QUESTION 14
GS2
15 marks
How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss.
WRITE IN
11 min
250 words
What the examiner wants
Explain how the Finance Commission is constituted and discuss the terms of reference of the then new (15th) Finance Commission.
Explain + DiscussMake clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point. Explain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Article 280; Finance Commission (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1951; chair and four members; every five years≈50 words
- 215th FC (N.K. Singh): use of 2011 population, performance incentives, fiscal discipline, defence and internal security fund, local body grants≈50 words
- 3Controversies: southern states on population base≈50 words
- 4Update: 16th FC (Arvind Panagariya) for 2026–31≈50 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
Constitution15th FC termsDebatesConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Outdated or wrong commission number
- No controversy
Draw this
- Table: FC → share of states
Value addition
- FactThe 15th FC recommended 41% devolution to states and created a non-lapsable Modernisation Fund for Defence and Internal Security.15th FC Report
- FactThe 16th Finance Commission chaired by Arvind Panagariya covers 2026–31.Ministry of Finance
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Akash Kumar · AIR 101 · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Alfred Thomas · Page 11 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 23 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Alfred Thomas · Page 5 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
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