Preparing for the Public Administration optional for the UPSC exam requires a systematic and strategic approach. Here is a detailed guide on how to start your preparation:

Understanding the Syllabus:
1. Familiarize yourself with the Public Administration syllabus provided by UPSC. It will give you a clear understanding of the topics you need to cover.

Collecting Study Material:
2. Start by collecting the necessary study material for Public Administration. Some recommended books are:
- New Horizons of Public Administration by Mohit Bhattacharya
- Administrative Thinkers by Prasad and Prasad
- Indian Administration by Ramesh K. Arora and Rajni Goyal

Creating a Study Plan:
3. Develop a study plan that suits your schedule and allows for sufficient time to cover all the topics. Break down the syllabus into smaller sections and allocate specific time slots for each.

Understanding the Basics:
4. Begin by understanding the basic concepts of Public Administration. Study topics such as administrative theories, forms of government, organization and structure of public administration, and principles of public administration.

Analyzing Past Papers:
5. Analyze previous years' question papers to get an idea of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked. This will help you identify the important topics and focus your preparation accordingly.

Making Notes:
6. While studying, make concise and organized notes. This will help you revise quickly before the exam and also serve as a reference material.

Practice Answer Writing:
7. Public Administration is a theory-based subject, but the ability to express your knowledge effectively is crucial. Practice answer writing regularly to improve your writing speed and clarity of expression.

Joining Test Series:
8. Enroll in a good test series specifically designed for Public Administration. This will provide you with an opportunity to evaluate your preparation, identify your weaknesses, and improve your performance.

Revision and Mock Tests:
9. Regularly revise the topics you have covered and solve mock tests to assess your knowledge and time management skills. This will also help you gain confidence before the actual exam.

Seeking Guidance:
10. If you face any difficulties or have doubts, consider seeking guidance from experts or joining online forums where you can interact with fellow aspirants and clarify your queries.

Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success. Stick to your study plan, stay motivated, and keep practicing to excel in the Public Administration optional for the UPSC exam.