---
title: "Accountability in Public Administration | Model Diplomat"
description: "Accountability is the obligation of public officials to justify their decisions and actions, crucial for democratic governance and public trust."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/accountability"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Accountability is the obligation of public officials and institutions to answer for their decisions and conduct, justify their use of authority, and accept sanctions for failure.
- How does accountability differ from responsibility in administrative ethics?
- What are the three components of accountability identified by Andreas Schedler?
- Distinguish vertical and horizontal accountability with Indian examples.?
- Which statutes and bodies institutionalise accountability in India?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Accountability is the obligation of public officials and institutions to answer for their decisions and conduct, justify their use of authority, and accept sanctions for failure.

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In 2010, the Comptroller and Auditor-General's report on the 2G spectrum allocation triggered a Public Accounts Committee inquiry and judicial cancellation of 122 licences in 2012, exemplifying horizontal financial accountability.

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