Published: 28 March 2026The Hindu / Transparency InternationalGovernance
Transparency International CPI 2025: Global Corruption at Record Low; India Ranks 96th
Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, released in early 2026 and extensively analysed in The Hindu's editorials in late March 2026, revealed that global corruption levels have reached a record low — the global average score fell to 42 (on a scale of 0 to 100, where 100 = very clean), the worst recorded since the CPI began tracking in 1995.
India ranked 96th out of 180 countries with a score of 38, unchanged from the previous year. The country continues to perform below the global average, reflecting persistent concerns over bureaucratic corruption, judicial delays, and governance opacity.
Key global findings:
- Denmark ranked 1st (score: 90), followed by Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand in the top tier
- More than two-thirds of countries scored below 50, indicating widespread corruption
- The global average of 42 marks the lowest level since Transparency International began tracking
- Authoritarian regimes and conflict zones showed the steepest declines
For India, the CPI highlights:
1. Bureaucratic corruption remains a challenge in service delivery at state level
2. Political finance transparency is flagged as an area requiring reform
3. Judicial independence and enforcement of anti-corruption laws need strengthening
4. India scores better than Bangladesh (score: 23) and Pakistan (score: 27) in South Asia
Rajasthan relevance: The Rajasthan government has been pushing administrative reforms including the Rajasthan Right to Public Services Act (RTPS) and single-window clearances. District-level Lokayukta vigilance and Rajasthan Accountability Commission (RAC) are mechanisms to address local corruption. The CPI is significant for public administration topics in the RAS syllabus, particularly governance, transparency, and accountability frameworks.
0Mains angle
Q: Analyse India's 96th rank with score 38 in the CPI 2025 and its implications for governance reforms, including Rajasthan's anti-corruption mechanisms.
Answer (50 words):
Transparency International's CPI 2025 placed India 96th among 180 countries with a score of 38, below the record-low global average of 42. Denmark ranked first at 90. India faces bureaucratic corruption, judicial delays, and political finance opacity, while Rajasthan addresses these through the Lokayukta and Right to Public Services Act.
6-axis classification
CoverageInternationalSubjectInternationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceThe Hindu / Transparency International
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Linked questionMedium
According to Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, what was India's rank among 182 countries and territories?
Explanation · Correct answer CIndia ranked 96th out of 180 countries in the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, with a score of 38 — below the global average of 42. Denmark topped the index with a score of 90. The CPI 2025 recorded the lowest global average since the index began in 1995, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) and who publishes it?
The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is an annual ranking published by Transparency International that measures perceived levels of public-sector corruption in countries worldwide. Countries are scored on a scale of 0 to 100, where 100 indicates a very clean government and 0 indicates highly corrupt.
What was India's rank and score in CPI 2025?
India ranked 96th out of 180 countries in CPI 2025 with a score of 38, unchanged from the previous year. This places India below the global average of 42, reflecting ongoing concerns over bureaucratic corruption, judicial delays, and governance opacity.
Which country topped the CPI 2025 rankings, and what was the global average?
Denmark ranked 1st with a score of 90, followed by Finland, Singapore, and New Zealand in the top tier. The global average fell to 42 — the lowest recorded since Transparency International began tracking corruption in 1995 — indicating that corruption is worsening worldwide.
How does India compare with other South Asian countries in the CPI 2025?
India's score of 38 is higher than Bangladesh (23) and Pakistan (27), making it relatively better placed within South Asia. However, India still trails the global average of 42, indicating significant room for improvement in governance and anti-corruption measures.
What mechanisms does Rajasthan have to address corruption, and why is CPI relevant for RAS?
Rajasthan has the Right to Public Services Act (RTPS), district-level Lokayukta vigilance, and the Rajasthan Accountability Commission (RAC) as key anti-corruption frameworks. The CPI is important for RAS Mains topics on governance, transparency, and accountability, and tests aspirants' understanding of national and state-level reform efforts.
