Tuesday, 10 February 2026

 

📘 Public Administration – Paper I
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) & Model Answers

Exam-oriented answers prepared by Shaktimatha Learning


UNIT–1: Introduction

Q1. “Public Administration is both an art and a science.” Discuss.

Answer Outline:
  • Define Public Administration (Wilson / White)
  • As a science – principles, systematic study
  • As an art – leadership, judgement, experience
  • Indian administrative examples
  • Conclusion: complementary nature

UNIT–2: Evolution

Q2. Critically examine the Politics–Administration Dichotomy.

Answer Outline:
  • Meaning – Woodrow Wilson
  • Reasons for separation
  • Merits – neutrality, efficiency
  • Criticism – value-laden administration
  • Modern relevance – partial separation only

UNIT–3: Administrative Thinkers

Q3. Compare Taylor and Fayol.

Answer Outline:
  • Taylor – shop floor, efficiency, scientific management
  • Fayol – top management, administrative principles
  • Key differences in approach
  • Criticisms
  • Present-day relevance

Q4. “Weber’s bureaucracy is technically superior but socially weak.” Discuss.

Answer Outline:
  • Features of bureaucracy
  • Technical strengths – predictability, efficiency
  • Social weaknesses – rigidity, red-tapism
  • Indian examples
  • Conclusion with reforms

UNIT–4: Human Relations & Behavioural Approach

Q5. Discuss the contribution of Elton Mayo.

Answer Outline:
  • Hawthorne experiments
  • Importance of social needs
  • Informal organisation
  • Contribution to HRM
  • Limitations

Q6. Examine Herbert Simon’s contribution to administrative theory.

Answer Outline:
  • Critique of classical principles
  • Decision-making focus
  • Bounded rationality
  • Significance for modern administration

UNIT–5: Organisations

Q7. “Delegation is the key to administrative efficiency.” Explain.

Answer Outline:
  • Meaning of delegation
  • Importance for efficiency
  • Limits of delegation
  • Indian administrative example
  • Conclusion

UNIT–6: Accountability & Control

Q8. Evaluate legislative control over administration in India.

Answer Outline:
  • Instruments – questions, committees
  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Need for reforms

Q9. Role of CAG in ensuring accountability.

Answer Outline:
  • Constitutional position
  • Types of audit
  • Importance
  • Limitations

UNIT–7: Administrative Law

Q10. Explain the principles of natural justice.

Answer Outline:
  • Nemo judex in causa sua
  • Audi alteram partem
  • Purpose and relevance
  • Administrative examples

Q11. Delegated legislation: necessity and dangers.

Answer Outline:
  • Meaning of delegated legislation
  • Reasons for necessity
  • Risks and misuse
  • Need for safeguards

UNIT–8: Personnel Administration

Q12. “Civil service neutrality and commitment are not contradictory.” Discuss.

Answer Outline:
  • Meaning of neutrality
  • Meaning of commitment
  • Indian civil services context
  • Ethical balance

Prepared by Shaktimatha Learning
Practice PYQs → Score High in Mains

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