UGC NET Public Administration – Mock Question Paper with Answers

UGC NET Public Administration Paper 2 – Mock Test, Check syllabus, exam pattern, books, and preparation strategy to crack the NET exam with ease.

EXAM

UGC NET Public Administration – Mock Question Paper with Answers

(Total Questions: 50, Each carries 2 marks)

Unit I: Introduction to Public Administration

Q1. Who is considered the father of Public Administration?
a) Max Weber
b) Woodrow Wilson
c) Frederick Taylor
d) Henri Fayol
Answer: b) Woodrow Wilson

Q2. The “POSDCORB” framework was given by:
a) Gulick and Urwick
b) Henry Fayol
c) Max Weber
d) Herbert Simon
Answer: a) Gulick and Urwick

Q3. Which is not a feature of New Public Administration (NPA)?
a) Relevance
b) Social equity
c) Efficiency
d) Value neutrality
Answer: d) Value neutrality

Q4. The term “Bureaucracy” was popularized by:
a) Karl Marx
b) Max Weber
c) Elton Mayo
d) Chester Barnard
Answer: b) Max Weber

Q5. “Politics-Administration Dichotomy” is associated with:
a) Frank Goodnow
b) Woodrow Wilson
c) Luther Gulick
d) Dwight Waldo
Answer: b) Woodrow Wilson

Unit II: Theories of Organization

Q6. Who propounded the Scientific Management Theory?
a) Henry Fayol
b) Frederick Taylor
c) Max Weber
d) Elton Mayo
Answer: b) Frederick Taylor

Q7. The concept of “Span of Control” was first introduced by:
a) Graicunas
b) Henry Fayol
c) Herbert Simon
d) Luther Gulick
Answer: a) Graicunas

Q8. Which is not an element of classical organization theory?
a) Hierarchy
b) Specialization
c) Informal groups
d) Division of work
Answer: c) Informal groups

Q9. Elton Mayo is associated with which experiment?
a) Hawthorne Experiments
b) Scientific Management
c) Bureaucratic Theory
d) Contingency Theory
Answer: a) Hawthorne Experiments

Q10. “Decision-making is the heart of administration” was stated by:
a) Herbert Simon
b) Max Weber
c) Gulick
d) Barnard
Answer: a) Herbert Simon

Unit III: Public Policy

Q11. The first stage in the policy cycle is:
a) Policy evaluation
b) Policy formulation
c) Agenda setting
d) Policy implementation
Answer: c) Agenda setting

Q12. Which approach sees policy as an output of the political system?
a) Institutional approach
b) Systems approach
c) Process approach
d) Group approach
Answer: b) Systems approach

Q13. Who developed the “Incremental Model” of decision-making?
a) Herbert Simon
b) Charles Lindblom
c) Yehezkel Dror
d) Harold Lasswell
Answer: b) Charles Lindblom

Q14. Public policy is different from private policy because it is:
a) Optional
b) Authoritative and binding
c) Informal
d) Secret
Answer: b) Authoritative and binding

Q15. The “Mixed Scanning Model” is associated with:
a) Lindblom
b) Etzioni
c) Weber
d) Barnard
Answer: b) Etzioni

Unit IV: Comparative and Development Administration

Q16. The term “Development Administration” was first used by:
a) Edward Weidner
b) Riggs
c) Max Weber
d) Herbert Simon
Answer: a) Edward Weidner

Q17. “Fused–Prismatic–Differentiated” model is given by:
a) Max Weber
b) Fred Riggs
c) Dwight Waldo
d) Herbert Simon
Answer: b) Fred Riggs

Q18. In Riggs’ model, “Sala” represents:
a) Traditional society
b) Transitional society
c) Modern society
d) None of the above
Answer: b) Transitional society

Q19. Development administration focuses on:
a) Law and order
b) Economic and social change
c) Political stability only
d) Cultural preservation only
Answer: b) Economic and social change

Q20. Comparative Public Administration emerged strongly after:
a) WWII
b) WWI
c) Cold War
d) American Civil War
Answer: a) WWII

Unit V: Personnel Administration

Q21. The term “Neutrality” in civil service means:
a) No political affiliations
b) Active political involvement
c) Support ruling party
d) Resign before elections
Answer: a) No political affiliations

Q22. Which country first introduced the merit system in civil service?
a) India
b) USA
c) UK
d) China
Answer: d) China

Q23. In India, the All India Services are created under:
a) Article 311
b) Article 312
c) Article 320
d) Article 323
Answer: b) Article 312

Q24. Which of the following is not a principle of personnel administration?
a) Merit-based recruitment
b) Political patronage
c) Training
d) Promotion on merit
Answer: b) Political patronage

Q25. The first Administrative Reforms Commission in India was set up in:
a) 1950
b) 1966
c) 1976
d) 1985
Answer: b) 1966

Unit VI: Financial Administration

Q26. The term “Vote on Account” refers to:
a) Approval of government accounts
b) Temporary provision for expenditure
c) Audit report
d) Budget estimate
Answer: b) Temporary provision for expenditure

Q27. In India, who is called the “Custodian of the Consolidated Fund”?
a) Prime Minister
b) Finance Minister
c) Comptroller and Auditor General
d) President
Answer: c) Comptroller and Auditor General

Q28. Which committee recommended Performance Budgeting in India?
a) 1st ARC
b) Estimates Committee
c) Public Accounts Committee
d) Finance Commission
Answer: b) Estimates Committee

Q29. The concept of Zero-Based Budgeting came from:
a) USA
b) UK
c) Japan
d) India
Answer: a) USA

Q30. Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Annual Financial Statement?
a) Article 110
b) Article 112
c) Article 115
d) Article 118
Answer: b) Article 112

Unit VII: Accountability and Control

Q31. The Lokpal and Lokayukta Act was passed in:
a) 2011
b) 2012
c) 2013
d) 2014
Answer: c) 2013

Q32. In India, Parliamentary control over the executive is exercised through:
a) Question Hour
b) Zero Hour
c) Parliamentary Committees
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above

Q33. The CVC was given statutory status in:
a) 2003
b) 2004
c) 2005
d) 2006
Answer: a) 2003

Q34. Social audit in India was first mandated under:
a) RTI Act 2005
b) MGNREGA 2005
c) Lokpal Act 2013
d) Whistleblower Act 2014
Answer: b) MGNREGA 2005

Q35. The CAG of India is appointed by:
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Finance Minister
d) Parliament
Answer: a) President

Unit VIII: Administrative Thinkers

Q36. Chester Barnard is known for:
a) Human Relations Theory
b) Acceptance Theory of Authority
c) Bureaucratic Theory
d) Scientific Management
Answer: b) Acceptance Theory of Authority

Q37. Who gave the “Principles of Management” in 14 points?
a) Fayol
b) Taylor
c) Weber
d) Simon
Answer: a) Fayol

Q38. The concept of “Satisfice” is associated with:
a) Weber
b) Simon
c) Barnard
d) Gulick
Answer: b) Simon

Q39. “Administrative man” is a term coined by:
a) Weber
b) Simon
c) Fayol
d) Taylor
Answer: b) Simon

Q40. “Management by Objectives” was developed by:
a) Drucker
b) Fayol
c) Taylor
d) Weber
Answer: a) Drucker

Unit IX: Indian Administration

Q41. The Cabinet Secretariat in India is headed by:
a) President
b) Prime Minister
c) Cabinet Secretary
d) Home Minister
Answer: c) Cabinet Secretary

Q42. Which is the highest planning body in India?
a) NITI Aayog
b) Planning Commission
c) Finance Commission
d) Parliament
Answer: a) NITI Aayog

Q43. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment deals with:
a) Urban local bodies
b) Panchayati Raj
c) Cooperative societies
d) Education
Answer: b) Panchayati Raj

Q44. Who is the Chief Executive Officer of a district in India?
a) District Judge
b) District Magistrate
c) Mayor
d) MLA
Answer: b) District Magistrate

Q45. The Chief Secretary of a state is appointed by:
a) Governor
b) Chief Minister
c) President
d) Prime Minister
Answer: b) Chief Minister

Unit X: Governance and Good Governance

Q46. The concept of Good Governance was popularized by:
a) World Bank
b) UNDP
c) IMF
d) WTO
Answer: a) World Bank

Q47. RTI Act came into force in:
a) 2004
b) 2005
c) 2006
d) 2007
Answer: b) 2005

Q48. E-Governance in India was promoted through:
a) NeGP
b) Digital India
c) NIC
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above

Q49. Which commission recommended Citizen’s Charters in India?
a) 1st ARC
b) 2nd ARC
c) Punchhi Commission
d) Sarkaria Commission
Answer: b) 2nd ARC

Q50. Which of the following is not a principle of good governance?
a) Transparency
b) Accountability
c) Centralization
d) Rule of law
Answer: c) Centralization

UGC NET Paper 2 Public Administration – Syllabus, Preparation Tips & Strategy

The UGC NET Public Administration Paper 2 is an important step for aspirants aiming to become Assistant Professors or secure Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in the field of Public Administration. This paper tests in-depth subject knowledge and analytical understanding of administrative theories, policies, and practices.

In this guide, we will cover the syllabus, exam pattern, and preparation tips for UGC NET Paper 2 in Public Administration.

1. Exam Pattern for UGC NET Public Administration (Paper 2)

  • Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)

  • Number of Questions: 100 MCQs

  • Total Marks: 200

  • Duration: 2 hours

  • Marking Scheme: +2 for every correct answer, no negative marking

2. UGC NET Public Administration Paper 2 Syllabus

The syllabus is divided into 10 major units:

  1. Introduction to Public Administration

    • Meaning, scope, and significance

    • Evolution and development

    • Public and Private Administration

  2. Administrative Thought

    • Classical, Neo-classical, and Modern Theories

    • Scientific Management, Bureaucratic Theory

    • Human Relations School

  3. Indian Administration

    • Evolution of Indian Administration

    • Structure of Government of India

    • Union, State, and Local Governance

  4. Comparative and Development Administration

    • Comparative Public Administration (CPA)

    • Riggsian Models

    • Development Administration

  5. Public Policy

    • Policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation

    • Policy-making bodies in India

  6. Public Sector Undertakings

    • Forms of PSU management

    • Disinvestment and privatization

  7. Financial Administration

    • Budgeting, Audit, and Control

    • Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM)

  8. Personnel Administration

    • Recruitment, Training, Promotion

    • Civil Services in India

    • Administrative Ethics

  9. Administrative Reforms

    • Reform Commissions in India

    • Good Governance and e-Governance

  10. Law and Order Administration

    • Police Administration

    • Disaster Management

    • Human Rights

3. Preparation Tips for UGC NET Public Administration Paper 2

Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly – Break down each unit and create a topic-wise study plan.
Refer to Standard Books

  • Public Administration by M. Laxmikanth

  • Public Administration: Theory and Practice by Rumki Basu

  • IGNOU Public Administration Study Material
    Make Short Notes – Summarize key concepts for last-minute revision.
    Solve Previous Year Papers – This helps understand question trends and improve time management.
    Practice Mock Tests – Attempt online tests to simulate the exam environment.
    Focus on Current Affairs – Relating administrative concepts with recent government initiatives boosts your answers.

4. Best Books for UGC NET Public Administration

  • Public Administration: Concepts and Theories – Rumki Basu

  • Administrative Thinkers – Prasad & Prasad

  • Indian Administration – Rajni Goyal & Ramesh Arora

  • Public Administration in India – S.R. Maheshwari

5. Key Strategy to Crack UGC NET Public Administration Paper 2

  1. Master the Basics before going into advanced topics.

  2. Link Theory with Practice – Use real-life examples from Indian governance.

  3. Revise Regularly – Multiple revisions help retain concepts.

  4. Focus on High-Weightage Units – Administrative Thought, Indian Administration, and Public Policy often carry more questions.

  5. Time Management – Divide the 2 hours efficiently between easier and tricky questions.

UGC NET Paper 2 Public Administration requires concept clarity, consistent practice, and updated knowledge of administrative trends. With a structured study plan and the right resources, cracking the exam becomes achievable.

Whether you are targeting Assistant Professorship or JRF, a disciplined approach to preparation can open doors to a rewarding academic and research career in Public Administration.