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India’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 7.8 per cent in the October-December quarter (Q3) of 2025-26, while full-year growth for FY26 has been pegged at 7.6 per cent under the revised series with 2022–23 as the new base year, official data showed on Friday.

The second advance estimates released by the National Statistical Office placed real GDP growth for FY26 at 7.6 per cent, higher than the 7.4 per cent projected in January. The economy had expanded 7.1 per cent in FY25.

“Real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices in Q3 of FY 2025-26 is estimated at Rs 84.54 lakh crore, against Rs 78.41 lakh crore in Q3 of FY 2024-25, showing a growth rate of 7.8%,” the NSO said in a statement.

Nominal GDP, which factors in inflation, is estimated to have grown 8.6 per cent in Q3 FY26 and is projected to rise 8.6 per cent for the full year.

The government has shifted the GDP base year to 2022–23 from 2011–12 to better capture structural changes in the economy. The revised series incorporates granular data sources, including GST records, vehicle registration data from e-Vahan and natural gas consumption figures, and seeks to better account for digital commerce and segments of the informal economy.

Also read: New GDP series to include data on GST, e-Vahan

Quarterly data revisions showed Q2 FY26 growth being raised from 8.2 per cent to 8.4 per cent, while Q1 growth was revised downwards from 7.8 per cent to 6.7 per cent.

Sectorally, manufacturing led the expansion with a robust 13.3 per cent growth in Q3 FY26. The trade, hotels, transport, communication and broadcasting-related services segment grew 11 per cent, while financial, real estate and professional services expanded 11.2 per cent. Agriculture recorded a modest 1.4 per cent rise.

The secondary sector grew 10.1 per cent and the tertiary sector 9.5 per cent, while the primary sector expanded 1.7 per cent.

On the expenditure side, real private final consumption expenditure rose 8.7 per cent in Q3 FY26 compared with 6 per cent a year earlier. Gross fixed capital formation grew 7.8 per cent, indicating sustained investment momentum. Government final consumption expenditure growth moderated to 4.7 per cent.

Officials said the base revision, delayed by the rollout of GST and the Covid-19 pandemic, aims to align national accounts more closely with the current structure of the economy.