GS2 · Topic
Corruption and Probity
Corruption in public life and the machinery against it.
26 UPSC Mains GS2 questions on Corruption and Probity that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2018–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
Electoral funding in India is fraught with the double whammy of legal loopholes and political inefficiencies. In this context, discuss the challenges to electoral funding. What lessons can India draw from global best practices in this regard?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) plays a crucial role in combating corruption, its functioning is often criticized for being partisan and acting against the federal spirit. Discuss with the help of suitable examples.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesFederalism
Electoral bond was brought in as a reform that was high on intent but has proved to be low on substance. Do you agree? Justify.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2020–2024
Elections and RepresentationTransparency and Accountability
'Corruption corrodes the fabric of governance, eroding the public's faith in democratic institutions.' Examine the potential for harmonizing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Whistleblower Protection Act (WBPA), and the Lokpal & Lokayukta Act, 2013, to enhance the effectiveness of the anticorruption regime.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Corruption and ProbityTransparency and Accountability
Do you agree with the view that adopting a framework for lobbying will strengthen participative governance and ease of doing business in India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Pressure Groups and AssociationsTransparency and Accountability
Executive agencies, working as the watchdog against impropriety, are vital to act against the corrupt; however, pandering to vested interests may have the effect of turning the idea of rule of law on its head. Comment, with special reference to controversies associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
There is an urgent need for effective whistle-blowing mechanisms and ensuring that necessary safeguards for the protection of whistle-blowers are established in both public and private spheres in India. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Transparency and AccountabilityCorruption and Probity
"The menace of paid news often rears its ugly head during elections." Discuss the need for making paid news an electoral offence in India.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
"Lokpal is not a panacea, but a vital step towards ensuring accountability in public life." In this context, discuss the significance of the institution of Lokpal, along with the limitations it faces.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
“There is a need to expand the scope of ‘corrupt practices’ under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to address emerging forms of electoral malpractices.” Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
"Civil services in India were envisioned as instruments of neutrality and efficiency, yet they are increasingly perceived as rigid and politicised." Examine the issues responsible for this perception and suggest corrective measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Civil ServicesCorruption and Probity
To what extent do you agree with the concept of state financing of elections?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
What constitutes corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act, 1951? Also, discuss the challenges in curbing such malpractices and suggest remedial measures.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
The bureaucracy in India is facing a number of serious challenges from diminishing human capital to political interference that, if left unaddressed, will lead to further institutional decline. Discuss. How can these challenges be addressed?
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Civil ServicesCorruption and Probity
Highlight the need for whistleblower protection in India. Critically analyze whether the Whistleblower Protection Act provides sufficient protection to the whistleblowers.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2019–2020
Transparency and AccountabilityCorruption and Probity
What is the rationale behind having a mandatory 'cooling-off' period for retired civil servants? In light of numerous instances of violation of this provision, do you think there is a need to have a relook at Civil Services Conduct Rules?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Civil ServicesCorruption and Probity
An independent umbrella body that brings the various central investigative agencies under one roof holds the key to shoring up their credibility. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
Critically examine the role and significance of the Lokpal in ensuring public accountability in India. Suggest measures to strengthen it.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
How can civil society activities and public participation in governments' decision-making, reduce corruption?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Transparency and AccountabilityCorruption and Probity
'Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an independent body responsible only to the Parliament.' What are the provisions that ensure independence of CVC? Also, discuss the issues that limit its effectiveness in tackling corruption in the country's public administration.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
A democracy is just as credible as the strength of the institutions fundamental to its legitimacy. Assess the role of the Central Bureau of the Investigation (CBI) in this context.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
Democratic ideals and its realization are hampered today due to the criminalization of politics. Analyse. Also, suggest how reforms related to political parties can correct the situation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Elections and RepresentationCorruption and Probity
Discuss the role played by the Directorate of Enforcement in the investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
The recent amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 strike a balance between enforcement overzealousness and the need for stringent action against corrupt public servants. Discuss.
15 marks · 250 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Statutory and Regulatory BodiesCorruption and Probity
"......There is dire necessity to fill the existing gap by protecting the honest officers while making the corrupt officers realize that they are not above law....." What are these "existing gaps" in the Indian context and how can these gaps be filled?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Transparency and AccountabilityCorruption and Probity
Evaluate the problems and prospects of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018'.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Corruption and ProbityStatutory and Regulatory Bodies