PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (OPTIONAL)-IIIASA IAS

Introduction

Public Administration is basically all about Government’s Administration, the other being the private administration. It brings within its purview the integrated understanding of theoretical as well as applied aspects of Administration as a subject. It is a very dynamic subject having porous boundaries and necessarily an inter disciplinary profile. The subject takes you to the world of collective actions of human beings in the Government and its complex dynamics. It thus deals with structure of institutions, procedures, tools and technology, human behaviors and relationships in the context of organizations, the challenges of coordination and control, principles of dynamism, internal and external environment of the Government organizations etc. against the multi dimensional backdrop of society, culture, economy and polity. In nut shell, you learn about the what, how and why of the Government and governance.

Strategic Advantage

In the wake of significant changes brought in the syllabus of UPSC examination with much greater emphasis on decision making, environmental dynamism, polity and governance, administrative ethics, integrity, policy considerations, national and global issues pertaining to governance (to mention a few), the relevance of the Public Administration from examination point of view need not be emphasized. In technical terms, the syllabus of public Administration directly and tangentially covers almost 40% of the Syllabus of General Studies under new pattern. It is to be noted that the two full papers (out of four main GS papers) viz. (a) Polity & Governance and (b) Administrative ethics and integrity directly falls under the academic jurisdiction of Public administration. Further its relevance for Essay paper and interview remains unparalleled on account of its all pervasive nature. Thus, a good student of Public administration invariably enjoys a ‘cutting edge’ over others not only in examination but also as an officer after selection.

Methodology

At IIIASA, we believe that the best of the technology can be a servant only to a good teacher. A scientific methodology of teaching necessarily involves a simple and rhythmic movement from the basic to the applied aspect of the subject matter be it the Polity, Economy, Geography, Science and others. It is about imparting the required tools of analysis and to give shape to the thought process of the students based on vivid explanation and diagrammatic presentation of the theme on the screen. As a part of the evolved process, the focus is always on calibrating students with the ability.

1. To develop scientific temperament to appreciate things and situations with a more stable intellectual disposition.
2. To strike fine balance between conflicting interests and values to reach a meaningful conclusion.
3. To develop an insatiable quest to understand and appreciate the world around us.
4. To think, to organize one’s thoughts and to give expression to the same with due relevance, clarity and precision.

As a part of the policy, various subjects in General Studies are taken up in sequential fashion so that students develop a more integrated and cohesive understanding of the subject at one go. But current affairs are discussed on regular basis.