Ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 on February 1, the Union government will table the Economic Survey in Parliament, a key document that reviews the state of the Indian economy and sets the tone for the Budget. Prepared annually by the Ministry of Finance under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA), the Economic Survey offers a detailed assessment of economic performance over the past year and outlines expectations for the year ahead.
Unlike the Union Budget, which focuses on revenue generation and expenditure plans, the Economic Survey serves as an analytical report card of the economy. It evaluates major sectors such as agriculture, industry, services, exports, employment, and social development. Using data, trends, and projections, the Survey highlights achievements, flags challenges, and suggests policy directions that may influence Budget proposals.
The Survey is traditionally presented a day before the Budget to help policymakers and lawmakers understand the broader economic context. It explains why certain fiscal decisions! such as changes in taxation, spending priorities, or reforms! may be necessary. By laying out growth trends, inflation outlook, fiscal deficit status, and external sector performance, it brings transparency to the government’s assessment of economic health.
Another important role of the Economic Survey is to spark informed debate. Economists, opposition parties, industry leaders, and the media closely examine its findings, often shaping public discourse ahead of the Budget. In some cases, feedback and discussions following the Survey have influenced final Budget measures.
Key features of the Economic Survey include analysis of macroeconomic indicators like GDP growth and inflation, sector-wise performance reviews, and coverage of social indicators such as health, education, and employment. It also offers policy recommendations aligned with the government’s reform agenda.
In essence, the Economic Survey acts as a roadmap! explaining where the economy stands, what challenges lie ahead, and how the Union Budget can address them in the coming financial year.
