India’s Rank in Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024

Corruption remains a significant global challenge, affecting governance, democracy, and development. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024, released by Transparency International, ranks India at 96th position out of 180 countries, with a score of 38—a decline from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. The CPI evaluates nations based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, using a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

Key Findings of CPI 2024

India’s Ranking and Score

• India ranked 96th out of 180 countries.
• Score: 38 (down from 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022).
• India ranked 93rd in 2023 and 40th in 2022.

Global and Regional Rankings

• Denmark (1st) is the least corrupt nation, followed by Finland (2nd) and Singapore (3rd).
• South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, and Syria are ranked among the most corrupt nations.

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India’s neighbors

• Pakistan: 135th
• Sri Lanka: 121st
• Bangladesh: 149th
• China: 76th

Most Corrupt Nations (Bottom Rankings)

• South Sudan – Lowest score (8 points), displacing Somalia.
• Somalia – 9 points.
• Venezuela – 10 points.
• Syria – 12 points.

Corruption and Climate Action

• Corruption threatens climate initiatives, hindering emission reductions and adaptation efforts.
• Misuse of funds meant for climate action worsens global heating effects.
• Undue influence and bribery obstruct policies aimed at environmental protection.

Global Corruption Trends

• United States dropped from 69 to 65 points, ranking 28th (down from 24th).
• France fell from 71 to 67 points, ranking 25th (down from 20th).
• Germany dropped from 78 to 75 points, ranking 15th (down from 9th).
• Mexico dropped five points to 26 due to judicial inaction on corruption.
• Russia fell from 26 to 22 points, further impacted by its invasion of Ukraine.
• Ukraine declined one point to 35, but showed progress in judicial independence and anti-corruption efforts.

Trends in Corruption Levels

• 32 countries have reduced corruption levels since 2012.
• 148 countries have either stagnated or worsened in the same period.
• The global average CPI score remains at 43, indicating limited improvement.
• More than two-thirds of countries score below 50, showing widespread corruption issues.

Challenges and Recommendations

• Corruption fuels democratic decline, instability, and human rights violations.
• Developed nations with high CPI scores often protect fossil-fuel interests rather than fighting corruption.
• Financial hubs in wealthy nations facilitate illicit funds, worsening corruption worldwide.
• Urgent global action is required to combat corruption for a sustainable and democratic future.