Economic Survey Projects 6.8–7.2% Growth for Next Year

The Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman showed the Economic Survey for 2025–26 to the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session on Thursday. She then presented the survey to the Rajya Sabha. According to established customs, the Economic Survey must be delivered before the Union Budget.

The Economic Survey examines how the Indian economy performed during the previous year. The report presents both upcoming growth possibilities and upcoming obstacles which will emerge during the next year. The Ministry of Finance Economic Division prepares the survey. The survey used to be presented together with the Budget from 1950 to 1951. The presentation has followed the practice of displaying it before the Budget since 1960.

Growth Outlook and Fiscal Estimates

• The survey projects India’s GDP growth for the financial year 2026–27 in the range of 6.8% to 7.2%. The medium-term projection exceeds previous growth estimates which estimated future economic growth. The growth estimate for 2025–26 was reduced from 7.4% to its current value.
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently estimated that the economy could grow at 7.4% in the current financial year.
• The fiscal deficit for 2024–25 is estimated at 4.8% of GDP. The fiscal deficit for 2025–26 will decrease to 4.4% according to the survey. The survey predicts that despite global economic uncertainty, India will achieve constant economic growth throughout 2026–27.

Sectoral Observations

• The survey shows how the agricultural sector supports India’s achievement of its development goals. The report states that agriculture will play a key role in achieving the vision of a developed India.
• The electronics sector has demonstrated strong growth. The industry expands because of domestic manufacturing and export activities. Mobile phone manufacturing remains the main driver. The total production value increased from ₹18,000 crore to ₹5.45 lakh crore during the past decade.

Digital Access and Trade Developments

• The survey notes that the digital gap between rural and urban areas is narrowing. Access to digital services in villages has improved steadily.
• It also refers to the recent trade agreement concluded between India and the European Union, which is expected to support future economic engagement.