Q. Is BIMSTEC emerging as an alternative to SAARC? Compare the two organisations in terms of structure and objectives, and analyse how BIMSTEC aligns with India's evolving foreign policy priorities. (250 words)

Q. Examine how the States Reorganisation Act of 1956 addressed linguistic and regional aspirations and analyze its impact on national integration and administrative efficiency. (250 words).

Q. Classical dance forms of India are not just artistic expressions, but a fusion of tradition, philosophy, and spirituality. Illustrate with examples. (150 words)

Q. To what extent did the socio-religious reform movements of the 19th century contribute to the rise of national consciousness in colonial India? (250 words)

Essay Topics

1. The Power of Words Can Cut Deeper Than Any Weapon.

2. Gratitude often reveals itself in the quiet light of joy.

Case Study

After serving two decades in the State Civil Services, Abhishek, a seasoned officer, is posted to the capital of a border state. His mother has recently been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing treatment at a renowned cancer hospital in the city. His adolescent children have also secured admissions to a prestigious public school in the area. As Abhishek settles into his new role as the Director of the Home Department, he receives an alarming intelligence report revealing that illegal migrants are infiltrating the state from a neighboring country. Concerned, he decides to personally oversee a surprise inspection of the border posts with his team.

During the inspection, Abhishek uncovers two families, 12 individuals in total, caught crossing the border with the assistance of corrupt border security personnel. Further investigation reveals that these migrants, after entering the country, had forged crucial identification documents such as Aadhaar cards, voter IDs, and ration cards, enabling them to settle in a specific area of the state. Abhishek meticulously documents his findings in a comprehensive report and submits it to the Additional Secretary of the State.

A week later, Abhishek is summoned by the Additional Home Secretary, who instructs him to withdraw the report. The Additional Home Secretary informs him that the report has not been well-received by higher authorities and warns him that failing to comply could result in his removal from the prestigious post in the state capital and jeopardize his forthcoming promotion.

Questions:

(a) What ethical dilemmas is Abhishek facing in this situation?

(b) What choices does Abhishek have in his position as Director of the Home Department in a border state? And critically analyze each possible option.

(c) Which option should Abhishek choose, and why?

(d) Critically analyze each possible option.

Q. The principle of impartiality is fundamental to good governance. Evaluate how impartiality contributes to the effectiveness of public administration. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the key dimensions of ethics that influence human behavior and ethical decision-making in professional settings. (150 words)

Q. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of India’s disaster management framework. Suggest key reforms to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in the face of growing climate risks. (250 words)

Q. Systemic inefficiencies are often at the root of banking crises. In this context, analyze the significance of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in revealing the structural challenges of the Indian banking sector. (150 words)

Q. India’s Act East Policy has gained renewed importance amidst Indo-Pacific geopolitics. Discuss the policy’s key components and strategic implications. (150 words)

Q. Judicial activism has often been praised for upholding citizens’ rights. Critically evaluate its impact on the balance of powers between organs of the state. (250 words)

Q. In what ways does Indian temple architecture reflect regional diversity and socio-political influences? Comment with suitable examples

Q. Despite being rich in mineral resources, several regions in India continue to face underdevelopment. Discuss the paradox between mineral wealth and regional development in India.

Essay Topics

1. Power reveals character more than adversity ever could.

2. Morality is not taught, it is awakened.

Case Study

Ananya Singh, a dedicated and empathetic IAS officer, is currently serving as the District Collector in a predominantly tribal and underdeveloped district of Jharkhand. The government has recently rolled out a revised Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to ensure timely financial support for pregnant women and lactating mothers, aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition. A key feature of this new system is mandatory biometric authentication through Aadhaar at the time of benefit disbursal. The move is intended to reduce pilferage, eliminate ghost beneficiaries, and enhance accountability in welfare delivery.

However, within a few weeks of implementation, several ground-level issues begin to emerge. Many elderly caregivers, especially grandmothers caring for children in the absence of parents, struggle with fingerprint mismatch due to worn-out biometric impressions. In remote tribal hamlets, poor internet connectivity and lack of functional biometric devices cause frequent transaction failures. Local Anganwadi workers and ASHAs report that over 30% of eligible beneficiaries have not received funds, causing significant distress, especially among marginalized families who rely on this support for basic nutrition.

Concerned about the impact on vulnerable groups, Ananya considers allowing alternative forms of verification, such as physical ID checks, mobile OTP, or manual register maintenance, as a temporary stop-gap measure. However, she is advised against it by the State Department, citing strict central guidelines that prohibit deviation from the biometric-based process. Meanwhile, a reputed local NGO organizes protests and contacts the media, accusing the administration of systemic exclusion and violation of Article 21 (Right to Life with Dignity).

Questions:

(a) Identify the core ethical dilemma involved in the case.

(b) What are the options available to Ananya? Critically evaluate each of them and suggest the most appropriate course of action.

(c) What steps can be taken by public institutions to ensure that the use of technology in governance does not exclude the vulnerable?

Q. Ethical governance requires a balance between personal values and professional duties. Discuss.(150 words)

Q. Accountability in public administration is essential for ensuring the efficient use of resources. Evaluate how accountability in the public sector contributes to good governance. (150 words)

Q. Agriculture is a vital sector for India’s economy but faces several challenges. Discuss these challenges and propose measures to address them. (250 words)

Q. Critically evaluate the effect of financial inclusion initiatives on improving access to banking services in rural and remote regions of India.(150 words)

Q. Evaluate India’s role as the Voice of the Global South in recent global climate and development negotiations. (150 words)

Q. Discuss the implications of simultaneous elections on cooperative federalism in India.(250 words)

Q. Analyze the role of revolutionary movements in India's freedom struggle. (250 words)

Q. Urbanization is not merely a demographic shift but a transformative process reshaping social structures and relationships in India. Discuss. (150 words)

Essay Topics

1. The self is both a sanctuary and a battlefield.

2. Strength lies not in resistance, but in resilience

Case Study

Sneha Verma, a young and upright IAS officer, is serving as CEO of the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in a drought-prone district of Maharashtra. She is overseeing the implementation of a crucial Rs 50 crore water conservation project under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan, aimed at preventing crop failure and mass migration. While finalizing tenders, the lowest bidder—XYZ Pvt. Ltd.—emerges with strong credentials. However, Sneha is informally warned by colleagues about the firm’s alleged involvement in substandard work and bribery in another state, despite no formal conviction or blacklist status.

The situation escalates when a local MLA visits Sneha, subtly pressuring her to award the contract to Saraswati Infra, citing urgency and hinting at consequences for her upcoming transfer. The next morning, she receives an anonymous email with alleged proof of the firm’s manipulated quality reports in previous projects. With villagers anxiously awaiting project execution before the monsoon, Sneha is torn between ensuring integrity and avoiding delays that could harm livelihoods and invite political backlash.

Questions

(a) Identify and discuss the ethical issues involved in the case.

(b) What are the options available to Sneha? Evaluate each of them. What would be the most appropriate course of action for Sneha?

(c) In the long run, how should public institutions ensure ethical integrity and transparency in public procurement while balancing the urgency of developmental needs?

Q. Discuss the relevance of Gandhian ethics in contemporary governance and administration. Illustrate with suitable examples. (150 words)

Q. What do you understand by 'conscience' and 'moral reasoning'? How do they influence ethical decision-making in public life? (150 words)

Q. Energy security encompasses availability, accessibility, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Critically examine how India’s energy source diversification strategy addresses these dimensions of energy security. (250 words)

Q. "The food processing industry is a sunrise sector with the potential to boost the economy." Discuss its role in reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing income and employment. (150 words)