EconomyFriday, 11 September 2026·The Hindu - National
India GDP growth debate: 7.8% Q1 FY 2026-27, base-year change and CSO methodology
India reported 7.8% GDP growth in Q1 FY 2026-27, but the figure sparked debate over base-year changes and methodology.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On August 31, 2026, India reported 7.8% GDP growth for Q1 of FY 2026-27, using the new base year of 2022-23, and the figure triggered a debate over methodology and comparability.
Key specifics
- The Q1 FY 2026-27 GDP growth rate was 7.8%, compared with 6.9% in Q1 FY 2025-26.
- The government changed the GDP base year to 2022-23 for the 2026-27 first-quarter estimate.
- Earlier GDP revisions had used the 2011-12 base year and the MCA-21 database in the 2015 methodology change.
- The Central Statistical Organisation said UPA years averaged 6.7% growth under the revised method.
- The article cites 10.78% growth in 2010-11 as one of the UPA-era peaks noted by the National Statistical Commission.
Exam lens
Question type: Economy data and methodology; remember 7.8%, 6.9%, base year 2022-23, and the role of CSO/National Statistical Commission in GDP revision debates.