Introduction: There are several pressure groups in every country.Broadly they can be put into four categories according to their aims and objectives:

(a) Professional Pressure Groups: This category includes the pressure groups that are formed by the employees of a particular occupation or profession for the protection of their interests. The big business houses with their vast outlay of resources, availability of technical and managerial personnel and due to close links elite groups in government, media, administration and opposition parties have always had the most organised and powerful pressure groups at their command.

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry: (FICCI) and several big business houses have a powerful lobby in the parliament and in the legislature. They also have representatives and Public Relations Officers who keep in touch with administration and top bureaucracy. The largest and the most influential organisation of private capital in India is the FICCI. It represents more than 40,000 firms.

(b) Socio-Cultural Pressure Groups: There are various kinds of socio-cultural pressure groups which are concerned with community service and the promotion of the interests of the whole community. Also there are a few for the promotion of their language and religion.

Examples: Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, Jan Sewa Sangh, RamaKrishna Mission, Arya Samaj, Jamat-I-Islami, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, Parsee Anymans, Young Men's Christian Association, Bajrang Dal, Sanskrit Sahitya Academy, Punjabi Academy, Marathi Sangh, Bhartiya Adim Jati Sangh, Sernarthi of People Society are some such examples.

(c) Institutional Pressure Groups: There are certain pressure groups that are working within the governmental machinery itself. They influence the government policies in their favour without directly getting involved in the political system. The pressure groups like Civil Services Association, Police Welfare organisation, Gazetted Officers Union, Defence Personnel Association, Army Officers organisations Red Cross Society etc. all came under this category.

(d) Ad Hoc pressure Groups: Some pressure groups come into existence for a very short period with the objective of pressuring the government for a specific task. Once the purpose is served, they cease to exist. In case of any urgency, natural calamity or adversity, these pressure groups pressurise or influence the government policies in their interest. The pressure groups like Orissa Relief Organisation, Bhoodan Anu yojna, Kaveri Water Distribution Association, Gujrat Relief Association, etc.