PROVISIONAL ESTIMATES OF INDEX OF CORE INDUSTRIES FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2026, AND FINAL INDEX FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2026 WITH BASE YEAR 2022-23
The Index of Core Industries (ICI) grew by a provisional 4.8 per cent year-on-year in August 2026, slightly lower than the 5.0 per cent final growth rate recorded in July 2026. Cement, electricity, iron ore, steel, and refinery products registered positive growth, while sectors like coal, natural gas, crude oil, and fertilizers saw negative growth. The cumulative growth rate of ICI for the April-August 2026 period stood at 4.3 per cent.
Why It Matters
Important for competitive exams covering Indian economy, core sector performance indices, and macroeconomic data released by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
In Simple Words
The Index of Core Industries (ICI) for August 2026 showed a provisional growth of 4.8 per cent compared to August 2025. This growth was led by sectors such as cement, electricity, iron ore, steel, and refinery products, whereas coal, natural gas, crude oil, and fertilizers experienced declines.
For the April to August 2026 period, the cumulative growth rate reached 4.3 per cent, improving from 2.4 per cent in the same period of the previous year. Additionally, the final ICI growth rate for July 2026 was adjusted to 5.0 per cent.
Key Points
- ICI grew by a provisional 4.8 per cent year-on-year in August 2026.
- July 2026 final ICI growth rate was 5.0 per cent.
- Sectors with positive growth in August 2026 include Cement (12.5%), Electricity (11.6%), Iron Ore (5.5%), Steel (3.4%), and Refinery Products (2.6%).
- Sectors with negative growth in August 2026 include Coal, Natural Gas, Crude Oil, and Fertilizers.
- Cumulative growth rate of ICI during April-August 2026 was 4.3 per cent.
- Base year for the Index of Core Industries is 2022-23.
- Final index for July 2026 was revised from 121.2 to 120.8.
- ICI for September 2026 is scheduled for release on Wednesday, 21st October 2026.
Exam Angle
A. 4.8 per cent
Source: Press Information Bureau