Economic Survey of India 2026: What is it, why is it presented before the Budget?

The Budget session, which commenced on January 28, with the President Draupati Mumur’s address to the joint sitting of both houses, is set to conclude on April 2, and will see the economic survey being tabled tomorrow ahead of the 2026-27 Union Budget.

What is the Economic Survey?

The economic survey is a crucial annual document, prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs, under the leadership of the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA). At present, the CEA post is held by V. Anantha Nageswaran. It is only released after getting approval from the Union Finance Minister.

It is a flagship document of the Ministry of Finance, serving as the official review of the Indian economy over the past 12 months. It details the economy’s performance across sectors and provides major insights into macroeconomic trends and fiscal and financial indicators.

This objective and neutral document helps policymakers, researchers, economists and analysts to not only understand the current economic conditions but also offers insights and projections for growth prospects in the upcoming financial year.

Part A and B of the Economic Survey

The document is divided into two sections, Part A and Part B, with Part A focusing on a broader review of the economy and major macroeconomic trends, like GDP growth, inflation, sector-wise performance and fiscal position.

On the other hand, Part B is a detailed, data-driven review of socio-economic and structural issues, like health, human development, climate, education, poverty and more.

Why is it presented before the budget?

The Economic Survey was first tabled in 1950-51 as a part of the Union Budget Documents. However, it was first de-linked and presented a day before the Budget for the first time in 1964.

This change was made to provide policymakers and economists with a better overview of the economic conditions of the country and enable a more informed and context-filled fiscal decision-making.

Key highlights from Economic Survey 2025

• According to the Indian Economic Survey 2025 India’s GDP at constant (2011-12) prices grew by 6.7% and 5.4% in Q1 and Q2 FY25, respectively, implying a real GDP growth of 6% in the first half of the current fiscal.

• It estimated that the country’s real gross domestic product (GDP) would stand at 6.4% for FY25.

• It expected India’s food inflation to soften in Q4 FY25 with the seasonal easing of vegetable prices and Kharif harvest arrivals.

• It expected that good Rabi production would contain food prices in the first half of FY26.