UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report Out: 3635 Panchayats Emerge as Front Runners

Q1. In the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 Report, a Gram Panchayat is classified as a 'Front Runner' when its composite PAI score (on a scale of 0–100) falls within which of the following bands?

  • A. 90 and above
  • B. 75 to below 90
  • C. 60 to below 75
  • D. 40 to below 60

Q2. With reference to the five performance categories used in the PAI 2.0 Report, consider the following: 1. Achiever — composite score of 90 and above 2. Performer — composite score of 60 to below 75 3. Aspirant — composite score of 75 to below 90 4. Beginner — composite score below 40 Which of the above category–score pairings is/are correctly identified?

  1. Achiever — composite score of 90 and above
  2. Performer — composite score of 60 to below 75
  3. Aspirant — composite score of 75 to below 90
  4. Beginner — composite score below 40
  • A. 1, 2 and 4
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. Consider the following statements about the nine LSDG themes underpinning the Panchayat Advancement Index across its editions: 1. The number of LSDG themes (nine) remained unchanged between PAI 1.0 and PAI 2.0 even as the indicators were rationalised. 2. Each LSDG theme maps to exactly one UN Sustainable Development Goal on a strict one-to-one basis. 3. 'Poverty-Free & Enhanced Livelihoods' and 'Healthy Panchayat' emerged among the top-performing themes in PAI 2.0. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The number of LSDG themes (nine) remained unchanged between PAI 1.0 and PAI 2.0 even as the indicators were rationalised.
  2. Each LSDG theme maps to exactly one UN Sustainable Development Goal on a strict one-to-one basis.
  3. 'Poverty-Free & Enhanced Livelihoods' and 'Healthy Panchayat' emerged among the top-performing themes in PAI 2.0.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which one of the following is correctly described as the first-ever nationwide baseline edition of the Panchayat Advancement Index for measuring Gram Panchayat performance?

  • A. PAI 1.0 Report for FY 2022-23
  • B. PAI 2.0 Report for FY 2023-24
  • C. The PAI 2.0 Portal launched in May 2025
  • D. The National Panchayat Awards framework

Q5. After rationalisation from PAI 1.0, how many indicators does the PAI 2.0 framework use to assess each Gram Panchayat?

  • A. 150
  • B. 230
  • C. 516
  • D. 794

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the constitutional framework of Panchayati Raj introduced by the 73rd Amendment: 1. Part IX of the Constitution deals with Panchayats, while Part IXA deals with Municipalities. 2. The 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats are enumerated in the Twelfth Schedule. 3. The provisions relating to Panchayats are contained in Articles 243 to 243-O under Part IX. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Part IX of the Constitution deals with Panchayats, while Part IXA deals with Municipalities.
  2. The 29 subjects that may be devolved to Panchayats are enumerated in the Twelfth Schedule.
  3. The provisions relating to Panchayats are contained in Articles 243 to 243-O under Part IX.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. As used in Part IX of the Constitution, which one of the following best defines the 'Gram Sabha'?

  • A. A body consisting of all persons registered in the electoral rolls of a village comprised within the area of a Panchayat at the village level
  • B. The body of elected ward members constituting the village Panchayat
  • C. The intermediate-level Panchayat (Panchayat Samiti) serving a block
  • D. An assembly of all adult residents of a village, whether or not registered as voters

Q8. With reference to the coverage of the PAI 2.0 Report, consider the following: 1. It covered 2,59,867 Gram Panchayats / Traditional Local Bodies. 2. Validated data was submitted from across 33 States and Union Territories. 3. It recorded a national participation rate of 97.30%. 4. The report pertains to the financial year 2022-23. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It covered 2,59,867 Gram Panchayats / Traditional Local Bodies.
  2. Validated data was submitted from across 33 States and Union Territories.
  3. It recorded a national participation rate of 97.30%.
  4. The report pertains to the financial year 2022-23.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q9. With reference to the institutional and data architecture of the Panchayat Advancement Index, consider the following: 1. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is the nodal ministry for the PAI. 2. The PAI is administered jointly by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. 3. The PAI is aligned with the National Indicator Framework maintained by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. 4. PAI scores feed into the National Panchayat Awards. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is the nodal ministry for the PAI.
  2. The PAI is administered jointly by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
  3. The PAI is aligned with the National Indicator Framework maintained by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
  4. PAI scores feed into the National Panchayat Awards.
  • A. 1, 3 and 4
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q10. In the PAI 2.0 Report (FY 2023-24), which State recorded the highest number of Gram Panchayats classified in the 'Performer' category?

  • A. Gujarat
  • B. Maharashtra
  • C. Telangana
  • D. Madhya Pradesh

Q11. National Panchayati Raj Day is observed on 24 April to commemorate the coming into force of the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act. In which year did this Amendment come into force?

  • A. 1992
  • B. 1993
  • C. 1994
  • D. 1996