GST collections jump 22.9% to Rs 2.31 lakh crore in October, imports lead the rise

India's gross goods and services tax (GST) collections rose 22.9 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2.31 lakh crore in October, according to provisional data released by the finance ministry on Sunday. Gross collections stood at Rs 2,31,290 crore, compared with Rs 1,88,125 crore in October 2025.

Net GST revenue, after refunds, grew faster at 25.6 per cent to Rs 2.03 lakh crore, up from about Rs 1.62 lakh crore a year earlier.

Imports drive the surge

Revenue from imports was the standout. GST collected on imported goods rose 42.2 per cent to Rs 72,246 crore, from Rs 50,796 crore a year ago. Gross domestic revenue grew a more modest 15.8 per cent to about Rs 1.59 lakh crore.

Within domestic collections, central GST was Rs 42,935 crore, state GST Rs 51,340 crore, and integrated GST on domestic transactions Rs 64,769 crore.

Refunds totalled Rs 27,934 crore, up 6.5 per cent. Domestic refunds rose 9.8 per cent to Rs 14,007 crore, while export-related refunds processed through the customs system rose 3.4 per cent to Rs 13,927 crore. Net domestic revenue increased 16.4 per cent to about Rs 1.45 lakh crore, and net import-related GST jumped 56.2 per cent to Rs 58,319 crore.

States and year-to-date picture

Among the larger states, Maharashtra collected Rs 35,150 crore in domestic GST, up 13 per cent, followed by Karnataka at Rs 15,922 crore, up 18 per cent, and Gujarat at Rs 13,516 crore, up 16 per cent. Haryana grew 17 per cent, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar 24 per cent each, and Assam 47 per cent, according to ANI.

For the April-October period of 2026-27, gross collections reached Rs 14.77 lakh crore, 13.2 per cent higher than Rs 13.05 lakh crore in the same period last year. Net revenue for the seven months rose 12.6 per cent to Rs 12.69 lakh crore.

The data release did not offer reasons for the jump.

Why it matters

Strong indirect tax receipts give the Centre more room on its fiscal deficit target as the second half of the financial year begins, and boost the states' share through SGST and settlements. The gap between domestic growth of about 16 per cent and import growth above 40 per cent will, however, be watched to see how much of the rise reflects underlying consumption.