Lucknow: According to the Economic Survey 2026 presented by the government of Uttar Pradesh, the size of the state’s economy is projected to reach ₹36 lakh crore by the end of the 2025–26 financial year, marking a significant expansion over the past decade. The survey also estimates that per capita income in the state could rise to around ₹1.20 lakh, reflecting gradual improvement in income levels and economic capacity.
The survey was tabled on the first day of the Budget session of the State Assembly and provides a comprehensive snapshot of Uttar Pradesh’s economic trajectory. Officials described it as a milestone document, as this is the first time the state has released a standalone economic survey, separate from the national Economic Survey presented by the Union government.
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According to the survey, Uttar Pradesh’s contribution to India’s overall economy has steadily increased over the years. The state’s share in the national economy rose from 8.6% in 2016–17 to 9.1% in 2024–25, underscoring its growing role in India’s economic landscape.
The data show a sharp rise in the overall size of the economy. In 2016–17, Uttar Pradesh’s economy stood at ₹13.30 lakh crore. By 2024–25, this figure had more than doubled to ₹30.25 lakh crore. The projection of ₹36 lakh crore for 2025–26 is attributed to sustained growth, structural reforms, improved infrastructure and expansion in industrial and service activities.
Income levels improve, debt burden eases
The survey highlights gradual improvement in per capita income, though it remains below the national average. At the time of Independence in 1947, Uttar Pradesh’s per capita income was broadly in line with the national figure. Over time, this gap widened, and by 2014–15, the state’s per capita income had fallen to just 50.02% of the national average. The survey notes that by 2024–25, this ratio improved to 53.5%, indicating a slow but steady narrowing of the gap.
On the fiscal front, the state’s debt position has also shown signs of improvement. The public debt-to-GSDP ratio, which stood at 29.3% in 2016–17, declined to 28% in 2024–25. The survey attributes this trend to tighter fiscal discipline, improved revenue mobilisation and better expenditure management.
Sectoral composition: services lead, industry gains ground
In terms of sectoral contribution, the survey shows a balanced but evolving economic structure. In 2024–25, agriculture and allied activities accounted for 25.8% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), the industrial sector contributed 27.2%, while the services sector remained dominant with a 47% share.
The figures suggest that while agriculture continues to play a critical role, industrial activity has gained momentum alongside services, supporting diversification of the state’s economic base.
Revenue growth and industrial expansion
The survey records strong growth in the state’s own tax revenues. Uttar Pradesh’s own tax collection rose from ₹86,000 crore in 2016–17 to ₹2.09 trillion in 2024–25, nearly a two-and-a-half-fold increase. This growth has been attributed to expansion of the tax base, improved compliance and administrative reforms.
Industrial growth has been particularly notable. The number of factories operating in the state increased from 14,169 in 2016–17 to 30,169 by November 2025. The survey reports a 25% year-on-year rise in gross value added by industries, significantly higher than the national average growth of 11.9%.
Exports surge to record levels
Uttar Pradesh’s export performance has also improved sharply. Total exports rose from ₹46,000 crore in 2016–17 to ₹1.86 lakh crore in 2024–25. In the current financial year, exports worth ₹1.31 lakh crorehad already been recorded by November 2025, putting the state on track for another record year.
Infrastructure push and future plans
The survey highlights the completion of major infrastructure projects over the past seven years, including expressways, rail connectivity upgrades and expansion of airport infrastructure. It also notes progress in metro and rapid rail projects.
Looking ahead, the state has outlined plans to develop Kanpur as a drone hub and Lucknow as a specialised artificial intelligence zone, signalling a push towards emerging technologies.
The government said the Economic Survey 2026 will serve as a key reference for the upcoming Budget and future policy decisions. Economists believe that if current growth trends are sustained, Uttar Pradesh could play an even larger role in driving India’s economic expansion in the coming years.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
