UPSC Public Administration Optional Syllabus 2025: Digital Explorer

Understanding Public Administration as an Optional

Public Administration, a prominent choice among the 48 optional subjects for the UPSC Civil Services Mains Exam, carries substantial weight. It comprises two papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2), each for 250 marks, contributing 500 marks to your Mains total of 1750. Excelling in this optional can significantly bolster your prospects for the personality test.

Key Advantages

Generally straightforward and comprehensible.
Abundant availability of study resources.
Considerable overlap with General Studies papers.
Aids in UPSC interview preparation and essay writing.
Offers crucial insights into governmental functions.

Points to Consider

The syllabus can be quite extensive in scope.
High competition due to its popularity.
Requires adeptness in linking theory with current events.

The UPSC Public Administration syllabus equips you with a fundamental understanding of governmental operations, an indispensable asset for aspiring administrators.

Paper 1: Administrative Theory (250 Marks)

1. Introduction

2. Administrative Thought

3. Administrative Behaviour

4. Organisations

5. Accountability and Control

6. Administrative Law

7. Comparative Public Administration

8. Development Dynamics

9. Personnel Administration

10. Public Policy

11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement

12. Financial Administration

Paper 2: Indian Administration (250 Marks)

1. Evolution of Indian Administration

2. Philosophical and Constitutional Framework of Government

3. Public Sector Undertakings

4. Union Government and Administration

5. Plans and Priorities

6. State Government and Administration

7. District Administration since Independence

8. Civil Services

9. Financial Management

10. Administrative Reforms since Independence

11. Rural Development

12. Urban Local Government

13. Law and Order Administration

14. Significant issues in Indian Administration