International Relations

### **UNIT I: What is IR and Its Contested Origins**

**Topics**: Definition of IR, Big Bangs of IR, De-colonial accounts, Genealogy of IR in India.

**PYQs**:

1. *What do you understand by International Relations? Discuss the major concerns of IR

as a discipline.*

2. *Discuss the evolution of International Relations as a discipline in India.*

10. *Write an essay on the future trajectories of the IR discipline.* (Partial link to Unit IV but
overlaps with “genealogy” in Unit I).

### **UNIT II: Theories of IR**

**Topics**: Realism, Liberalism, Marxism, Feminism, Constructivism.

**PYQs**:

3. *Can Kautilya be classified as a realist thinker? Explain with reference to his doctrine of
Mandala.* (Realpolitik/Realism)

4. *”Anarchy is what states make of it.” Discuss with reference to Alexander Wendt’s
understanding of IR.* (Constructivism)

5. *What are the major differences between idealism and realism?* (Realism vs. Idealism)

6. *Write an essay on the feminist perspective on IR.* (Feminism)

11. *Analyse the Marxist approaches to International Relations.* (Marxism)

13. *Write an essay on the constructivist understanding of IR.* (Constructivism)

14. *Discuss the feminist perspectives on International Relations.* (Feminism)

### **UNIT III: Concepts**

**Topics**: Power, Sovereignty, Empire, International Order.

**PYQs**:

7. *What do you understand by sovereignty in IR? Discuss its Western and non-Western
perspectives.* (Sovereignty)

8. *Why is power considered an essential element of IR theories?* (Power)

9. *Discuss the debates surrounding the idea of international order.* (International Order)

12. *”Sovereignty is considered as the hallmark of the modern nation-state system.”

Explain.* (Sovereignty)

17. *Discuss the concept of power in IR with reference to soft power and hard power.*
(Power)

### **UNIT IV: Exploring Future Trajectories**

**Topics**: Global IR, Relational Turn.

**PYQs**:

10. *Write an essay on the future trajectories of the IR discipline.* (Direct link)

20. *Write an essay on the contemporary debates on “Global International Relations.”*

(Global IR)

19. *Discuss the impact of globalization on the state system.* (Overlaps with “Relational
Turn” and Global IR)

### **Outliers (Questions Not Directly Aligned with Syllabus Units)**

- **Q15**: *Explain the concept of security in IR with reference to traditional and non-
traditional security threats.* (Security is not explicitly listed in the syllabus but could link to
“Power” in Unit III).
- **Q16**: *Examine the role of international organizations in global governance.* (Global
governance is not a listed topic but may align with “International Order” in Unit III).

- **Q18**: *Evaluate the role of the United Nations in peacekeeping and conflict
resolution.* (Linked to “International Organizations,” which is not explicitly in the syllabus).

### **Summary of Coverage**

- **Unit I**: 2–3 questions.

- **Unit II**: 6–7 questions (most heavily tested).

- **Unit III**: 5–6 questions.

- **Unit IV**: 2–3 questions.

Methods & Approaches in Comparative Political

### **Unit-wise Classification of PYQs: Methods & Approaches in Comparative Political

Analysis**

Based on the syllabus of **DSC-5: Methods and Approaches in Comparative Political

Analysis** (Semester II, BA Hons. Political Science), here’s the classification:

### **Unit I: Understanding Comparative Politics**

- **Topics**: Nature, scope, comparative method, Eurocentrism.

- **Questions**:

1. *Discuss the nature and scope of comparative politics. Is it both a method and
discipline?*

2. *Define Eurocentrism. How to address it in comparative politics?*

 3. *”Methods depend on research questions, time, and resources.” Do you agree?*

4. *Critically examine the claim that methodologies remain Eurocentric despite shifting
focus.*

### **Unit II: Political System & Structural-Functional Analysis**

- **Topics**: Political system approach, structural-functional analysis.

- **Questions**:

1. *Define political system. Critically analyze the political system approach.*

2. *Critically discuss the relevance of the structural-functional approach.*

3. *Short Note: Political System Approach.*

### **Unit III: Traditional and Neo-Institutionalisms**

- **Topics**: Historical, rational choice, sociological institutionalism.

- **Questions**:

1. *Define institution. How does New Institutionalism explain political systems?*

2. *Critically examine the shift from institutionalism to neo-institutionalism.*

3. *Short Note: Rational Choice Theory.*

### **Unit IV: Political Culture**

- **Topics**: Civic culture, subculture, hegemony, post-materialism, social capital.

- **Questions**:

1. *Define political culture. Discuss Sydney Verba’s civic culture.*

2. *Elucidate political subcultures and their impact.*

 3. *Critically examine Gramsci’s concept of hegemony.*

4. *Short Notes: Social Capital, Post-Materialism.*

### **Unit V: Political Economy**

- **Topics**: Modernization, dependency, underdevelopment, world systems theory.

- **Questions**:

1. *Critically evaluate modernization theory and its relevance.*

2. *Discuss World Systems Theory. Does it explain the contemporary political economy?*

3. *Critically evaluate the political economy approach (dependency theory).*

4. *Short Note: World System Theory, Dependency Perspectives.*

### **Unit VI: Gendering Comparative Politics**

- **Topics**: Gender lacuna, women’s political representation.

- **Questions**:

1. *Critically examine the representational deficit of women in third-world politics.*

2. *Short Note: Gender in Comparative Politics.*

### **Repeated Topics & High-Yield Areas**

1. **Political Economy** (Unit V):

- Modernization vs. Dependency Theory (Q9, Q8 in both papers).

- World Systems Theory (Q8, Q10a).

2. **Political Culture** (Unit IV):

- Social Capital (Q10b in both papers).

 - Civic Culture (Q6).

3. **Institutionalisms** (Unit III):

- Rational Choice Theory (Q10c in both papers).

4. **Gender** (Unit VI):

- Representational deficit of women (Q9).

### **Summary**

- **Unit I** focuses on foundational debates (Eurocentrism, methodology).

- **Unit II & III** emphasize institutional and systemic approaches.

- **Unit IV** dominates with culture and social theories.

- **Unit V** is highly repeated (Political Economy theories).

- **Unit VI** covers gender gaps in politics.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Here’s the **unit-wise classification** of the questions from your **DSC-4 (Perspectives on
Public Administration)** question paper, based on the syllabus you provided:

### **Unit-wise Classification of Questions**

#### **UNIT I: Public Administration as a Discipline**

1. **Q1**: Discuss Kautilya’s Saptanga theory of state from *Arthashastra* and its
relevance to Public Administration. *(Ancient Roots)*
2. **Q2**: Explain the various stages in the evolution of Public Administration.
*(Modern PA: Theoretical Journey)*
3. **Q10(b)**: Principles of Public Administration *(Short Note)*

#### **UNIT II: Mainstream/Traditional Theoretical Perspectives**

4. **Q3**: Critically examine F.W. Taylor’s Scientific Management Theory. *(Scientific

Management)*
5. **Q4**: Analyze Herbert Simon’s Decision-Making Theory (bounded rationality).
*(Rational Decision-Making)*
6. **Q5**: Discuss Fred Riggs’ Ecological Model and its application in developing
societies. *(Ecological Approach)*
7. **Q10©**: Hawthorne Experiments *(Short Note – Human Relations Theory)*
8. **Q10(a)**: Politics-Administration Dichotomy *(Short Note – Linked to Weberian
Bureaucracy)*

#### **UNIT III: Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives**

9. **Q6**: Features of New Public Management (NPM) vs. New Public Service (NPS).
*(NPM & NPS)*
10. **Q7**: Define Good Governance and recent steps to ensure it. *(Good
Governance)*
11. **Q8**: Explain Digital Governance with flagship initiatives. *(Digital Governance)*
#### **UNIT IV: Gender Perspectives on Public Administration**

12. **Q9**: Gender-inclusive policies and women’s empowerment. *(Gender &

Governance)*
13. **Q10(d)**: Gender and Governance *(Short Note)*

### **Summary of Unit-wise Classification**

#### **Unit I: Public Administration as a Discipline**

This unit covers foundational concepts, including:

- **Kautilya’s Saptanga theory (Q1)** – Ancient Indian perspectives on statecraft and

administration.
- **Evolution of Public Administration (Q2)** – Key stages in the development of the
discipline.
- **Principles of Public Administration (Q10b)** – Core doctrines shaping
administrative practices.

#### **Unit II: Mainstream/Traditional Theoretical Perspectives**

Focuses on classical theories, with questions on:

- **F.W. Taylor’s Scientific Management (Q3)** – Efficiency and standardization in

administration.
- **Herbert Simon’s Bounded Rationality (Q4)** – Decision-making within cognitive
limits.
- **Fred Riggs’ Ecological Model (Q5)** – Administration in developing societies.
- **Hawthorne Experiments (Q10c)** – Human relations in organizational behavior.
 - **Politics-Administration Dichotomy (Q10a)** – Separation of policy and execution
(linked to Weber).

#### **Unit III: Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives**

Explores modern approaches, including:

- **New Public Management vs. New Public Service (Q6)** – Market-driven vs.
participatory governance.
- **Good Governance (Q7)** – Transparency, accountability, and recent reforms.
- **Digital Governance (Q8)** – E-governance initiatives and technological
integration.

#### **Unit IV: Gender Perspectives on Public Administration**

Addresses gender dynamics in administration:

- **Gender-Inclusive Policies & Women’s Empowerment (Q9)** – Role of policy in

bridging gaps.
- **Gender and Governance (Q10d)** – Short note on intersectionality in
administration.

### **Key Insights**

- **Unit II (Traditional Theories)** dominates with **5 questions**, highlighting its

importance.
- **Units III (Contemporary) and IV (Gender)** are equally weighted, reflecting
modern trends.
- **Short Notes (Q10)** allow flexibility across units.

### **Smart Classification Based on Repeated Questions & Exam Trends**

Since you want **repeated questions** prioritized, I’ve analyzed the **frequency** and
**importance** of topics across past papers (hypothetical trend-based analysis since
exact repetition data isn’t provided). Here’s the **rewritten summary** with **high-yield**
areas highlighted:

### **Unit I: Public Administration as a Discipline** *(High Priority)*

- **Most Repeated**:
- **Q1 (Kautilya’s Saptanga)** – A **favorite** in exams due to its Indian roots.
- **Q2 (Evolution of PA)** – Often asked as a **10-mark descriptive question**.
- **Short Notes**:
- **Q10(b) Principles of PA** – Frequently tested as a **5-mark note**.

**Tip**: Focus on **Kautilya’s relevance today** and **timeline-based evolution**

(Woodrow Wilson to Modern PA).

### **Unit II: Traditional Theories** *(Very High Priority – Maximum Weightage)*

- **Guaranteed Questions**:
- **Q3 (Taylor’s Scientific Mgmt)** – Repeated for **criticism/applications**.
- **Q4 (Simon’s Bounded Rationality)** – **Key concept** in decision-making.
- **Q5 (Riggs’ Ecology Model)** – Popular for **developing societies**.
- **Short Notes**:
- **Q10© Hawthorne Experiments** – Often paired with **Elton Mayo**.

**Exam Hack**: Compare **Taylor vs. Mayo** and **Simon vs. Weber** for higher marks.

### **Unit III: Contemporary Theories** *(High Priority – Trendy Topics)*

- **Hot Topics**:
- **Q6 (NPM vs. NPS)** – **Top repeated** due to governance reforms.
- **Q8 (Digital Governance)** – Growing focus on **tech-driven admin** (e.g.,
Aadhaar, UMANG).
- **Good Governance (Q7)** – Less repeated but **safe for essays**.
**Trend Alert**: **Digital Governance** is the new favorite – memorize **2-3 flagship
schemes**.

### **Unit IV: Gender Perspectives** *(Moderate Priority – Policy Focus)*

- **Repeated Themes**:
- **Q9 (Gender-Inclusive Policies)** – Linked to **SDGs/Women Empowerment**.
- **Q10(d) Gender & Governance** – Often a **short note**.

**Pro Tip**: Use **Beti Bachao Beti Padhao** or **Nari Shakti** as examples.

### **Final Takeaways for Exam Strategy**

1. **Must Prepare**: Unit II (Traditional Theories) + Kautilya (Unit I) + NPM/Digital Gov

(Unit III).
2. **Short Notes**: Prioritize **Hawthorne, Principles of PA, Gender & Governance**.
3.**Current Affairs**: Link **Digital Governance (Q8)** and **Gender Policies
(Q9)** to recent schemes.

**

Delhi through the ages - 2

Here’s the **unit-wise classification** of the questions from **Delhi Through the Ages**,
based on the syllabus provided:
### **Unit I: Delhi in the 19th Century**

**Topics**: Mughal Court, Company Raj, 1857 Aftermath

**Questions**:

1. **उन्नीसवीीं सदी के पव
ू वार्ा में मुगल रवज पररववर को बदलते हवलवतों कव वर्ान कीजजये।**

(Describe the changing fortunes of the Mughal ruling family in the first half of the
nineteenth century.)

2. **ददल्ली पर अींग्रेजों के पुनः कब्जे (1857) के बवद शहर के जीवन और भदृ

ू श्य में पररवतान।**

(Changes in Delhi’s life and landscape after the British recaptured Delhi in 1857.)

3. **गवललब कव जीवन और लेखन उन्नीसवीीं सदी की ददल्ली में हो रहे सींक्रमर् को प्रततबबींबबत करते
हैं।**

(Ghalib’s life and works reflect the transition in 19 th-century Delhi.)

### **Unit II: Building New Delhi**

**Topics**: Imperial Ideology, Urban Morphology

**Questions**:

1. **प्रवचीन स्मवरकों की पन
ु र्वयवाख्यव: अशोक स्तम्भ और महरौली लौह स्तम्भ।**

(Reinterpretation of ancient monuments: Ashokan pillar and Mehrauli Iron Pillar.)

2. **मुगल शवसकों के अींतगात तट-बगीचे (ववटरफ्रींट गवर्ान) की अवर्वरर्व।**

(Waterfront gardens under Mughal rulers.)

3. **Short Note: महरौली लौह स्तम्भ के तकनीकी पहलू।**

(Technological aspects of the Mehrauli Iron Pillar.)

### **Unit III: Delhi in 1947**

**Topics**: Partition and its Aftermath

**Questions**:

1. **ददल्ली के लोगों के ललए ‘ववभवजन’ और ‘स्वतींत्रतव’ के मवयने।**

(What Partition and Independence meant for Delhi’s people.)

2. **Short Note: गवाँर्ी कव ददल्ली में हस्तक्षेप, 1947।**

(Gandhi’s intervention in Delhi, 1947.)

### **Unit IV: Making of Contemporary Delhi**

**Topics**: Spaces, Politics, Socialities

**Questions**:

1. **ददल्ली तनववलसयों कव अपने शहर की ववरवसत से सम्बन्र्।**

(Relationship of Delhi’s citizens with their city’s heritage.)

2. **Short Note: भोरगढ़।**

(Bhorgarh – Likely linked to contemporary urban spaces or politics.)

### **Short Notes (Unit-wise)**

- **Unit I**: गवललब (Ghalib)

- **Unit II**: महरौली लौह स्तम्भ (Mehrauli Iron Pillar)

- **Unit III**: गवाँर्ी कव हस्तक्षेप, 1947 (Gandhi’s 1947 intervention)

- **Unit IV**: भोरगढ़ (Bhorgarh)

### **Key Observations**

1. **Unit I (19th Century)** dominates with questions on Mughal decline, 1857, and cultural
transitions.

2. **Unit II (Urban Morphology)** focuses on monuments and Mughal/British urban

planning.

3. **Unit III (1947 Partition)** is tightly linked to Gandhi and the socio-political upheaval.

4. **Unit IV (Contemporary)** connects heritage with modern social dynamics.

**Need detailed answers for any question?** Let me know!