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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India’s Rank in Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024
India’s Rank (2024)	96th out of 180 countries
India’s Score (2024)	38 (Dropped from 39 in 2023)
India’s Rank (2023)	93rd
Top 3 Least Corrupt	1. Denmark 2. Finland 3. Singapore
Most Corrupt Nations	South Sudan, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria
India’s Neighbors’ Ranks	Pakistan (135), Sri Lanka (121), Bangladesh (149), China (76)
Global CPI Average	43 (No improvement for years)
Countries Improving (Since 2012)	32 reduced corruption significantly
Countries Worsening/Stagnant	148 remained stagnant or worsened
Corruption & Climate Impact	Misuse of climate funds, policy obstruction
Key Concern	Corruption fuels instability, authoritarianism
Call to Action	Global efforts needed for transparency & governance