Question 1

Consider the following attributes regarding the establishment of planning bodies in India:
1. Created by an Act of Parliament.
2. Established through an executive resolution of the Union Cabinet.
3. Mentioned in the Constitution of India.
4. Succeeded a body constituted on the recommendation of the K.C. Neogi committee.
How many of the above statements are correct for BOTH the erstwhile Planning Commission and the NITI Aayog?

Accepted Answer

Only one. Only the second statement is correct for both. Both the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog were established by an executive resolution, making them non-constitutional and non-statutory bodies. They were not created by an Act of Parliament (Statement 1) nor are they mentioned in the Constitution (Statement 3). While the Planning Commission was established based on the recommendation of the K.C. Neogi committee, NITI Aayog succeeded the Planning Commission itself, so Statement 4 is not applicable to both.

Question 2

With reference to the replacement of the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog, consider the following statements:
1. The Union Government cited a paradigm shift in India's political, economic, and social landscape as a primary reason for the change.
2. A key criticism of the Planning Commission was its 'one-size-fits-all' approach to economic planning, which was deemed obsolete in a diversified country.
3. The new institution was intended to operate with a command and control approach, similar to its predecessor, to ensure effective implementation.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. NITI Aayog was explicitly created to move away from the 'command and control approach' of the Planning Commission era. It aims for a collaborative, bottom-up model, accommodating diverse viewpoints in the spirit of cooperative federalism, which is a direct contrast to the approach mentioned in the third statement. The first two statements accurately reflect the government's rationale for the replacement.

Question 3

Statement I: NITI Aayog was designed to function with a 'bottom-up' approach, shaping its policy thinking based on inputs from the states.
Statement II: The Planning Commission was characterized by a 'centre-to-state one-way flow of policy,' which NITI Aayog was intended to replace with a genuine partnership of states.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are correct. Statement I describes NITI Aayog's 'bottom-up' model. Statement II explains the historical context and the problem this new model aims to solve—the 'one-way flow of policy' of the Planning Commission. Therefore, the shift away from the old, top-down model (Statement II) is the direct reason for adopting the new, bottom-up one (Statement I), making it the correct explanation.

Question 4

With reference to the National Development Council (NDC), consider the following functions:
1. To prescribe guidelines for the preparation of the national Plan.
2. To make an assessment of the resources required for implementing the Plan.
3. To act as the final authority for approving the Plan before it is published in the official gazette.
4. To serve as a bridge between the Central Government, State Governments, and the planning body.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 4 only. The NDC's functions include prescribing guidelines for the national plan, assessing resources, and acting as a link between the Centre, states, and the planning body (now NITI Aayog). However, the final approval of the Plan before it becomes official rests with the Parliament, not the NDC. The NDC's role is advisory, and its acceptance precedes the Plan's presentation to Parliament.

Question 5

Consider the following principles upon which the NITI Aayog is built:
1. Operationalising the principle of Cooperative Federalism.
2. Serving as a repository of good governance best practices.
3. Transplanting successful global development models directly into the Indian scenario.
4. Facilitating implementation by monitoring progress and bringing ministries together.
How many of the above are mentioned in the Resolution as the foundational principles of NITI Aayog?

Accepted Answer

Only three. The foundational principles of NITI Aayog include empowering states through cooperative federalism, acting as a knowledge hub and think tank, and serving as a collaborative platform for implementation. The resolution explicitly cautions against transplanting foreign models, emphasizing the need for a 'Bharatiya approach to development' tailored to India's specific context. Therefore, three of the four listed principles are correct.

Question 6

With reference to the composition of NITI Aayog, consider the following statements:
1. The Governing Council comprises the Chief Ministers of all States and the Lt. Governors of all Union Territories.
2. Regional Councils are convened by the Prime Minister and are chaired by the Chairperson of the NITI Aayog or his nominee.
3. The full-time Members of NITI Aayog enjoy the rank of a Cabinet Minister.

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Governing Council includes Chief Ministers of Union Territories with Legislatures (Delhi, Puducherry, J&K) and Lt. Governors of *other* Union Territories, not all of them. Statement 3 is incorrect because full-time Members enjoy the rank of a Minister of State, while the Vice-Chairperson enjoys the rank of a Cabinet Minister. Statement 2 is correct as Regional Councils are convened by the PM and chaired by the NITI Aayog Chairperson or their nominee.

Question 7

Consider the following statements regarding the National Development Council (NDC):
1. The NDC was established in August 1952 by an executive resolution.
2. The NDC is a statutory body created on the recommendation of the First Five Year Plan.
3. One of the objectives of the NDC was to promote common economic policies in all vital spheres.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 2 is not correct. The National Development Council (NDC) was established by an executive resolution of the Government of India, not by an act of parliament. Therefore, it is neither a constitutional body nor a statutory body. Statements 1 and 3 are correct facts about its establishment and objectives.

Question 8

Consider the following positions within the full-time organisational framework of NITI Aayog and their associated ranks or limits:
1. Vice-Chairperson : Enjoys the rank of a Cabinet Minister.
2. Part-time Members : Maximum of 4 from leading universities.
3. Ex-Officio Members : Maximum of 4 members of the Union Council of Ministers.
4. Chief Executive Officer : Holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only three pairs. Pair 1 is correct. Pair 3 is correct. Pair 4 is correct. Pair 2 is incorrect; the maximum number of part-time members is two, not four. Therefore, only three pairs are correctly matched.

Question 9

How many of the following are part of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog?
1. Chief Ministers of all the States
2. Lt. Governors of Union Territories without Legislatures
3. Chief Ministers of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir
4. The Union Finance Minister

Accepted Answer

Only three. The Governing Council of NITI Aayog comprises: the Chief Ministers of all the States (1), the Chief Ministers of Union Territories with Legislatures like Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir (3), and the Lt. Governors of other Union Territories (2). The Union Finance Minister is not a member of the Governing Council by default, though they may be an Ex-Officio member of the Aayog itself. Thus, the first three items listed are part of the Governing Council.

Question 10

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The National Development Council (NDC) is a constitutional body established to secure the cooperation of states in the execution of the Plan.
Statement II: A resolution has been passed to abolish the National Development Council (NDC) and transfer its powers to the Governing Council of the NITI Aayog.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect. Statement I is incorrect because the NDC was established by an executive resolution, making it neither a constitutional nor a statutory body. Statement II is incorrect because the source material explicitly states that as of October 2019, a resolution to abolish the NDC and transfer its powers had not been passed.

Question 11

Consider the following as objectives of the NITI Aayog:
1. To foster cooperative federalism through structured support to States.
2. To develop mechanisms for formulating credible plans at the village level.
3. To ensure that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy.
4. To act as a 'provider of first and last resort' in the administrative paradigm.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only three. Statements 1, 2, and 3 are explicitly mentioned as objectives of the NITI Aayog. Statement 4 is incorrect; NITI Aayog aims for an administration paradigm where the Government is an 'enabler' rather than a 'provider of first and last resort'.

Question 12

Consider the following statements regarding the functional structure of NITI Aayog:
1. The 'Team India Hub' is primarily responsible for fostering cooperative federalism and designing policy frameworks.
2. The 'Knowledge & Innovation Hub' acts as a repository of research on good governance and best practices.
3. The various functional 'Verticals' were established as the primary structure, with the two Hubs being created subsequently to oversee them.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct descriptions of the roles of the Team India Hub and the Knowledge & Innovation Hub, respectively. Statement 3 is incorrect. The text suggests that the Hubs were constituted as part of the overall structural design, and 'accordingly Verticals and Core Divisions were created', implying a concurrent or subsequent creation of verticals, not a pre-existing structure that the hubs were created to oversee.

Question 13

Consider the following pairs:
(Vertical of NITI Aayog) : (Associated Thematic Area)
1. PAMD : Project Appraisal & Management
2. NGO Darpan : Civil Society Engagement
3. State Coordination : Decentralized Planning
4. Data Management & Analysis : Public-Private Partnerships
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only three pairs. Pair 1 is correct as PAMD stands for Project Appraisal & Management Division. Pair 2 is correct as NGO Darpan is a platform for NGOs, which are part of civil society. Pair 3 is correct as the full name of the vertical is 'State Coordination and Decentralized Planning'. Pair 4 is incorrect; 'Data Management & Analysis' and 'Public-Private Partnerships' are listed as separate, distinct verticals within NITI Aayog.

Question 14

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: NITI Aayog seeks to transform the administrative paradigm by positioning the Government as an 'enabler' rather than a 'provider of first and last resort'.
Statement II: A primary objective of NITI Aayog is to foster cooperative federalism by evolving a shared national development vision with the active involvement of States.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements are correct and are explicitly mentioned in the text. Statement II, which describes the collaborative and partnership-based approach with states (cooperative federalism), is a key mechanism through which the government's role shifts from a top-down provider to a supportive enabler (Statement I). Therefore, Statement II provides a strong explanation for the philosophical shift described in Statement I.

Question 15

With reference to the functions and aims of NITI Aayog, consider the following statements:
1. It aims to integrate villages institutionally into the development process.
2. It provides policy support to small businesses, recognizing them as a major source of employment.
3. It is responsible for the final allocation of financial resources to States for centrally sponsored schemes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only. Statements 1 and 2 are correct as they are listed among the challenges NITI Aayog aims to address. Statement 3 is incorrect. Unlike the erstwhile Planning Commission, NITI Aayog is a think tank and an advisory body. It does not have the mandate to allocate financial resources to the states; this function is now with the Ministry of Finance.

Question 16

With reference to the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), consider the following statements:
1. It was established by merging the erstwhile Programme Evaluation Organization and the Independent Evaluation Office.
2. It is headed by a Director General who is equivalent in rank to a Secretary to the Government of India.
3. To ensure its effectiveness, it has been provided with complete functional autonomy and separate budgetary allocations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 2 is incorrect. The DMEO is headed by a Director General who is equivalent to an Additional Secretary, not a Secretary, to the Government of India. Statements 1 and 3 are correct as the DMEO was formed by merging the two specified organizations and is granted functional autonomy with its own budget.

Question 17

Consider the following statements regarding the National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development (NILERD):
1. It was originally established as the Institute of Applied Manpower Research (IAMR) under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
2. It is primarily funded by grants-in-aid from the Ministry of Finance.
3. One of its main objectives is to conduct research and provide training in human capital planning and development.
4. The IAMR was renamed as NILERD in 2017, following the closure of DMEO's regional offices.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

Only two statements. Only two statements are correct. Statement 1 is correct. Statement 3 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect; NILERD is mainly funded by grants-in-aid from the NITI Aayog, not the Ministry of Finance. Statement 4 is incorrect; IAMR was renamed as NILERD in 2014, not 2017.

Question 18

Consider the following pairs regarding the specialised wings of NITI Aayog and their functions:
1. Research Wing : Develops in-house sectoral expertise as a dedicated think tank.
2. Consultancy Wing : Provides the entire consultancy service itself to Central and State Governments.
3. Team India Wing : Comprises representatives from every State and Ministry to ensure their continuous voice and stake.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only two pairs. Pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Consultancy Wing acts as a 'match-maker' or a marketplace of expertise, rather than providing the entire service itself. It connects governments with solution providers. Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched with their respective functions.

Question 19

Statement I: The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) previously operated through several Regional Development Monitoring and Evaluation Offices (RDMEOs) to conduct field surveys and data collection.
Statement II: The RDMEOs were closed in 2017 and their staff transferred to the DMEO headquarters in New Delhi, as their functions were no longer required.

Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.. Statement I is correct. The DMEO did have 15 regional offices (RDMEOs) for field work. Statement II is incorrect because while the RDMEOs were closed in 2017, it was done 'keeping in view the changed functional requirements', not because their functions were no longer required. The staff were transferred to the headquarters to centralize operations.

Question 20

Consider the following statements related to NITI Aayog and its associated bodies:
1. The responsibility for taking and implementing decisions recommended by NITI Aayog rests with both the Central and State Governments.
2. The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) is a central autonomous organization attached to the NITI Aayog.
3. The Team India Wing serves as a dedicated liaison interface, establishing a direct communication channel between a State/Ministry and NITI Aayog.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 2 is not correct. The DMEO is described as an 'attached office' of NITI Aayog, whereas the National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development (NILERD) is described as a 'central autonomous organization'. The text makes a distinction between these categories. Statements 1 and 3 are correct descriptions of NITI Aayog's functioning and the role of its Team India Wing.

Question 21

Consider the following principles which guide the NITI Aayog:
1. Antyodaya
2. Empowering women
3. Sustainability
4. Governance
How many of the above are listed as the guiding principles of NITI Aayog?

Accepted Answer

Only three. The guiding principles of NITI Aayog include Antyodaya, Inclusion, Village, Demographic dividend, People's Participation, Governance, and Sustainability. 'Empowering women' is listed as one of the seven pillars of effective governance, which is a distinct list from the guiding principles. Therefore, Antyodaya, Sustainability, and Governance are correct, making a total of three.

Question 22

With reference to the role of NITI Aayog in fostering cooperative federalism, consider the following statements:
1. It is mandated to evolve a shared vision of national development priorities with the active involvement of States.
2. It aims to help states formulate credible plans starting at the village level and aggregating them upwards.
3. It represents a shift from a model where the Centre unilaterally decided development policies to one where States are equal stakeholders.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1, 2 and 3. All three statements accurately describe the role and mandate of NITI Aayog. It is designed to act as a platform for cooperative federalism by involving states in creating a shared national vision, supporting bottom-up planning from the village level, and transforming the Centre-State relationship to make states equal partners in the development process.

Question 23

Consider the following initiatives and forums:
1. Development Support Services to States (DSSS)
2. Sustainable Action For Transforming Human Capital (SATH)
3. NITI Forum for North East
4. Sub-groups of Chief Ministers on different subjects
How many of the above are mentioned as manifestations of Cooperative Federalism in the working of the NITI Aayog?

Accepted Answer

All four. All four items are explicitly listed as examples or manifestations of how NITI Aayog puts the principle of Cooperative Federalism into practice. These include specific programs like DSSS and SATH, as well as institutional mechanisms like the NITI Forum for the North East and the formation of sub-groups of Chief Ministers.

Question 24

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: The NITI Aayog was constituted to enable a transition where States are treated as equal stakeholders in the national planning process, rather than passive recipients of centrally decided policies.
Statement II: A key aspect of Cooperative Federalism, as actualized by NITI Aayog, is the advocacy of State perspectives with Central Ministries.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.. Statement I correctly describes the fundamental goal of NITI Aayog in restructuring the Centre-State power dynamic in planning. Statement II correctly identifies a key feature of cooperative federalism that NITI Aayog promotes. Statement II provides a mechanism (advocacy for states) through which the goal in Statement I (making states equal stakeholders) is achieved. Therefore, both statements are correct, and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I.

Question 25

Consider the following statements regarding the seven pillars of effective governance upon which the NITI Aayog is based:
1. Empowering women in all aspects is one of the seven pillars.
2. The principle of 'Antyodaya' is explicitly listed as one of the seven pillars.
3. Transparency through the use of technology is included as a pillar.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

2 only. Statement 1 is correct, as 'Empowering women' is the fourth pillar. Statement 3 is also correct, as 'Transparency' is the seventh pillar. Statement 2 is incorrect because 'Antyodaya' is listed as the first of the seven guiding principles, which is a separate list from the seven pillars of effective governance. The question asks for the incorrect statement.

Question 26

Consider the following statements regarding the criticisms of the erstwhile Planning Commission:
1. The Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) of India described the Planning Commission as a 'Super Cabinet'.
2. K. Santhanam opined that the planning process had strengthened the federal structure of India.
3. P.V. Rajamannar highlighted the functional overlap between the Planning Commission and the Finance Commission in federal fiscal transfers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Accepted Answer

1 and 3 only. Statement 1 is correct as the ARC observed that the Planning Commission had earned the reputation of being a 'Super Cabinet'. Statement 3 is correct as P.V. Rajamannar, Chairman of the Fourth Finance Commission, pointed out the overlapping functions between the Planning Commission and Finance Commission. Statement 2 is incorrect; K. Santhanam stated that 'Planning has superseded the federation and our country is functioning like a unitary system in many respects', implying it weakened, not strengthened, the federal structure.

Question 27

With reference to the composition of the National Development Council (NDC), consider the following members:
1. The Prime Minister of India
2. All Union Cabinet Ministers
3. The Chief Ministers of all the states
4. Members of the NITI Aayog
How many of the above are members of the National Development Council (NDC)?

Accepted Answer

All four. According to the provided text, the National Development Council (NDC) is composed of: The Prime Minister of India (as its chairman), all Union Cabinet Ministers (since 1967), the Chief Ministers of all the states, and members of the Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog). Therefore, all four are members.

Question 28

Statement I: Critics argued that the replacement of the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog was partly motivated by an 'anti-Nehruvian' sentiment.
Statement II: The transition to NITI Aayog was viewed by some as a move to dismantle the planning process and promote an unregulated market economy.

Accepted Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is NOT the correct explanation for Statement I.. Both statements reflect criticisms mentioned in the source text. Statement I is based on Abhishek Manu Singhvi's comment about 'anti-Nehruvianism'. Statement II is based on Gurudas Dasgupta's comment about abolishing planning for a 'full-market economy'. While both are valid criticisms from the text, they represent separate lines of argument from different critics and one is not presented as a direct explanation for the other.

Question 29

Consider the following pairs regarding criticisms of the NITI Aayog's formation:
1. Sitaram Yechury : Termed the renaming as 'aniti aur durniti'.
2. Manish Tewari : Expressed apprehension of discrimination against the states.
3. Gurudas Dasgupta : Warned of a move towards a regulated, state-controlled economy.
4. Md Selim : Suggested strengthening the National Development Council instead.
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

Accepted Answer

Only three pairs. Pair 1 is correct; Sitaram Yechury used the term 'aniti aur durniti'. Pair 2 is correct; Manish Tewari feared the Centre would 'discriminate against the states'. Pair 4 is correct; Md Selim suggested the government should have given 'more teeth to the National Development Council instead'. Pair 3 is incorrect; Gurudas Dasgupta warned of a move towards a 'full-market economy (which is) totally unregulated', which is the opposite of a regulated, state-controlled economy. Thus, only three pairs are correctly matched.

Question 30

With reference to the criticisms surrounding the transition from the Planning Commission to NITI Aayog, consider the following statements:
1. A key concern was that the new body would allow corporate interests to dominate policy-making.
2. Some critics dismissed the change as mere 'gimmickry' without any substantive reform.
3. An apprehension was raised that the Finance Ministry, as an arbiter, would favor the states over the Centre in fiscal matters.
Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

Accepted Answer

3 only. Statement 1 is correct, as the text mentions the apprehension that 'corporates will call the shots'. Statement 2 is also correct, as critics called the move 'fluff' and 'gimmickry'. Statement 3 is incorrect. The apprehension raised by Manish Tewari was that the Finance Ministry, being a stakeholder, 'is going to discriminate against the states', not favor them. The question asks for the incorrect statement.

Question 31

With reference to the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog and its foundational principles, consider the following statements:
1. The emphasis on creating 'zero poverty' villages aligns with NITI Aayog's guiding principle of 'Antyodaya'.
2. The focus on skilling the youth to make them employment-ready is a direct application of the 'Demographic Dividend' principle.
3. The proposal for an 'Investment-friendly Charter' to foster healthy competition among states reflects the 'Governance' principle of transitioning focus from Outlay to Outcome.
4. The call for states to formulate their own visions for 2047 is a practical implementation of the principle of making the developmental process 'People-driven'.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

All four. All four statements correctly link the outcomes of the 9th Governing Council meeting with the guiding principles of NITI Aayog mentioned in the static text. 1. 'Antyodaya' means uplifting the poorest, which directly relates to the 'zero poverty' goal. 2. The 'Demographic Dividend' principle is about harnessing the potential of India's youth through skilling. 3. The 'Governance' principle aims for a purposeful style of governance focusing on outcomes, which an 'Investment-friendly Charter' seeks to achieve. 4. Involving states in creating their own visions for 2047 transforms the process into a more participative and people-driven one, moving away from a purely top-down central approach.

Question 32

Considering the foundational mandate of NITI Aayog and the outcomes of its 10th Governing Council meeting, how many of the following initiatives are direct manifestations of NITI Aayog's institutional role in fostering cooperative or competitive federalism?

1. The 'Sustainable Action For Transforming Human Capital' (SATH) programme.
2. The formulation of an 'Investment-friendly Charter' as directed by the Prime Minister.
3. The unanimous support from states for 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terror infrastructure.
4. The publication of the 'State Energy and Climate Index' to rank states.

Accepted Answer

Only three. Statement 1 is correct as SATH is a NITI Aayog programme to support states in social sectors. Statement 2 is correct as NITI Aayog was directed to prepare this charter, which aligns with its mandate to evolve national development strategies. Statement 4 is correct as NITI Aayog uses such indices to foster competitive federalism. Statement 3 is incorrect; while discussed at the meeting, 'Operation Sindoor' is a security/foreign policy matter, not an institutional mechanism or programme of NITI Aayog designed to foster federalism.

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