Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Domestic gross GST collections rose 8.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2 lakh crore in March 2026, driven by steady domestic revenues and a sharp uptick in import-related collections, according to official data released on April 1.
Gross GST revenue stood at Rs 2,00,064 crore in March, compared to Rs 1,83,845 crore in the same month last year. The growth was led by a strong 17.8 per cent rise in import revenues, while domestic revenues increased at a relatively moderate performance of 5.9 per cent during the month.
On net basis — after adjusting for refunds — GST collections rose 8.2 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,77,990 crore in March. For the full financial year 2025-26, gross GST collections grew 8.3 per cent to Rs 22.27 lakh crore, compared to Rs 20.55 lakh crore in the previous fiscal (FY25), indicating resilient economic activity despite global uncertainties.
Moreover, net GST revenue for the fiscal stood at Rs 19.34 lakh crore, registering a 7.1 per cent increase over FY25. Refunds during March rose 13.8 per cent to Rs 22,074 crore, with domestic refunds seeing a sharp 31.2 per cent jump, indicating improved compliance and faster processing. Meanwhile, cess collections showed a sharp decline during the month, turning negative at Rs (-177) crore, primarily due to higher refunds and adjustments.
According to experts, GST collections in FY26 reflect strong tax buoyancy in line with India’s estimated GDP growth of around 7 per cent, underscoring the link between rising consumption, expanding imports and improved compliance.
