New Delhi: The countdown to the Union Budget 2026 will officially begin with the presentation of the Economic Survey for FY2025-26, which Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table in Parliament on Thursday, January 29, 2026. Released every year a day before the Budget, the Economic Survey offers a detailed snapshot of India’s economic health, key developments, and challenges faced over the past financial year. Prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance, the report plays a crucial role in setting the context for the government’s budgetary decisions.
While most Indians are familiar with the Annual Financial Statement, commonly known as the Budget, many are still unclear about what the Economic Survey is and why it plays such an important role in this yearly exercise.
The Economic Survey is an annual report that takes a close look at how the Indian economy is performing. It is prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance, with guidance from the Chief Economic Adviser. It was first introduced in 1950-51 alongside the Union Budget. The Survey has been presented as a separate document since 1964. It offers the government’s detailed assessment of the economy over the past financial year, covering key aspects such as economic growth, inflation, employment, trade, and the overall health of public finances.
The Economic Survey is put together by the Chief Economic Adviser of India along with their team in the Ministry of Finance. Once ready, it is formally presented in Parliament by the Finance Minister, making it one of the key documents released ahead of the Union Budget each year.
The Economic Survey is structured in three parts, each offering valuable insights into India’s economy. The first and most crucial section presents an overall review of key economic issues along with the Chief Economic Adviser’s perspective, helping readers understand the government’s view on the country’s financial health. The second section focuses on sector-wise data, featuring detailed statistics provided by various ministries and departments.
The third section dives into broader economic numbers, covering areas such as national income, production, employment, inflation, balance of trade, and export-import trends, giving a complete picture of the economy.
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