How to use this glossary
Governance abbreviations show up across GS-2 and current affairs. Group the constitutional/statutory bodies separately from the legal terms for easier recall.
RTI
Right to Information
CAG/CVC
Watchdogs
PIL
Public-interest case
NITI
Policy think-tank
Bodies and commissions
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| CAG | Comptroller and Auditor General |
| CVC | Central Vigilance Commission |
| UPSC | Union Public Service Commission |
| ECI | Election Commission of India |
| NHRC | National Human Rights Commission |
| NCBC | National Commission for Backward Classes |
| NCSC / NCST | National Commission for Scheduled Castes / Tribes |
| NCW | National Commission for Women |
Legal and rights terms
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| RTI | Right to Information |
| PIL | Public Interest Litigation |
| FR / DPSP | Fundamental Rights / Directive Principles of State Policy |
| MCC | Model Code of Conduct |
| RPA | Representation of the People Act |
| FCRA | Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act |
| CrPC / IPC | Code of Criminal Procedure / Indian Penal Code |
| UAPA | Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act |
Offices and services
| Abbr. | Full form |
|---|---|
| MP / MLA / MLC | Member of Parliament / Legislative Assembly / Legislative Council |
| IAS / IPS / IFS | Indian Administrative / Police / Foreign Service |
| PAC | Public Accounts Committee |
| AG | Attorney General |
| CJI | Chief Justice of India |
| NITI | National Institution for Transforming India |
UPSC angle
Know the constitutional vs statutory bodies (CAG/UPSC/ECI vs CVC/NHRC), the rights/legal terms (RTI/PIL/UAPA), and the services (IAS/IPS/IFS).
Frequently asked questions
What is the full form of RTI and PIL?
RTI = Right to Information; PIL = Public Interest Litigation.
What does CAG stand for?
Comptroller and Auditor General — the supreme audit authority of India.
What is the full form of NITI Aayog?
National Institution for Transforming India.
What do IAS, IPS and IFS stand for?
Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Foreign Service.