All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Public Administration 2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Ethics, historical administration, PMO, GST and centre-state relations (1)NDAP, political-permanent executive relations, decentralised planning (1)State Finance Commission, centre-state relations, Governor-state relations (1)PSU disinvestment, collegium system, bureaucratic authoritarianism (1)PSC autonomy, civil service neutrality, TRAI, parliamentary control, LPG reforms (1)Administrative reforms, gram swaraj, Capacity Building Commission (1)Police-prosecution separation, urban local funding, NIA and counter-terrorism (1)Police-public relations, CAG, coalition government administration (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsoryanalyseEthics, historical administration, PMO, GST and centre-state relations
Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) "Ethics in Public services has been the main concern of Kautilya's Arthashastra." Examine the statement. (10 marks)
(b) "The Mughal Administration was by nature centralised." Analyse. (10 marks)
(c) "Autonomy to Public Undertakings is a myth." Analyse. (10 marks)
(d) "It should be people's Prime Minister Office (PMO), it can't be Prime Minister's PMO." Comment. (10 marks)
(e) "Implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) has led to a Paradigm shift in the centre-state relations, both financially and politically." Analyse. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए :
(a) "लोक सेवाओं में नैतिकता कौटिल्य के अर्थशास्त्र का मुख्य सरोकार रहा है।" इस कथन का परीक्षण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) मुगल प्रशासन स्वभाव से केंद्रीकृत था ।" विश्लेषण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) "सार्वजनिक उपक्रमों को स्वायत्तता एक मिथक है।" विश्लेषण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) "यह लोगों का प्रधानमंत्री कार्यालय (पी.एम.ओ.) होना चाहिए, यह प्रधानमंत्रीका पी एम ओ नहीं हो सकता ।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) "वस्तु एवं सेवा कर (जी.एस.टी.) के कार्यान्वयन से, वित्तीय एवं राजनीतिक दोनों रूप से, केंद्र-राज्य संबंधों में आमूल बदलाव आया है।" विश्लेषण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Public Administration Paper II (UPSC). (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Precise terminology, specific Indian examples, balanced analysis, clear structure.
Rajadharma and welfare of subjects (praja sukhe sukham rajnah)
Integrity of officials: upadha tests, service rules, 40 ways of embezzlement, fish-and-water analogy
(a) The National Data and Analysis Platform (NDAP) of NITI Aayog facilitates a robust ecosystem to promote democratisation and inclusivity in development. Discuss. (20 marks)
(b) Examine the impact on administration in view of changing relations between political and permanent executive. (20 marks)
(c) Decentralised planning enhances economic development and social justice. Analyse. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) नीति आयोग के राष्ट्रीय डाटा एवं विश्लेषण प्लेटफार्म (एन डी ए पी) विकास में प्रजातंत्रीकरण एवं समावेशिता को प्रोत्साहित करने के लिये मजबूत पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र को स्थापित करता है। विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) प्रशासन पर राजनीतिक और स्थायी कार्यपालिका के मध्य बदलते संबंधों के प्रभाव का परीक्षण कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) विकेंद्रीकृत नियोजन से आर्थिक विकास और सामाजिक न्याय में वृद्धि होती है। विश्लेषण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Public Administration Paper II (UPSC). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward Full marks: Comprehensive analysis with specific Indian examples, clear structure, and critical evaluation.
NDAP basics: launched May 2022; standardised, interoperable, machine-readable government datasets with visualisation and merging tools; link to NDSAP 2012 and data.gov.in
Democratisation: open access for citizens, researchers, legislators, media; breaking silos; evidence-based public debate
Inclusivity: disaggregated data (gender, social group, district/block) for targeting, SDG India Index, Aspirational Districts, local planning
Limits: digital divide, data literacy, data quality and timeliness, privacy under DPDP Act 2023, need for local-government use
Traditional model: neutrality, anonymity, Weberian and Westminster conventions; politics–administration interface theory (Aberbach, Putnam and Rockman; Svara)
Changing dynamics: assertive political executive, committed bureaucracy debate (1969-70), performance and target-driven governance, lateral entry, direct monitoring (PRAGATI)
Impact: faster delivery and accountability vs politicised transfers, morale, loss of candid advice, data integrity concerns
Safeguards and reforms: T.S.R. Subramanian (2013), two-year tenure rule (2014), Civil Services Boards, Second ARC recommendations, code of ethics; balanced verdict
Development gains: GPDP, local prioritisation, Kerala People's Plan (1996), rural employment works (MGNREGA, now succeeded by the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025)
Social justice: reservations for SC/ST and women (Article 243D, 50% in many states)
(a) "The role of State Finance Commission in distribution of finances between state and local governments is vital." Discuss. (20 marks)
(b) "Centre-state relations are undergoing a drastic change." Elaborate. (20 marks)
(c) "There has been a strain in relations between Governor and State governments in the recent past." Examine. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "राज्य एवं स्थानीय सरकारों के मध्य वित्त के वितरण में राज्य वित्त आयोग की भूमिका महत्वपूर्ण है।" विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) "केंद्र-राज्य संबंधों में व्यापक बदलाव आ रहा है।" विस्तार से समझाइए। (20 अंक)
(c) "हाल ही में राज्यपाल और राज्य सरकारों के मध्य संबंधों में तनाव आया है।" परीक्षण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
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) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: All parts show deep institutional knowledge, specific examples, and balanced analysis.
Constitutional mandate: Articles 243-I and 243-Y; five-yearly constitution; functions (sharing of state taxes, assignment of taxes, grants-in-aid); link to Article 280(3)(bb)/(c)
Why vital: predictable devolution, equalisation across local bodies, fiscal autonomy for PRIs/ULBs, 'funds–functions–functionaries'
Problems: delayed constitution, weak data and capacity, non-implementation of recommendations, low own revenue of local bodies (RBI 2022 municipal finance report)
Reforms: 15th FC conditionality on SFCs and action-taken reports, Kerala model, state finance commission secretariat, performance-linked grants
Changes: Planning Commission to NITI Aayog (2015), devolution 42% (14th FC), 41% (15th FC, retained by 16th FC for 2026–31), GST Council, cooperative and competitive federalism
Areas of friction: CSS conditionalities, cesses and surcharges outside divisible pool, borrowing limits (Kerala suit 2024), Disaster Management Act use, central agencies, Governor issues
Balanced elaboration: decline of Article 356 after S.R. Bommai, collaborative bodies; revive Inter-State Council (not met since 2016); whether change is 'drastic'
Recent strains: delays in assent (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal), government formation/floor tests (Subhash Desai 2023), university appointments
Judicial responses: State of Tamil Nadu v. Governor (April 2025) timelines; November 2025 advisory opinion on Presidential reference (no fixed timelines or deemed assent, but no indefinite delay)
Reform suggestions: Sarkaria and Punchhi recommendations on appointment and removal; conventions of restraint
50MevaluatePSU disinvestment, collegium system, bureaucratic authoritarianism
(a) Public sector undertakings have been the bedrock of welfareism in India for many decades. Evaluate the pros and cons of current disinvestment scenario. (20 marks)
(b) 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. (20 marks)
(c) The concept of bureaucratic authoritarianism is one of the models of non-democratic rules. Explain. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में सार्वजनिक उपक्रम कई दशकों तक कल्याणवाद का आधार रही हैं। विनिवेश के वर्तमान परिदृश्य के पक्ष-विपक्ष का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) उच्च न्यायपालिका की नियुक्तियों में कॉलेजियम प्रणाली न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता का आधार रही है। यह हाल में बहस का विषय बनी रही है। विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) नौकरशाही अधिनायकवाद की अवधारणा गैर-लोकतांत्रिक सत्ता के सिद्धांतों में से एक है। समझाइए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Public Administration Paper II (Indian Administrative Context). (a) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific Indian examples and references to key committees/judgments.
Historical role: IPR 1948 and 1956, commanding heights, employment, regional balance, reservations, self-reliance
Disinvestment evolution: 1991 minority sales, Disinvestment Commission (1996), strategic sales, DIPAM (2016), New PSE Policy (2021), NMP (2021)
Pros: fiscal resources, efficiency, market discipline, governance through listing; examples (Air India 2022, LIC IPO 2022)
Cons and current scenario: loss of public jobs and reservations, undervaluation concerns, failed/stalled sales (BPCL), missed targets and shift to value creation/dividends; balanced evaluation
Constitutional text (Articles 124, 217, 222) and evolution through First (1981), Second (1993), Third (1998) Judges cases
NJAC (99th Amendment, 2014) and its striking down (2015); Memorandum of Procedure
Debates: opacity, lack of accountability, nepotism charges, diversity deficits, executive delays and segregation of names, vacancies and pendency
Recent developments and reforms: publication of resolutions (2017), asset disclosure (2025), 2025 judicial accountability controversy; proposals for secretariat, criteria, timelines; balanced view
O'Donnell (1973): military–technocrat coalition in Latin America (Brazil 1964, Argentina 1966, Chile and Uruguay 1973)
Features: exclusion of popular sector, depoliticisation, technocratic economic orthodoxy, links with international capital
Causes: exhaustion of import-substitution, class conflict, elite demand for order
Distinction from other non-democratic types (personal dictatorship, totalitarianism) and critique (Collier 1979); relevance to technocratic governance
50M150wCompulsorycommentPSC autonomy, civil service neutrality, TRAI, parliamentary control, LPG reforms
Answer the following in about 150 words each:
(a) The constitutional stature provided to the Public Service Commissions accord them the autonomy to work towards fair recruitments. Comment. (10 marks)
(b) "The neutrality of civil service has become a myth." Comment. (10 marks)
(c) Examine the role of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in protecting the interests of consumers. (10 marks)
(d) "Parliamentary control over public expenditure is declining." Comment. (10 marks)
(e) "The Liberalization, Privatization and Globalization (LPG) has enhanced the participation of private sector in Indian Economy." Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए :
(a) लोक सेवा आयोगों को प्रदत्त संवैधानिक दर्जा उन्हें निष्पक्ष भर्तियाँ करने के लिए स्वायत्तता प्रदान करती है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(b) "सिविल सेवा की निष्पक्षता एक मिथक बन गई है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(c) उपभोक्ताओं के हितों को सुरक्षित करने में भारतीय दूरसंचार नियामक प्राधिकरण (ट्राई) की भूमिका का परीक्षण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(d) "सार्वजनिक व्यय पर संसदीय नियंत्रण कम हो रहा है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
(e) "उदारीकरण, निजीकरण और भूमंडलीकरण (एल.पी.जी.) ने भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था में निजी क्षेत्र की सहभागिता को बढ़ाया है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Concept > Thinker > Indian institutional application > Reform. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Demonstrates a deep understanding of the concept, thinker, and Indian institutional application, with a clear and balanced judgment.
Articles 315–323: appointment, tenure (6 years/65 for UPSC), removal under Article 317, service-condition protection, post-tenure bar (Art. 319), expenses charged (Art. 322)
Functions under Article 320 and annual reports under Article 323
Limits: advisory role, exclusions (Art. 320(4) reservations), government control of rules, SPSC controversies and paper leaks
Reforms and comment: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024; transparent appointments; verdict on real but bounded autonomy
Meaning of neutrality: political impartiality, anonymity, serving any government; conduct rules
Evidence of strain: transfers, committed bureaucracy debate, politicisation, post-retirement appointments
50McommentAdministrative reforms, gram swaraj, Capacity Building Commission
(a) "The success of administrative reforms in a country like India depends upon the political will." Comment. (20 marks)
(b) The journey of transformation of local governance has been long. Examine the challenges to realise the spirit of gram swaraj. (20 marks)
(c) With what aims and objectives was the Capacity Building Commission established? Evaluate how far it has come in realising the goals. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "भारत जैसे देश में प्रशासनिक सुधारों की सफलता राजनीतिक इच्छा शक्ति पर निर्भर करती है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) स्थानीय शासन के रूपांतरण की यात्रा लंबी रही है। ग्राम स्वराज की भावना को प्राप्त करने में चुनौतियों का परीक्षण कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) क्षमता निर्माण आयोग को किन लक्ष्य और उद्देश्यों के लिए स्थापित किया गया था ? मूल्यांकन कीजिए कि वह कहां तक उन लक्ष्यों को प्राप्त कर पाया है। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Public Administration, Paper 2. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific Indian examples and balanced judgment.
Concept of administrative reform (Caiden) and why political will matters: mandate, resources, overcoming resistance
Indian reform history: ARC I (1966), ARC II (2005–09), Seventh/Pay Commissions; implementation gap
Examples of success with political will (GST, DBT/JAM, Mission Karmayogi, decriminalisation) and failure without it (police reforms after Prakash Singh 2006, civil service tenure)
Other determinants: bureaucratic buy-in, capacity, federal cooperation, sequencing, public support; balanced comment
Gandhian gram swaraj and the journey: Article 40, Balwantray Mehta (1957), Ashok Mehta (1978), 73rd/74th Amendments (1992), PESA (1996)
Fiscal challenges: weak own revenue (RBI 2024 study), dependence on tied grants, SFC gaps
Functional and functionary gaps: incomplete devolution of 29 subjects, parallel bodies, staff shortages; Devolution Index variations; PESA rules delays
Social and political challenges: caste and elite capture, proxy representation, weak Gram Sabhas; achievements (women representatives, e-GramSwaraj) and way to realise the spirit
Establishment: April 2021 under NPCSCB/Mission Karmayogi (approved 2020)
Aims: harmonise training, competency frameworks (FRAC), annual capacity building plans, oversee training institutions, shift from rules to roles
Achievements: ACBPs for ministries, iGOT-Karmayogi reach, Karmayogi Saptah (2024), standards for training institutes
Evaluation: executive rather than statutory body, uneven state adoption, measuring behavioural outcomes; suggestions
50ManalysePolice-prosecution separation, urban local funding, NIA and counter-terrorism
(a) The separation of police investigation and prosecution has its own benefits and challenges. Analyse in context of recent developments. (20 marks)
(b) Lack of financial resources and independence in managing local funding is hindering the economic and social development of urban areas. Discuss. (20 marks)
(c) National Investigation Agency (NIA) is playing an important role in countering terrorism. Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) पुलिस जांच पड़ताल एवं अभियोजन का पृथक्करण के अपने लाभ तथा चुनौतियां हैं। हाल ही के घटनाक्रमों के संदर्भ में विश्लेषण कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) वित्तीय संसाधनों का अभाव तथा स्थानीय वित्त पोषण के प्रबंधन की स्वतंत्रता में कमी नगरीय क्षेत्रों के आर्थिक और सामाजिक विकास में बाधा बन रही है। विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) आतंकवाद से निपटने में राष्ट्रीय जांच अभिकरण अहम भूमिका निभा रहा है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Public Administration Paper II (Indian Administrative Context). (a) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific Indian examples and recent developments
Rationale and history: prosecutor as officer of court; Law Commission 154th Report (1996), S.B. Shahane (1995), Section 25A CrPC (2005, historical); Malimath Committee (2003)
Benefits: independent scrutiny of charge-sheets, fewer frivolous prosecutions, professionalism, rights protection
Challenges: coordination gaps, weak prosecutorial capacity and vacancies, poor service conditions, low conviction rates, political influence
Recent developments: BNSS 2023 (in force July 2024) Section 20 Directorates of Prosecution, forensic mandate for offences of 7+ years, ICJS/e-prosecution; analysis of whether they bridge the gap
Fiscal weaknesses: municipal revenue ~1% of GDP (RBI 2022), weak property tax, user charges, GST subsumption of octroi/entry tax, dependence on tied transfers
Constraints on autonomy: state control, parastatals, SPVs under Smart Cities, scheme conditionalities (AMRUT, SBM-U), limited borrowing and municipal bond market
Impact and remedies: service deficits in health, housing, climate resilience; SFC revival, property tax reform, municipal bonds, 15th FC conditions, capacity building
NIA Act 2008 after 26/11; 2019 amendment expanding scheduled offences and extraterritorial jurisdiction
Role and performance: major cases, terror financing, high conviction rate, special courts
Concerns: federal friction (Chhattisgarh's Article 131 suit, 2020), UAPA use and long pre-trial detention, pendency
Comment and improvements: coordination with state police, capacity, speedy trials, safeguards
50Mcritically examinePolice-public relations, CAG, coalition government administration
(a) Police-Public relations are poor in India. What measures are required to strengthen these relations? (20 marks)
(b) The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India and its functioning is away from the public eye. Still it is one of the most important office under the constitution. Discuss. (20 marks)
(c) Critically examine the problems of administration in coalition regimes. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में पुलिस-जनता संबंध खराब हैं। इन संबंधों को मजबूत करने के लिए किन उपायों की आवश्यकता है ? (20 अंक)
(b) नियंत्रक एवं महालेखापरीक्षक का कार्यालय और इसकी कार्यप्रणाली जनता की नजरों से दूर होती है। फिर भी संविधान के तहत यह सबसे महत्वपूर्ण कार्यालयों में से एक है। विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(c) गठबंधन शासनों में प्रशासन की समस्याओं का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Public Administration Paper II (Institutional & Governance). (a) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples, legal references, and critical analysis.
Measures – institutional: Prakash Singh (2006) directions, Model Police Act (2006), Police Complaints Authorities, Second ARC 5th Report (2007), separation of investigation
Measures – attitudinal and community: community policing (Janamaithri, Mohalla committees), SMART policing, e-FIR/CCTNS, soft-skills and gender sensitisation, women help desks; BNSS 2023 provisions (e-FIR, videography)