Introduction:
When preparing for the Public Administration exam, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern. One way to achieve this is by solving previous year papers. However, the question arises whether to prioritize solving the most recent previous year papers or cover a range of years. In this response, we will discuss the advantages of both approaches and provide a recommendation.

Prioritizing the most recent previous year papers:
Solving the most recent previous year papers has several advantages:

1. Updated exam pattern: The most recent papers provide insights into the current exam pattern, including the types of questions, their difficulty level, and the weightage given to different topics. This helps in aligning the preparation strategy accordingly.

2. Relevance: The recent papers are more likely to reflect the current trends and focus areas of the Public Administration exam. By solving these papers, candidates can identify the key topics and areas to prioritize in their preparation.

3. Time management: Solving recent papers helps candidates understand the time constraints and distribution of marks across different sections. This enables them to practice time management skills and improve their speed and accuracy.

Covering a range of years:
While solving recent papers is beneficial, covering a range of years also has its advantages:

1. Comprehensive understanding: By solving papers from different years, candidates can gain a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern. They can identify recurring themes, important topics, and the evolving nature of the exam over time.

2. Identifying patterns: Analyzing papers from multiple years helps in identifying patterns in the type of questions asked, the weightage given to different sections, and the emphasis on specific topics. This can provide valuable insights into the examiners' mindset and help in better preparation.

3. Broad knowledge base: Covering a range of years ensures that candidates are well-prepared for any unexpected changes in the exam pattern. It helps in building a strong foundation of knowledge across various topics and ensures a more holistic approach to the subject.

Recommendation:
While both approaches have their merits, it is advisable to strike a balance between solving recent papers and covering a range of years. Candidates should begin by solving the most recent papers to understand the current exam pattern and focus areas. Once they have gained a solid understanding, they can move on to solving papers from previous years to identify patterns and broaden their knowledge base. This combined approach will provide a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern and enhance the chances of success in the Public Administration exam.