Public Administration

UPSC Public Administration 2022 — Paper I

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Public Administration 2022 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IPaper

Topics covered

Public Management, Organisation Theory and State-Civil Society Relations (1)Administrative State, Transformational Leadership and Human Relations (1)Barnard's Zone of Indifference, New Public Service and Strategic Communication (1)Leadership vs Administration, Regulatory Governance and Social Auditing (1)Development Administration, Policy Evaluation, Bureaucracy and Budgeting (1)Riggs' Prismatic Model, HRD and Lindblom's Incrementalism (1)Washington Consensus, Budgetary Governance and Performance Management (1)Internal Audit, Public Sector Ethics and Policy Implementation (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory elaborate Public Management, Organisation Theory and State-Civil Society Relations

Answer the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) Public Management takes 'what' and 'why' from Public Administration and 'how' from Business Management. Elaborate. 10 (b) Every human organisation shall start from System-I and ultimately end up with System-IV. Comment on Likert's statement. 10 (c) All tribunals are courts, but all courts are not tribunals. Explain. 10 (d) Classical Organisation Theory formed the bedrock for the modern organisation theories. Analyse. 10 (e) Interaction between the State and Civil society has hitherto been largely neglected, especially in developing countries. Examine. 10

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए : 10×5=50 (a) लोक प्रबन्ध लोक प्रशासन से 'क्या' और 'क्यों' तथा व्यवसाय प्रबन्ध से 'कैसे' लेता है । विस्तार से समझाइए । 10 (b) प्रत्येक मानवीय संगठन व्यवस्था-I से प्रारम्भ होकर अन्ततः व्यवस्था-IV पर समाप्त होता है । लिकर्ट के कथन पर टिप्पणी कीजिए । 10 (c) सभी न्यायाधिकरण न्यायालय होते हैं, किन्तु सभी न्यायालय न्यायाधिकरण नहीं होते । व्याख्या कीजिए । 10 (d) शास्त्रीय संगठन सिद्धान्त आधुनिक संगठन सिद्धान्तों के लिए आधार सृजित करता है । विश्लेषण कीजिए । 10 (e) विशेषकर विकासशील देशों में, राज्य तथा नागरिक समाज के बीच अन्तःक्रिया अब तक विस्तृत रूप से उपेक्षित रही है । परीक्षण कीजिए । 10

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Public Administration Paper I (UPSC). (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (e) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise definitions, clear distinction between concepts, strong Indian examples, and critical analysis.

  • Define 'what' and 'why' as PA's domain (policy, equity, law)
  • Define 'how' as BM's domain (efficiency, tools, KPIs)
  • Explain the synthesis of both in Public Management
  • Provide an Indian administrative instance (e.g., e-Governance or NITI Aayog)
  • Define System-I (Exploitative Authoritative) and System-IV (Participative/Clan)
  • Explain the evolutionary logic of the transition
  • Provide a counter-argument or limitation of the model
  • Apply to an Indian organizational context (e.g., PSU modernization)
Q2
50M discuss Administrative State, Transformational Leadership and Human Relations

(a) 'The administrative state is the creation of a power to bind us, with rules ... that are not made by legislature.' Discuss the constitutionality of the administrative state and its future. 20 (b) Transformational leadership requires high degree of coordination, communication and cooperation. Explain. 15 (c) Human relationists postulate that 'what is important to a worker and what influences his/her productivity level may not be the organisational chart but his or her associations with other workers'. Is it more relevant today? 15

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) 'प्रशासनिक राज्य एक ऐसी शक्ति का निर्माण है जो हमें नियमों के साथ बाँधती है ... जो कि विधायिका द्वारा नहीं बनाए गए हैं ।' प्रशासनिक राज्य की संवैधानिकता तथा इसके भविष्य का विवेचन कीजिए । 20 (b) रूपान्तरणकारी नेतृत्व के लिए उच्च कोटि के समन्वय, सम्प्रेषण तथा सहयोग की आवश्यकता होती है । व्याख्या कीजिए । 15 (c) मानव सम्बन्धवादी यह प्रतिपादित करते हैं कि 'कामगार के लिए क्या महत्वपूर्ण है और जो उनके उत्पादकता स्तर को प्रभावित करता है, हो सकता है संगठनिक चार्ट नहीं है बल्कि अन्य कामगारों के साथ उनके सम्बन्ध हैं' । क्या यह आज ज्यादा प्रासंगिक है ? 15

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Public Administration Paper 1. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with strong Indian anchors and specific examples.

  • Define administrative state and its non-legislative rule-making power
  • Cite Indian constitutional provisions (Art 12, 13, 312, 324)
  • Discuss judicial review and delegation of legislative power
  • Analyze the future of administrative state in modern governance
  • Define transformational leadership and its core components
  • Explain the role of coordination in transformational leadership
  • Explain the role of communication in transformational leadership
  • Explain the role of cooperation in transformational leadership
Q3
50M examine Barnard's Zone of Indifference, New Public Service and Strategic Communication

(a) Barnard posits the zone of indifference as the human condition that animates authority relationships and cooperation in modern organisations. Examine. 20 (b) New public service celebrates what is distinctive, important and meaningful about public service. Discuss. 15 (c) Strategic communication ought to be an agile management process. Discuss the conceptualization of strategic communication for the government actions. 15

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) बर्नार्ड उदासीनता के क्षेत्र को एक मानवीय दशा मानता है जो आधुनिक संगठनों में प्राधिकार सम्बन्धों तथा सहयोग को चेतन करता है । परीक्षण कीजिए । 20 (b) नव लोक सेवा, लोक सेवा के बारे में क्या विशिष्ट, महत्वपूर्ण और अर्थपूर्ण है, का यशोगान करता है । विवेचन कीजिए । 15 (c) रणनीतिक सम्प्रेषण को एक चुस्त प्रबन्ध प्रक्रिया होना चाहिए । सरकारी कार्यवाहियों के लिए रणनीतिक सम्प्रेषण की संकल्पना का विवेचन कीजिए । 15

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Barnard's Zone of Indifference. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Deep theoretical understanding with precise Indian administrative examples and 2nd ARC references.

  • Define Zone of Indifference (ZDI) and its role in accepting authority
  • Link ZDI to the 'acceptance test' of authority
  • Explain ZDI as a condition for organizational cooperation
  • Provide an Indian administrative example of ZDI in action
  • Define New Public Service (NPS) and its core values
  • Identify 'distinctive' features (e.g., citizenship, public interest)
  • Explain the 'meaningful' aspect (e.g., democratic values, ethics)
  • Contrast NPS with New Public Management (NPM)
Q4
50M discuss Leadership vs Administration, Regulatory Governance and Social Auditing

(a) 'Leadership is seen as dealing with change, whereas administration is viewed as coping with complexity.' In this context, discuss the contextuality of leadership and administration for the success of organisations. 20 (b) Regulatory governance frameworks have become essential building blocks of world society. Discuss their potential and impact in fulfilling the hopes and demands. 15 (c) Social auditing is not just saving the money, it creates positive impact on governance. Comment. 15

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) 'नेतृत्व को परिवर्तन के साथ व्यवहार करते देखा जाता है, जबकि प्रशासन को जटिलता के साथ मुकाबला करते ।' इस संदर्भ में, संगठनों की सफलता के लिए नेतृत्व तथा प्रशासन की प्रासंगिकता का विवेचन कीजिए । 20 (b) नियामकीय शासन संरचनाएँ विश्व समाज की आवश्यक निर्माण खंड बन चुकी हैं । आशाओं और माँगों की संपूर्ति में इनकी क्षमता और प्रभाव का विवेचन कीजिए । 15 (c) सामाजिक अंकेक्षण केवल धन की बचत नहीं है, यह शासन पर सकारात्मक प्रभाव सृजित करता है । टिप्पणी कीजिए । 15

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Public Administration, Paper 1. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive analysis with clear distinctions, strong Indian examples, and reference to specific reforms or bodies.

  • Define leadership as dealing with change
  • Define administration as coping with complexity
  • Discuss contextuality of both for success
  • Provide Indian administrative or corporate example
  • Define regulatory governance frameworks
  • Discuss their potential in fulfilling hopes
  • Discuss their impact on societal demands
  • Provide Indian regulatory example (e.g., RBI, SEBI)

B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory explain Development Administration, Policy Evaluation, Bureaucracy and Budgeting

Answer the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50 (a) Development Administration 'embraces the array of new functions assumed by the developing countries'. Explain. 10 (b) Policy evaluation contributes fundamentally to sound public governance. Discuss. 10 (c) Weber's construct of bureaucracy has served a great heuristic purpose in furthering research in the field of Comparative Public Administration. Do you agree with the statement ? Give reasons. 10 (d) Standards are the foundation which do not replace regulations but complement them. Comment. 10 (e) 'Outcome budgeting addresses the weaknesses of performance budgeting.' Elaborate. 10

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए : 10×5=50 (a) विकास प्रशासन 'विकासशील देशों द्वारा ग्रहण किए गए नवीन कार्यों को अपनाता है'। व्याख्या कीजिए । 10 (b) नीति मूल्यांकन सुदृढ़ लोक शासन में आधारभूत योगदान देता है। विवेचना कीजिए । 10 (c) वेबर की नौकरशाही निर्मिति ने तुलनात्मक लोक प्रशासन के क्षेत्र में शोध को आगे बढ़ाने में एक महान स्वानुभविक उद्देश्य के रूप में सेवा दी है । क्या आप इस कथन से सहमत हैं ? तर्क दीजिए । 10 (d) मानक वे आधार हैं जो विनियमों का स्थान तो नहीं लेते किन्तु उनके पूरक हैं । टिप्पणी कीजिए । 10 (e) 'परिणामोन्मुखी बजटन निष्पादन बजटन की कमजोरियों का समाधान करता है ।' विस्तार कीजिए । 10

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Thinker > Indian institutional application > Reform. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definitions, clear Indian institutional anchors (NITI Aayog, 2nd ARC), and strong analytical linkages between theory and field reality.

  • Define Development Administration (DA) distinct from traditional administration
  • Identify specific new functions (e.g., planning, mobilization, social change)
  • Contextualize within developing country constraints (poverty, infrastructure)
  • Mention key thinkers (e.g., Riggs, Glick, Heady)
  • Define policy evaluation (ex-ante vs ex-post)
  • Link evaluation to 'sound governance' (transparency, accountability)
  • Explain the feedback loop: evaluation -> policy correction
  • Provide an Indian example of policy evaluation (e.g., CAG, NITI Aayog)
Q6
50M examine Riggs' Prismatic Model, HRD and Lindblom's Incrementalism

(a) '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. 20 (b) The environment and situational conditions under which the government operates have an important bearing on its human resource development practices. Examine. 15 (c) 'Lindblom regarded rational decision-making as an unattainable goal.' In the light of the statement, suggest measures to avoid policy failures. 15

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) 'विवर्तन की प्रक्रिया जितनी अधिक बहिःजात होती है, इसकी प्रिज्मीय अवस्था उतनी ही औपचारिक और विजातीय होती है; जितनी अधिक अंतर्जात होती है, इसकी प्रिज्मीय अवस्था उतनी ही कम औपचारिक और कम विजातीय होती है।' रिग्स की इस परिकल्पना का परीक्षण कीजिए। 20 (b) जिस पर्यावरण और परिस्थिति दशाओं में सरकार कार्य करती है वह इसके मानव संसाधन विकास व्यवहारों पर महत्वपूर्ण प्रभाव डालती है। परीक्षण कीजिए। 15 (c) 'लिंडब्लोम तार्किक निर्णयन को एक अप्राप्य लक्ष्य मानता है।' इस कथन के आलोक में, नीति असफलताओं से बचने के लिए उपाय सुझाइए। 15

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Riggs' Prismatic Model. (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive understanding of Riggs' model, clear linkages between theory and Indian context, specific examples, and well-structured arguments.

  • Define exogenetic and endogenetic processes in Riggs' model
  • Explain the 'prismatic phase' as a transitional state
  • Link exogenetic processes to formalistic/heterogeneous structures
  • Link endogenetic processes to less formalistic/heterogeneous structures
  • Identify key environmental/situational conditions (e.g., political, economic, social)
  • Explain how these conditions shape HRD practices (recruitment, training, promotion)
  • Provide specific examples of government HRD practices influenced by environment
  • Discuss the impact of these conditions on administrative effectiveness
Q7
50M discuss Washington Consensus, Budgetary Governance and Performance Management

(a) The results of Washington Consensus were far from optimal for transitional economies. In this background, discuss the change of direction towards post-Washington Consensus. 20 (b) A sound budgeting system is one which engenders trust among citizens that the government is listening to their concerns. Elaborate this in the context of budgetary governance. 15 (c) Performance problems are rarely caused simply by lack of training and rarely can performance be improved by training alone. Critically analyse the statement. 15

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) वाशिंगटन आम सहमति के परिणाम संक्रमणकालीन अर्थव्यवस्थाओं के लिए इष्टतम से दूर थे। इस पृष्ठभूमि में, उत्तर-वाशिंगटन आम सहमति की ओर दिशा में परिवर्तन का विवेचन कीजिए। 20 (b) एक सुदृढ़ बजटीय व्यवस्था वह है जो नागरिकों में विश्वास पैदा करती है, कि सरकार उनके सरोकारों को सुनती है। बजटीय शासन के संदर्भ में इसका विस्तार कीजिए। 15 (c) निष्पादन समस्याएँ बिरले ही केवल प्रशिक्षण की कमी के कारण होती हैं और शायद ही कभी केवल प्रशिक्षण से निष्पादन में सुधार किया जा सकता है। कथन का आलोचनात्मक विश्लेषण कीजिए। 15

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Concept > Thinker > Indian institutional application > Reform. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: All musts met, Indian anchors, 2nd ARC reference, clear structure

  • Define Washington Consensus (10-point list)
  • Identify failures in transitional economies
  • Explain Post-Washington Consensus (state-led growth)
  • Link to Indian institutional context
  • Define budgetary governance
  • Explain transparency mechanisms
  • Link to citizen trust
  • Mention Indian budget process
Q8
50M discuss Internal Audit, Public Sector Ethics and Policy Implementation

(a) The audit function has always been viewed as an integral part of government financial management. Discuss the significance of internal audit in improving the performance of the government sector. 20 (b) Most civil service regimes still equate 'Public Sector Ethics' with anti-corruption efforts. Discuss the insufficiency of Ethics-code in this background. 15 (c) Failure of public policies has often been attributed to problems of implementation, while implementors question the policy design. Discuss the contestation. 15

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) अंकेक्षण कार्य को सदैव सरकारी वित्तीय प्रबंध के अभिन्न अंग के रूप में देखा जाता है । सरकारी क्षेत्र के निष्पादन उन्नयन में आंतरिक अंकेक्षण के महत्व का विवेचन कीजिए । 20 (b) अधिकांश सिविल सेवा शासन-पद्धतियों में अभी भी 'सार्वजनिक क्षेत्र नैतिकता' को भ्रष्टाचार-निरोधी प्रयासों के समान माना जाता है । इस पृष्ठभूमि में आचार-संहिता की अपर्याप्तता का विवेचन कीजिए । 15 (c) लोक नीतियों की असफलता को प्रायः क्रियान्वयन की समस्या पर आरोपित करते हैं, जबकि क्रियान्वयक नीति प्रारूप पर प्रश्न करते हैं । इस प्रतिवाद का विवेचन कीजिए । 15

Answer approach & key points

Framework: Public Administration Paper I (General Studies II/III interface). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific Indian examples and references to 2nd ARC.

  • Define internal audit vs external audit (CAG)
  • Link to financial management and accountability
  • Discuss performance improvement (efficiency/effectiveness)
  • Provide Indian institutional context (e.g., CVC, CAG, CVC)
  • Define 'Public Sector Ethics' vs 'Anti-corruption'
  • Explain the narrowness of anti-corruption focus
  • Discuss broader ethical dimensions (integrity, accountability, transparency)
  • Provide examples of ethical failures beyond corruption

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