New Delhi, November 3, 2026: India’s gross Goods and Services Tax collections increased 22.9% year-on-year to ₹2,31,290 crore in October 2026, according to provisional government figures released on November 1. The comparable collection in October 2025 stood at ₹1,88,125 crore. Higher revenue from both domestic transactions and imports contributed to the increase.
Imports and domestic transactions support growth
GST revenue from domestic transactions rose 15.8% to ₹1,59,044 crore. Collections linked to imports increased more sharply, climbing 42.2% to ₹72,246 crore.
The figures show that import-related revenue grew faster than domestic collections during the month. However, growth in tax receipts should not be interpreted as an equivalent increase in the volume of goods sold or imported. Collection figures measure tax revenue, rather than physical production or sales quantities.
What are gross GST collections?
Gross collections represent the total GST revenue collected before refunds are deducted. The headline figure of ₹2.31 lakh crore therefore describes the amount received before accounting for money returned to eligible taxpayers.
This distinction matters because gross collections and the revenue remaining after refunds are different measures. A complete reading of the monthly figures requires looking at both.
Refunds rise, but net collections grow faster
Total GST refunds increased 6.5% year-on-year to ₹27,934 crore in October, compared with ₹26,225 crore a year earlier.
After deducting refunds, net GST collections stood at ₹2,03,356 crore, an increase of 25.6% from ₹1,61,900 crore in October 2025. In simple terms, net collections are gross collections minus refunds. Net revenue grew faster than gross revenue because refunds increased at a slower rate than total receipts.
What does year-on-year growth mean?
Year-on-year growth compares a month with the same month in the previous year. The reported 22.9% increase therefore compares October 2026 with October 2025. It does not mean collections rose 22.9% from September 2026.
Comparing the same month across two years helps readers assess annual changes while reducing the influence of recurring seasonal patterns.
April–October collections also increase
For April–October 2026, gross GST collections reached approximately ₹14.77 lakh crore, up 13.2% from the corresponding period a year earlier. Net collections increased 12.6% to approximately ₹12.69 lakh crore.
The October figures provide a stronger revenue reading, with growth across domestic and import-linked collections. However, the data remain provisional and may change when finalised. Readers should also distinguish monthly growth from the cumulative performance of the financial year.