UPSC Mains 2026 Public Administration Paper II

Section A

1. 1

   Answer the following in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 1(a)

      Learnings from Arthasastra could make governance effective even today. Explore the potential.

      10marks
   2. 1(b)

      The reforms in public sector enterprises is not only enduring but also evolving. Explain.

      10marks
   3. 1(c)

      The present model of strategic planning has roots in indicative planning. Comment.

      10marks
   4. 1(d)

      Linkages between the district administration and local self governments have not evolved to the desired extent. Evaluate.

      10marks
   5. 1(e)

      Constitutionalism in India paves the way for rule of law and social justice. Elaborate.

      10marks
2. 2

   Question 2

   50marks
   1. 2(a)

      An important characteristic of the British Civil Service was its open refusal to be influenced by commercial and industrial interests of India in the name of neutrality. Explain.

      20marks
   2. 2(b)

      The political culture in India shapes bureaucratic behaviour, professional integrity and civil service conduct. Explain with suitable examples.

      20marks
   3. 2(c)

      Under the Indian Constitution fundamental rights are usually enforced only vertically, whereas Vishaka case represents the horizontal application. Comment.

      10marks
3. 3

   Question 3

   50marks
   1. 3(a)

      Planning Commission planned for economic development and social justice, but NITI Aayog has been structured to realise growth potential across the sectors. Discuss.

      20marks
   2. 3(b)

      Government of India has done Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Boards. Discuss the rationale in the light of Disinvestment Policy of the government.

      20marks
   3. 3(c)

      Competitive federalism in India while intended to have healthy competition among states has shown tendencies towards parochialism. Comment.

      10marks
4. 4

   Question 4

   50marks
   1. 4(a)

      Doctrine of Pith and Substance, and the Doctrine of severability in the legislative relations between the Indian Union and states are supplementary in nature but distinct in application. Discuss.

      20marks
   2. 4(b)

      District administration in India is characterised by the dichotomy between law and order maintenance and development management, even though both functions are interdependent and mutually reinforcing. Explain.

      20marks
   3. 4(c)

      Trace the reasons for growing incidences of disagreements between the Governors and state governments.

      10marks

Section B

1. 5

   Answer the following in about 150 words each:

   50marks
   1. 5(a)

      Lateral Entry in Government of India has not moved in the intended direction. Explain the reasons.

      10marks
   2. 5(b)

      Though seldom enacted, Cut Motions remain vital instruments of parliamentary accountability. Comment.

      10marks
   3. 5(c)

      Administrative reforms in India have been a double-edged sword. Comment.

      10marks
   4. 5(d)

      Ease of living index lays the foundation for data driven approach to urban planning. Analyse critically.

      10marks
   5. 5(e)

      Ethical and privacy issues limit the emerging use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by police to combat cyber crimes. Comment.

      10marks
2. 6

   Question 6

   50marks
   1. 6(a)

      Civil services is grappling with severe capacity issues and which is a major bottleneck in implementing ambitious programmes across sectors. Mission Karmayogi can only supplement but not solve the entire capacity constraint. Give your opinion.

      20marks
   2. 6(b)

      Public debt of states in India has increased significantly in the last one decade. In this context discuss the constraints of the states in planning prudent fiscal management.

      20marks
   3. 6(c)

      Community based Disaster Risk Management is a response to the gaps within the existing Disaster Risk Management strategy. Evaluate.

      10marks
3. 7

   Question 7

   50marks
   1. 7(a)

      Supreme Court of India in Prakash Singh case laid the foundation for effective police reforms in India, but the states have frittered the opportunity. Discuss.

      20marks
   2. 7(b)

      Disconnect between the rural development institutions and state level agencies have led to each operating in silos at both levels resulting in inefficiencies. Find the reasons.

      20marks
   3. 7(c)

      'Zero tolerance against Corruption', commitment of Government of India has multi-pronged approach. Critically analyse.

      10marks
4. 8

   Question 8

   50marks
   1. 8(a)

      Discuss the major management challenges faced by Indian Mega Cities and explore sustainable, inclusive urban development strategies for balanced future growth.

      20marks
   2. 8(b)

      Lack of political will to support several administrative reforms has led to their inadequate implementation. Critically validate.

      20marks
   3. 8(c)

      Women in panchayats challenge the established patriarchal norms and contest structural inequalities in society. Explain.

      10marks

Typed by UPSC Gurus from the official UPSC question paper. Spotted an error? Tell us on WhatsApp at 81220 02172.