Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.

and Marks

Evolution of Ethics in public services has been the Kautilya 2014 1(a) - 10 marks
Indian central concern of Kautilya’s Arthashastra. Arthashastra
Administration Critically examine the statement.

Indian Administration is said to be 2014 2(b) - 20 marks

characterised by it 3 features viz.
Weberian structures, Kautilyan practice
and Gandhian rhetoric. Examine the
statement

Critically Examine the statement: Legacy of British 2014 4(c) - 10 marks

‘Thana’ (police station) as the last bastion rule in politics
of the waning British administrative legacy and
in India. administration

No question from this chapter in 2015

The Regulating Act of 1773 not only Legacy of British 2016 1(a) - 10 marks
introduced values in administration but rule in politics
also laid the foundation of centralised and
administration in India. Examine administration

In contemporary times , Kautilya’s Kautilya 2016 2(a) - 20 marks

Arthashastra is relevant more in the field of Arthashastra
international relations than in economic
affairs. Analyse the statement.

A significant legacy of the Mughal rule in Mughal 2016 2(c) - 10 marks

India is a well organised revenue administration
administration at the state and district
levels. Comment

Indianisation of Public Services is a slow Indianisation of 2017 3(b) - 20 marks

but steady process. Explain Public services

No question from this chapter in 2018

In the text of Arthashastra, the state is Kautilya 2019 1(a) - 10 marks

neither a police state nor merely a tax Arthashastra
gathering state. Comment

Macaulay’s ideas on Indian civil service Legacy of British 2019 1(c) - 10 marks
corresponded to the elite theory of rule in politics
bureaucracy , which continue to persist. and
Do you agree? Justify. administration

Mughal administration incorporated a Mughal 2020 1(a) - 10 marks

combination of Indian and extra Indian administration
elements . Discuss

The Public services in India are an Indianisation of 2020 2(c)- 10 marks

evolution of the British Raj. Trace the public services
Indianisation of the services.

Kautilya envisages protection , welfare and Kautilya 2021 2(a) - 20 marks

prosperity of state and its people as the Arthashastra
utmost concern of a ruler. In this context,
discuss the significance of Kautilya’s
emphasis on governing , accountability
and justice in contemporary India.
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Mughal Administrative system was Mughal 2022 1(a) - 10 marks

centralised despotism. Comment administration

Philosophical Beneath the soft outer shell of democratic Bureaucracy 2014 3(c) - 10 marks
and administrative framework lies unscathed and
constitutional the steel frame of Indian administration development
framework of which has survived through the ages. In
Government the light of this statement, examine the
relationship between bureaucracy and
development in the last decade.

Discuss the value premises of Salient features 2014 1(b) - 10 marks

constitutionalism in India which the and value
bureaucracy can not violate. premises +
constitutionalism

Democracy within bureaucracy is likely to Bureaucracy 2015 1(a) - 10 marks

reduce its effectiveness. Do you agree and democracy
with this view? Argue your case

Minimum government, maximum Bureaucracy 2015 1(e) - 10 marks

governance is not just a slogan but a and
philosophy of administration with development
enormous potentialities. Do you agree?
Give reasons for your answer.

To what extent has political culture Political Culture 2015 2(a) - 20 marks
influenced the administrative culture of
India? Explain

As Dr. BR Ambedkar observed, “the text of 2015 2(c)- 10 marks

the constitution can provide the organs of
the state, but the final outcome of the
governance process depends on how it
has operationalised by the political parties
and people. Elucidate the statement

Do you think that some of the ideals Salient features 2016 1(b) - 10 marks
enshrined in the preamble of the and value
constitution remain only on paper even premises
today? Critically evaluate

Constitutionalism is the foundation of the constitutionalism 2017 1(a)- 10 marks

administrative edifice in India. Discuss

There is a need for greater inclusion of Bureaucracy 2017 5(b)- 10 marks

technocrats in bureaucracy to ensure and
effective governance in India. Do you development
Agree? Elucidate

The Philosophy of Westminster model is at Political culture 2018 1(b) - 10 marks

odds with the political culture of India.
Critically analyse

Institutional change is a necessary but not Political culture 2018 8(b)- 20 marks
a sufficient condition for reducing
criminalisation of politics. Examine
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The economic reforms have significantly Value premises 2019 1(b)- 10 marks
infringed the basic values and spirit of the and salient
Indian constitution. Examine features

There is a constant and continuous Bureaucracy 2020 1(b)- 10 marks

collision between bureaucratic values and and democracy
democratic values which adversely affects
development. Do you agree? Elaborate

The structural part of the constitution of salient features 2020 2(b)- 20 marks
India is to a large extent derived from the and value
GoI Act,1935 , whereas its philosophical premises
part has many sources. Discuss the
sources of the philosophical part.

The Preamble of the constitution of India salient features 2021 1(a)- 10 marks
provides a foundational framework of and value
ideals and values for the Indian premises
administration. Discuss

Examine the extent to which the ideal of constitutionalism 2021 1(b)-10 marks
Constitutionalism as ‘government by
limited powers’ has been a functional
reality in India.

The GoI Act 1935 is the most important Salient features 2022 1(d)- 10 marks
source of Indian constitution. Identify its and value
features. premises

Public sector PSUs must learn to survive and be Problems of 2014 2(a)- 20 marks
Undertakings entrepreneurial without assured autonomy,
government budgetary support. In the light accountability
of this statement give your suggestions and control
for strengthening their autonomy and
reviving the health of sick PSUs.

Explain fully how a balance can be struck Problems of 2015 3(b)- 20 marks
between autonomy and accountability of autonomy,
India’s public enterprises. accountability
and control

Argue the case for and against creating Problems of 2015 8(c) - 10 marks
Indian public enterprises and Industrial autonomy,
service for boosting the moribund public accountability
sector in India. and control

Evaluate the performance and efficacy of Impact of 2016 1(d)- 10 marks

the Maharatna, Navratna and miniratna liberalisation and
type of PSUs in the context of LPG. privatisation

PSUs in India face tough competition from Impact of 2017 1(d)- 10 marks
the private enterprises and MNCs. Explain liberalisation and
privatisation

Contracting out tasks without effective Public sector in 2018 1(e)- 10 marks
accountability mechanisms can be counter Modern India
productive for effective service delivery.
Comment
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The Market driven profitability concerns Impact of 2018 2(a)- 20 marks

have shaken the foundation of the PSUs. liberalisation and
Do you agree? Give reasons privatisation

PSUs were expected to take the Indian Impact of 2019 2(b)- 20 marks
economy to the commanding heights liberalisation and
instead the successive governments have privatisation
been pushing for disinvestment. Critically
examine how the scenario has changed
over the years

The strategy to deal with the NPAs of Public sector in 2019 3(c)- 10 marks
banks may lead to overburdened Modern India
taxpayers . Examine the role of
government to protect the interests of
both.

Does the privatisation of public sector Impact of 2020 3(a)- 20 marks

bodies augur well for welfarism in India? liberalisation and
Discuss with suitable illustrations. privatisation

The government policy of large scale Impact of 2021 3(c)- 10 marks

privatisation of the key sectors of liberalisation and
economy may affect India’s economic privatisation
health. Comment

The New Economic Reforms during the Problems of 2022 3(a)- 20 marks
past 3 decades have not only reduced the autonomy,
scope of industrial licensing and areas accountability
reserved exclusively for Public sector but and control
also infringed the autonomy of existing
PSUs. Examine

Union Management of intra-governmental Intra- 2014 4(a)- 20 marks

Government relations is as important as that of inter- governmental
and governmental relations. Examine its relations
Administration impact upon the performance of the
government.

Ordinance making power of the executive Executive 2015 1(d)-10 marks

needs to be suitably restrained. Examine
it critically

Discuss the arguments for and against the Judiciary 2015 4(a)- 20 marks
NJAC Act 2014. structure

Dominant centralised administration os PMO 2016 2(b)- 20 marks

correlated with decisive and authoritative
leadership provided by the PMO. Explain
with suitable examples since
independence.

What factors have led to the expansion of Ministries and 2016 3(a)- 20 marks
the role of the Ministry of Home affairs? departments +
How can it coordinate its affairs more intra
effectively with the Ministry of defence? governmental
relations
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The absence of congruence of views on Judiciary- 2016 4(a)- 20 marks

appointments to judiciary between SC and structure,
Union government has had an adverse functions , work
impact on the judicial system. In the light processes
of the above statement , examine the
proposal to constitute AIJS.

The status and functioning of the cabinet PMO and 2017 1(b)- 10 marks
secretariat face a stiff challenge from the Cabinet
PMO. Argue both in favour and against secretariat
the contention.

Do you think that AIJS would contribute to Judiciary- 2017 1(d)- 10 marks
timely delivery of justice to the citizens? structure,
Argue your case functions , work
processes

The attached offices and subordinate Attached offices 2018 1(c) - 10 marks
offices are integral to the functioning of the
Cabinet secretariat. Discuss

Judicial outreach to a large extent is a Judiciary- 2018 4(b)- 20 marks

consequence of ineffective executive. structure,
Examine functions , work
processes

There has been an opinion that the ethos Judiciary- 2019 1(d)- 10 marks
of Indian Judicial system continue to be structure,
colonial. Suggest measures for raising the functions , work
level of judicial excellence for achieving processes
speedy justice.

Strong PMO is anti-thesis to the feature of PMO, CoM 2019 3(a)- 20 marks
collective responsibility of CoM. Examine
the issues in relation to the position of
PMO vis a vis CoM in the light of this
statement.

Parliamentary committees are at the Parliament 2020 1(c) - 10 marks

deliberative core of parliamentary work
which is crucial for refining legislations.
Elucidate

The spirit of democratic values requires Judiciary- 2020 3(b)- 20 marks

that the independence of judiciary remains structure,
absolute. It is high time that the AIJS was functions , work
created. Elaborate processes

The role and status of the speaker in Parliament 2021 1(d)-10 marks
parliamentary system have their
foundation in the speaker’s stance on
neutrality. Comment

The PMO has become a powerful PMO 2021 5(d)- 10 marks

institution in itself by virtue of its role in
decision making on strategic issues of
utmost importance. Examine the
statement
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The smooth transaction of business in Cabinet 2022 1(c) - 10 marks

Ministries and departments depends on secretariat,
the role played by Cabinet secretariat. Ministries and
Discuss departments

The Indian judicial system has failed to Judiciary- 2022 4(a)- 20 marks
deliver justice expeditiously. Examine the structure,
challenges faced by the judiciary and functions , work
suggest measures to overcome them. processes

Parliamentary control over administration Parliament , 2022 6(c)- 10 marks

is no substitute for Judicial control. Judiciary
Comment

Plans and Despite the adoption of decentralised Decentralised 2014 1(d)-10 marks
Priorities planning , participatory initiatives remain planning for
marginalised and divisive in many regions. economic
Discuss development
and social
justice

How far do you agree with the view that NDC, Planning 2014 4(b)- 20 marks
NDC could resonate the demands of state commission
governments as long as the planning
commission is kept subservient to it?
Critically examine

The objectives, approaches and NITI Aayog 2015 3(a)- 20 marks

organisational arrangements for decision (Machinery of
making of the NITI Aayog aim at restoring planning)
the federal character of the Indian polity.
Explain

Planning in India has failed to meet the Machinery of 2016 3(c) - 10 marks
challenges of economic development and Planning
social change. Discuss the statement in
the context of the emergence of NITI
Aayog.

The market reforms have not infringed the Decentralised 2017 2(a) - 20 marks
basic structure of the constitution of India, planning for
but have largely compromised the economic
realisation of the ideals of social and development
economic justice. Comment and social
justice

It is argued that the NITI Aayog has broken NITI Aayog 2018 2(b) - 20 marks
the edifice of planning into fragments. (Machinery of
Comment planning)

In the transition from the state led Indicative 2018 4(c) - 10 marks
economy to the market economy, India Planning
should rely more on indicative planning.
Do you agree? Explain your position.
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

NITI ayog has changed the way India Machinery of 2019 8(a)- 20 marks
strategised for economic development, Planning - NITI
but its effectiveness is yet to be seen, aayog
especially when its financial powers are far
less than its predecessor. Analyse

Considering India’s Diversity , the planning Indicative 2020 1(d)- 10 marks

pattern of one size fits all was discarded in Planning
favour of indicative planning. To what
extent has it been useful to India?

NITI Aayog has been constituted to Machinery of 2021 5(b)- 10 marks

implement the goal of cooperative Planning - NITI
federalism. Discuss aayog

Indicative planning is a middle path of Indicative 2022 2(c) - 10 marks

planning and market mechanism to ensure Planning
coordination between public and private
activities. Explain

NITI Aayog has become super cabinet in Machinery of 2022 3(b) - 20 marks
formulating the development agenda of Planning - NITI
our country. Examine the statement by aayog
giving suitable examples.

State The centre-state relations have acquired Union-state 2014 1(e) - 10 marks
government new dimensions in recent times due to administrative,
and several political parties being in power at legislative and
administration the centre and the states. (ARC). Do you financial
agree? Give reasons to support your relations
arguments.

The gubernatorial position of the Governor Governor 2014 3(b) - 20 marks

is comfortably placed in the fuzzy area
between Withdrawal of pleasure of the
President and compelling reasons for
removal. Discuss with some recent
examples.

Briefly discuss the main Union-state 2015 2(b) - 20 marks

recommendations of the Punchhi administrative,
commission on centre-state relations for legislative and
transforming Indian Federal system. financial
relations

In very recent time , the role of the state Governor 2015 4(b)- 20 marks
Governor is found to be more of
diplomatic than administrative nature.
Comment on the statement with
suitable examples.

Comment on recent changes in the Finance 2015 4(c) - 10 marks

approach and methodology of devolution Commission
of responsibilities and transfer of funds
from the union to the states.
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Examine the efficacy of the measures Union-state 2016 1(e) - 10 marks

taken to redefine and execute cooperative administrative,
federalism in India. legislative and
financial
relations

Introduction of GST no doubt has Union-state 2016 3(b) - 20 marks

economic benefits but tends to administrative,
compromise the states’ inherent right to legislative and
impose taxes. In this context, Comment financial
on the changing nature of Union-State relations
financial relations.

Legislatures have become a place for State legislature 2016 4(c) - 10 marks
infighting rather than for proper policy
making. Comment in the context of the
working of state governments.

The objectives of fiscal devolution to local Role of finance 2016 7(b)- 20 marks
bodies as mandated by the 73rd and 74th commission
CA has been derailed by the actual
working of the State Finance Commissions
. Comment

The position of the CoM in a state is CoM 2017 3(a)- 20 marks

reduced to that of a body of secretaries in
the presence of a domineering CM.
Critically analyse with examples.

The chief secretary is often termed as the Chief secretary 2017 4(b)- 20 marks
alter ego of the CM. Discuss with
examples the dynamics of their
relationships in state administration.

Implementation of GST has led to a Union-state 2017 6(b)-20 marks

paradigm shift in the Centre-state administrative,
relations, both financially and politically. legislative and
Analyse with examples financial
relations

Critically examine the criteria adopted by Role of finance 2018 3(a)- 20 marks
the 15th FC for allocation of resources to commission
states. What have been the major issues
of contention since the 10th Finance
Commission.

In the coalition era with elusive majority of Governor 2018 3(b) - 20 marks
a single party in the state legislature , the
role of the Governor becomes even more
challenging. Discuss

Various commissions have reiterated the Governor 2019 1(e)- 10 marks

crucial role of the Governor in Indian
system of governance, but the successive
governments have not heeded to make
the Governor’s office apolitical. Examine
with examples.
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Article 356 acts very much like the Union-state 2019 2(a) - 20 marks
proverbial bolt from the blue … without administrative,
giving an opportunity or notice to the state legislative and
government to correct its alleged financial
shortcomings. The phenomenon not only relations
undermines the autonomy of the state
government, but also demeans the status
of the President of India. Critically
analyze

Efforts to strengthen State Finance Role of finance 2019 7(b)- 20 marks

Commissions have faced apathy of state commission
governments over the years, which has
also affected the successive Central
finance commissions in recommending
appropriate fiscal transfers to local bodies.
Substantiate the answer with examples

Performance grants devolved by Finance Role of finance 2019 8(c) - 10 marks

commission of India have increased the commission
financial accountability of the local bodies.
Elaborate

Even if all the states combine together, Union-state 2020 1(e) - 10 marks
they cannot have their way in the decision administrative,
making in the GST council , unless the legislative and
union agrees to it. Analyse this in the financial
perspective of federalism in India. relations

The speaker of the state assembly has State legislature 2020 4(b)- 20 marks
assumed a significant role in formations
and dissolutions of governments.Examine
under the circumstances of coalition
governments with examples.

The role of governor is of a sagacious Governor 2021 2(c) - 10 marks

counsellor , mediator and arbitrator rather
than that of an active politician. In this
context, examine the role of the Governor
in state politics in India.

As a constitutionally mandated body the Role of finance 2021 4(a)- 20 marks

FC stands at the centre of fiscal commission
federalism. Evaluate the role of FC in
ensuring just and equitable resource
sharing among the states and the union.

The chief secretary is the chief Chief secretary 2022 1(e) - 10 marks
communication link between the state and
central government. Explain

The Indian federal structure is largely Union-state 2022 2(a) - 20 marks

symmetric albeit with some asymmetric administrative,
features. Examine the status of states legislative and
and UTs through the principle of weighted financial
and differentiated equality in India. relations
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Analyse the specific areas of Union-state 2022 4(b)- 20 marks

controversies with regard to union-state administrative,
financial relations, particularly in the legislative and
context of one nation-one tax policy. financial
relations

Examine the role of central government in Union-state 2022 4(c) - 10 marks

adjudication of disputes relating to water administrative,
of interstate rivers. legislative and
financial
relations

The recommendations of National Finance Role of finance 2022 6(a)- 20 marks

commissions are more norms based than commission
the need based. In the light of this
statement analyse the terms of references
of 15th National Finance Commission.

District District collector is a legacy of the British Changing role of 2014 2(c)- 10 marks
Administration Raj and has largely remained insulted from the collector
since the demands of contemporary
Independence professionalism. Discuss

District collector’s role in the development Changing role of 2015 1(b) - 10 marks
process has been overemphasised. the collector
Comment

Why has district planning been District 2015 1(c) - 10 marks

marginalised in many states and remained administration
prominent in a few states? Explain and democratic
decentralization

The separation between regulatory and Changing role of 2016 4(b)- 20 marks
development functions in many states has the collector
not only weakened the District Collector
but also development administration.
Critically examine the need to relook at
this policy.

Digitalisation of land records is a District 2017 3(c)- 10 marks

necessary but not sufficient precondition administration
for ensuring transparent district and democratic
administration. Explain decentralization

District planning committee has been the District 2017 4(c) - 10 marks
weakest structure in the local self administration
government mechanism in India. Analyse and democratic
with examples. decentralization

Development management advocates self Imperatives of 2018 3(c) - 10 marks

sustaining customer friendly institutions at development
the district level. Comment management

Climate change issues pose new District 2018 4(a)- 20 marks

challenges for district administration to be administration
proactive. Elaborate and democratic
decentralization
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

It is observed that non functioning of District 2019 4(b)- 20 marks

District Planning committees is preventing administration
the convergence of rural and urban and democratic
planning needs. Do you agree? Justify decentralization

The office of the District collector has Changing role of 2019 6(a)- 20 marks
merely become a bureau for funnelling the collector
government schemes , collecting statistics
and an officer on attendance for unending
VIP duties.Critically examine its role in
the light of the recommendations of the
2nd ARC.

District administration is the most District 2020 2(a) - 20 marks

important unit in governance. Most of the administration
central and state government schemes and democratic
and programmes are directed towards the decentralization
district administration. In the context,
discuss the challenges and problems
posed to the district administration.

At the district level, police functions under Changing role of 2020 4(c) - 10 marks
the overall supervision and control of the the collector +
district magistrate. Comment law and order
administration

District collector is the most important Changing role of 2021 2(b) - 20 marks
functionary in district administration in the collector
India. In light of the above statement ,
discuss the multidimensional
responsibilities of district collector in
effecting coordinated developmental
administration in India.

The office of the district collector Changing role of 2022 1(b) - 10 marks
admirably survived the changing times the collector
from colonialism to the present times.
Comment

Despite the constitutional status, the District 2022 3(c) - 10 marks

District planning committees remained a administration
non entity in preparation and and democratic
implementation of plans. Discuss decentralization

Civil Services Elaborate the features of the grievance Grievance 2014 7(a)- 10 marks
redressal mechanism of the civil services redressal
in India. Does this mechanism satisfy the mechanism
objectives of its creation.?

Discuss the need for civil service Civil service 2014 8(a)- 20 marks
neutrality in development administration. neutrality
Suggest measures for achieving and
strengthening it in practice.

SC ruling of 31st oct 2013 in respect of civil services 2014 8(b)- 20 marks
bureaucracy’s functioning would help
achieve good governance. Analyse this
ruling and add your comments to it.
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Most civil servants in India are competent civil service 2015 5(c)- 10 marks
administrators but they pay little attention activism
to encourage people’s participation in
decision making. Comment on the
statement.

Discuss the major highlights of the Code of conduct 2015 7(c)- 10 marks
reforms introduced from time to time in and discipline
central civil services conduct rules and
add your own comments.

Autonomy granted to higher civil servants Structure , 2016 5(a)-10 marks

tends to increase their creativity and training and
productivity. Argue the case to make the capacity
civil service more accountable as well as building
innovative.

The idea of lateral entry into the civil Structure , 2017 2(b) - 20 marks
services would energise Indian training and
administration. What are the possible capacity
advantages and limitations? building

PRAGATI is an innovative project of the Good 2017 2(c) - 10 marks

Union government. Discuss its features governance
and modalities. initiatives

Civil servants should avoid airing Grievance 2017 5(c)- 10 marks

grievances in the media. In this context, redressal
discuss the grievance redressal mechanism
mechanism available to the civil servants
in India.

Do you think that Public service guarantee Good 2017 5(d)- 10 marks
Acts passed by various state governments governance
are an extension of the Citizen charters? initiatives
Give reasons

The PM’s awards for excellence in Public Good 2017 6(a)- 20 marks
administration encourage good governance
governance initiatives. Discuss some initiatives
such initiatives by the civil servants in this
context.

It is apprehended that lateral entry will Structure , 2018 1(d)- 10 marks

lead to politicisation of bureaucracy. Do training and
you agree? Justify. capacity
building

The enablers and facilitators are yet to Structure , 2018 5(a)-10 marks
replace the inspectors and controllers in training and
the civil service in India. Do you agree? capacity
Justify building

Competency mapping is important for Structure, 2018 6(a)- 20 marks

effective allocation of responsibilities to recruitment ,
administrators. Do you think that a training and
generalist administrator can handle all capacity
issues as effectively as a specialist? building
Discuss
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Performance management requires Structure, 2018 6(c)- 10 marks

identification of indicators and measures recruitment ,
to ensure that goals are achieved training and
efficiently. Discuss capacity
building

Emerging developmental aspirations of the political rights + 2019 2(c)- 10 marks

society necessitate the constitutional Code of conduct
amendment to change the present and discipline
safeguards available to the civil servants.
Evaluate the pros and cons of such
amendment

Capacity issues relating to employees Structure , 2019 2(c)- 10 marks

have hampered the implementation of training and
several government programmes. Trace capacity
the reasons in the context of the building
provisions of the National Training Policy,
2012

Effective performance management Structure, 2019 5(d)- 10 marks

system needs to precede taking recruitment ,
deadwood out from bureaucracy. training and
Comment capacity
building

Sevottam scheme had great potential to Good 2019 6(c)- 10 marks

reform service delivery, but opportunity is governance
frittered away.Comment initiatives

Political neutrality of civil servants has Civil service 2020 5(a)-10 marks
been regarded as one of the cardinal neutrality
principles in democratic governments. Is
its sanctity being maintained in practice in
India. Discuss

Immediate post retirement appointments Civil service 2020 6(c)- 10 marks

of high officers of government have neutrality
become a new trend. Discuss its pros and
cons

Civil servants are trained to follow rules Structure, 2020 7(c)- 10 marks
and procedures so much that they recruitment ,
become bureaucracy. Do you agree ? training and
Justify capacity
building

Recruitment is the cornerstone of the Structure, 2021 3(a)- 20 marks

whole public personnel structure and it recruitment ,
revolves around the problem of attracting training and
the best. Discuss the essential elements capacity
of a good recruitment system. building

Well planned and goal oriented training Structure, 2021 5(e)- 10 marks
programmes are the backbone of the civil recruitment ,
service system in India. Examine the training and
statement capacity
building
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Do you agree with the view that the civil Civil service 2021 8(c) - 10 marks
service in India is losing its neutral and neutrality
anonymous character? Argue your case

Examine the lateral entry recruitment in Structure, 2022 5(a)-10 marks

government in the context of part XIV of recruitment ,
the Indian constitution. training and
capacity
building

Following the onset of globalisation , the 2022 5(d)- 10 marks

traditional bureaucratic model appears to
have lost its significance. Comment

The objective of Mission Karmayogi is to Structure, 2022 6(b)-20 marks

enhance capacity building of Indian civil recruitment ,
servants and improve governance. training and
Discuss capacity
building

Financial Discuss the changes in the powers of Role of CGA and 2014 5(a)-10 marks
management CAG following a recent SC judgement in a CAG
case concerning a private service provider.

Parliamentary committees bring about Parliamentary 2014 5(b)- 10 marks

accountability in public expenditure. control of public
Discuss expenditure

Social auditing of flagship programmes of Audit 2014 6(b)-20 marks

the central govt facilitates the performance
of the CAG. Elaborate the statement with
appropriate examples

Explain how budget can be used as a Budget as a 2015 5(b)- 10 marks

political instrument. political
instrument

Justify the budgetary support to Parliamentary 2016 5(b)- 10 marks

nationalised banks to overcome the crisis control of public
resulting out of NPA. expenditure

What merits do you foresee in the Budget as a 2016 6(c)- 10 marks

proposed merger of the railway budget political
with the general budget? instrument

The office of the CGA is expected to Role of CGA and 2017 5(e)- 10 marks
strengthen public financial management in CAG
India. Discuss its mandate

Financial inclusion needs legal backing but Role of finance 2018 5(b)- 10 marks
it also requires increasing awareness for it ministry in
to become reality. Discuss monetary and
fiscal area

Gender budgeting requires rethinking Budget as a 2018 5(c)- 10 marks

beyond allocations to become a powerful political
tool of gender mainstreaming, Discuss instrument
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Social audit has lent a critical edge to the Audit 2018 5(d)- 10 marks
implementation of programmes such as
MGNREGA. Comment

No question from this chapter in 2019

Budget is an indicator of financial health of Budget as a 2020 5(b)- 10 marks

a polity which is reflected in the statement political
of income and expenditure. Discuss instrument

The office of CAG stands on the pillar of Role of CGA and 2020 6(a)- 20 marks
autonomy. Discuss the major lacunae in CAG
the functioning of this constitutional body
and suggest measures for its
strengthening.

Budget proposals in the parliament / state Budget as a 2021 6(a)- 20 marks

legislatures fail to ensure their effective political
scrutiny. Identify the factors which instrument
constrain effective scrutiny of the budget
proposals.

CAG is today a primary cause of Role of CGA and 2022 7(b)- 20 marks
widespread and paralysing unwillingness CAG
on the part of government institutions to
decide and act . Discuss

Administrative Unimplemented reforms in administration Problems of 2014 7(c)- 10 marks

reforms since weaken the administrative reforms Implementation
independence process most. Do you agree? Give your
answer citing specific cases as
illustrations.

The 13th FC highlighted an indispensable Reforms in 2014 7(b)- 20 marks

need ti improve finances of rural and urban financial
level bodies. Does this make local bodies management
more accountable in the discharge of their and human
functions.? resource
development

Excellent ideas but poor implementation Problems of 2015 6(a)- 20 marks

have characterised the administrative Implementation
reforms in India since independence.
Critically examine the statement giving
examples from the union and state
governments.

What are the major concerns of the ARC Problems of 2015 6(c)- 10 marks
2nd on civil service reforms ? Indicate the Implementation
current status of their implementation. + Important
committees and
commissions

Do you agree that the 7th pay Important 2016 8(a)- 20 marks
commission’s recommendations do not committees and
reflect and correlate the need for civil commissions
service reforms and accountability with
pay increase? Justify your answer.
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The 2nd ARC makes a strong case for the Important 2017 8(c) - 10 marks
principle of subsidiarity. Elaborate committees and
commissions

The recommendations of various Important 2018 6(b)-20 marks

commissions on administrative reforms committees and
have not made a radical departure from commissions
the Appleby Report. Do you agree? Five
reasons

Considerable attention has been paid to Major concerns 2019 4(a)- 20 marks
the structuring of the administrative
systems at the central and local levels ,
but very few reforms have been
undertaken at the state level. What steps
would you suggest to rectify it?

Implementation of administrative reforms Problems of 2020 6(b)-20 marks

is humongous and arduous. What lacks Implementation
the push to realise the changes?

Traditionally structured administrative Reforms in 2021 3(b) - 20 marks

systems have outlived their utility. Discuss financial
how administrative reforms can revamp , management
restructure and redesign the existing and human
governmental structure to meet the new resource
challenges faced by Indian administrative development +
setup. Major concerns

The institutional legacy of well entrenched Problems of 2021 8(b)- 20 marks

state affected the post reforms promises Implementation
in India. Explain the statement in the light
of economic reforms in India.

No question from this chapter in 2022

Rural Do you think that the role of Panchayati Decentralisation 2014 5(c)- 10 marks
development Raj should go beyond development and panchayati
administration? Give reasons for your raj
answer.

Do you think that the functioning of PRIs Decentralisation 2015 5(d)- 10 marks
in practice , reflects genuine devolution of and panchayati
powers and resources ? Give reasons for raj
your answer

The goals of good governance will remain 73rd and 74th 2016 6(a)- 20 marks
utopian if local governments responsible CA
for providing all basic services directly to
the citizens are not empowered as
mandated by 73rd and 74th CA Acts.
Critically evaluate the status of
empowerment the local bodies.

Effectiveness of local self government Institutions and 2017 1(c) - 10 marks

institutions is hampered due to the lack of agencies since
capacity building of the elected independence
representatives. Elaborate
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The institution of Gram Sabha has very Institutions and 2017 5(a)-10 marks
little connection with the Gandhi spirit of agencies since
direct democracy. Critically examine independence

Rural development programmes have Rural 2018 7(a)- 20 marks

failed to effectively address the problems development
of small and marginal farmers. Analyse programmes:
and give suggestions. foci and
strategies

The evidence suggest that the dream of Decentralisation 2019 5(a)-10 marks
deliberative democracy could not be and panchayati
realised in practice at the grassroots level. raj
Evaluate the impediments in the
functioning of Gram Sabha

All weather rural connectivity scheme to Rural 2019 5(e)- 10 marks

even unconnected rural habitations has development
the potential to transform the rural programmes:
economy. Do you agree? Justify foci and
strategies

Panchayati raj Institutions are still plagued Decentralisation 2020 5(c)- 10 marks
by state control and domination of and panchayati
bureaucracy. Argue your case raj

Despite the constitutional provisions for Decentralisation 2020 8(b)- 20 marks

representation , the voice of weaker and panchayati
sections is not having the desired impact raj
in the realms of PRIs. Critically examine

No rural development strategy can Institutions and 2021 5(a)-10 marks

succeed unless it is complemented by agencies since
appropriate PRIs. Examine the statement independence

73rd and 74th CA acts aimed at making 73rd and 74th 2021 6(b)-20 marks
the third tier of government more powerful CA +
and effective for democratic decentralisation
decentralisation. Critically examine the
extent to which this goal has been
transformed into reality.

Rural development programmes are Rural 2021 7(b)- 20 marks

designed to facilitate multifaceted growth development
of rural poor. Evaluate the role of some programmes:
key rural development programmes in foci and
India in this context. strategies

The main objective of PESA, 1996 is to Decentralisation 2022 8(a)- 20 marks

enable tribal society to assume control and panchayati
over their livelihoods and traditional rights. raj
Critically examine

Urban Local Explain the notion of 100 smart cities and Development 2014 6(c)- 10 marks
Government its likely impact on India’s urbanisation. dynamics
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

How do the Union govt policies on smart Politics and 2015 7(a)- 20 marks
and AMRUT cities address the problems administration
of management of urban development? with special
Explain reference to city
management

Municipal governance in India is not Municipal 2015 8(a)- 20 marks

sufficiently prepared to meet the governance +
challenges of frequent natural disasters. Disaster
Elucidate the statement and add your Management
own suggestions.

The concept of new localism is related to New Localism 2016 5(e)- 10 marks
the emerging nature of the relationship
between the state govt and local govt
bodies. Explain

No question from this chapter in 2017

A government next door is the government New Localism 2018 1(a) - 10 marks
that matters most for the people. Discuss
the statement with special reference to the
values of local govt.

In the Network era the TRAI has the Development 2018 7(b)- 20 marks
challenging task of protecting the Net dynamics
neutrality from digital aggression.
Comment

Neighbourhood management provides an Development 2018 7(c)- 10 marks

appropriate glocal strategy of dealing with dynamics
social exclusion in the urban development
scenario. Comment

The disempowerment and depoliticisation Municipal 2018 8(c) - 10 marks

of urban local government has happened governance :
in multiple ways. Comment main features,
structures,
finance and
problem areas

The concept of new localism arrangement New Localism 2019 5(c)- 10 marks
may defeat the very purpose of local self
governance. Do you agree? Justify

Urban local governance is perpetually Municipal 2020 5(d)- 10 marks

afflicted with lack of financial autonomy governance :
and starvation of funds. Elaborate main features,
structures,
finance and
problem areas

Ward committees in urban local Municipal 2020 7(a)- 20 marks

governance have remained mere paper governance :
tigers. The ideals of realising effective main features,
people’s participation in collaboration with structures,
local functionaries is still in the pipeline. finance and
Evaluate the gap in theory and practice. problem areas
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The union government develops and New Localism 2021 1(e) - 10 marks
practices strategies to administer
increasing number of existing local
government services by sidelining local
initiatives and discretion. Examine

The financial suitability of the Urban local Municipal 2022 5(e)- 10 marks
bodies can become a reality only when governance :
they receive their due share of public main features,
finances. Explain structures,
finance and
problem areas

Do you think that new localism relegate New Localism 2022 7(c)- 10 marks
the spirit of 74th CA, 1992?

Law and order Police-public relations are a story of Police-public 2014 5(d)- 10 marks
administration insincere efforts made on both sides. relations
Elaborate

Do you think that the central para-military Role of central 2014 8(c) - 10 marks
police forces have proven more effective and state
than the state police service? Give your agencies
answer objectively in a critical vein. including
paramilitary
forces in
maintenance of
law and order
and countering
insurgency and
terrorism

Discuss the significance and role of the Role of central 2015 7(b)- 20 marks
central paramilitary forces in maintaining and state
law and order and countering insurgency agencies
as well as terrorism. including
paramilitary
forces in
maintenance of
law and order
and countering
insurgency and
terrorism

Discuss critically the salient features of Role of central 2015 8(b)- 20 marks
the NIA regarding its purposes and agencies …
jurisdiction.

Is training of police in India still a refection British legacy 2016 5(d)- 10 marks
of the colonial mindset? Give reasons for
your answer.

Police reforms in India have remained a Reforms in 2016 8(c) - 10 marks

contentious issue. Critically analyse police
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

In view of the contemporary internal British legacy 2017 7(b)- 20 marks

scenario should law and order be made a
part of the concurrent list of the
constitution of India ? Justify your
opinion

The image of Indian Police can be Police-public 2017 4(c) - 10 marks

improved if its structure orientations are relations
transformed radically. Do you agree?
Elaborate

The AFSPA debate reveals that the Indian Role of central 2018 5(e)- 10 marks
paramilitary forces are caught between the and state
imperatives of national security and agencies
protection of human rights. Discuss including
paramilitary
forces in
maintenance of
law and order
and countering
insurgency and
terrorism

Even though the law and order Role of central 2019 8(b)- 20 marks
administration is a state subject , it is and state
paradoxical that central agencies NIA or agencies
paramilitary forces under Union including
government have restricted the powers of paramilitary
state governments. Discuss forces in
maintenance of
law and order
and countering
insurgency and
terrorism

The police public interface is punctuated Police-public 2019 4(c) - 10 marks

with distrust and fear. Suggest how the relations
police can reform its image in the eyes of
the public.

There has been a long standing demand Reforms in 2020 5(e)- 10 marks
for separation of police investigation from police
prosecution. Analyse its merits and
demerits

Police needs to be made accountable and Criminalisation 2020 7(b)- 20 marks

freed from the grip of politics. It is a big of politics and
challenge not only for law and order but administration +
also for the development of the country. reforms in police
Critically Examine

The increasing criminalisation of politics is Criminalisation 2021 4(c) - 10 marks

a major threat to the basic fabric of Indian of politics and
democracy. Comment administration

Police-Public relations in India need to be Police-public 2021 7(c)- 10 marks

improved. Suggest measures to relations
strengthen relations between police and
public .
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

The effectiveness of law and order Police-public 2022 8(b)- 20 marks

administration depends on cooperative relations
attitudes of people towards police, than
bringing reforms in the structure and
procedures of law and order machinery.
Do you agree ? Give reasons

Significant From coalition government to one party Problems of 2014 5(e)- 10 marks
issues in Indian dominance is a big change that is bound administration in
Administration to affect the governmental system. coalition regimes
Explain why and how.

Assess the role of honest and upright civil Values in public 2014 6(a)- 20 marks
servants in regulatory and development service
administration in India. Give examples to
substantiate your arguments.

ICT improves the quality of public service Corruption and 2015 5(e)- 10 marks
delivery , but fails to check bribery. administration
Comment

Do you agree that there has been a Citizen 2015 6(b)-20 marks
serious governance-deficit in development administration
administration in India? Give reasons for interface
your answer and add your suggestions.

The growing prominence of NGOs in Citizen 2016 1(e)- 10 marks

development areas is strongly related to administration
the declining legitimacy of the state. interface
Explain

NGT is viewed by many critics as a Regulatory 2016 5(c)- 10 marks

hinderance to economic development. commissions /
Evaluate the statement and give Disaster
arguments in support of your answer. management

Explain how the National disaster Disaster 2016 6(b)-20 marks

management plan provides a framework management
and direction to the government agencies
for all phases of disaster management
cycle.

The RTI is a path breaking legislation Citizen 2016 7(a)- 20 marks

which signals the march from darkness of administration
secrecy to dawn of transparency. What interface
hurdles do the citizens face in obtaining
information from the govt? Explain how
the reluctance of the govt to part with
information under RTI can be addressed.

The initiative of the income tax department Corruption and 2016 7(c)- 10 marks
on disclosure of black money has had a administration
mixed response. Give suggestions for
tackling this complex problem,
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

In a democratic polity, any conception of Values in public 2016 8(b)- 20 marks

ethics and integrity in public life must service
encompass not only politicians and civil
servants but also citizens. Discuss

RTI has started its journey but is far from Citizen 2017 6(c)- 10 marks
its destination. Comment administration
interface

Disaster preparedness and management Disaster 2017 7(a)- 20 marks

has become an important component of management
district administration in India . Discuss
with suitable illustrations

Discuss , with suitable examples , the Regulatory 2017 8(a)- 20 marks

emerging challenges faced by the commissions
Regulatory commissions as the arbitrating
agents between the state and market
forces.

The policy of non action regarding the Corruption and 2017 8(b)- 20 marks
institutional mechanisms and legal administration
provisions to eradicate corruption is a
feature of Indian administration. Critically
examine

Autonomy of civil society is crucial for Citizen 2018 2(c) - 10 marks

responsive and effective administration. administration
Examine the statement interface

Effective public grievance redressal Citizen 2018 8(a)- 20 marks

requires administrative commitment. But administration
process reengineering can help prevent interface
some grievances. Discuss

The RTI has started its journey but is far Citizen 2019 5(b)- 10 marks
from its destination . In view of the administration
statement, examine the present status of interface
RTI movement.

Minimal accountability being the dominant Corruption and 2019 6(b)-20 marks
norm in the political system , the lokpal administration
can only be an ideal institution with limited
effectiveness. Explain

The National policy on disaster Disaster 2019 7(a)- 20 marks

management envisages a paradigm shift management
from the hitherto reactive post disaster
relief centric regime to more pro active and
enabling environment. Examine the
responses of state goats in this regard.

Accountability of regulatory bodies would Regulatory 2019 7(c)- 10 marks

address the problem of over regulation commissions
and help make them truly facilitators.
Analyse the present status of regulators
and suggest measures to induce
accountability in the mechanism.
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

To strengthen the election commission of Regulatory 2020 3(c) - 10 marks

India and its commissioners is need of the commissions
hour. Suggest measures to make it more
independent and impartial.

Examine the National health policy in the Disaster 2020 4(a)- 20 marks
context of the current pandemic situation. management
Identify problems and suggest measures.

There are adequate legal mechanisms to Corruption and 2020 8(a)- 20 marks
address corruption and malpractices in administration
administration, but they have failed to curb
the menace to any noticeable degree. In
the light of this statement , discuss the
efficacy of the institution of Lokayukta in
Indian states.

Ideally citizen-administration interface is Citizen 2020 8(c) - 10 marks

supposed to be based on trustworthiness administration
and purposefulness , in reality it is interface
observed to be plagued by suspicion,
conflicts , stresses and strains. Do you
agree? Elaborate

Red Tapism is the major obstacle to the Citizen 2021 1(c) - 10 marks
implementation of good governance. administration
Comment interface

Recent market approaches to public Values in public 2021 4(b)- 20 marks

services present serious challenges to service
traditional and state sponsored public
service values. Evaluate the statement in
the context of Indian administration.

Responsibility and accountability are the Values in public 2021 5(c)- 10 marks
two major goals of good governance. service
Discuss the statement in context of
Indian administration.

NHRC is handicapped by its jurisdictional NHRC 2021 6(c)- 10 marks

limitations of not being able to investigate
the cases of violation of human rights by
armed forces. Discuss

In past two decades India’s public policy Disaster 2021 8(a)- 20 marks
on Disaster management has shifted its management
focus from rescue , relief and rehabilitation
efforts to holistic management of disaster.
Analyse

The atmanirbhar Bharat abhiyan is a Disaster 2022 2(b) - 20 marks

progressive policy. Analyse management( in
context of
Covid)

Examine the role of SEBI in protecting the Regulatory 2022 5(b)- 10 marks
interests of the investors in securities. commissions
Chapter Questions Sub topic Year Question no.
and Marks

Citizen charters in India have not Citizen 2022 5(c)- 10 marks

succeeded in their objectives in making administration
administrative system citizen centric. Do interface
you agree? Give reasons

In India, for the upliftment of majority of Values in public 2022 7(a)- 20 marks
people, governmental intervention remains service
a central fact of life. Nevertheless , the
effective implementation of policies
depends on the ethical values of public
servants. Discuss

Examine the role of Lokpal in ensuring Corruption and 2022 8(c) - 10 marks
transparency and accountability in Indian administration
administration.

—- concluded —-