Public administration (Pub Ad for short) is a UPSC IAS main examination optional subject. It is an important subject since it is intertwined with governance and administration. This isn't a particularly interesting subject. However, with the proper planning and analysis, one can easily obtain high marks in Public Administration. Aspirants must build confidence and understand the strategy and study plans for Public Administration and how to prepare for Public Administration.

We will discuss how to study Public Administration for the IAS Mains exam in this section. Continue reading to learn about important books for Pub Ad, study methods, and effective study techniques for Public Administration.

Optional Public Administration Strategy

Be familiar with the fundamental texts and concepts.

The Pub Ad is difficult since it requires more analysis and hard work. Aspirants must be well-versed in the fundamental concepts, theories, and principles. A good mark in the Pub Ad optional exam cannot be obtained without conceptual clarity.

Make brief notes

Aspirants should take thorough notes on any topics they have covered. After 2-3 readings, one can take notes. Later on, you can group the themes together as needed, such as grouping the chapters on civil services and personnel management. All topics are interconnected, and some or all of them will aid you, especially during revision. This will allow you to gain a thorough understanding of the issues.

Regularly study optional subject

Optional subjects should not be overlooked. Aspirants should study the optional subject on a daily basis in addition to General Studies. Two to three hours every day should be spent on the optional subject, particularly Pub Ad.

Remember philosophers' quotes.

Citing quotes from thinkers and individuals in the UPSC Mains exam would help you score well in the Pub Ad optional. The quotes are essential for a high score in Pub Ad.

Test series and answer writing practise

It is strongly advised by successful candidates to participate in the mock test series. The Pub ad optional test series will assist you in gaining new knowledge, broadening your analysing skills, and so on. Along with that, the aspirant will learn to manage time. This would undoubtedly benefit you in the UPSC IAS Mains examination.

Questions from the previous year

Previous year question papers are the most useful resources for UPSC exam preparation. Candidates must have solved at least four years of UPSC question papers. One must read a question and try to formulate an answer. Frame your response like a pub ad student by integrating quotes from philosophers and notions relevant to the subject.

A Pub Ad Student's Approach

If you have chosen Public Administration as an optional subject for the IAS Mains Exam, it is recommended that you approach the questions correctly, regardless of whether you are from the same subject background or not. Candidates may approach this optional paper in the same way they approach the General Studies Papers, which will not result in a high mark in the subject. As a result, whether you are a Civil Services Exam novice with the same subject background or not, you should grasp the question and strive to answer it using proper citation of theories and pub ad notions, which will guarantee you a decent grade.

Standard books for Pub Ad Paper I

• Administrative Thinkers by  Prasad and Prasad
• Public Administration: Administrative Theories and Concepts by Fadia & Fadia
• Public Administration and Public Affairs 12th Edition – Nicholas Henry
• Mohit Bhattacharya- New Horizons in Public Administration
• Mohit Bhattacharya- Pub Ad A new look
• Public Administration: Concepts and Theories by Basu Rumki
• IGNOU Books
• ARC Reports

Standard books for Pub Ad Paper II

• Indian Administration – Ramesh K. Arora & Rajni Goyal
• Yojana
• Newspaper
• ARCs and committee reports