India’s GST revenue surges 6.2% in January 2026 as Sitharaman presents 9th Budget

India’s goods and services tax (GST) revenue reached Rs 1,93,384 crore in January 2026, up 6.2 per cent from Rs 1,82,094 crore in the same month last year, according to sources. The increase was supported by healthy performance in both domestic transactions and imports, signalling continued momentum in economic activity.

Domestic GST revenue for January 2026 stood at Rs 1.41 lakh crore, marking a 4.8 per cent rise over Rs 1.35 lakh crore a year earlier. Meanwhile, GST collected on imports increased 10.1 per cent to Rs 52,253 crore. After accounting for refunds, net GST revenue for the month was Rs 1.70 lakh crore, a 7.6 per cent gain compared with January 2025.

Refunds issued during the month fell 3.1 per cent year-on-year to Rs 22,665 crore, providing additional support to net collections.

Cumulative collections indicate sustained revenue buoyancy

For the period from April 2025 to January 2026, gross GST collections totalled Rs 18.43 lakh crore, up 8.3 per cent from Rs 17.02 lakh crore in the same period last year. Net GST revenue rose 6.8 per cent to Rs 15.96 lakh crore, reflecting steady fiscal performance despite higher refunds and moderate variations in state-wise collections.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026, marking her historic ninth consecutive budget presentation. Continuing her signature ‘saree diplomacy’, she chose a maroon handloom silk saree accented with mustard yellow checks and a dark brown border, paired with a contrasting yellow blouse. The ensemble highlighted both the significance of her tenure and her support for India’s artisanal sectors.

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Carrying the traditional Bahi-Khata wrapped in a red silk cover, the finance minister’s entry into Parliament set the tone for a budget centred on the ‘Reform Express’ and long-term economic strategies. Her sartorial choice added a colourful prelude to a presentation anticipated to shape India’s fiscal roadmap.