FM Nirmala Sitharaman Tables Economic Survey for FY 2025-26

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present a record ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, marking a significant milestone in India’s parliamentary and economic history.

The tabling of the Economic Survey ahead of the Budget follows a long-standing tradition of outlining the state of the economy before detailing future fiscal plans.

The Economic Survey of India is regarded as the nation’s official annual “report card” on the economy. It provides a comprehensive, data-backed review of economic performance over the previous year and offers a broad roadmap for future policy direction.

As the government’s flagship annual report, the Survey reviews key developments in the economy over the past 12 months and plays a crucial role in the lead-up to the Union Budget. While the Budget focuses on future government spending, taxation, and policy measures, the Economic Survey explains the rationale behind those decisions by analysing past economic trends and performance.

The Economic Survey is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the leadership of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA). It is presented in two parts, each focusing on different aspects of the economy.

Part 1, also known as Volume 1, provides a macroeconomic overview and future outlook. It offers a broad, thematic, and analytical review of the Indian economy and is forward-looking in nature, helping to set the policy direction for the coming year.

This section includes detailed analysis of major economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation measured through CPI and WPI, fiscal deficit, and trade balance. It also examines key conceptual and structural issues facing the economy, offers policy recommendations, and provides projections and reform suggestions for the next financial year.

Part 2 of the Economic Survey is more detailed and data-driven, focusing on the performance of specific sectors during the previous financial year. It covers sectoral analysis of agriculture, industry, services, and infrastructure.

It also addresses socio-economic issues including health, education, poverty, and climate change, and includes extensive data and statistics with detailed tables, charts, and appendices highlighting the economy’s performance.

The tabling of the Economic Survey marks a key step in the Budget process, offering lawmakers, policymakers, and the public a clearer understanding of India’s economic condition ahead of the Union Budget presentation.