India Records Stronger-Than-Expected Economic Growth as GDP Expands 7.8 Per Cent in Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2026

The latest figures highlight the continued strength of the country's economic momentum, driven primarily by robust performance in the manufacturing and services sectors. Real GDP at constant prices is estimated at Rs 87.77 lakh crore in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, compared with Rs 81.40 lakh crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. Nominal GDP for the quarter is estimated at Rs 94.65 lakh crore, registering a growth rate of 9.1 per cent.

For the full financial year 2025-26, real GDP is estimated to reach Rs 323.12 lakh crore, up from the First Revised Estimate of Rs 299.89 lakh crore recorded in fiscal 2025. The increase reflects an annual growth rate of 7.7 per cent. Nominal GDP for the year is estimated at Rs 346.36 lakh crore, marking an expansion of 8.9 per cent over the previous financial year.

Gross Value Added (GVA), a key indicator of economic activity, is estimated to grow 7.9 per cent during fiscal 2026, while nominal GVA is projected to increase by 9.1 per cent. In the fourth quarter alone, real GVA growth stood at 7.9 per cent, while nominal GVA expanded by 9.9 per cent.

The official data showed that the secondary and tertiary sectors remained the principal engines of growth throughout the fiscal year. At constant prices, the secondary sector is estimated to have grown by 8.8 per cent, while the tertiary sector expanded by 9.3 per cent. The primary sector recorded growth of 3.2 per cent, supported largely by agriculture and fisheries activities.

Among the strongest-performing segments, manufacturing, trade, repair services, hotels, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting and storage, along with financial services, real estate and professional services, registered double-digit growth during fiscal 2026 at both constant and current prices.

The latest growth figures underscore the resilience of the Indian economy and reinforce the significant contribution of industrial and service-sector activities in sustaining economic expansion. With strong performances across multiple sectors, the data reflects broad-based growth and highlights India's position as one of the fastest-growing major economies during fiscal 2026.