Theme T99 · Constitution & Polity

CAG & Attorney General

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What UPSC asks

Questions ask CAG's role in propriety, appointment and powers, whether performance audit oversteps jurisdiction, and the Attorney General's responsibilities and limits.

Prepare these

• Art 148–151; CAG (DPC) Act 1971
• Regularity vs performance audit
• Independence safeguards
• AG: Art 76, rights and limits

Answer writing

• Provisions, then practice and debates

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (3), Comment (1), Explain (1).

Linked themes

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L8 — Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

All 5 PYQs, newest first

1. GS2202510 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-14-M2025-Q05

   "The Attorney General of India plays a crucial role in guiding the legal framework of the Union Government and ensuring sound governance through legal counsel." Discuss his responsibilities, rights and limitations in this regard.

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2. GS2202410 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-14-M2024-Q04

   "The duty of the Comptroller and Auditor General is not merely to ensure the legality of expenditure but also its propriety." Comment.

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3. GS22019GS2-POL-14-M2019-S01

   “The Attorney-General is the chief legal adviser and lawyer of the Government of India.” Discuss.

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4. GS22018GS2-POL-14-M2018-S02

   “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise.

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5. GS22016GS2-POL-14-M2016-S01

   Exercise of CAG’s powers in relation to the accounts of the Union and the States is derived from Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. Discuss whether audit of the Government’s policy implementation could amount to overstepping its own (CAG) jurisdiction.

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