Corruption Perceptions Index 2025

1. Introduction

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 is an annual global index published by Transparency International that measures the perceived level of corruption in the public sector across countries. Unlike indices that assess actual instances of corruption, the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 evaluates how experts and business executives perceive corruption in public institutions. Since its introduction in 1995, the index has become one of the most widely used global indicators for assessing transparency, accountability and the quality of governance.

For India, the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 India serves as an important benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures and public sector governance. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, India scored 39 out of 100 and ranked 91st among 182 countries and territories, indicating a moderate level of perceived public sector corruption. Although India has undertaken several governance reforms, including digital governance, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and strengthening anti-corruption institutions, challenges such as bureaucratic corruption, opaque political funding, delays in the justice system and governance deficits continue to affect its overall performance.

2. Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI): Key Features

• Published by Transparency International: The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 is published annually by Transparency International (TI), a global civil society organisation headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Introduced in 1995, it is the world’s most widely cited index for assessing the perceived level of corruption in the public sector across countries.
• Measures Perceived Public Sector Corruption: The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 measures the perceived level of corruption in the public sector, including government departments, public officials and political institutions. It does not measure actual corruption, bribery experienced by ordinary citizens or corruption in the private sector. Instead, it reflects how experts and business executives perceive the extent of corruption in public institutions.
• Based on Multiple Independent Data Sources: The index is prepared by aggregating data from 13 independent sources, including expert assessments and business surveys conducted by reputed international institutions such as the World Bank, World Economic Forum, Economist Intelligence Unit and others. A country is included in the index only if data from at least three independent sources are available, ensuring greater reliability and comparability.
• Scoring and Ranking Methodology: Countries are assigned a score on a scale of 0 to 100, where: 0 = Highly Corrupt and 100 = Very Clean. Based on these scores, countries are ranked globally. A higher score indicates lower perceived public sector corruption and stronger governance institutions.
• Focuses on Governance and Institutional Integrity: The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 evaluates perceptions related to bribery, misuse of public office, diversion of public funds, integrity of public officials, transparency in public administration, accountability mechanisms and the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions. It is widely used as an indicator of governance quality, institutional effectiveness and investor confidence.
• Important Tool for Policy and Governance Reforms: Governments, international organisations, investors and researchers use the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 to identify governance weaknesses, compare anti-corruption performance across countries and design institutional reforms. The index also highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, rule of law and strong democratic institutions in reducing corruption and promoting sustainable development.

3. India’s Performance in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025

Improvement in India’s Global Ranking

According to the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, India ranked 91st out of 182 countries and territories with a score of 39 out of 100. India improved its ranking from the previous year and gained one point in its overall score. However, despite this improvement, India’s score remains below the global average for countries with strong governance and low levels of perceived public sector corruption, indicating that corruption continues to be a significant governance challenge. The India CPI Ranking 2025 therefore indicates some improvement in India’s performance, but substantial governance challenges remain.

Moderate Performance in Public Sector Governance

India falls within the category of countries experiencing moderate levels of perceived public sector corruption. Over the years, reforms such as Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Aadhaar-enabled service delivery, GST-based digital compliance and e-procurement systems have improved transparency, reduced leakages and minimised discretionary powers in public service delivery. These initiatives have contributed to India’s gradual improvement in the CPI score.

Persistent Governance Challenges

Despite governance reforms, India’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 score continues to be constrained by structural issues such as bureaucratic corruption, opaque political financing, irregularities in public procurement, delays in judicial proceedings, weak enforcement against corruption and governance challenges at the state and local levels. These factors continue to influence expert perceptions regarding the integrity and accountability of public institutions.

Comparison with Global Best Performers

Countries such as Denmark, Finland and Singapore continue to occupy the top positions in the CPI due to transparent public institutions, strong rule of law, independent anti-corruption agencies, efficient public administration and high institutional accountability. India’s comparatively lower score highlights the need for stronger institutional reforms, enhanced transparency and more effective enforcement mechanisms to improve public trust and governance standards.

For aspirants studying the India Corruption Perceptions Index and the India Rank in Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, India’s score and ranking provide important indicators for analysing the country’s governance and institutional challenges.

4. Reasons for India’s Low Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) Score

Bureaucratic Corruption and Administrative Inefficiencies

One of the major reasons for India’s relatively low Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 score is the persistence of bureaucratic corruption in sections of the public administration. Although significant progress has been made through e-governance and digital service delivery, corruption continues to be perceived in areas such as land administration, construction approvals, taxation, licensing, mining, public utilities and regulatory clearances. Complex procedures, excessive paperwork, discretionary powers vested in public officials and administrative delays often create opportunities for rent-seeking and bribery. Such governance inefficiencies not only increase the cost of doing business but also reduce citizens’ trust in public institutions, thereby negatively influencing expert assessments used in the CPI.

Opaque Political Funding and Electoral Finance

Transparency in political financing remains an important governance challenge affecting India’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 score. Large election expenditures, inadequate disclosure of political donations and concerns regarding the influence of money in the electoral process create perceptions of undue influence over public policy and decision-making. When political funding lacks adequate transparency, it raises concerns about policy capture, conflict of interest and preferential treatment for certain individuals or business groups. Strengthening transparency, accountability and disclosure mechanisms in political finance is therefore considered essential for improving institutional integrity and public confidence.

Weak Enforcement and Judicial Delays

India has a comprehensive legal framework to combat corruption, including institutions such as the Lokpal, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. However, the effectiveness of these institutions is often constrained by delays in investigation, prolonged judicial proceedings, shortage of investigative resources and low conviction rates in corruption-related cases. Slow enforcement reduces the deterrent effect of anti-corruption laws and contributes to the perception that corrupt practices frequently go unpunished.

Corruption in Public Procurement and Infrastructure Projects

Public procurement accounts for a substantial share of government expenditure and is therefore particularly vulnerable to corruption risks. Perceived irregularities such as tender manipulation, bid rigging, cartelisation, favouritism, contract inflation and cost overruns continue to affect infrastructure and public works projects. Weak monitoring, inadequate transparency in contract execution and limited accountability mechanisms further reinforce perceptions of corruption. Since procurement directly involves public funds, any irregularity has a significant impact on public trust and governance indicators.

Governance Challenges at State and Local Levels

India’s federal structure results in considerable variation in governance standards across states and local bodies. While some states have implemented effective transparency and digital governance reforms, others continue to face challenges related to land records, municipal administration, public distribution systems, welfare scheme implementation and local taxation. Weak grievance redressal mechanisms, limited administrative capacity and inadequate social audits at the grassroots level contribute to uneven governance quality and influence overall perceptions of corruption.

Corporate–Government Nexus and Regulatory Challenges

Another important factor affecting India’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 score is the perceived close nexus between business interests and public authorities in certain sectors. Concerns regarding crony capitalism, regulatory capture, conflict of interest, lobbying and preferential allocation of public resources can weaken confidence in the fairness and transparency of public institutions. As India continues to expand public-private partnerships and attract large-scale investments, strengthening corporate governance, transparent regulatory processes, competitive procurement and independent oversight will be critical for improving institutional integrity and enhancing India’s performance in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025.

5. Major Government Initiatives to Combat Corruption

Strengthening Anti-Corruption Institutions

The Government has established a robust institutional framework to investigate, prevent and prosecute corruption in the public sector. These institutions promote accountability, ensure ethical governance and strengthen public confidence in the administrative system.

• Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013: Established the Lokpal at the Union level and provided for the establishment of Lokayuktas in states to inquire into allegations of corruption against public servants, including senior government officials.
• Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): The apex vigilance institution responsible for supervising vigilance administration in Central Government organisations, advising departments on corruption-related matters and overseeing investigations conducted by vigilance agencies.
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): India’s premier investigative agency that investigates major corruption cases involving Central Government employees, public sector undertakings and high-profile financial offences under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• Central Vigilance Officers (CVOs): Appointed in various ministries and public sector organisations to monitor vigilance activities, prevent corruption and ensure adherence to ethical administrative practices.

Strengthening Legal and Regulatory Framework

India has enacted several laws to deter corruption, improve transparency and strengthen financial integrity by addressing bribery, money laundering and economic offences.

• Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (Amended in 2018): The principal legislation for combating corruption among public servants. The 2018 amendment criminalised the act of giving bribes, introduced provisions for corporate liability and strengthened safeguards for honest public officials.
• Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002: Empowers authorities to investigate, attach and confiscate assets derived from proceeds of crime and combat financial crimes linked to corruption.
• Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018: Enables confiscation of properties belonging to economic offenders who evade Indian courts by remaining outside the country, thereby strengthening accountability in major financial fraud cases.
• Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014: Provides a legal framework for protecting individuals who disclose information related to corruption, misuse of public office or abuse of authority, thereby encouraging greater transparency and accountability.

Promoting Digital Governance and E-Governance

Digital governance has emerged as one of India’s most effective strategies for reducing corruption by minimising human discretion, enhancing transparency and ensuring direct delivery of public services.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Transfers subsidies and welfare benefits directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, reducing leakages, ghost beneficiaries and intermediary corruption.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): A transparent online procurement platform that enables government departments to purchase goods and services through competitive bidding, reducing opportunities for favouritism and procurement-related corruption.
• Public Financial Management System (PFMS): Tracks the flow of public funds in real time, ensuring transparency, efficient utilisation of government expenditure and improved financial accountability.
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Platforms such as Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker and e-KYC have significantly improved transparency, reduced identity fraud and strengthened accountability in public service delivery.
• e-Office and Digital Service Delivery: Digitisation of government files, online approvals and electronic record management reduce administrative delays, enhance transparency and minimise opportunities for discretionary decision-making.

Enhancing Transparency and Citizen Participation

Transparency, public oversight and citizen participation are fundamental pillars of good governance and play a crucial role in preventing corruption.

• Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005: Empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency, accountability and informed public participation in governance.
• Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP): Provides an online platform for publishing government tenders, procurement notices and contract awards, ensuring greater transparency in public procurement.
• Social Audits: Conducted particularly in schemes such as MGNREGA, social audits enable local communities to verify the implementation of government programmes, detect irregularities and improve accountability at the grassroots level.
• Citizen Charters and Public Grievance Redressal Mechanisms: Establish service delivery standards, define citizens’ rights and provide mechanisms for timely resolution of complaints, thereby improving administrative accountability and reducing opportunities for corruption.

These institutional, legal, technological and participatory reforms collectively strengthen India’s anti-corruption framework and contribute to improving governance, transparency and public trust.

6. Limitations of the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)

• Measures Perceptions Rather than Actual Corruption: The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 is based on the perceptions of experts and business executives regarding corruption in the public sector. It does not directly measure the actual incidence or extent of corruption. Consequently, public perception may not always accurately reflect the ground reality.
• Limited to Public Sector Corruption: The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 primarily assesses corruption in the public sector and largely excludes corruption in the private sector, organised crime, tax evasion, illicit financial flows and corporate fraud. Therefore, it provides only a partial picture of corruption within a country.
• Does Not Capture Petty or Everyday Corruption: The CPI does not directly measure petty corruption experienced by ordinary citizens while accessing public services such as healthcare, education, policing or local administration. As a result, the daily experiences of citizens may not be adequately reflected in the rankings.
• Survey-Based Methodology May Introduce Bias: Since the index relies on expert assessments and business surveys, perceptions may be influenced by media coverage, high-profile corruption scandals or political developments. This may sometimes exaggerate or understate the actual level of corruption.
• Limited Comparability Across Countries: Countries differ significantly in their governance systems, legal frameworks, administrative structures and socio-cultural contexts. Applying a uniform methodology across diverse countries may not fully capture these differences, making direct comparisons challenging.
• Does Not Measure the Effectiveness of Anti-Corruption Reforms: A country may introduce significant institutional, legal or digital governance reforms, but these improvements may take time to influence expert perceptions. Consequently, the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 may not immediately reflect recent policy initiatives or governance improvements.

7. Way Forward

• Strengthen Anti-Corruption Institutions: Enhance the independence, capacity and accountability of institutions such as the Lokpal, Lokayuktas, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and investigative agencies to ensure impartial and effective enforcement.
• Increase Transparency in Political Funding: Introduce greater transparency and disclosure in political financing, strengthen electoral reforms and minimise the influence of money in the political process.
• Deepen Digital Governance: Expand e-governance, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), e-procurement, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and paperless public administration to reduce human discretion and opportunities for corruption.
• Improve Judicial Efficiency: Ensure speedy investigation and disposal of corruption cases through judicial reforms, increased conviction rates and stronger protection for whistleblowers and witnesses.
• Strengthen Transparency and Citizen Participation: Promote wider use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, social audits, public grievance redressal mechanisms and citizen oversight to improve accountability in governance.
• Promote Ethical Governance: Encourage integrity, ethical conduct and transparency in public administration through regular ethics training, strict enforcement of conduct rules and greater use of technology-driven monitoring systems.

These measures can strengthen the India Corruption Perceptions Index performance by improving institutional accountability, transparency and the effectiveness of anti-corruption mechanisms. For Corruption Perceptions Index UPSC preparation, these reforms are important for understanding the relationship between good governance, transparency, accountability and sustainable development.

8. Conclusion

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 serves as an important global indicator of the quality of governance, transparency and public sector integrity. Although India has undertaken significant reforms through digital governance, institutional strengthening and legal measures, challenges such as bureaucratic inefficiencies, opaque political funding, delays in enforcement and governance deficits continue to affect its performance.

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 India highlights the need for sustained efforts to strengthen accountability, transparency, rule of law and citizen-centric governance. Improving the India CPI Ranking 2025 will require not only stronger anti-corruption institutions but also effective implementation of reforms at the state and local levels.

Reducing corruption is essential for improving public trust, strengthening institutions and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 therefore provides an important framework for assessing India’s governance challenges and identifying areas requiring continued institutional and policy reforms.

BPSC Mains Practice Question

“According to the Corruption Perceptions Index 2025, India continues to face moderate levels of perceived public sector corruption. Examine the major reasons for India’s relatively low CPI score and evaluate the effectiveness of the government’s anti-corruption initiatives.”

Learn More from Transparency International

The Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 is published by Transparency International. For detailed information on the CPI, its methodology, country scores and rankings, readers can visit the official Transparency International website.