These 14 questions from UPSC Public Administration Optional papers (1995–2026) fall outside the present syllabus of their paper – mostly from papers set on the older syllabus. We keep them here for completeness.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
Paper II
14 questions
Examine Project Bharatmala – Road to Prosperity – launched in 2017. [2023/10m/4c]
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan is a progressive policy. Analyse. [2022/20m/2b]
Critically analyse the functions and role of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment with regard to development of disabled persons in India in not more than 200 words. [2007/40m/200w/8a]
“Social (Welfare) Administration in India is witnessing specialization and faster expansion of its administrative agencies.” Evaluate. [2007/10m/8c]
Critically evaluate the policies of the Union Government with regard to the welfare of women and children of India in not more than 200 words. [2006/40m/200w/8a]
What measures have been taken by the Union and the States for the welfare of women in the profession of sex? [2006/10m/8b]
What concrete steps have been taken by the Union and the State Governments to protect child labour and prevent abuse of children? [2006/10m/8c]
“Welfare of the people has been a constitutional and legal obligation of the state, wherein both the Centre and State Governments are required to discharge the obligation within available resources.” Does this stand true in the context of globalization? [2004/60m/6]
“The machinery for welfare administration at the national and state level trickling down to grassroots becomes meaningless in the context of global constitutionalism.” Discuss. [2002/60m/6]
“Women’s development programmes of recent have shifted from welfarist approach to empowerment of women.” Elaborate. [2002/60m/8]
“The Central Social Welfare Board has become an anomalous institution.” In light of this statement, examine the functions and role of the Central Social Welfare Board and suggest measures for making it an effective institution. [2001/60m/8]
Comment on: “The constitutional provisions for the appointment of a special officer for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is more investigative than executive in orientation.” [1996/20m/200w/5d]
“Rigidity in administration and centralization has greatly incapacitated the Central Social Welfare Board.” Examine, in the light of this statement, the organization and working of the Central Social Welfare Board. [1996/60m/8]
“The emphasis in women’s development programmes has in recent years shifted from a purely welfare and consumption-oriented one to a realistic one which recognizes women as contributors to the country’s economy.” Elaborate. [1995/30m/7b]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026