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Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) / Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

PYQs

4

Articles

1

Momentum

13

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding the role, challenges, and regulatory environment of CSOs/NGOs is vital for comprehending governance, social justice, development, and democratic participation in India. They are a key component of the 'Role of NGOs' topic in GS2.

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are non-state, non-profit, voluntary groups that operate independently of the government and market. They play a crucial role in advocating for public interests, delivering social services, and promoting development.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Diverse Sectors

Operate across various sectors including health, education, environment, human rights, and rural development.

Role in Governance

Act as intermediaries between citizens and the state, facilitating participation and accountability.

Funding Sources

Funded through domestic and foreign donations, government grants, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, and membership fees.

Functions

Engage in advocacy, service delivery, capacity building, research, and monitoring government policies.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Niti AayogMaintains a database (darpan portal) and facilitates partnership
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding

Quick revision

  • Non-state, non-profit, voluntary organizations.
  • Engage in advocacy, service delivery, and development.
  • Regulated by laws like FCRA.
  • Crucial for democratic participation and social change.
  • Face challenges related to funding, transparency, and government oversight.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2024Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2023Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2017Terminology-based question, Policy measures

What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? 1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. 2. To increase the qua...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Topic timeline

Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Prelims 2017· Terminology-based question, Policy measures

What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? 1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. 2. To increase the qua...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

Open question

FCRA Bill 2026, a threat to civil society organisations

30 Jul 2026 · CSOs/NGOs are non-state, non-profit entities crucial for advocacy, service delivery, and development, operating under various regulatory frameworks like the FCRA, and are integral to India's social and governance landscape.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) / Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Often confused with

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 4 linked questions on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) / Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) / Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

2024·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? 1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. 2. To increase the qua...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

2023·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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