Budget 2025: What is Economic Survey and when is it presented?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to present the Budget for FY 2025-26 in the Parliament on February 1, 2025. Prior to the presentation, the Ministry of Finance will publish the Economic Survey, which is followed by a press conference addressed by the Chief Economic Advisor and other senior officials of the Finance Ministry.

The big theme for the upcoming survey will be deregulation, or the process of letting go of regulations in some spheres, Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran said on December 6.

What is Economic Survey?

The Economic Survey is a yearly report done by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the supervision of the government’s Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaram. It includes the state of India’s economy in the previous financial year.

What does the economic survey consist of?

The survey is divided into two parts, called Part A and part B. The first part generally consists of the major economic developments in the year and a broad review of the economy. Further, the second part covers specific issues like social security, poverty, education, healthcare, human development, and climate.


Insights like India’s GDP growth outlook, inflation rate and projection, forex reserves, and trade deficits are also included in the survey.

When was the first Economic Survey released?

The first ever Economic Survey was presented in 1950-51. The document was presented with the Union Budget till 1964. Later, it was separated and presented before the Budget announcement.

Was Economic Survey presented ahead of interim budget?

The government does not present Economic Survey before interim budget. It is presented after the formation of new government at the Centre post elections.