IIP March 2026: Industrial Growth at 4.1%, FY26 at 4.1%

IIP grows 4.1% in March 2026

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Asked by UPSCPrelims 20121 PYQ

UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.

Prelims 2012In India, in the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eight Core Industries have a combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the…Solve with answer

Battle Brief

India’s Index of Industrial Production grew 4.1% in March 2026 (quick estimate), down from 5.2% in February. Mining grew 5.5%, manufacturing 4.3% and electricity 0.8%. Capital goods led use-based groups at 14.6%. For the full year 2025-26, IIP grew 4.1%, against 4.0% in 2024-25.

Fact File

March 2026: 4.1% (Feb 2026: 5.2%)
Sectors: Mining 5.5%; Manufacturing 4.3%; Electricity 0.8%
Index: 173.2 vs 166.3 in March 2025
Use-based: Capital goods 14.6%; Infrastructure/construction 6.7%; Consumer durables 5.3%
FY 2025-26: 4.1% (2024-25: 4.0%)
Base: 2011-12 = 100; MoSPI

In the news

The Index of Industrial Production: what happened?

IIP tells you how fast factories, mines and power plants are producing. Strong capital goods growth means firms are investing in machines, a good sign for the future.

14 of 23 manufacturing groups grew.
Top contributors: basic metals (8.6%), motor vehicles (18.1%), machinery (11.2%).
Consumer non-durables grew only 1.1%; primary goods 2.2%.
For the year, manufacturing grew 5.0% but electricity only 1.0%.
Next release (April data): 1 June 2026.

Back Story

What is IIP?

A monthly index by MoSPI that tracks the volume of industrial output in mining, manufacturing and electricity. Manufacturing has by far the largest weight.
Quick estimates come out on the 28th of each month and are revised later.

Why examiners care

Why does the Index of Industrial Production matter?

Economy: Capital goods growth hints at investment demand.
Concern: Weak consumer non-durables point to soft rural and mass demand.

Exam Radar

What can Prelims ask on the Index of Industrial Production?

IIP base year 2011-12; released by MoSPI on the 28th each month.
Use-based classes: primary, capital, intermediate, infrastructure/construction, consumer durables, non-durables.

How to use this in Mains

GS-III Infrastructure: energy, ports, roads, airports, railways; investment models

As per PIB (2026-04-28): IIP grew 4.1% in March 2026; manufacturing 4.3% and mining 5.5%.
The numbers show industry is still growing; watch mining and manufacturing separately.

Quotable data point
IIP grew 4.1% in March 2026.
PIB: MoSPI: IIP March 2026, 28 Apr 2026

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

The Index of Industrial Production in India is released by

Answer (c) & explanation

PIB (MoSPI), 28 April 2026.

Quick questions

Questions students ask about this

What was IIP growth in March 2026?

4.1%, as per the quick estimate.

Which use-based group grew fastest in March 2026?

Capital goods, at 14.6%.

What was IIP growth for 2025-26?

4.1%, slightly above 4.0% in 2024-25.