The Comptroller and Auditor General
India's top auditor, who checks how the Union and states spend public money and reports to the legislatures.
What the paper can ask
- Appointed by the President; removed only by an address of both Houses on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
- Duties and powers are laid down in the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971.
- Public Accounts Committees take up the CAG's reports for discussion.
- First CAG: V. Narahari Rao (1950 to 1954); current CAG K. Sanjay Murthy since 21 November 2024. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask
The Article, the term and retirement age, and who appoints and removes the CAG are the usual questions.
The full story
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audits all receipts and spending of the Union and state governments and bodies they fund. The President appoints the CAG; the office can be removed only in the way a Supreme Court judge is removed. Reports on Union accounts go to the President to be laid before Parliament, where the Public Accounts Committee examines them; state reports go to the Governors.
Test yourself
1.The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India is established under which Article?
Correct. Article 148 provides for the CAG, who is appointed by the President.
Not quite. Article 148 provides for the CAG, who is appointed by the President. It goes into your error book.
2.The Comptroller and Auditor General of India holds office for six years or until what age, whichever is earlier?
Correct. Under the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, the CAG serves six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier.
Not quite. Under the CAG's (Duties, Powers and Conditions of Service) Act, 1971, the CAG serves six years or until age 65, whichever is earlier. It goes into your error book.