UPSC Notes

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

CAG's role is fundamental to parliamentary democracy, ensuring accountability and transparency in public expenditure. Its reports often highlight governance issues, policy implementation failures, and financial irregularities, making it crucial for GS2 (Governance, Constitution) and GS3 (Economy, Public Finance).

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is an independent constitutional authority in India, established under Article 148 of the Constitution. It is the supreme audit institution of India, responsible for auditing all receipts and expenditure of the Union and State governments, as well as government companies and corporations.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Constitutional Basis

Established under Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.

Role

Guardian of the public purse and controls the entire financial system of the country at both the Centre and the state levels.

Reporting

Submits audit reports to the President (for Union) or Governor (for State), who then lays them before Parliament/State Legislature.

Relationship with PAC

Acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaConstitutional & Statutory Bodies
Conceptual areaPublic Finance & Taxation
Conceptual areaParliamentary System & Procedures

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Parliament of IndiaReceives reports
Public Accounts Committee (PAC)Examines reports
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Constitutional body (Art. 148).
  • Audits all government receipts/expenditure.
  • Reports to President/Governor, laid before Legislature.
  • "Guardian of public purse."
  • Friend/philosopher to PAC.

Elimination traps

Constitutional vs statutoryDistinguishing CAG as a constitutional body from statutory bodies established by an Act of Parliament.

Check if created by Constitution or by Parliament.

High-confidence PYQs

Topic timeline

Constitutional & Statutory BodiesPublic Finance & TaxationParliamentary System & Procedures

Losing forest for trees: On the CAG’s audit of the Green India Mission

18 Aug 2026 · CAG is India's constitutional audit body, ensuring financial accountability of government, and its reports are vital for parliamentary oversight.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

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UPSC Prelims PYQs on Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

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