UPSC Public Administration Syllabus 2024 - Detailed Syllabus & Exam Pattern Here

UPSC Public Administration Syllabus 2024 - Detailed Syllabus & Exam Pattern Here

Edited By Soujanya K | Updated on Feb 14, 2024 05:56 PM IST | #UPSC CSE

UPSC published the syllabus of IAS Public Administration 2024 for prelims and mains exams in online mode on their official website. Candidates can find the public administration optional syllabus in the Official Notification, downloadable in the form of a PDF on upsc.gov.in.

Candidates can go through the official UPSC Optional Public Administration papers to get a better idea of the exam pattern of the Public Administration 2024 exam and the types of questions asked. The UPSC Optional 2024 Public Administration syllabus must also be referred to so that candidates can familiarize themselves with the topics covered by the Public Administration Optional. IAS exam for mains will be conducted on September 20, 2024.

The official syllabus for the UPSC Public Administration 2024 exam prescribed by the UPSC is provided with the aim of helping candidates better prepare for the exam. The UPSC Public Administration Syllabus achieves this by giving candidates an idea of the type of questions to be expected, and the difficulty level of questions asked in the IAS exam. It also gives candidates an idea of the IAS 2024 exam pattern. Candidates can learn more about the public administration syllabus for UPSC by going through the material given below.

IAS Public Administration Syllabus 2024 For Prelims Exam

The UPSC IAS 2024 preliminary exam has two papers. In UPSC Paper 1, General Studies 1, questions are asked from every spectrum of life including topics such as general science, current affairs/ events, Indian and world geography, Indian polity, economy, Indian National Movement and more. In Paper 2, General Studies 2, questions are asked from topics like reasoning, English and Hindi language, and mental ability.

IAS Optional Public Administration Syllabus 2024 For Mains Exam

The IAS mains exam has nine subjects. These include general English, a language paper, an essay, four general studies papers & two optional papers. As per the UPSC IAS 2024 notification, the Mains exam is descriptive in nature. The UPSC Public Administration syllabus is released beforehand along with the syllabi of other subjects to enable candidates to prepare for the Public Administration Optional. Applicants can check the detailed UPSC IAS public administration syllabus 2024 for the IAS mains paper 1 and 2 exams below.

IAS Public Administration Paper 1 Syllabus

Chapters

Topics

Introduction

Meaning, scope & significance of Public Administration (PA), Evolution of PA & its present status, Public Choice approach, Wilson’s vision of PA, New Public Administration, New Public Management, Challenges of liberalization, Privatisation and globalisation, Good Governance;

Administrative Thought

Scientific Management & Scientific Management movement; Classical Theory, Dynamic Administration, Human Relations School, etc.

Administrative Behaviour

Communication, Motivation Theories, Process & techniques of decision-making, Morale and more

Organisations

Regulatory Authorities; Headquarters & Field relationships; Theories systems, contingency; Structure & forms; Public Private Partnerships

Accountability & Control

Concepts of accountability & control; Legislative, Executive & Judicial control over administration; Citizen & Administration; Role of media, and more

Administrative Law

Administrative Tribunals, Scope, Meaning, & significance; Delegated legislation; Dicey on Administrative law

Comparative Public Administration

Ecology & administration; Comparative Public Administration; Historical & sociological factors affecting administrative systems; Riggsian models, Administration & politics in different countries; etc.

Development Dynamics

Anti-development thesis; Bureaucracy & development; Concept of development; Changing profile of development administration; Strong state versus the market debate, etc.

Personnel Administration

Administrative ethics, Importance of human resource development; Recruitment, training, career advancement, discipline, performance appraisal, promotion and more

Public Policy

Processes of conceptualisation, Models of policy-making; planning, implementation, evaluation, review, limitations & more

Techniques of Administrative Improvement

Organisation & methods, Work study & management; e-governance & IT; Management aid tools like network analysis, etc.

Financial Administration

Monetary & fiscal policies, Budgets types & forms; Budgetary process; Financial accountability; Accounts & audit

IAS Public Administration syllabus for paper 2

Chapters

Topics

Evolution of Indian Administration

Legacy of British rule in administration, Kautilya Arthashastra, Mughal administration, etc.

Philosophical & Constitutional framework of Government

Constitutionalism, Political culture, Salient features & value premises, Bureaucracy, democracy & development, etc.

Public Sector Undertakings

Public Sector Undertakings, Problems of autonomy, accountability & control, Public sector in modern India, Impact of liberalization & privatization, etc.

Union Government & Administration

Intra-governmental relations, Cabinet Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Executive, Parliament, Judiciary - structure, functions & work processes, Ministries and departments, Commissions, Attached offices, etc.

Plans & Priorities

Indicative planning, Constitutional Amendments (1992), National Development Council, Machinery of planning, Process of plan formulation at Union and state levels, etc.

State Government & Administration

Chief Minister (CM), Council of Ministers, Chief Secretary, State Secretariat, Directorates, Union State administrative, legislative & financial relations, Role of the Finance Commission, Governor, etc.

District Administration since Independence

Imperatives of development management, Union State local relations, District administration, the Changing role of the Collector, Democratic decentralization, etc.

Civil Services

Good governance initiatives, Code of conduct & discipline, Constitutional position, Political rights, Grievance redressal mechanism, Staff associations, Structure, recruitment, training & capacity building, Civil service neutrality & activism, etc.

Administrative Reforms since Independence

Reforms in financial management, Human resource development, Major concerns, Problems of implementation, Important Committees and commissions, etc.

Significant Issues in Indian Administration

National Human Rights Commission, Citizen administration interface, Values in public service, Corruption & administration, Regulatory Commissions, Problems of administration in coalition regimes, Disaster management, etc.

Rural Development

Rural development programmes, Institutions & agencies since Independence, 73rd Constitutional amendment, Decentralization & Panchayati Raj, etc.

Urban Local Government

74th Constitutional Amendment, New localism, Development dynamics, Global-local debate, Municipal governance: structures, main features, finance & problem areas, Politics & administration with special reference to city management

Law & Order Administration

Role of Central and State Agencies, Investigative agencies, British legacy, Police-public relations, National Police Commission, Criminalisation of politics & administration, Reforms in Police and more

IAS CSE Exam Pattern 2024 - For Prelims & Mains Exam

The UPSC IAS exam pattern 2024 is also prescribed by the Union Public Service Commission. As per the official UPSC IAS 2024 notification, the IAS prelims exam is objective type in nature whereas the IAS mains exam is descriptive in nature. The IAS prelims exam holds 400 marks in total having two papers whereas the mains holds 2350. For more details on the IAS exam pattern 2024 check the tables below.

IAS prelims exam pattern

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General Studies 1

200

2 hrs

Paper 2

General Studies 2

200

2 hrs

IAS mains exam pattern

Papers

Subjects

Marks

Duration

Paper 1

General English

300

3 hrs

Paper 2

Language (regional language)

300

3 hrs

Paper 3

Essay

250

3 hrs

Paper 4

General Studies 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 5

General Studies 2

250

3 hrs

Paper 6

Optional subject 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 7

Optional subject 1

250

3 hrs

Paper 8

Optional subject 2

250

3 hrs

Paper 9

Optional subject 2

250

3 hrs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the UPSC IAS exam conducted online or offline?

Both IAS prelims and mains exams are conducted in offline mode.

2. When is the UPSC IAS 2024 application form released?

IAS application form 2024 was released on 14th February 2024. 

3. How many papers does the IAS mains exam have?

IAS mains exam has nine papers and all are descriptive in nature.

4. What is the minimum education qualification required to appear for the UPSC IAS exam?

The minimum education qualification required to be eligible for the IAS exam is graduation.

5. How can I cover public administration optional in UPSC?

You can prepare for the IAS Public Administration Optional by going through the UPSC Public Administration Syllabus and framing a proper study plan to consult so you can revise the topics regularly.

6. How many exams are in UPSC?

 The UPSC exam has 3 stages, the UPSC Prelims, the Mains and the interview round. 

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?

Steps to become an IAS officer


Graduation


You should have a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a known university

Arts: History, Geography, Political Science, Economics, Sociology

Science: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology

Commerce: Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies

Preparation for UPSC Civil Services Examination:


Study the Syllabus: Learn the syllabus for Preliminary and Main exams.

Choose Elective Subjects: Take elective subjects that you enjoy and have expertise in

Study Material: Reference textbooks, handouts distributed during the coaching and internet resources.

Practice: Previous years' question paper, mock tests, etc

Coaching Institutes: Join a good coaching institute for formal guidance 3. UPSC Civil Services Examination:

Prelims Exam: An objective-type qualifying test that will make you eligible to appear in the Main examination.

Main Exam: Very subjective test which includes all subjects.

Interview: Personality test by a panel of experts.

Important Tips:


Start Early: Better preparation starts early.

Time Management: Manage your time very efficiently.

Consistency: Follow a regular study routine.

Stay Updated: Current affairs and news.

Seek Guidance: Who have an experience can be consulted upon for guidance.

Practice Regularly: Solve the previous year's paper and mock tests.

Stay Positive: Believe in yourself and work hard.

Hence, with these steps and dedication and perseverance, you're sure to achieve your end as an IAS officer.

Hello,

Yes, while IAS (Indian Administrative Services) preparation requires a graduation degree, here are steps you can take to start your IAS journey after completing your 11th standard (BiPC):

  1. Focus on Graduation : Choose a stream for your higher studies that aligns with your interest. Graduation is a mandatory qualification for IAS eligibility.
  2. Early Preparation : Start building a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Political Science, which are part of the IAS syllabus.
  3. Develop General Knowledge : Read newspapers daily and follow current affairs magazines to stay updated with national and international news.
  4. Improve Language Skills : Enhance your proficiency in English and one Indian language as per the Civil Services syllabus.
  5. Join Study Circles or Coaching : Enroll in pre-IAS foundation courses available for school students for a head start.
  6. Time Management : Create a balanced study schedule alongside your schoolwork to gradually prepare for the IAS exam.
  7. Participate in Competitions : Engage in essay writing and debates to boost your analytical skills and confidence.

To get more help, you can visit : https://www.careers360.com/careers/ias-officer

Hope it helps 1

Hello there,

Becoming both an IAS officer and a doctor is achievable but requires dedication and clear planning, as each career has distinct educational and examination paths. Here’s a roadmap to help you achieve both:

1. Complete Your MBBS to Become a Doctor

  • Enroll in an MBBS Program : First, you need to qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and get admission to a medical college.

  • Complete Your Medical Degree : The MBBS program typically takes 5.5 years, including an internship.

  • Gain Experience (Optional) : You may choose to practice medicine for a few years to gain clinical experience, but it’s not mandatory if your goal is to pursue IAS right after MBBS.

    2. Prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE)

  • Understand the UPSC Exam Structure : The UPSC CSE has three stages—Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. You can start preparing while in medical school or after completing MBBS.

  • Choose Your Optional Subject : As a doctor, you may consider taking medical science as your optional subject, though it’s not mandatory.

  • Develop a Study Plan : Balance your medical studies or job with UPSC preparation. Many doctors manage both by allocating dedicated study time each day.

  • Appear for the Exam : With a systematic approach, crack the UPSC exam and qualify for the IAS position.

    3. Career Path as a Doctor-IAS

  • IAS Training and Posting : After clearing UPSC, complete your training and take up your role as an IAS officer. You’ll have a broad scope to influence healthcare, public policy, and social development.

  • Consider Government Health Roles : In administrative roles, you could use your medical background to work in health-related departments, where your knowledge of medicine would be a unique asset.

    Additional Pathways

  • Alternative Approach : You could also join as a doctor in a government hospital and then transition to administration by appearing for the UPSC exam when ready.

  • Health Policy and Administration : Use your medical background in policy formulation or in roles within the Ministry of Health, combining both careers for impactful healthcare reforms.

This dual career path is ambitious but can be very rewarding, allowing you to serve in both the medical and administrative fields.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant, The answer to this question is no. Both of these areas require your complete commitment and dedication. You can not manage both of these together. Also it is not allowed to do any other profession while performing duties as a IAS officer. If you want to practice medical profession then you have to leave your job.

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

Hello,

When choosing an IAS coaching institute, it's important to consider factors such as faculty quality, study materials, success rate, infrastructure, fees, and student support. Here are some highly regarded IAS coaching institutes in India:

1. Vajiram & Ravi

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Experienced faculty, comprehensive study materials, high success rate.
  • Cons: Relatively expensive.

2. ALS IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in various cities.
  • Pros: Good faculty, structured programs, and regular tests.
  • Cons: Can be costly, and the quality may vary across branches.

3. Vision IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Detailed study materials, current affairs updates, regular mock tests.
  • Cons: Some students find the pace fast.

4. Sriram IAS

  • Location: Delhi
  • Pros: Strong emphasis on comprehensive understanding, quality teaching.
  • Cons: Limited branches compared to others.

5. Drishti IAS

  • Location: Delhi, with a few branches in other cities.
  • Pros: Affordable fees, good study material, and supportive faculty.
  • Cons: Infrastructure might be less impressive.

6. Upkar Institute

  • Location: Multiple cities.
  • Pros: Focus on affordable coaching, quality materials.
  • Cons: Less known compared to the top-tier institutes.

7. The Hindu Zone

  • Location: Online coaching.
  • Pros: Flexibility of online classes, good faculty, and resources.
  • Cons: Online learning might not suit everyone.

Hope it helps !

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