Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran.
Credit: Special Arrangement
The Finance Ministry releases the Economic Survey every year ahead of the Union Budget.
The document gives a hint at what to expect for the Union Budget and provides a view of the country's economic state.
This year, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran and senior officials will present the Survey, which will be followed by a press conference.
What is the Economic Survey?
The Economic Survey is a report produced annually. It is compiled by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the supervision of the government’s Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).
The large document explains the state of economy through the previous financial year, while also highlighting how different sectors performed. It gives a picture of growth, areas under stress and sectors that need attention before policy decisions are finalised.
What does the Economic Survey contain?
Usually, the survey is divided into two sections. Part A highlights economic trends like growth, inflation, fiscal position and sector-wise performance. This provides a picture of the nation's economic condition.
Part B focuses on social and structural issues, including poverty, education, health, human development and climate-related challenges.
The survey studies key markers like DP growth, price movements, job trends and the fiscal deficit.
It also analyses how major sectors including agriculture, industry and services performed through the year.
Furthermore, it studies social welfare schemes, progress in infrastructure and global factors such as demand and commodity prices that could influence India’s economic outlook.
The report has become one of the most important documents released by the government. The first such survey was out in 1950-51 and was part of the Union Budget. However, it was separated from the Union Budget and has since been presented a day earlier.
How is the Economic Survey conducted?
The survey is compiled by gathering and studying data. The Economic Division of the Finance Ministry leads the work, taking inputs from several departments, research organisations and international bodies.
The CEA approves the report once the analysis is complete. This is when the document is presented in the Parliament.
Why is the report important?
The Economic Survey guides the Union Budget. It helps identify sectors that need special attention, areas for improvement and possible risks to the economy.
The document acts as an economic report card, highlighting what worked, what needs focus from the government.
When will the Economic Survey be released?
The Economic Survey will be tabled on January 29, 2026 by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran, as per the proposal cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
Where to watch the Economic Survey?
Nageswaran's press conference will be live stramed on Sansad TV and PIB India channels on YouTube. It will also be available on the Ministry of Finance Facebook page and X handle.
The Economic Survey can be downloaded from the India Budget website after the release.
When will the Union Budget be presented?
The Union Budget will be presented on February 1, according to a proposal approved by the government.
The Budget Session of Parliament will commence on January 28 and will conclude on April 2 in two phases.
The first phase of the session will run from January 28 to February 13, followed by a beak. Parliament will reconvene for the second phase on March 9 and sit until April 2.
This year's Union Budget will be Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive presentation.