Public Administration Optional

About the course

Public Administration is one of the most popular optionals because it overlaps with GS II and the Essay, and it rewards clear, structured answers. The optional carries 500 marks — over a quarter of the Mains written total.

Who should join

• Aspirants choosing Public Administration as their optional
• Candidates with a humanities, commerce or engineering background
• Repeaters who want to raise their optional score

Scholarships

Exam pattern

Optional subject in Mains

Paper	Marks	Duration
Optional Paper 1	250	3 hours
Optional Paper 2	250	3 hours

Syllabus covered

Paper 1 – Administrative theory

• Introduction and evolution of public administration
• Administrative thought
• Administrative behaviour
• Organisations
• Accountability and control
• Administrative law
• Comparative and development administration
• Personnel and financial administration
• Public policy and techniques of administrative improvement

Paper 2 – Indian administration

• Evolution of Indian administration
• Philosophical and constitutional framework
• Union, state and district administration
• Public sector undertakings
• Civil services
• Financial management
• Administrative reforms since independence
• Rural development and urban local government
• Law and order and significant issues

How you will be taught

• Classes by experienced faculty with notes for every unit.
• Weekly answer writing on previous-year themes.
• Optional test series with evaluation.