UPSC Notes

Administrative Reforms for Good Governance

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Fundamental to improving the quality of governance, ensuring efficient utilization of public resources, and achieving development goals. It's a recurring theme in governance and public administration.

Administrative reforms refer to deliberate efforts to improve the structure, processes, and culture of public administration to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and responsiveness in governance. These reforms often aim to address systemic issues like bureaucratic silos, delayed decision-making, and lack of transparency.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Addressing Silos

Aims to break down fragmented information flows and department-centric operations for integrated governance.

Real-time Performance

Shifts from retrospective reviews to continuous, real-time monitoring and proactive intervention in public programs.

Fiscal Prudence

Seeks to improve fiscal discipline by reducing leakages, cost overruns, and ensuring efficient utilization of public funds.

Accountability & Transparency

Focuses on enhancing administrative accountability and transparency in public service delivery and decision-making processes.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies
Conceptual areaPublic Finance & Taxation

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)Formulates policy
State Public Administration DepartmentsImplements
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • Aims to overcome bureaucratic silos and inefficiencies.
  • Shifts focus from retrospective to real-time performance assessment.
  • Crucial for fiscal discipline and reducing public resource wastage.
  • Enhances accountability and transparency in governance.
  • Often involves technological integration (e.g., AI, e-governance).

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Welfare Schemes & Social PoliciesPublic Finance & Taxation
Prelims 2016· Purpose or function of a policy tool, Factual recall

Kerala can become India’s model AI governance State

08 Aug 2026 · Administrative reforms are crucial for modernizing public administration by breaking down silos, enabling real-time monitoring, and fostering transparency and accountability to improve service delivery and fiscal management.

Read article

Related topics

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Administrative Reforms for Good Governance in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Administrative Reforms for Good Governance

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

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