Index of Eight Core Industries (Base Year: 2011-12=100) for October 2025

The Index of Eight Core Industries for October 2025 remains stable at 162.4, highlighting growth in fertilizers, steel, cement, and petroleum products. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it pertains to GS Paper 3, focusing on economic development and industry performance. Last Updated: 2025-11-21

Key Facts About Index of Eight Core Industries

• Index Value: 162.4 (unchanged since October 2024)
• Overall Growth Rate: 3.3% for September 2025
• Cumulative Growth: 2.5% from April to October 2025-26
• Coal: Production down by 8.5% in October 2025
• Crude Oil: 1.2% decline in production
• Natural Gas: Production decreased by 5.0%
• Petroleum Refinery: Increased production by 4.6%
• Fertilizers: Production rose by 7.4%
• Steel: Production increased by 6.7%
• Cement: Grew by 5.3% in October 2025
• Electricity: Generation fell by 7.6%
• Data Status: October 2025 data is provisional
• Renewable Sources: Included in electricity generation since April 2014
• Weights: Individual industry weights standardized to total 100
• New Steel Product: HRPO included since March 2019
• Next Release: November 2025 index on December 22, 2025

India's Industrial Performance and Economic Growth

The Index of Eight Core Industries is a crucial indicator of India's industrial performance, representing about 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). The stability in the index reflects India's ongoing efforts to bolster industrial growth, aligning with strategic goals to enhance manufacturing output and economic resilience. Despite sectoral declines, the growth in fertilizers and steel indicates positive trends in key economic sectors.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• Make in India: Aims to boost manufacturing sector growth and increase industrial production.
• National Steel Policy 2017: Targets to increase steel production capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2030.
• Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY): Seeks to improve the financial health and operational efficiency of power distribution companies.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Economic Development - Industry and Infrastructure
• Prelims Angle: Questions on index values, growth rates, and sectoral performance
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes on industrial policy, economic growth, and sectoral analysis
• Essay Paper: Topics on economic reforms and industrial growth

FAQ Section

• What is the Index of Eight Core Industries? The Index of Eight Core Industries measures the output of eight major industrial sectors, which are crucial for the Indian economy. These sectors include coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity.
• Why is the Index of Eight Core Industries important? This index is a key indicator of industrial performance and economic health, representing over 40% of the IIP. It helps policymakers and analysts assess sectoral growth and economic trends.
• What are the key features of the October 2025 index? The index remained stable at 162.4, with notable growth in fertilizers (7.4%), steel (6.7%), and cement (5.3%). However, coal production fell by 8.5%, and electricity generation decreased by 7.6%.