India's gross Goods and Services Tax collections climbed 14.7% year-on-year to ₹2.03 lakh crore in September 2026, supported by stronger domestic activity and a sharp increase in tax revenue from imports.
Key Points
- Gross GST collections reached ₹2,03,521 crore in September 2026.
- The total was 14.7% higher than the same month a year earlier.
- Domestic GST revenue increased 10.1% to about ₹1.38 lakh crore.
- Import-linked GST revenue jumped 25.9% to ₹65,525 crore.
- Net GST collections after refunds rose 18.1% to ₹1,76,520 crore.
- April–September gross GST collections reached more than ₹12.46 lakh crore.
GST Revenue Crosses ₹2 Lakh Crore
India collected ₹2,03,521 crore in gross GST revenue during September 2026, according to government data released on October 1. The figure represents a 14.7% increase compared with September 2025.
September became the third month of the current financial year in which India's monthly GST collections crossed the ₹2 lakh crore mark. Collections were higher in April and July, when they reached approximately ₹2.43 lakh crore and ₹2.11 lakh crore respectively.
Imports Drive a Large Share of Growth
Import-linked GST revenue was one of the strongest components of September's increase. Revenue from imports rose 25.9% year-on-year to ₹65,525 crore.
By comparison, GST revenue from domestic activities increased 10.1% to around ₹1.38 lakh crore. The substantially faster growth in import-related collections therefore provided an important boost to the overall figure.
The Bigger Picture
The September figures show strong growth in GST revenue, but the composition of that growth matters. Analysts cited by Indian business publications have pointed to factors including import values, commodity prices, currency movements and import volumes. Import-linked growth therefore should not be treated on its own as a direct measure of domestic consumption.
Net GST Revenue Rises 18.1%
GST refunds during September amounted to ₹27,001 crore, down 3% from the same month last year. After accounting for refunds, net GST revenue stood at ₹1,76,520 crore, an 18.1% year-on-year increase.
Net domestic GST revenue also increased, while the lower level of refunds contributed to the stronger net figure.
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat Lead
Among India's states, Maharashtra recorded the highest September domestic GST collection at ₹29,986 crore, representing 15% year-on-year growth.
Karnataka followed with ₹13,884 crore, up 16%, while Gujarat collected ₹12,222 crore, an increase of 17% compared with September 2025.
First-Half Collections Exceed ₹12.46 Lakh Crore
Looking at the first six months of the financial year, from April through September 2026, India's gross GST collections increased 11.6% to more than ₹12.46 lakh crore.
Net GST collections during the same six-month period rose 10.4% to more than ₹10.66 lakh crore after refunds.
What the Numbers Show
The September data highlights continued expansion in India's GST revenue base. Domestic transactions grew at a double-digit rate, while import-linked collections increased considerably faster.
At the same time, the figures show why headline GST growth needs to be examined alongside refunds, domestic collections and import trends. The coming months will indicate whether the September pace is sustained.
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