Planning Commission vs NITI Aayog: what changed in India’s policy system?
A static-GK comparison of two national policy institutions, with dates and functions useful for exam answers.
NITI Aayog replaced the Planning Commission on 1 January 2015; it is described as a policy think tank focused on cooperative federalism rather than the old plan-allocation role.
The historical change
The Planning Commission was established in 1950 and played a central role in preparing Five-Year Plans. The Union government replaced it with NITI Aayog, which began operating on 1 January 2015.
The change reflected a shift in national policy coordination. NITI Aayog describes itself as a policy think tank intended to promote cooperative federalism and support strategic policy work.
Why the institutions differ
The Planning Commission was closely associated with Five-Year Plans and plan-resource allocation. NITI Aayog’s stated role centres on policy advice, coordination, monitoring and bringing state perspectives into development discussions.
Do not assume the new institution carries out every old function under a new name. The design and planning framework changed.
How to revise
Remember the sequence: Planning Commission in 1950, replacement by NITI Aayog in 2015, and the different policy roles. For a current scheme, check the relevant ministry rather than attributing every programme to NITI Aayog.
A strong exam answer states the date, broad function and one clear difference.
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Frequently asked questions
When did NITI Aayog replace the Planning Commission?
1 January 2015.
Is NITI Aayog the same as the Planning Commission?
No. Its policy-advisory and cooperative-federalism role differs from the earlier Five-Year Plan and plan-allocation role.