Is India Ready to Adopt 2022–23 as the New Base Year for GDP Estimation?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New base year: 2022-23 adopted for GDP estimation.
- Release date: New estimates to be unveiled on February 27, 2026.
- Enhanced data: Incorporation of new datasets for better accuracy.
- Focus sectors: Emphasis on private corporations and MSMEs.
- Feedback invited: Stakeholders can share insights until December 10, 2025.
New Delhi, Nov 22 (NationPress) India is poised to initiate a major transformation in its economic statistics as the government has revealed plans to update its GDP calculation methodology, adopting 2022–23 as the new base year, according to an official announcement.
The fiscal year 2022-23 has been selected as the base year for the upcoming series, with new estimates expected to be unveiled on February 27, 2026, the statement indicated.
This revised series will incorporate new datasets that were not available during the last significant update over ten years ago. These datasets include an updated framework of active companies, comprehensive Limited Liability Partnership filings, enhanced disclosures from corporate annual returns, and the annual survey of unincorporated enterprises.
The intention behind these additions is to bolster estimates across various institutional sectors, particularly focusing on private corporations and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) where data deficiencies have historically existed.
An Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS) has been established to guide the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on the incorporation of new data sources aimed at enhancing National Accounts estimates and refining the methodology for compiling and presenting National Accounts Statistics for economic analysis and policy development, as per a release from MoSPI.
The new data inputs will enable the government to assess the turnover share of companies by specific business activities, allowing for a more accurate distribution of output across the operational segments of multi-activity firms instead of attributing it to just one dominant line.
The inclusion of LLP data and the extensive use of the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Enterprises (ASUSE) along with labor force surveys are anticipated to broaden the coverage of services and the difficult-to-measure activities outside the corporate sector.
To inform users about the modifications being introduced in the new series, the ministry has published a discussion paper on national accounts on its websites. The upcoming discussion paper is expected to detail methodological changes in the compilation of aggregates using the expenditure approach.
MoSPI has invited feedback from experts, academics, governmental bodies, and other stakeholders on this discussion paper by December 10, 2025.