Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of India – A Detailed Report (2024-2025)

Introduction

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is a global indicator developed by Transparency International to measure the perceived levels of public sector corruption in countries worldwide. The index ranks 180 countries and territories on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), based on expert assessments and opinion surveys.

India’s CPI Score and Ranking (2024)

As per the latest data released in early 2025:

India scored 38 out of 100

India is ranked 96th out of 180 countries

This marks a decline from previous years:

2023: Score 39, Rank 93

2022: Score 40, Rank 85

The decreasing trend in India's score indicates a growing perception of corruption within the public sector.

Regional Comparison

Within the Asia-Pacific region, India continues to lag behind several countries in terms of clean governance:

Country            CPI Score 2023            Global Rank

Singapore.                 83.                                  5

Bhutan.                      68.                                 25

China.                         42.                                76

Indian.                        38.                                96

Pakistan.                     29.                               133

Singapore leads the region, reflecting a strong anti-corruption framework and enforcement, while India’s score highlights the need for systemic reforms.

Key Areas of Concern in India

Weak enforcement of anti-corruption laws

Delays in prosecution of corruption cases

Lack of protection for whistleblowers

Opacity in political party funding

Bureaucratic red tape and bribery in public services

These factors continue to contribute to the low CPI score of the country.

Global Context

The top 5 least corrupt countries according to the CPI 2023 are:

1. Denmark – Score: 90

2. Finland – Score: 87

3. New Zealand – Score: 87

4. Norway – Score: 84

5. Singapore – Score: 83

The bottom 5 most corrupt countries are:

Somalia

South Sudan

Syria

Yemen

Venezuela

These countries score below 20, indicating severe corruption challenges.

Recommendations for India

To improve its CPI score and reduce corruption, India should focus on:

Strengthening institutions like the CBI, Lokpal, and vigilance bodies

Ensuring faster judicial processes in corruption cases

Increasing transparency in public procurement and government dealings

Implementing stronger whistleblower protection mechanisms

Enabling greater citizen participation in governance and oversight

Conclusion

India's Corruption Perceptions Index continues to reflect concerns about public sector transparency and accountability. A drop in score and rank signals the need for stronger political will and effective policy reforms to combat corruption and restore public trust in institutions.

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Sources:

Transparency International – www.transparency.org

India Today, Indian Express, PIB, and Reuters Reports

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