April-Jan fiscal deficit at ₹9.81 tn, 63% of full target

India’s fiscal deficit for April-January fiscal year 2026 (FY26) stood at ₹9.81 trillion, or 63% of the revised estimate (RE) for 2025-26, according to provisional data released by the Controller General of Accounts on Friday, indicating a contained fiscal position with two months left in the financial year.

- Dhirendra Kumar

The numbers suggest tighter fiscal management.

(ISTOCKPHOTO)

This compares with 74.5% of the full-year target utilised in the corresponding period last year, suggesting tighter fiscal management so far in FY26.

The deficit was driven by total expenditure of ₹36.90 trillion against total receipts of ₹27.09 trillion during the first 10 months of FY26.

The government has received ₹27.09 trillion, or 79.5% of the corresponding RE for total receipts.