Central Government's Fiscal Deficit Hits 80.4% Target by February 2026
Synopsis
The Central government's fiscal deficit has reached a notable **80.4%** of its target by February 2026, showcasing a resilient fiscal position. With strong tax collections and significant capital expenditure, the financial landscape looks promising for the remaining months.
Key Takeaways
The Central government's fiscal deficit hit **80.4%** of the target by February 2026.
Total tax collections reached **Rs 21.45 lakh crore** or **80.2%** of the target.
Capital spending surged to **Rs 9.29 lakh crore**, achieving **84.8%** of the FY26 target.
Revenue deficit expanded to **Rs 3.89 lakh crore**, or **73.8%** of the annual goal.
Total expenditure stood at **Rs 40.44 lakh crore**, which is **81.5%** of the projected target.
New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) The fiscal deficit of the Central government has reached 80.4% of the planned target as of the end of February for the financial year 2025-2026. This indicates a strong fiscal standing, according to data published by the Comptroller General of Accounts on Monday.
The disparity between government spending and income amounted to Rs 12.53 lakh crore from April to February, compared to the overall target of Rs 15.58 lakh crore. In the corresponding period last year, the fiscal deficit was Rs 13.46 lakh crore, which represented 85.8% of the annual target.
Tax collections have remained robust, with total collections nearing Rs 21.45 lakh crore, or 80.2% of the yearly goal. By January, tax collections had reached only 78.3% of the target, and in the previous year, they stood at 79.6% of the FY25 target.
Investment in significant infrastructure projects, including highways, ports, and railways, has surged, with capital expenditure hitting Rs 9.29 lakh crore, or 84.8% of the FY26 target. This is an increase from Rs 8.42 lakh crore, or 76.9% of the annual target, recorded in the previous month.
The revenue deficit for the April-February timeframe expanded to Rs 3.89 lakh crore from Rs 1.96 lakh crore until January, reaching 73.8% of the yearly target. However, this shows a marked improvement from the previous year, where it already reached 87.1% of the FY25 target.
Total expenditure for the first 11 months of this fiscal year reached Rs 40.44 lakh crore, which is 81.5% of the projected FY26 target, slightly down from 82.5% recorded in the same period last year.
The government's total revenue for April-February was Rs 27.91 lakh crore, equating to 82% of the full-year target, which is an improvement from 80.9% in the same period last year.
Revenue receipts, primarily driven by tax collections, accounted for 81.6% of the annual target in the first 11 months, with figures at Rs 27.26 lakh crore.
Interestingly, non-tax revenue has been narrowed to 87% of the annual target, with dividends and profits reflecting 96% of their annual target.
As of the end of January, the collection of dividends and profits remained unchanged at Rs 3.6 lakh crore.
Point of View
The Central government's fiscal deficit performance indicates a stabilizing economic condition, with significant improvements in tax collections and capital expenditures. This trend is encouraging and suggests a proactive approach in managing fiscal responsibilities.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fiscal deficit as of February 2026?
As of February 2026, the fiscal deficit of the Central government reached **80.4%** of the budgeted target.
How does this year's fiscal deficit compare to last year?
Last year, the fiscal deficit at the same time was **85.8%** of the target, indicating an improvement this year.
What are the total tax collections until February 2026?
The total tax collections until February 2026 reached nearly **Rs 21.45 lakh crore**, or **80.2%** of the yearly target.
How much has the government spent on capital expenditure?
The government has spent **Rs 9.29 lakh crore** on capital expenditure, equating to **84.8%** of the FY26 target.
What is the current revenue deficit?
The revenue deficit for the April-February period has expanded to **Rs 3.89 lakh crore**, representing **73.8%** of the annual target.
