Unpacking India Economic Survey 2024-25 Key Highlights? Must-Know Insights for UPSC and Competitive Exams
Introduction to the India Economic Survey 2024-25
The India Economic Survey 2024-25, tabled by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on January 31, 2025, is a critical document that provides an in-depth analysis of India’s economic performance for the fiscal year 2024-25. Prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the guidance of Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran, this annual report offers insights into macroeconomic trends, sectoral developments, and policy recommendations. For graduates and postgraduates preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, RBI Grade B, and banking exams, understanding the India Economic Survey 2024-25 key highlights? is essential for mastering the Indian Economy section.
This post breaks down the key highlights of the Economic Survey 2024-25 in a clear, exam-oriented format. Whether you’re aiming to crack the UPSC Civil Services Exam or other competitive tests, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to excel. Let’s dive into the India Economic Survey 2024-25 key highlights? and explore how they can boost your exam preparation.
What is the Economic Survey of India?
Before delving into the highlights, let’s understand the Economic Survey’s significance. The Economic Survey is an annual report presented by the Government of India a day before the Union Budget. It reviews the economy’s performance over the past year, analyzes key indicators like GDP, inflation, and employment, and provides an outlook for the upcoming fiscal year. First introduced in 1950-51, it became a separate document in 1964, offering policymakers, economists, and students a comprehensive view of India’s economic landscape.
For competitive exam aspirants, the Economic Survey is a goldmine of information. It covers topics like fiscal policy, monetary policy, agriculture, infrastructure, and social sectors, which are frequently tested in exams. The India Economic Survey 2024-25 key highlights? are particularly relevant for understanding current economic trends and government priorities.
Key Highlights of the India Economic Survey 2024-25
The Economic Survey 2024-25, released on January 31, 2025, paints an optimistic picture of India’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties. Below are the India Economic Survey 2024-25 key highlights?, categorized for easy understanding and exam preparation.
1. GDP Growth and Economic Outlook
The Economic Survey projects India’s real GDP growth at 6.4% for FY25, aligning with the decadal average. For FY26, GDP growth is forecasted to range between 6.3% and 6.8%, depending on global economic and geopolitical factors. This steady growth underscores India’s resilience despite challenges like geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions.
- Exam Insight: UPSC and RBI Grade B exams often ask about GDP growth trends. Note that India’s real GDP in FY24 was 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels (FY20), a feat achieved by few major economies.
- Key Data: Gross Value Added (GVA) is also expected to grow at 6.4% in FY25, reflecting balanced sectoral performance.
Why It Matters: The GDP growth projection is a key indicator of economic health. For exam aspirants, understanding the factors driving growth (e.g., private consumption, infrastructure investment) is crucial.
2. Inflation Trends
Retail inflation softened from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% between April and December 2024, thanks to government policies and monetary measures by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The survey predicts consumer price inflation will stabilize around 4% in FY26, aligning with the RBI’s target.
- Exam Insight: Questions on inflation (CPI, WPI, core inflation) are common in competitive exams. Food inflation, driven by vegetable and pulse prices, rose to 8.4% in FY25 (April-December), exceeding the RBI’s 4% comfort level.
- Key Data: Core inflation remained low, and the RBI projects inflation to fall to 4.5% in FY25 and 4.1% in FY26, assuming normal monsoons.
Why It Matters: Inflation affects purchasing power and monetary policy. Aspirants should note the role of administrative policies in controlling inflation.
3. Infrastructure and Capital Expenditure
The government’s focus on infrastructure continues to drive growth. Capital expenditure (capex) grew by 38.8% from FY20 to FY24, with an 8.2% year-on-year increase between July and November 2024. The National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) secured ₹102 lakh crore, with a projected capex of ₹111 lakh crore over the next decade.
- Exam Insight: Infrastructure development is a hot topic in UPSC and SSC exams. Key projects include 2,031 km of new railway lines commissioned and 6,215 km of national highways constructed under Bharatmala.
- Key Data: Ports and shipping accounted for 60% of capex from April to December 2024. The survey emphasizes private sector participation through innovative investment schemes.
Why It Matters: Infrastructure spending boosts employment and economic growth, making it a priority area for exam questions.
4. Employment and Labour Market
India’s labour market has expanded, with the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above dropping to 3.2% in FY24, down from 6% in FY17-18. The Economic Survey highlights that 47% of net payroll additions in FY25 (April-November) came from the 18-25 age group, indicating youth employment growth.
- Exam Insight: Employment data is crucial for exams like UPSC and banking. The eShram portal registered over 30.51 crore unorganized workers by December 2024, creating a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
- Key Data: Cumulative net additions to EPFO reached 95.6 lakh in FY25, a 3% year-on-year increase.
Why It Matters: Understanding labour market trends and government initiatives (e.g., PM-Internship Scheme) is essential for social sector questions.
5. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Forex Reserves
FDI inflows rose by 17.9% to $55.6 billion in FY25 (first eight months), up from $47.2 billion in FY24. The survey addresses concerns about declining FDI by noting that repatriations reflect investor confidence due to India’s strong stock market.
- Exam Insight: FDI and forex reserves are key topics in RBI Grade B and UPSC exams. India’s forex reserves reached $640.3 billion by December 2024, covering 10.9 months of imports and 90% of external debt.
- Key Data: The BSE stock market capitalization-to-GDP ratio climbed to 136% in December 2024, surpassing China (65%) and Brazil (37%).
Why It Matters: Strong forex reserves and FDI inflows enhance India’s global economic standing, a critical exam topic.
6. Agriculture Sector
The agriculture sector, contributing 16% to GDP in FY24, is projected to grow by 3.8% in FY25. Kharif crop production for 2024 is estimated at 1,647.05 lakh metric tons (LMT), an increase of 89.37 LMT compared to the previous year.
- Exam Insight: Agriculture is a high-weightage topic in UPSC and SSC exams. Total credit disbursed to agriculture reached ₹22.84 lakh crore by January 2024, with the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) streamlining access.
- Key Data: The sector supports 42.3% of India’s population and has grown at an average rate of 4.18% over the last five years.
Why It Matters: Agriculture’s role in employment and GDP makes it a focal point for exam questions.
7. Renewable Energy and Climate Action
The share of renewable energy in total energy production increased from 38.6% in FY21 to 47.1% in FY25 (as of December 2024). Installed solar power capacity reached 82.64 GW by April 2024, with 15.03 GW added in FY24.
- Exam Insight: Climate action is a trending topic in competitive exams. India achieved 40% of its installed energy generation from non-fossil fuel sources nine years ahead of the 2030 target.
- Key Data: The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) was notified on June 28, 2023, to support the Indian Carbon Market.
Why It Matters: Renewable energy initiatives align with India’s climate goals, making them relevant for exam questions on sustainable development.
8. Digital Economy and Technology
The digital economy is a key growth driver, with UPI payments reaching ₹1.9 lakh billion from April to December 2024. High-speed broadband connections increased to 12 lakh by December 2024, enhancing digital connectivity.
- Exam Insight: Digital economy questions are common in banking and UPSC exams. The survey emphasizes AI adoption, with India’s AI market projected to grow at a 25-35% CAGR by 2027.
- Key Data: Intellectual property filings doubled from FY16-17 to FY23-24, with 80% of patent filings granted IPR status.
Why It Matters: The digital economy’s growth reflects India’s technological advancements, a key exam topic.
9. Social Sector Initiatives
The survey highlights progress in health, education, and sanitation. Over 34.7 crore Ayushman Bharat cards have been issued, saving families ₹1.25 lakh crore in medical expenses. Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Phase II), 3.64 lakh villages were declared ODF Plus by 2024.
- Exam Insight: Social sector schemes are heavily tested in UPSC and SSC exams. Total enrollment in higher education increased to 4.33 crore in FY21-22.
- Key Data: Rural households with access to safe piped drinking water rose from 3.2 crore in August 2019 to 15.3 crore by November 2024.
Why It Matters: Social sector initiatives reflect India’s inclusive growth strategy, a key exam focus.
10. Structural Reforms and Viksit Bharat
The survey emphasizes deregulation and structural reforms to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, requiring a sustained 8% annual growth rate. Key reforms include labor law simplification, tax rationalization, and digital governance.
- Exam Insight: UPSC aspirants should note the “Ease of Doing Business 2.0” initiative and support for SMEs through the ₹50,000 crore Self-Reliant India Fund.
- Key Data: The GST implementation has enhanced the ease of doing business and revenue collection.
Why It Matters: Structural reforms are critical for long-term growth, making them a priority for exam questions.
Exam-Relevant Insights for Competitive Exams
For graduates and postgraduates, the India Economic Survey 2024-25 key highlights? offer valuable insights for competitive exams. Here’s how to leverage this information:
- UPSC Civil Services: Focus on GDP growth, inflation, infrastructure, and social sector schemes. Practice questions on the impact of FDI and forex reserves on India’s economy.
- SSC CGL/CHSL: Study agriculture, employment, and digital economy data. Memorize key figures like unemployment rates and UPI transaction values.
- RBI Grade B: Understand monetary policy, inflation trends, and banking sector performance (e.g., gross NPAs at 2.6% in FY24).
- Banking Exams: Focus on fiscal policy, infrastructure spending, and digital economy trends.
Study Tip: Download the Economic Survey 2024-25 PDF from www.indiabudget.gov.in and create concise notes on each highlight. Practice previous years’ questions to understand question patterns.
Conclusion: Why the India Economic Survey 2024-25 Matters
The India Economic Survey 2024-25 key highlights? provide a roadmap for understanding India’s economic trajectory. From robust GDP growth and controlled inflation to infrastructure development and social sector progress, the survey underscores India’s resilience and growth potential. For competitive exam aspirants, mastering these highlights is crucial for acing the Indian Economy section.
Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, SSC, or banking exams, this guide offers a comprehensive overview to boost your preparation. Download the Economic Survey 2024-25 PDF, create notes, and practice questions to stay ahead. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know which highlight you found most insightful for your exam prep!
Want to ace your competitive exams? Download the Economic Survey 2024-25 PDF from www.indiabudget.gov.in and join our newsletter for more exam tips and updates!
- Economic Survey 2024-25 PDF Download – Official source for the full document.
FAQs on India Economic Survey 2024-25
Q1. What is the Economic Survey of India?
A: The Economic Survey is an annual report by the Government of India that reviews the economy’s performance over the past year and provides an outlook for the upcoming fiscal year. It is prepared by the Economic Division of the Ministry of Finance under the Chief Economic Adviser.
Q2. When was the Economic Survey 2024-25 released?
A: The Economic Survey 2024-25 was tabled in Parliament on January 31, 2025, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Q3. What is the GDP growth projection for FY25 and FY26?
A: The survey projects a GDP growth of 6.4% for FY25 and between 6.3% and 6.8% for FY26.
Q4. How can the Economic Survey help in UPSC preparation?
A: The survey covers key economic indicators, sectoral performance, and policy recommendations, which are crucial for the Indian Economy section of the UPSC syllabus. Focus on GDP, inflation, and social sector data.
Q5. Where can I download the Economic Survey 2024-25 PDF?
A: The official PDF is available on www.indiabudget.gov.in.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is based on the Economic Survey 2024-25 and credible sources as of May 13, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to refer to official government documents for the most up-to-date and authoritative information. This article is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered financial or investment advice.
Also Read: India Lifts 171 Million Out of Extreme Poverty: World Bank Report Reveals Stunning Progress