The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is appointed for how many years as per the constitutional provisions and service rules for this high constitutional office?

Introduction / Context:

This question checks basic knowledge of the tenure of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, commonly known as the CAG. The CAG is a very important constitutional authority responsible for auditing the accounts of the Union and the states. Competitive exams frequently ask about the appointment, tenure, and removal of key constitutional posts such as the President, CAG, and members of the Election Commission.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The post in question is the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

- The options list different fixed tenures in years.

- It is understood that the CAG also has an upper age limit, but the question focuses only on the standard tenure in years.

Concept / Approach:

The Constitution of India provides that the CAG holds office for a term of six years or until the age of sixty five years, whichever is earlier. For exam purposes, when a question asks simply for how many years the CAG is appointed, the standard expected answer is six years. Recognising this fact based on polity textbooks and articles dealing with constitutional offices is enough to solve the problem.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

A learner can verify this by recalling that several other constitutional and statutory positions, like the Chief Election Commissioner, also have six year tenures. Standard polity reference books explicitly mention that the CAG s tenure mirrors this pattern and is not as short as two or four years.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Two years would be too short for a position that requires long term familiarity with complex public accounts and financial systems.

Four years is also not the tenure given by the Constitution for the CAG and would not allow sufficient continuity.

Five years is a common term for elected legislative bodies but is not the tenure prescribed for the CAG.

Three years is not mentioned anywhere in relation to the tenure of the CAG and is therefore incorrect.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes confuse the tenure of the CAG with the five year terms of the Lok Sabha or with the tenure of other constitutional bodies. Another confusion arises because of the dual condition of six years or sixty five years of age, which leads some learners to believe that the CAG may retire earlier. For exam answers, however, six years is the key figure to remember.

Final Answer:

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is appointed for a period of six years.