India’s GST collections hit record ₹2.42 lakh crore in April, driven by import surge

GST collections in India showing ₹2,42,702 crore total revenue with import and domestic figures
Infographic showing India’s GST collections and key revenue figures for April 2026. Representative Image (Generated using Google AI)

India’s gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose to ₹2,42,702 crore in April 2026, marking an 8.7 per cent year-on-year increase from ₹2,23,265 crore in April 2025, according to official data.

The April figure is the highest-ever monthly GST collection, indicating strong economic activity at the start of the financial year.

The growth was supported primarily by import-linked revenues, while domestic collections showed relatively moderate expansion. Gross GST revenue from imports stood at ₹57,580 crore, registering a 25.8 per cent increase year-on-year, while domestic revenue grew by 4.3 per cent to ₹1,85,122 crore.

Integrated GST (IGST), which includes revenues from inter-state transactions and imports, stood at ₹1,29,232 crore, forming the largest share of total collections. Central GST (CGST) collections were ₹52,140 crore, while State GST (SGST) stood at ₹61,331 crore.

Total refunds during the month rose by 19.3 per cent year-on-year to ₹31,793 crore, with domestic refunds increasing sharply by 54.6 per cent, reflecting faster settlement of claims.

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After adjusting for refunds, net GST revenue stood at ₹2,10,909 crore, marking a 7.3 per cent increase over the previous year.

State-level data shows mixed trends, with several large states recording strong post-settlement growth, while some regions saw moderation in pre-settlement collections. Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 19 per cent rise in pre-settlement SGST and a 51 per cent increase in post-settlement SGST, indicating improved revenue flows after adjustments.

The continued rise in GST collections reflects sustained formalisation of the economy and improved tax compliance. The strong growth in import-related revenues suggests increased external trade activity, while domestic collections indicate stable consumption trends.

With GST collections consistently remaining above the ₹2 lakh crore mark in recent months, the tax system continues to serve as a key indicator of economic momentum. Going forward, domestic demand, global trade conditions and compliance trends will remain the primary drivers of GST performance.

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