotion of customer-orientation of administration.” Discuss.

Right to Information

Notes: Citizen’s Charters, RTI and Social Audit

5 questions

2023“The backlash against Right to information (RTI) by the State hampered the citizen’s right to know.” Examine and point out the need to amend the RTI Act to provide protection to RTI activists.
2014“The right to information is not all about citizens empowerment, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss.
2012‘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 ‘be-archivization’ of government records? Argue.
2007“Right to information promotes transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.” Explain.
2004Discuss the legal and political implications of Right to information. Is it a feasible concept in the developing countries?

Social Audit

Notes: Citizen’s Charters, RTI and Social Audit

4 questions

2024Strengthening social audit through appropriate ways will promote inclusive government. Comment.
2022Social auditing is not just saving the money, it creates positive impact on governance. Comment.
2017Can we say that statutory audit and social audit are two sides of the same coin? Or are they two separate coins with varying values?
2016“In spite of certain advantages, Social Audit arrangements have mostly been ineffective because there is no legal provision for punitive action.” Comment.

Unit 06 · Administrative Law · 48 questions

48 questions · 21 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Meaning, scope and significance

Notes: Administrative Law

20 questions

2025Administrative Law has evolved from the need to create a system of Public Administration under law. Elucidate.
2025The principles of checks and balances count among the most fundamental constitutional values. Comment.
2020“Arbitrariness in the application of rule of law is a primary cause of poor governance.” Discuss.
2020“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.
2019“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.
2017“Administrative Law is recognised by its substance rather than its form.” Discuss.
2016The central concern of Administrative Law has been the legal limitation of administrative discretion.” Give reasons.
2014“The conceptual division between administrative and constitutional law is quite porous, and that along many dimensions, administrative law can be considered more constitutional in character than the constitutions.” How would you justify the statement?
2012Would 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?
2012Why is le droit administrative regarded alongside the Napoleonic Code as the most notable achievement of French legal science?
2006“Today the content of administrative law is driven primarily by the scope of public administrative activity.” Explain.
2005“Today the content of administrative law is driven primarily by the scope of public administration activity.” Explain.
1998“Administrative Law in modern government system is inevitable.” Comment.
1997The central concern of administrative law has been the legal limitation of administrative ‘discretion.’ Comment.
1995The field of administrative law, after a century of litigation & adjudication, remains alive with simmering issues. Comment.
1994“Administrative law is not a rigid, rule-bound barrier to good management.” Discuss.
1993How has the interest of judiciary in administrative decisions grown over the years? Has it extended the frontiers of administrative law?
1992‘Rule of law is the base of India’s constitutional life, and administrative law seeks to ensure that this basic premise remains upheld and protected.’ Comment.
1990‘…… administrative law, with its creature administrative tribunals, is like martial law, the negation of law.’ Comment.
1989“Administrative Law has the obligation to observe the principles of natural justice and fairness.” Elaborate.

Dicey

Notes: Administrative Law

6 questions

2026“Dicey’s three principles of the ‘Rule of Law’ have been further developed to meet the immense needs of a democratic society.” Discuss.
2018“The Journey of Administrative Law has moved much beyond A. V. Dicey.” Comment.
2012Do you think that there is an unresolved and often overlooked tension in Dicey’s concept of rule of law, considering that the other principle of parliamentary sovereignty in English constitutional system runs counter to it?
2011Make a critical assessment of Dicey’s understanding of the Rule of Law and Droit Administratif.
2002“Dicey was wrong not only in his concept of the rule of law, but he also overlooked the significance of the administrative law.” – Comment.
1987‘The Droit Administratiff violates Dicey’s basic principles of Rule of Law.’ Comment.

Delegated legislation

Notes: Delegated Legislation

15 questions

2026Examine the tension between the functional efficiency of delegated legislation and the risks it poses to accountability and the rule of law.
2025“Delegated legislation should be clear and should confine to the limits determined by the legislature.” In light of the statement explain how misuse of administrative discretion can be checked?
2023“Subordinate legislation has its drawbacks; this does not negate the fact that it is also quite beneficial.” Examine.
2022‘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.
2019“Delegated legislation has become a strategic tool in the hands of the executive despite its utility.” Comment.
2017The principle of delegated legislation is, I think right, but I must emphasise that it is well for Parliament to keep a watchful and even zealous eye on it at all stages “- (Herbert Morrison) Analyze.
2015“Delegated Legislation is a necessary evil.” Comment.
2011Make out a case for Delegated Legislation.
2007“Delegated legislation is a necessary evil.” Examine.
2004Delegated Legislation is not absolute. Explain.
1999“Increased delegated legislation is a phenomenon of a modern positive state.” Elucidate.
1997How fae is it true to state that delegated legislation has become a present day necessity and it has come to stay, it is both inevitable and indispensable?
1995Bring out the reasons for the growth and the dangers of delegated legislation.
1993“The most effective safeguard against the abuse of delegated legislation is not to delegate it in such a manner that it may invite abuse.” Comment.
1992‘Increased legislative delegation should be considered as a phenomenon of the modern positive state.’ Discuss.

Administrative Tribunals

Notes: Administrative Tribunals

7 questions

2024The development of administrative law in Welfare State has made administrative tribunals a necessity. Examine.
2022All tribunals are courts, but all courts are not tribunals. Explain.
2021Judicial 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.
2013Discuss 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.”
2000Write short note on Effectiveness and utility of Central and State Administrative Tribunals.
1991Administrative 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.
1988Administrative tribunals and judicial review are not only instruments of interpretation of law but also safeguards against administrative weaknesses and administrative excesses. Comment.

Unit 07 · Comparative Public Administration · 53 questions

53 questions · 25 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Historical and sociological factors

10 questions

2024Undoubtedly, social and historical factors play a significant role in shaping administrative system, but side by side, understanding of these influences is essential for designing responsive governance structure. Examine.
2022Weber’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.
2018“Administrative systems across the world can be understood only in their respective historical and social contexts.” Explain the statement giving examples.
2015How does Ferrel Heady rationalize the three stages of development in comparative administration?
2013“Comparative Public Administration both resembles and differs from modern organization theory.” Elaborate.
2005“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.
1999“Instead of looking inward in their own values and requirements, the Asian countries looked outward.” Comment.
1995A major problem with comparative public administration is that it has been behavioural. Comment.
1994“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.
1993“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.

Administration in different countries

4 questions

2023” The Constitution of French Republic does not prohibit ministers from being the leader of political party; it is customary that minister should not occupy such a post to ensure impartiality.” Explain.
2013“….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)?
2009“… non-western states often, if not always, have unbalanced politics, but these may not necessarily be bureaucratic politics.” Discuss.
1999Critically comment on the function of administrative capabilities with reference to developing countries.

Current status of CPA

12 questions

2026The advent of Comparative Public Administration not only widened the knowledge of Public Administration, but also contributed to developing its understanding in a cross-cultural and cross-national framework. Examine.
2025The basis of comparative study of Public Administration has evolved from institutional approach to the contemporary political economic process approach. Have all these approaches enabled the development of a theory of Comparative Public Administration? Justify your answer.
2023” The studies in Comparative Public Administration (CPA) got momentum in 1980’s and 1990’s with a new objective and orientation than its previous counterparts.” Critically examine.
2021Integration of different streams of administrative thought to propound a universal administrative theory is hindered by the impact of culture. Critically examine.
2020“Comparative Public Administration started with no paradigm of its own and developed none.” Comment
2019The failure to discard its elitist character and west-centric orientation has led to the decline of Comparative Public Administration. Explain.
2012Comment on the reasons why universal theory remains elusive in comparative public administration.
2008“Truly comparative administrative studies are empirical, nomothetic and ecological.” (Riggs) In this perspective, examine the current status of Comparative Public Administration.
2004Explain the meaning, significance and Models of Comparative Public Administration.
1994“The emphasis in most of the writings on comparative bureaucracy appears to be on the interaction between the administrative subsystem and the political system in which it exists.” Comment.
1991‘The growth of comparative Public Administration is a continuing process and is of relevance for both operational and academic study of Public Administration.
1990Discuss 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.

Ecology and administration

3 questions

2024The study of Public Administration must include its ecology. Discuss.
2021The approach to the study of administration in its environmental context is especially more useful for developing countries. Comment.
2020“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 Communication Technologies on comparative study of Public Administration.

Riggsian models

Notes: Riggsian Models

24 questions

2026Critically analyse the differences between Ferrel Heady’s focus on administrative structures and Fred Riggs’s ecological ‘Prismatic’ model. Which one of these frameworks provides a more effective tool for the study of developing nations? Examine.
2025F. W. Riggs’s ‘industria’-interdependent economy is a precursor for some features of post-modern Public Administration. Analyse.
2024Riggs’ Prismatic Model has been criticised as overly gloomy and technical complex, but it remains as a useful starting point for Comparative Public Administration research. Analyse.
2022‘The more exogenetic the process of diffraction, the more formalistic and heterogenous its prismatic phase; the more endogenetic the less formalistic and heterogenous.’ Examine this hypothesis of Riggs.
2021In modern context, Riggsian terms have not altogether disappeared, but have emerged in different forms with newer meanings. Discuss.
2017“The Riggsian Models of Fused-Prismatic-Diffracted Societies and their administrative systems have been inspired by Max Weber’s typology of Traditional Charismatic Legal-Rational Authorities.” Analyse.
2016“Riggs observed that three ‘trends’ could be discerned in the comparative study of Public Administration.” Discuss.
2016“Fred Riggs continuously changed his theory in order to create the perfect model.” Comment.
2014Critically examine the Riggsian concept of differentiation in context of post-globalisation era.
2012‘Rigg’s classification of societies into fused, prismatic, and diffracted is built around the concept of differentiation.’ Analyze.
2010“The Prismatic model of Riggs is equally applicable to developing as well as developed society.” Comment.
2009Which of the model (s) in development admini-stration is/are characterised by ‘Selectivism’, ‘Attainment’ and ‘Poly-functionalism’? Describe the corresponding theoretical roots & attributes.
2007“Not to be comparative is to be naively parochial” (Riggs). Comment.
2002How did F.W. Riggs conceptualise the inter-actions between administrative systems and their environment?
2001Critically comment on Riggsian Prismatic Sala model of administration of developing societies. To what extent Indian Administrative system exhibits prismatic characteristics?
2000Critically examine the approach and 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?
2000“Political environment conditions administrative system.” – (F. W. Riggs) Comment.
1996What, according to Riggs, are the three important characteristic features of the prismatic society?
1995Rigg’s key concepts have alerted the researcher that Weberian bureaucracy might not be entirely predictive of behaviour in most Third World countries. Comment.
1992‘Rigg’s approach and models may be considered as more sophisticated tools for describing and diagnosing administrative situations.’ Discuss.
1990Explain 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.
1989The 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.
1988“The nature of Prismatic Society adversely tells upon the phenomenon of administrative development which in-turn hinders the working of development administration.” Comment.
1987Distinguish between administrative development and administration of development. In what way is the former supplementary to the latter in a Prismatic Society?

Unit 08 · Development Dynamics · 57 questions

57 questions · 35 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Concept of development

Notes: Development Administration

19 questions

2023“In explaining the ‘development’, Weidner made a distinction between change in the output and change in the system itself; and warned that what is growth from one point of view may decline from another.” Comment.
2022Development Administration ’embraces the array of new functions assumed by the developing countries’. Explain.
2019“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.
2018“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?
2017“Development Administration and Administrative Development have a chicken and egg kind of relationship”. -(Riggs). Elaborate
2014“The term Development Administration can be used only in a broad sense to mark the variety of approaches and point of view.” Discuss.
2011Neither Edward Weidner nor Fred Riggs was able to describe the process of development administration adequately. Explain the drawbacks and weaknesses in their theoretical analyses.
2010“The concept of development is multi-dimensional and ever-expanding.” Explain.
2007“People’s participation is crucial to development administration.” Comment.
2006Do you agree with the view that development administration has in recent years lost its impetus without making any significant intellectual breakthrough? Discuss.
2005“Development Administration is starved for theories which will guide the pooling of empirical knowledge, orient new research, and recommend administrative policy.” Explain.
2003“Development Administration has two important aspects viz. ‘the administration of development’ and ‘the development of administration’.” Explain.
2002“Development administration is concerned with maximising innovation for development.” – Discuss.
1998What are the objectives of Development Administration? Also examine the demands D.A. places on the structure and practices of administration.
1997Development administration is basically an action-oriented, goal-oriented administrative system.” Comment.
1995Outline the features of development administration and explain the reasons for its marginal performance.
1991‘Development administration calls for some revolutionary changes in the attitudes, behaviour, orientation and out-look of public services at all levels of administration.’ Comment.
1989Development administration is “an action-oriented goal oriented administrative system.” (Edward Weidner). Comment.
1988Examine the positive and negative roles of ideology and culture in administrative development.

Development administration

Notes: Development Administration

7 questions

2019Contractualism has become a favourite policy of the neoliberal forces, but not without its share of controversy. Argue.
2018How does ethnocentrism impact development administration in achieving sustainable goals? Argue with examples.
2015“Lenin’s concept of Socialist management refers to directing the organisational development of Socialist society.” Explain.
2011Indicate the milestones in the story of development from the Nehruvian Model to the Liberalisation Model.
2010“The market has become the new icon of developmentalism.” Comment.
2008“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 administration than for development administration? In the changing profile of development, what role of bureaucracy can be envisaged?
2004Describe the changing profile of Development Administration and identify its efforts towards people’s empowerment.

Anti-development thesis

Notes: Development Administration

4 questions

2024The Anti-Development Thesis is a critical perspective on the traditional development models. Comment.
2016“The idea of development stands like a ruin in the intellectual landscape” and “it is time to dismantle this mental structure”. (Wolfgang Sachs) In the light of the statement, critically examine the anti-development thesis.
2012‘The anti-development thesis … reduces development to an idea without history, impervious to change’, but for all its faults, development can be empowering.’ Discuss.
1996An attack has been made on the “top down” character of the an alternative ‘bottom up’ ‘approach has been developed.’ Comment.

Bureaucracy and development

Notes: Bureaucracy and Development

7 questions

2024Bureaucracy in developing countries faces several challenges, and tackling of these will make them more responsive, adaptive, and align with development needs. Discuss.
2018In order to be development-oriented, bureaucracies need to be innovative, flexible, citizen-centric and result-oriented, 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.
2017“Bureaucracy has inbuilt limitations to act as the prime catalyst to multi-faceted development in a democratic country”. Analyse this statement with appropriate examples.
2016“Bureau-Shaping Model has been developed as a response to the Budget-Maximizing Model.” Comment.
2014“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.
2014“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.
1999“The principle of bureaucratic neutrality is more superfluous and redundant in the context of developing countries.” Comment.

State versus market

Notes: Bureaucracy and Development

7 questions

2026Is state-led development an artificial distortion of market forces? Analyse.
2025The role and responsibility of the State in the development process has been overemphasized and given undue importance. Critically examine.
2024Balancing State intervention and Market freedom is the need of developing countries. Comment.
2021It is widely agreed that the government ought to provide ‘the goods that market fails to provide or does not provide efficiently. Argue.
2021A striking feature of economic development is an apparent symbiotic evolution of strong States and strong market economies. Analyze.
2017“Liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation have transformed the nature of development administration.” Discuss.
2016“The problem is to achieve the right balance between a competitive market economy and an effective State: markets where possible; the State where necessary.” Justify your answer.

Washington Consensus

Notes: Bureaucracy and Development

1 question

2022The results of Washington Consensus were far from optimal for transitional economies. In this background, discuss the change of direction towards post-Washington Consensus.

Women and SHGs

Notes: Women and Development

12 questions

2025Economic development alone is not a sufficient component for women development and empowerment. Discuss.
2023“Women empowerment is essential for sustainable development; hence it should not be reflected only in programmes but promoting concrete actions to ensure the participation across institutions and communities.” Critically examine.
2021Gender equality and women’s rights have laid down a strong foundation of development. Elaborate.
2020Affirmative action in socio-economic development has not altogether eliminated discrimination. Discuss it in the context of women empowerment.
2019In 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.
2018“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?
2016“Self-Help Groups are considered as one of the most significant tools to adopt participatory approach for economic empowerment of women.” Comment.
2015Show in what way the Gender and Development approach differs from the Woman and Development approach.
2014“Self-help groups have not only empowered women, but have also brought about attitudinal change among all stakeholders towards women development.” Discuss.
2013“In organizational analysis, there is always gender around.” (Gouldner). Argue.
2012Given 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?
2009Consider the statements below: Self-Help Groups (SHGs) enable women to realise their full potential in some spheres of life. 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.

Unit 09 · Personnel Administration · 72 questions

72 questions · 36 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Human resource development

11 questions

2025Can competency mapping linked to career development incentivise civil servants commitment to effective service delivery? Elaborate.
2023“Training is not a short affair, rather it is a step-by-step process of developing skills, habits, knowledge and aptitude.” Elucidate.
2022The environment and situational conditions under which the government operates have an important bearing on its human resource development practices. Examine.
2020Administrative reform is “an artificial inducement of administrative transformation against resistance.” (Gerald Caiden). Identify the nature of resistance and inducements required to overcome it.
2019In 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.
2017“Various components of Human Resources Management are inter-related.” Discuss.
2008“To talk of administrative modernization and 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.
1998“Public Personnel Administration is concerned with a number of functions.” Elaborate. Why are PROCUREMENT and DEVELOPMENT functions important?
1996“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.
1995“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.
1994“The administrator is a layman rather than a specialist; or at least he has about him something of the qualities of a layman.” Comment.

Recruitment

7 questions

2025Affirmative action for equal opportunity is a corner-stone in recruitment to public services. Discuss it in global context.
2018“Lateral entry is an antidote to the complacency in civil service.” Discuss.
2017Lateral entry of competent experts into the government will promote freshness and innovation, but it can create problems of accountability.”
2012The ‘selection model of recruitment rests on the assumption that the primary needs to be met are those of the organization.’ Examine.
2004Recruitment is the backbone of Public Administration. Explain.
1992Differentiate between the open and closed career systems. Do you favour the coexistence of both the systems for a balanced career development?
1990‘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.

Training

6 questions

2018Currently, administrative training focuses 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? Elaborate.
2016“Training is considered as paid holidays.” Comment.
2010Distinguish fully between the syndicate method, role playing method, and T-Group training method in personnel management.
2008“Training has proved its incapacity to change the attitudes, behaviour and values of civil servants.” Do you agree with this statement?
2007“Training is essential not only for efficiency and effectiveness but also for broadening the vision of the employees.” Substantiate.
2003“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.

Career advancement

1 question

2000What 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?

Position classification

5 questions

2015“The position-classification attempts to establish a triangular relationship between duties and responsibilities, working conditions and qualification requirements.” Elucidate.
2011‘Position Classification can be problematic. A serious complaint in its practice is that it dehumanises the employee.’ Discuss.
2009It is said that ‘position classification’, as originally conceived is sound in terms of its operational characteristics, but complicated and unresponsive in practice. Why is it still considered better than other models of civil service classification?
2005“If positions are the raw material of classification, class is the operating unit.” Discuss.
1999“The Generalist will always have an edge over the specialist.” Substantiate the view.

Promotion, pay, service conditions

2 questions

2010Discuss in this connection the case for and against promotion based on seniority.
2007“The widening gap in emoluments of government employees versus the public sector corporations and private sector employees has a strong bearing on the motivation and ability to work.” Comment.

Discipline, appraisal

Notes: Discipline, Appraisal and Employee Relations

11 questions

2024Performance Management and Performance Appraisal are two distinct activities in Public Personnel Administration. Discuss.
2022Performance problems are rarely caused simply by lack of training and rarely can performance be improved by training alone. Critically analyse the statement.
2021Performance appraisal needs to be seen beyond the mere suitability of the official for vertical promotion. Explain.
2020“Performance Management Framework enables a clear line of sight between planning, measuring and monitoring performance.” Critically analyse.
2019A more effective system of performance appraisal should acknowledge the subjective elements in it and be less obsessed with the objective criteria. Elucidate.
2017“360° performance appraisal system is a rational idea, but it involves complex and inauthentic procedures.” How can it be made foolproof?
2016“A central reason for utilization of Performance Appraisal is performance improvement of the employees.” In the light of the statement, analyze the needs of Performance Appraisal in an Organization.
2016“Disciplinary action may be informal and formal.” Explain and point out the provisions made in the Constitution or Statute to check the misuse of power to take disciplinary action.
2005Why do public organisations evaluate employees’ performance/ How can performance evaluation systems affect employees’ behaviour? How can administration effectively evaluate employees?
2001What techniques the Government of India have employed to evaluate (appraise) the performance of senior level employees, i.e., Class I and Class II? Are you satisfied with these techniques?
1996Public Agencies have used a number of sources and procedures for measuring Performance. Comment.

Employer–employee relations

Notes: Discipline, Appraisal and Employee Relations

4 questions

2023“Instead of conflicting, the employer-employee relationship should be one of mutual reliance.” Explain.
2015Analyse the relevance of Whitleyism in contemporary employer – employee relationship.
2002Analyse the constitutional, political and operational dimensions of employer – employee relations. What are your suggestions to bring about a satisfactory relationship between them?
1987‘Whitleyism represents a typical British response to Trade Unionism by public servants.’ Comment.

Grievance redressal

Notes: Discipline, Appraisal and Employee Relations

2 questions

2001In what respects, the powers of proposed institution of Lok Pal in Bill already introduced in Indian Parliament, will strengthen the institution as compared to Parliamentary Commissioner of UK?
1990‘Professional standards, ethics, philosophy, attitudes and ideology of public service are the means to promote accountability of Public Administration.’ Explain how career and no-Career Public Service is accountable to judiciary.

Code of conduct

Notes: Discipline, Appraisal and Employee Relations

9 questions

2024Civil Servants should be allowed only to cast vote or to participate in the electoral process of the country. Examine.
2023“In career advancement, civil servants are necessitated to political superiors and hence the phenomenon poses the challenges to civil service neutrality.” Comment.
2022Standards are the foundation which do not replace regulations but complement them. Comment.
2015Discuss in this connection the case for and against promotion based on seniority.
2004Civil Service neutrality is a thing of the Past. Discuss.
2002“The doctrine of political neutrality and anonymity is on more relevant to modern civil service.” – Comment.
1997How far is it true to state that for a developing democracy the concept of civil service neutrality is outdated; instead there is a need for a civil service with professional competence and commitment?
1996“Committed bureaucracy is unsuitable in a Parliamentary democracy.” Comment.
1990‘Public interest demands the maintenance of political impartiality in the civil services.’ Comment.

Administrative ethics

Notes: Administrative Ethics

14 questions

2026Administrative ethics is an abstract concept, and in practice, is an unresolved dilemma between ‘what is’ and ‘what ought to be’. Comment.
2025Values and ethics in civil services are shaped by global practices and trends. Explain.
2024A trend to adopt innovative practices in administrative ethics is gaining ground for improving public trust in government. Discuss.
2022Most civil service regimes still equate ‘Public Sector Ethics’ with anti-corruption efforts. Discuss the insufficiency of Ethics-code in this background.
2021Civil servants generally tend to exhibit the values and ethical framework of the political executives under whom they function. Explain.
2020“Prevention of misconduct requires institutionalization of ethical values at the political and administrative levels.” Justify.
2019The imperatives of administrative ethics are necessarily an antidote to “I was only obeying the orders” argument by public officials. Explain.
2018“Administrative values have no value unless they are valued by all stakeholders of the governance system.” Comment.
2017“Administrative ethics includes the code of conduct of civil servants, but goes beyond it as well.” Discuss.
2015“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.
2010Briefly discuss the principles of ensuring ethics in public service as recommended in the Nolan Committee Report.
2004The administrator needs autonomy and discretion in much the same way as the politician needs control and intervention. Discuss.
2003Account for the increasing corruption in Administration. Suggest remedies to curb administrative corruption.
1991‘The Civil Servants must not forget that he is the servant, not the master of the community and that the official competence need not, and should not involve the loss of human touch.’ Examine.

Unit 10 · Public Policy · 66 questions

66 questions · 31 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Policy models

Notes: Models of Policy-Making

29 questions

2026The objective of policy sciences is to develop policy knowledge for better policy-making. Comment.
2026Rationality in policy-making is a challenge, and its absence is a predicament for the policy process. Examine.
2023“Public policy-making is an effort to apply the methods of political analysis to policy areas but has concerns with processes inside the bureaucracy and stakeholders.” Discuss.
2022‘Lindblom regarded rational decision-making as an unattainable goal.’ In the light of the statement, suggest measures to avoid policy failures.
2021Policy problems are increasingly tending towards being wicked. Discuss the capacity and preparedness of the State to tackle such problems.
2020Have political realities thwarted the move towards evidence based policy making? Critically examine.
2020“Globalization is impacting the context of national policy making. The national policy agenda is becoming international.” Explain.
2019“Maximum social gain” in public policy making is an attractive goal which is rarely found in practices. Discuss.
2018“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?
2016“In Public Policy Making, ‘Rationalism’ is the opposite of ‘Incrementalism’.” Examine.
2015“In the appreciative systems of policy makers, goals are subsidiary to norms and values.” (Vickers). Explain.
2015“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.
2014“Policies determine politics as governments constrain.” Attempt a critique of this statement.
2014According to Y.Dror, “The Science of Muddling through is essentially a reinforcement of pro inertia and anti-innovation ideas in policy-making.” Comment.
2013“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.
2012‘Policy judgements comprise reality judgements, value judgements and instrumental judgements’ (Geoffrey Vickers). Elucidate.
2012Would you agree with Bachrach and Baratz that along with decisions, non-decisions are also part of policy? Give reasons for your answer.
2011Critically examine the following statements in the field of Policy Sciences: (i)The incrementalist paradigm posits a conservative tendency in public policy making. (ii)Dror’s Optimal Model is a fusion of the economically rational model with the extra-rational model.
2011‘Policy is being made as it is being administered and administered as it is being made.’ Comment.
2009“Yehezkel Dror’s normative models of policy making tend to be academic in perspective with poor operational utility.” Comment.
2004Policy is a decision driven model of research use. Explain.
2004Public Policy is not an independent variable and human history shows little evidence of systematic learning from policy experience. Discuss.
2002“Public policy is what politics is about.” – Substantiate.
1999Elucidate the political process of policy formulation. Bring out its distinguishing features in developing countries.
1997“Policy- making does not and 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.
1996Sketch and overview of the State of Public Policy Analysis as it is most likely to interest those who have a public administration perspective.
1992‘Policy- making is a series of continuing dynamic processes which are plural and composite.’ Explain.
1990‘The emerging discipline of policy science aims to work out solutions of problems in policy making. Comment.
1988“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.

State theories and policy

Notes: Models of Policy-Making

3 questions

2024Unless there is a sound mechanism for policy evaluation, policy formulation process remains redundant. Examine.
2014“The output studies approach to public policy analyses ovestresses the rational techniques and allocative dimension of public policy.” Analyse the statement.
1998“All policy-making is decision-making, but all decision-making is not policy-making.” Elaborate. How does a policy emanate and what course does policy-making in government follow?

Conceptualisation

Notes: Policy Process

6 questions

2021Groups 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.
2009“… 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.
1993“The activities of public administrators at various stages of the policy process illustrate the difficulty of divorcing politics from administration.” Comment.
1991‘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.
1991‘Every public policy is a government decision aimed at solving a problem of its planning and implementation. Comment.
1989“Policy process must take account of the political complexion of an authority, demography and the historical pattern of service.” Comment.

Planning and implementation

Notes: Policy Process

18 questions

2022Failure of Public policies has often been attributed to problems of implementation, while implementors question the policy design. Discuss the contestation.
2021The 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.
2017“Of all the processes involved in public policy, implementation is of greatest importance.” Examine the impediments in policy implementation.
2015“Policy analysis is incomplete without taking into account policy delivery.” Argie.
2015“The term policy implementation is, in some respects preferable to the label public administration.” Argue.
2013Suppose 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.
2012‘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.
2010“Public administration can be portrayed as a wheel of relationships focused on the formulation and implementation of public policy.” Explain.
2007“Implementation a public policy is a process of discovering what works and what does not.” Examine.
2006“Nothing comes across more strongly than the great naivete about policy implementation.” Discuss.
2005Give an assessment of the processes of policy formulation and discuss the problems of policy implementation.
2003Comment on the role of public administration in policy making and its implementation. What are the other factors influencing the policy process?
1998“Policy implementation in Less Developed Countries needs to be effective.” Comment.
1995Explain how factors such as communications, resources, self interests and bureaucratic structures affect implementation of public policies.
1994Elucidate the concept of policy implementation. How does implementation assessment focus on the operation of a public policy?
1994“The basic issue of administrative accountability relates to that part of Public Administration which has something concrete to contribute towards not only policy execution but also policy formulation and policy adjudication.” Comment.
1993“One way of analysing implementation problems is to begin by thinking about what “perfect administration” would be like, comparable to the way in which economists employ the model of perfect competition.” Discuss.
1987Define Public Policy. How does its formulation and implementation involve participation by administrators, voluntary agencies and pressure groups in a democracy?

Monitoring

Notes: Policy Process

2 questions

2020“Collaboration and its cognates for public service delivery need to be viewed from the governance lenses.” Comment.
2008“Laxity in monitoring and evaluation can render even the best policies infructuous.” Discuss.

Evaluation and review

Notes: Policy Process

8 questions

2025Policy analysis process is limited if possible outcomes and alternate potential policies are neglected. Discuss.
2025Evaluate the role and scope of tacit knowledge and personal experience as an important source of knowledge in policy making process.
2023”Cost-benefit analysis is of great help to the policy makers in framing policies and providing advice on developing public policy.” Examine.
2022Policy evaluation contributes fundamentally to sound public governance. Discuss.
2020Has policy analysis become a major source of legitimation of status quo in political and social order? Discuss.
2013“Public interest is still inadequate as a ground concept to evaluate public policy.” Discuss.
2010“Cost-benefit analysis a very unsatisfactory view of evaluating public policy.” Comment.
1988Outline the traditional and Cost-Benefit approaches to policy-evaluation.

Unit 11 · Techniques of Administrative Improvement · 56 questions

56 questions · 27 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

O&M, MBO

11 questions

2014Is Peter Drucker justified in saying, “Management principles should not tell us what to do, but only tell us what not to do”? Comment.
2011What are the main functions of an O and M office?
2007Bring out the various techniques of O&M adopt in India to improve efficiency in administration.
2003Examine the needs and facets of administrative reforms in the fast changing scenario of the 21 st century. What are the obstacles to administrative reforms? Give suggestions to overcome them.
1997Bring out the importance of Organization and Methods (O&M). Do you think that there should be a separate O & M organization?
1997“Administrative reforms are induced changes in the machinery of government undertaken in order to bridge the gap between reality and desirability.” Comment.
1996“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.
1994“The entire process of development and nation building hinges on the effectiveness of administrative reforms.” Comment.
1993“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.
1992‘Administrative reform, by its very definition, seeks to apply new ideas to administration and thus entails new values. Comment.
1991‘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.

Work study

6 questions

2026Work study and Work measurement are techniques for improving administrative efficiency. Comment.
2019In 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.
2016“The term ‘work study’ may be used in narrower and wider senses.” Elucidate.
2000Write short note on Work study and work-measurement in Indian Administration.
1998“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.
1990Work study comprises all ‘systematic activities concerned with the investigation, recording, measurement and improvement of work.’ Comment.

Network analysis, MIS

7 questions

2025The efficacy of management aid tools depends on the purpose and appropriateness of tools and techniques. Explain with examples.
2023The ultimate goal of using Management Information System (MIS) is to increase values and Productivity in organizations. Explain.
2021MIS has evolved and gone far beyond its traditional advantages due to technological advancements. Comment.
2019A narrow view of information comes in the way of successful implementation of MIS in organizations. Analyse.
2014“The field of MIS is not necessarily an extension of computer science, but of management and organisation theory.” Elucidate.
2012‘Relations are the building blocks of network analysis’ – In the light of this statement summarize the form and content of relations in ‘network analysis’.
1988There is a need for intimate relation between Generalists, Specialists and the Management Information System (MIS). Comment.

PERT, CPM

8 questions

2026PERT provides a sophisticated framework for managing temporal uncertainties in large-scale projects. Evaluate the strategic utility and inherent limitations of this technique in complex environments.
2024Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique used to plan and manage project effectively. Discuss.
2015“Comparative Performance Measurement (CPM) bridges everyday work experience with the broader horizons of comparativism.” Explain.
2015“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.
2012Trace the background and development of PERT and enumerate the steps involved in the application of PERT.
2012Draw a simple PERT chart for a seminar planning project.
2009“Techniques like PERT and CPM help in effective office management.” Elaborate.
1988Time may be regained as an alternative to reform, as by ‘efflux of time’ remarkable powers may be acquired to resolve conflict. Comment.

e-Governance and IT

Notes: E-Governance and Information Technology

24 questions

2026New communication technology has not only enabled more robust public engagement with the government, but also serves as a new means of internal organizational teamwork. Discuss.
2025E-advocacy model of e-governance can facilitate democratization of public policy making. Discuss.
2024The future of e-governance is shaped by emerging trends for making government services efficient and accessible. Analyse.
2023“Information Communication Technology (ICT) can harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to execute the policies more intelligently creating an efficient and effective Government.” Examine and identify the challenges.
2021ICT has immense potential to transform governance and empower citizens. Examine.
2020“Disruptive nature of developments in Information Technology has changed the contours of e-governance in the last one decade.” Analyse.
2019Has e-governance led to debureaucratization and decentralization? Assess its impact on bureaucratic inertia.
2018To what extent has e-governance made the administrative system more citizen-oriented? Can it (e-governance) be made more participative?
2017“Digitalisation provides great impetus to E-governance”. Discuss.
2016“Information Technology brings efficiency and transparency to Public Administration. “Examine the statement with suitable examples.
2015“E-Governance creates a direct relationship between the Citizen and the State.” In this context, explain the changing role of the elected representatives.
2014“The bottom line for governance outcome rather than the outputs of government.” Analyse in context of e-government and e-governance.
2014“The technical and multidisciplinary nature of e-government has created an interdependent relationship within government between policymakers, program administrators and technical specialists.” Analyse in context of generalist – specialist relationship.
2013The success rate of e-government projects in most developing countries is stated to be rather low. Assess the reason.
2012‘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 In the context of the above statement show the distinctions between e-Government and e-Governance.
2011A system of Information ties planning and control by managers to the operational system of implementation. Elaborate.
2011E-governance is the final arrival of Max Weber’s ‘iron cage of rationality’. Discuss.
2010Do you think that is a sort of paradox between e-Governance and good governance? Explain fully.
2008“e-governance has the potentiality to emerge as the most effective instrument of efficiency, transparency and accountability.” Comment.
2006“The rise of information technology is an opportunity to overcome historical disabilities”. Explain.
2005In what ways and how can information technology play a crucial role in effective government-citizen interaction in the context of good governance?
2004What is Information Technology? Describe its impact on Public Administration.
2003“Organisations today seem to information systems, but their investments often do not seem to make sense.” Comment.
1989Do you think that sudden eruption of ‘Information society’ has adapted and accelerated administrative development?

Unit 12 · Financial Administration · 72 questions

72 questions · 34 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Monetary and fiscal policy

Notes: Monetary and Fiscal Policy

10 questions

2026Deficit budgeting as a tool for stimulating economic development emerged with government investment and initiative. Is deficit budgeting still relevant in the era of liberal ideology? Justify your answer.
2025Neo-liberal policies have enhanced the scope and opportunities of taxation for the government. Explain.
2023“Monetary Policy and fiscal policy are different; but both are used to regulate economy.” Discuss.
2020“Fiscal policy should address the issues of inequity, intricacy and obscurantism.” Explain.
2019Discuss the major areas of change in the Tax-Reforms of the post liberalisation era. How do you justify the importance of the direct Tax reform in this context?
2018“Monetary policy of a country can help or hinder its development process.” Discuss.
2016“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.
2013“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.
2001Critically 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.
1997“Time-honoured and yet often not sufficiently appreciated are the fiscal techniques for securing responsible conduct of administrative business.” Discuss.

Public borrowing and debt

Notes: Monetary and Fiscal Policy

3 questions

2024Modern economists think public debt is an essential means of increasing employment and an element of economic policy, but it also shifts the burden to future generations. Analyse.
2017“A large public debt forces the adoption of tax and spending policies that result into higher taxes and reduced services.” Analyse.
2016“Public borrowing produces different effects on the economy”. Examine.

Types of budgets

Notes: Budgets and Budgetary Process

32 questions

2023“Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is based on programme efficiency rather than budget history.” In the light of this, examine the advantages of ZBB over traditional budget.
2022A 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.
2022‘Outcome budgeting addresses the weaknesses of performance budgeting.’ Elaborate.
2021Zero-based budgeting was intended to get away from incrementalism, but ended up being the most incremental of any budgetary approach. Discuss.
2020“Objectives of performance budgeting include improving expenditure prioritization, effectiveness and efficiency.” Has performance budgeting worked effectively in governmental system? Argue.
2019Is William Niskanen’s “Budget Maximising Model” relevant today? Argue.
2018“Sound Performance Auditing is impossible without systematic Performance or Outcome Budgeting.” Explain the relationship between the two.
2016“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.
2014“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.
2014Identify the main elements of program budgeting, output budgeting and new performance budgeting. What do they have in common with PPBS?
2013What new models of budgetary capacity and incapacity have emerged after the decline of Planning Programming Budgeting and Zero-based Budgeting?
2011An administrator uses the budget as a framework for communication and co-ordination, as well as for exercising administrative discipline throughout the administrative structure. Explain.
2011‘Budget is a series of goals with price-tags attached.’ Explain.
2010Distinguish between PPBS and performance budgeting.
2007What is performance budgeting? Bring out its merits, limitations and difficulties.
2006“Successfully implementing budgeting approach requires favourable incentive structures.” Discuss.
2005Why 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.
2005“The budget is an instrument of coordination.” Explain.
2002Examine the government budget as an instrument of public policy and a tool of legislative control.
2001Burekehead says: ‘Budget in Government is a vehicle of fiscal policy and a tool of management.’ Examine this statement.
2000Give 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?
2000Write short note on Budget as an instrument of socio-economic transformation.
1998“Budget is a tool which serves many purposes.” Comment.
1996“Budgeting and fiscal administration require the public administrator to resolve a variety of operational, managerial and strategic issues.” Examine.
1995Program budgeting is often considered interchangeable with performance budgeting, but there is a significant difference, at least in theory. Comment.
1994Examine 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.
1993Explain the principle involved in the preparation of budget. Assess the scope of budgetary techniques in financial management.
1992What is performance budgeting? Do you agree with the statement that it is a tool of business management?
1992‘Financial administration is a vital institution for economic and social in a poor country.’ Comment.
1990‘…….. 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.
1988“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.
1987Explain Performance Budgeting and illustrate its need and utility in development administration.

Budgetary process

Notes: Budgets and Budgetary Process

6 questions

2017“Budgeting is a political process” – (Aaron Wildavsky)
2015“No significant change can be made in the budgetary process without affecting the political process.” (Wildavsky). Analyse.
2013Budget allocation involves series of tensions between actors with different backgrounds, orientations and interests and between short-term goals and long-term institutional requirements. Discuss.
2012‘Those who budget, deal with their overwhelming burdens by adopting heuristic aids to calculation’ (Wildavsky). Explain.
2008“Good economics and bad politics cannot coexist a sound budgetary process.” Discuss this statement in the context of the developmental challenges in countries experiencing competitive politics.
1989Give reasons for the failures on the part of bureaucracy and the legislature to supervise the enactment of the budgetary provisions.

Financial accountability

Notes: Financial Accountability, Accounts and Audit

8 questions

2026“No tax shall be levied or collected except by authority of law.” Analyse.
2026Financial integrity, compliance with laws and performance standards, and efficient, economical and effective service delivery performance are mandatory for every government. Discuss the existing practices in ensuring public financial accountability and also give suggestions to improve it.
2023“The management of sound public finances used to be the backbone of administrative systems; but unfortunately, it has become the prisoner of populist policies.” Critically evaluate.
2021Emphasis 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.
2019Performance 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.
2003“Legislative controls over finances are inadequate and incomplete.” Comment.
1995Describe the methods by which the Public Accounts Committee and the Estimates Committee control administration.
1991Examine the nature of parliamentary control over the National Finances in India.

Accounts and audit

Notes: Financial Accountability, Accounts and Audit

13 questions

2024Auditing is not about finding faults, it is about ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Analyse.
2022The 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.
2017“There can be no performance auditing without performance budgeting “.
2014“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.
2011Whereas ‘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.
2006“Audit continues to be considered as something alien, something extraneous and something of the nature of an impediment.” Explain.
2002“Auditing in Government is an exercise in post-mortem.” – Examine.
2001‘Statutory External auditing is one of the protectors of democracy in the parliamentary form of Government.’ Comment.
1993“Government has numerous ideal objectives, and three of these are closely linked to accounting and finance: efficiency, effectiveness and equality.” Comment.
1991‘It (Audit) is the process of ascertaining whether the administer has spent or is spending its fund in accordance with the terms of legislature which appropriated money.’ Comment.
1990‘What the auditors know is auditing……. Which is not administration.’ Comment on the nature, importance and role of audit in administration.
1989“Public bureaucracies have not grown yet to adopt their accounting and auditing mechanisms to the ever-growing automation within them.” Comment.
1987‘The financial administration in modern times needs updating administrative cybernetics and Audit reforms.’ Comment.

Paper II

Public Administration Optional Paper II PYQs: Indian Administration

Tap a unit to open its full question list, grouped by sub-topic and sorted newest first.

Unit 01 · Evolution of Indian Administration · 56 questions

56 questions · 23 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Kautilya’s Arthashastra

Notes: Kautilya’s Arthashastra

19 questions

2026Learnings from Arthasastra could make governance effective even today. Explore the potential.
2025Arthashastra of Kautilya means the science of economics of livelihood of the people. Comment.
2024“Ethics in Public services has been the main concern of Kautilya’s Arthashastra.” Examine the statement.
2023“Kautilya’s Arthashastra is a theoretical work on the state and Statecraft.” Comment.
2021Kautilya 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.
2019In the text of Arthashastra, ‘the state is neither a police State nor merely a tax gathering State’. Comment.
2016“In contemporary times, Kautilya’s Arthashastra is relevant more in the field of international relations than in economic affairs.” Analyse the statement.
2014“Ethics in public services has been the central concern of Kautilya’s Arthashatra.” Critically examine the statement.
2014“Indian administration is said to be characterised by its three features viz. Weberian structures. Kautilyan practice and Gandhian rhetoric.” Examine the statement.
2012‘The Arthashatra is a book of political realism.’ Elaborate.
2010“The rule of kings depends primarily on written orders ………” Why did Kautilya favour Codification of Laws?
2009Comment on the view that despite different contexts, administrative maxims of Kautilya’s Arthashastra bear considerable similarity with features of Weber’s ideal bureaucratic model.
2007“Kautilya was not only the foremost politico-administrative thinker of ancient India but he was an advocate and preacher of moral values too.” Comment.
2006“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?
2003“The Arthashastra is India’s oldest complete text on public administration.” Comment.
2001“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.
1998“Kautilya’s Arthashastra has significant relevance to the contemporary Indian administration.” Comment.
1990‘The principles in Arthashastra 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.
1987‘It is not possible to maintain that the administrative system, described in Arthashastra was in actual existence during the Mouryan period’. Comment.

Mughal administration

Notes: Mughal Administration

9 questions

2024“The Mughal Administration was by nature centralised.” Analyse.
2022“Mughal administrative system was centralised despotism”. Comment.
2020Mughal administration incorporated a combination of Indian and extra-Indian elements. Discuss.
2016“A significant legacy of the Mughal rule in India is a well-organized revenue administration at the State and District Levels.” Comment.
2012“The Mughal Administrative System was military rule by nature and a form of centralised despotism.” Analyse.
2008‘Some features of Mughal Administration, in essence, do exist in Indian Administration.’ Elaborate.
2005“The Mughal by nature and was centralized despotism.” Comment.
1989Trace 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.
1988“Iqta’, the liwest unit of administration during the Sultanate period was sub-divided ‘Shiqs’. The Shiqdar administrered a number of ‘Paraganas’. A Chaudhari in every paragana and a Patwari in every Village Constituted the Local administration.” Comment.

British legacy

Notes: Legacy of British Rule

28 questions

2026An important characteristic of the British Civil Service was its open refusal to be influenced by commercial and industrial interests of India in the name of neutrality. Explain.
2025“The colonial legacy is responsible for many administrative problems in independent India as the role of company agents and traders evolved into Magistrates, Governors and Civil Servants.” Analyze.
2021Red-tapism is a major obstacle to the implementation of ‘good governance. Comment.
2020The public services in India are an evolution of the British Raj. Trace the Indianization of the services.
2018“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.
2018Climate change issues pose new challenges for district administration to be proactive.” Elaborate
2017“Effectiveness of local self-government institutions is hampered due to the lack of capacity building of the elected representatives.” Elaborate
2017“Indianisation of Public Services is a slow but steady process.” Explain.
2016“The Regulating Act of 1773 not only introduced values in administration but also laid the foundation of centralized administration in India.” Explain.
2013“The Charter Act of 1853 marked the beginning of parliamentary system in India.” Explain.
2010It is said that 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.
2009“Bureaucracy developed by the British stifled the village self-rule.” Comment.
2004“The main features of British governmental and administrative system continue to influence the present Administrative System.” Comment.
2003“Though India emerged as a sovereign state after Independence, the administrative system remained the same as was during the British period.” Comment.
2002“After independence, despite the change in socio-economic and political milieu, the basic features of colonial on administration continues to exist in our administrative system.” Comment.
2000“The period of British rule generated most of the structural and behavioural values of Indian Administration not by imitation but through interaction.” Comment.
1997“Under the Company’s rule a distinction was drawn between Regulation and Non-Regulation Provinces.” Comment.
1996“It is not wholly correct to suggest that British rule had seriously attempted to bring about unity in India’s administration.” Comment.
1995“The purpose of Clive’s famous ‘double government’ was to mask Company’s sovereignty.” Comment.
1993Trace 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.
1993“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.
1993“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.
1992‘Lord Ripon was the prophet of local government in India.’ Comment.
1990‘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.
1989‘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.
1989‘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.
1988“The formative stage of administration, preceding the Indian mutiny of 1857 witnessed a struggle between the ‘Cornwallis’ and ‘Munro’ schools of district administration.” Comment.
1987Trace the evolution of the system of Public Administration in India from 1858 to 1919, highlighting the major landmarks of this period of administrative history.

Unit 02 · Philosophical and Constitutional Framework of Government · 58 questions

58 questions · 30 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Salient features and value premises

Notes: Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

32 questions

2026Under the Indian Constitution fundamental rights are usually enforced only vertically, whereas Vishaka case represents the horizontal application. Comment.
2025Highlight the constitutional provisions and judicial interventions to promote gender equality in India.
2023“Parliamentary democracy in India envisages elected head as the real executive of a State.” Discuss.
2022“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.
2022“The Government of India Act, 1935 is the most important source of Indian constitution”. Identify its features.
2021The Preamble to the Constitution of India provides a foundational framework of ideals and values for the Indian administration. Discuss.
2020The 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.
2019The economic reforms have significantly infringed the basic values and spirit of the Indian Constitution. Examine.
2017“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.
2016Do you think that some of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution remain only on paper even today? Critically evaluate.
2015Do you think that some of the ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution remain only on paper even today? Critically evaluate.
2013“The liberal-democratic ideology of the West influenced the shaping of value premises of the Indian Constitution.” Discuss.
2010The prevalence of multiple channels for transfer of resources from the Centre to the States is stated to have compounded the problems of federal arrangements. Discuss.
2009“Values of Indian administration must be rooted in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.” Discuss.
2006“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.
2002“Indian federalism is described as federal in form but unitary in spirit.” Comment.
2001“The use of the word ‘Socialist’ in the Indian Constitution has become redundant in the context of the liberalization of economy.” Comment.
2000“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.
1998“Indian Constitution considerably influences the nature, role and structure of Indian administration.” Elucidate.
1997“The Directive Principles of State Policy are socialistic in their direction and content.” Comment.
1997“The Preamble to the Constitution is a key to open the mind of the markers.” Comment.
1997Examine the motives and intentions of the framers of the Indian Constitution as they opted for the system of parliamentary democracy in India.
1996“The constitutional provisions for the appointment of a special officer for the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes are more investigative than executive in orientation.” Comment.
1996“The first Article of the Draft Constitution of India provided that India shall be a federation.” Comment.
1995“The Indian Constitution is a bag to borrowed materials.” Comment.
1995“The purists have criticized the Indian Constitution as not conforming to the conception of a federation and so being unduly rigid.” Examine the statement.
1994“The word ‘socialist’ in the Preamble to our Constitution requires to be defined.” Comment.
1994“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.
1992‘Reservation Policy in Public Services as a mandate from the Constitution has been conducive to the promotion of Social Justice.’ Discuss and illustrate.
1991‘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.
1991‘As the Fundamental Law of Administration of the land, the Indian Constitution lacks teeth in its institutional package in the Constitution.’ Comment.
1990‘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.

Constitutionalism

Notes: Constitutionalism and Political Culture

6 questions

2026Constitutionalism in India paves the way for rule of law and social justice. Elaborate.
2025While the Constitution offers a strong framework for decentralized and accountable governance, the real test lies in how institutions, civil society and citizens uphold constitutional values in practice. Examine.
2021Examine the extent to which the ideal of Constitutionalism as ‘government by limited powers has been a functional reality in India.
2017“Constitutionalism is the foundation of the administrative edifice in India.” Discuss
2014Discuss the valuable premise of constitutionalism in India which the bureaucracy cannot violate.
2002“The value premises of our Constitution in the era of global constitutionalism.” Comment.

Political culture

Notes: Constitutionalism and Political Culture

7 questions

2026The political culture in India shapes bureaucratic behaviour, professional integrity and civil service conduct. Explain with suitable examples.
2018The philosophy of the Westminster model is at odds with the political culture of India.” Critically analyse.
2015To what extent has political culture influenced the administrative culture of India? Explain.
2015As 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.
2011Explain with appropriate illustrations the interface between political culture and bureaucratic culture in contemporary India.
2002“Culturally sanctioned values and symbols have acted as important influencing catalyst in administration.” – Elaborate.
1992‘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.

Bureaucracy and democracy

Notes: Bureaucracy, Democracy and Development

7 questions

2024Examine the impact on administration in view of changing relations between political and permanent executive.
2024The concept of bureaucratic authoritarianism is one of the models of non-democratic rules. Explain.
2020There is a constant and continuous collision between bureaucratic values and democratic values which adversely affects development. Do you agree? Elaborate.
2019Macaulay’s ideas on Indian Civil Service Corresponded to the elite theory of bureaucracy, which continue to persist. Do you agree? Justify.
2015“Democracy within bureaucracy is likely to reduce its effectiveness.” Do you agree with this view? Argue your case.
2014“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.
2008There 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.

Bureaucracy and development

Notes: Bureaucracy, Democracy and Development

6 questions

2023Critics, sometimes, argue that bureaucracy is an impediment to a nation’s development. Analyse.
2023“Excessive political interference in development process has become a cause of concern in achieving national goals. Examine.
2017“Bureaucracy has to make a balance between the need for environmental sustainability and developmental imperatives.” Discuss.
2011“Over-dependence on bureaucracy for bring about socio-economic development in India has proved to be dysfunctional.” Comment.
2008‘The shift from the Nehruvian to the liberalisation model of development has necessitated reinventing government.’ Comment.
1991‘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.

Unit 03 · Public Sector Undertakings · 43 questions

43 questions · 20 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Public sector in modern India

Notes: Public Sector Undertakings

8 questions

2003“The size of the leviathan goes on expanding, despite the country’s recent commitment to downsizing or rightsizing.” Comment.
2003“The steady expansion and the gradual decline of the public sector has been one in post-Independence India.” Discuss this statement and suggest measures to arrest the decline of the public sector in India.
1998“Indian public enterprises are neither adequately ‘public’ nor truly ‘enterprising’.” Comment.
1994“The public sector has to grow. It has a strategic importance.” Comment.
1992‘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.
1990Public 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.
1989‘Pricing Polity 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.
1988“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.

Forms of PSUs

Notes: Public Sector Undertakings

5 questions

2024Public sector undertakings have been the bedrock of welfarism in India for many decades. Evaluate the pros and cons of current disinvestment scenario.
2011Can the holding company’s structure act as an institutional change to add to efficiency? Give your answer with appropriate illustrations.
1999“The Public Corporations in India are like exhausted Leviathans.” Comment.
1995“The departmental public undertakings have necessarily been placed under the full control of the Government and Parliament.” Comment.
1991‘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.

Autonomy and accountability

Notes: Public Sector Undertakings

10 questions

2024“Autonomy to Public Undertakings is a myth.” Analyse.
2018“Contracting out tasks without effective accountability mechanisms can be counter-productive for effective service delivery.” Comment.
2015Explain fully how a balance can be struck between autonomy and accountability of India’s public enterprises.
2015Argue the case for and against creating Indian Public Enterprises and Industrial Service for boosting the moribund public sector in India.
2014“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.
2013“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.
2010Is 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”?
2007“The blame for our poor public sector performance can be laid on the way our bureaucracy is structured.” Comment.
2002“Public undertakings on longer occupy ‘commanding heights’.” Comment.
1987‘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.

Liberalisation and privatisation

Notes: Liberalisation, Privatisation and Disinvestment of PSUs

20 questions

2026The reforms in public sector enterprises is not only enduring but also evolving. Explain.
2026Government of India has done Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Boards. Discuss the rationale in the light of Disinvestment Policy of the government.
2025Liberalization of Indian economy has forced public enterprises to enhance their efficiency, but the effects of these reforms have been a topic of debate. Analyze.
2024The Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) has enhanced the participation of private sector in Indian Economy. Comment.
2023In the context of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommendations, evaluate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) as a preferred mode of implementing infrastructural projects.
2022Following the onset of globalisation, the traditional bureaucratic model appears to have lost its significance. Comment.
2022“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.
2021The government policy of large-scale privatization of the key sectors of economy may affect India’s economic health. Comment.
2020Does the privatization of key public sector bodies augur well for welfarism in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations.
2019Public 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.
2018“The market-driven profitability concerns have shaken the foundation of the public sector undertakings.” Do you agree? Give reasons.
2017“Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India face tough competition from the private enterprises and Multi-National Corporations (MNCs).” Explain
2016Evaluate the performance and efficacy of the Maharatna, Navratna and Miniratna type of Public Sector Undertakings in the context of Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG).
2012“’Memorandum of Understanding’ scheme between the Government and Public enterprises has forced public undertakings to improve their overall performance.” Do you agree with this statement?
2007“Memorandum of understanding scheme’ between government and public enterprise has forced public undertakings to improve the overall performance.” Comment.
2004“In the context of liberalisation the role of Public Sector and its welfarist approach is being drastically changed.” Elucidate.
2002“The role of public sector has been changing tremendously in the context of liberalisation.” Comment.
2001“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.
2000Do 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 21 st century?
2000Discuss 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.

Unit 04 · Union Government and Administration · 90 questions

90 questions · 31 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Executive

Notes: Union Executive

23 questions

2023“Indian Prime Minister is more empowered than his British counterpart in the Westminster model of democracy.” Elucidate.
2023The Ninety-First Constitutional Amendment Act successfully right-sized the Council of Ministers both at Union and State levels. Comment.
2015“Ordinance-making power of the Executive needs to be suitably restrained.” Examine it critically.
2012In 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.
2010“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 during the last two decades.
2010Does the emergence of an Empowered Group of Ministers at the Central level impair the doctrine of Cabinet responsibility?
2009“Administrative talent of a Minister determined his success.” Comment.
2006“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.
2006Indian prime Minister should not only be accountable to the Indian Parliament but should appear to be so.” Comment on the accountability of the Prime Minister to the Indian Parliament in the context of extra-constitutional power.
2006“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.
2005“The veto-power of the Indian President is a combination of the absolute, suspensive and pocket veto.” Comment.
2004“Presidents of India prior to the passage of 42 nd and 44 th amendment could afford to be more assertive.” Comment.
2003“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.
2003“Despite all the powers that he has, the Indian Prime Minister cannot become a dictator.” Comment.
2001“The Prime Minister stands out as the most powerful authority even today.” Comment.
2000“Indian Constitution confers vast legislative powers on the President.” Comment.
2000“Though the dictatorship of the Cabinet is a stark reality in modern times, it does not mean that the Cabinet is omnipotent.” Comment.
1998“Art. 78 of the Constitution confers Executive Power on the President.” Comment.
1996“The essential purpose of Cabinet Committee is relieve the Cabinet of some burden of work.” Discuss.
1996“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.
1995“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.
1994“The Cabinet is not a constitutional body.” Comment.
1991‘The Cabinet Committees in the Union Government are a proven to it as staff agencies.’ Elucidate.

Parliament

Notes: Parliament and Judiciary

10 questions

2025The ‘guillotine’ hastens the budgetary process to meet the timeline. Evaluate the procedure.
2022Parliamentary control over administration is no substitute for judicial control. Comment.
2021The role and status of the Speaker in parliamentary system have their foundation in the Speaker’s stance on neutrality. Comment.
2020Parliamentary committees are at the deliberative core of parliamentary work which is crucial for refining legislations. Elucidate.
2014Parliamentary committees bring about accountability and public expenditure. Discuss.
2012‘Parliamentary Departmental Committees have played their role effectively in analysing the demands for grants.’ Evaluate.
2012‘Parliament is an independent institution, not to be seen as an extension of government or of a party.’ Elaborate.
1999It 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?
1989‘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 Parliament gets improved, the desire to control by its members will abate.’ Comment.
1988“The judicial control over administration is no substitute for parliamentary control. Infact, they are supplementary but serve two different kinds of purposes.” Discuss.

Judiciary

Notes: Parliament and Judiciary

14 questions

2024“The collegium system of appointments to higher judiciary has been the cornerstone of independence of judiciary. It has remained as the subject of debates in the recent past.” Discuss.
2023Former Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra observed: “An efficient judiciary is the hallmark of a great nation.” Comment.
2022“The Indian judicial system has failed to deliver justice expeditiously”. Examine the challenges faced by the judiciary and suggest measures to overcome them.
2020The spirit of democratic values requires that the independence of judiciary remains absolute. It is high time that the All India Judicial Service (AIJS) was created. Elaborate.
2019There 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.
2018“Judicial overreach to a large extent is a consequence of ineffective executive.” Examine.
2017Do you think that “All India Judicial Service (AIJS) would contribute to timely delivery of justice to the citizens? Argue your case.
2016“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 system.” In the light of the above statement, examine the proposal to constitute an All India Judicial Service (AIJS).
2016“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.
2015Discuss the arguments for and against the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014.
2014“Management of intragovernmental relations is as important as that of intergovernmental relations.” Examine its impact upon the performance of the government.
2012‘Judges should not govern the country. They can lay down a law, not interfere with governance.’ Discuss.
2010“……… 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.
2010“Public Interest Litigation (OIL) has undergone several changes since its inception in 1980.” Comment.

Cabinet Secretariat

Notes: PMO, Cabinet Secretariat and Central Secretariat

10 questions

2022“The smooth transaction of business in Ministries and Departments depends on the role played by Cabinet Secretariat”. Discuss.
2018“The attached offices and subordinate offices are integral to the functioning of the Cabinet Secretariat.” Discuss.
2017“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.
2012Critically examine the variables in the composition and functioning of Cabinet Committees.
2009“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.
2005“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.
2000“The leadership qualities of a civil servant are test most during his tenure as the Cabinet Secretary – a dream-post for every bureaucrat.” Elucidate.
1997“The efficiency of the Cabinet depends to a large extent on the Cabinet Secretariat “Elucidate.
1990‘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.
1988“Cabinet Secretarial the Prime Minister’s Secretarial in India have Common but dissimilar staff, functions.” Elucidate.

Prime Minister’s Office

Notes: PMO, Cabinet Secretariat and Central Secretariat

11 questions

2024“It should be people’s Prime Minister Office (PMO), it can’t be Prime Minister’s PMO.” Comment.
2021The Prime Minister’s Office has become a powerful institution in itself by virtue of its role in decision-making on strategic issues of utmost importance. Examine the statement.
2019“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.
2016“Dominant centralized administration is correlated with decisive and authoritative leadership provided by the Prime Minister’s Office.” Explain with suitable examples since independence.
2014The 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.
2011Discuss the evolution of the role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since independence.
2005“A strong PMO is a salvation for any Indian Prime Minister, but concentration of power is a danger to democracy.” Comment.
1999“The rise of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat in India during the past three decades is an indication of the growing centralisation of policy and decisional authority in the positions of the Prime Minister.” Examine.
1993“The Prime Minister’s Office is a staff agency. Its line functions are inconsistent with the Secretariat Systems of administration.” Comment.
1992Examine 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.
1991‘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.

Central Secretariat

Notes: PMO, Cabinet Secretariat and Central Secretariat

6 questions

2013“Central Secretariat is the nodal agency for administering the Union subjects and establishing coordination among the various activities of the government.” Discuss.
2002“The central secretariat is a policy formulating, co-ordinating and supervisory agency besides being the principal executive agency of the government.” Explain.
1999“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.
1995“The Secretariat system of work has lent balance, consistency and continuity to the administration and server as a nucleus for the total machinery of a ministry.” Explain.
1994“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.
1988Trace 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.

Ministries and Departments

Notes: Ministries, Departments and Field Organisations

11 questions

2016What 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?
2007Critically analyse the functions and role of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with regard to development of disabled persons in India.
2006What concrete steps have been taken by the Union and the State Govern-ments to protect child labour and prevent abuse of children?
2006What measures have been taken by the Union and the States for the welfare of women in the profession of sex?
2006Critically evaluate the policies of the Union Government. With regard to the welfare of women and children of India.
1998Explain 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.
1997Critically examine the role of the Finance Ministry as the custodian of all public revenues.
1993Outline in brief the organisation and working of the Union Ministry of Finance and offer concrete suggestions for organisational reform in the light of the new economic policy of liberalisation of the Central Government.
1992Outline 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.
1991Analyse 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?
1989Outline 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.

Boards, commissions, field offices

Notes: Ministries, Departments and Field Organisations

4 questions

2013“Finance Commission in India performs the job of statistics aggregation.” Comment.
1997“For national planning, the commission type of organisation was deliberately preferred.” Examine the statement.
1990‘The recommendations 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 mat not accept its recommendations considering their feasibility and desirability of implementation on objective considerations.’ Comment.
1989‘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?

Inter-state river disputes

Notes: Ministries, Departments and Field Organisations

1 question

2022Examine the role of central government in adjudication of disputes relating to water of interstate rivers.

Unit 05 · Plans and Priorities · 47 questions

47 questions · 24 since 2013 · Unit page with notes

Machinery of planning

13 questions

2025Trace the reasons for limited effectiveness of the NITI Aayog.
2024The National Data and Analysis Platform (NDAP) of NITI Aayog facilitates a robust ecosystem to promote democratization and inclusivity in development. Discuss.
2023“Attempts to prepare unified and holistic plans for the country are complex and full of challenges.” Discuss.
2022“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.
2021NITI Aayog has been constituted to implement the goal of co-operative federalism. Discuss.
2019‘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 predecessor. Analyze.
2018It is argued that the NITI Aayog has broken the edifice of planning into fragments. Comment.
2016“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.
2015The objectives, approaches and organisational arrangements for decision-making of the NITI Aayog aim at restoring the federal character of the Indian policy. Explain.
2013“Planning enables comprehensive and scientific understanding of problems.” Examine the statement in the context of planning methodology.
2004“Effective implementation of plan projects has been the weakest link in the chain of the entire planning programme.” Elucidate.
2003“Indian planning is highly centralized.” Comment.
1992‘Planning in a federal system, needs to depoliticised.’ Comment.

Planning Commission

4 questions

2026Planning Commission planned for economic development and social justice, but NITI Aayog has been structured to realise growth potential across the sectors. Discuss.
2010Explain the context and perspectives of the following statements: – The Planning Commission is “an armchair adviser”. The Planning Commission should reinvent itself as a systems reforms commission in the backdrop of changed global and domestic scenarios.
1999“The Planning Commission continues to exist but some would say that it is withering away, along with real planning itself.” Comment.
1994“The organization of the Planning Commission is in consonance with its expert character.” Comment.

National Development Council

8 questions

2014How far do you agree with the view that national development Council could resonate the demands of the state governments as long as planning commission is kept subservient to it? Critically examine.
2005“National Development Council is criticized as an usurping authority-functioning as a virtual super – cabinet.” Explain.
2004“National Development Council was established to co-ordinate between Union government, the Planning Commission and the State governments.” Comment.
2002“National Development Council gas virtually become a super-cabinet and tries to arrogate itself the functions of Parliament.” Comment.
2000“National Development Council, it seems, is like a super-Cabinet.” Comment.
1992‘The National Development Council should be grafted as a Federal Economic Cabinet of the Prime Minister in the East Minister model of Indian democracy.’ Comment.
1988“The National Development Council (not the planning Commission) is the appropriate instrument to ensure linkages between the district, the State and the regional levels of nation planning processes. Do you agree?
1987Examine the inadequacies of machinery for planning to ensure democratic but depoliticised planning process in Indian federation. How does National Development Council accentuate or inhibit this process?

Indicative planning

6 questions

2026The present model of strategic planning has roots in indicative planning. Comment.
2022“Indicative Planning, is a middle path of planning and market mechanism to ensure coordination between public and private activities.” Explain.
2020Considering 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?
2018“In the transition from the State-led economy to the market economy, India should rely more on ‘indicative planning’.” Do you agree? Explain your position.
2012Justify ‘indicative’ planning in the context of LPG.
2005“From highly centralized planning system, India has moved towards indicative planning under which long-term strategic vision of the future is built and nation’s priorities are decided.” Elucidate.

Plan formulation

3 questions

2015Why has District Planning been marginalised in many States and remained prominent in a few States? Explain.
2008Discuss the problems in the planning process at the state and sub-state levels.
1998“State and district planning bodies in India have not been effective in achieving their goals.” Comment.

Government policies