Apr-Aug fiscal deficit rises on higher capex

India’s fiscal deficit rose in the first five months of 2025-26, as compared with the same period last year, due to higher government capital expenditure while net tax revenue declined.

- Rhik Kundu

The government has projected the fiscal deficit for FY26 to be ₹15.69 lakh crore.

(MINT)

The Union government reported a fiscal deficit of ₹5.98 lakh crore for April-August, amounting to 38.1% of the target for the entire 2025-26 fiscal year, according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts on Tuesday.

For the same period last year, the fiscal deficit was ₹4.35 lakh crore.

The government has maintained a strong commitment to fiscal consolidation, with the deficit for FY26 projected at ₹15.69 lakh crore, lower than the ₹16.85 lakh crore reported in FY25, and pegged at 4.4% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).