The questions from topic 'Statement & Course of action' are asked to test the ability of aspirant to judge a problem correctly as well as to determine the root cause of the problem and then to prescribe a suitable course of action. 

What is the Course of Action? 

A course of action is a step or administrative decision to be taken up for improvement or follow-up for further action in regard to the problem, policy etc. on the basis of the information given in the statement. 

For e.g. - 

Statement : A large number of people in ward X of the city are diagnosed to be suffering from a fatal malaria type. 

Courses of Action : I. The city municipal authority should take immediate steps to carry out extensive fumigation in ward X. 

1. The people in the area should be advised to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. 

(1). Only I follows

(2). Only II follows

(3). Either I or II follows

(4). Neither I nor II follows

(5). Both I and II follow

The answer is (5) - Clearly, prevention from mosquitoes and elimination of mosquitoes are two ways to prevent malaria. The action will reduce the problem. So, both the courses of action follow. 

2. Fact and Improvement based :

When the presented situations talk about a simple fact (not a problem, just a situation) then the suggested courses of action should suggest ways of improvement. 

The format of the Problem : These types of questions contain two or more statements and these statements are followed by a number of Courses of Action. You are required to find which Course of Action will logically follow from the given statement. 

For e.g.- 

Statement : Exporters in the capital are alleging that commercial banks are violating a Reserve Bank of India directive to operate a post-shipment export credit denominated in foreign currency at international rates from January this year. 

Courses of Action: I. The officers concerned in the commercial banks are to be suspended. 

II. The RBI should be asked to stop giving such directives to commercial banks. 

(1) Only I follows

(2) Only II follows

(3) Either I or II follows

(4) Neither I nor II follows

(5) Both I and II follow

Answers (4) - The statement mentions that the commercial banks violate a directive issued by the RBI. The remedy is only to make the banks implement the Act. So, none of the courses follows. 

Steps to Solve Statement and Course of Action Questions

Following are the approaches to solve the questions of this topic :

1. Don't make your individual perception.

2. Act according to the rules of any organization.

3. Go for impartial and not personal thinking.

4. Existing practices are not effective Course of Action. 

5. Whenever a problem arises, it is always a sensible course of action to find out the cause. 

Important Points to proceed step by step to reach final courses of action:

1. Extreme or strict action is not a valid course of action.

2. The actions should be a positive step towards the solution of the problem, rather harsh and undemocratic.

3. Analyses course of action whether it will solve the problem or lessen it. For proper analysis check with 

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