Index of Eight Core Industries Grows Just 1.7% in April 2026
India’s Index of Eight Core Industries grew only 1.7% in April 2026, signalling a tepid start to the financial year.
India's Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) grew by a modest 1.7% in April 2026, pointing to a slow start to the financial year. The ICI measures the output of eight key infrastructure sectors and is a closely watched indicator of industrial activity.
The eight core industries are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity. Together they make up a large share of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), so weakness in the ICI signals broader industrial softness.
While the ongoing crisis in West Asia is one factor, the data shows the slowdown had begun even before the conflict, suggesting deeper momentum loss. Sustained weak core-sector growth can weigh on overall GDP and government revenue.
Key Points to Remember
- Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) grew 1.7% in April 2026
- Eight sectors: coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, electricity
- ICI has a large weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
- Slowdown began before the West Asia crisis
- Weak core growth can drag GDP and revenue
Exam Relevance
Relevant for UPSC Prelims (Economy — Core Industries, IIP), SSC/Banking GA.
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