Governance covers how the state delivers public services, maintains accountability, and reforms itself. For UPSC GS2, this section spans the mechanics of transparent administration — the Right to Information Act, anti-corruption institutions, civil services reform, e-governance models, administrative law, and international comparisons of good governance. These topics appear across Prelims (institutional facts, acts, bodies) and Mains (analytical questions on effectiveness, design, and reform).

Chapters

#ChapterKey Focus
1RTI & E-GovernanceRTI Act 2005, CIC, social audit, Digital India, India Stack, e-governance models
2Lokpal & Anti-CorruptionLokpal Act 2013, Lokayuktas, CBI, CVC, Prevention of Corruption Act
3Civil Services ReformLateral entry, performance appraisal, Mission Karmayogi, DOPT reforms
4Role of Civil ServicesCivil services in democracy, neutrality, accountability, steel frame debate
5Governance Reforms & Commissions1st & 2nd ARC, Sarkaria, Punchhi, police reforms, Prakash Singh case
6Administrative LawDelegated legislation, administrative tribunals, CAT, Article 323A/323B
7Governance, Transparency & AccountabilityCitizens' Charter, Sevottam, social audit, grievance redressal, CPGRAMS
8Decentralisation & Governance Outcomes73rd & 74th Amendments, PRIs, ULBs, devolution, fiscal federalism
9Good Governance — Metrics & IndicesWorld Governance Indicators, EODB, HDI, SDGs, governance measurement
10Statutory, Regulatory & Quasi-Judicial BodiesSEBI, TRAI, CCI, NGT, NHRC, CVC, CAG, UPSC, ECI — composition, powers, current data
11Pressure Groups, NGOs & Civil SocietyFICCI, CII, BMS, BKU, FCRA 2010 & 2020, SHGs, DAY-NRLM, Lakhpati Didi
12Ministries, Departments & Cabinet StructureArticles 74-77, Cabinet Committees, PMO, Allocation of Business Rules
13Government Policy Formulation & ImplementationPolicy cycle, NITI Aayog, PRAGATI, DBT, Aspirational Districts, Mission Karmayogi, DMEO, implementation gaps
14National Green Tribunal & Quasi-Judicial BodiesNGT Act 2010, jurisdiction, landmark judgments, CAT, DRT, SAT, Tribunals Reforms Act 2021