The syllabus for the UPSC Public Administration optional subject is as follows:

1. Introduction to Public Administration:
- Meaning, nature, and scope of Public Administration
- Evolution of the discipline
- Public and Private Administration
- New Public Administration
- Public Choice Approach
- Challenges of Public Administration

2. Administrative Thought:
- Scientific Management
- Classical Theory
- Human Relations Theory
- Behavioral Approach
- Systems Approach
- Contingency Approach
- Development Administration
- Comparative Public Administration

3. Administrative Behavior:
- Decision-making
- Communication
- Leadership
- Motivation
- Morale
- Job satisfaction
- Organizational Change
- Stress Management

4. Organizations:
- Theories of Organization
- Principles of Organization
- Structure and Forms of Organization
- Delegation and Decentralization
- Coordination
- Organizational Culture
- Administrative Tribunals

5. Accountability and Control:
- Concepts of Accountability and Control
- Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Control
- Citizen and Administration
- Role of Civil Society
- Right to Information
- Corporate Governance

6. Administrative Law:
- Principles of Natural Justice
- Administrative Discretion
- Administrative Adjudication
- Administrative Tribunals
- Ombudsman
- Lokpal and Lokayuktas

7. Comparative Public Administration:
- Comparative Public Administration
- Development Administration
- Ecological Perspective in Public Administration
- Comparative Administrative Systems
- Bureaucracy and Development

8. Development Dynamics:
- Concept of Development
- Changing Profile of Development Administration
- Administration of Development
- Anti-Development Acts
- Development and Human Rights
- NGOs and Development

9. Personnel Administration:
- Importance of Human Resources
- Recruitment and Selection
- Training and Development
- Performance Appraisal
- Promotion and Demotion
- Compensation and Benefits
- Employer-Employee Relations
- Code of Conduct and Discipline

10. Financial Administration:
- Budgetary Process
- Financial Accountability
- Audit and Accounts
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India
- Public Expenditure
- Public Debt
- Fiscal Policy

11. Local Government:
- Evolution of Local Government
- 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments
- Rural and Urban Local Government
- Functions and Responsibilities of Local Government
- Panchayati Raj Institutions
- Municipalities and Municipal Corporations

12. Union Government and Administration:
- Evolution of Indian Constitution
- President and Prime Minister
- Council of Ministers
- Cabinet Secretariat
- Central Secretariat
- Prime Minister's Office
- Central Vigilance Commission
- Central Bureau of Investigation

13. State Government and Administration:
- Governor and Chief Minister
- State Council of Ministers
- Chief Secretary
- State Secretariat
- State Public Service Commission
- Directorate of Public Grievances
- State Vigilance Commission

In conclusion, the syllabus for the UPSC Public Administration optional subject covers a wide range of topics related to the theory and practice of public administration, including its evolution, administrative thought, organizational behavior, accountability and control, administrative law, comparative public administration, development dynamics, personnel administration, financial administration, local government, and union/state government and administration.