New Delhi, Nov 1 (UNI) Despite a reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, the gross GST collections rose 4.6 per cent (year-on-year) during the festive month of October to about Rs 1.96 lakh crore. According to an official data released today, the GST collections in October last year was over 1.87 lakh crore.
As per the data, in the month of October, collections of Central-GST, State-GST, and Integrated-GST rose year-on-year, while cess collections dipped year-on-year. Till now in 2025-26 – April-October, the GST collections rose 9.0 per cent to about Rs 13.89 lakh crore, as against Rs 12.74 lakh crore in the same period last fiscal.
In this case also, all components – CGST, SGST, IGST, rose, while cess declined. The data further showed that after deducting refunds, the government’s net tax collections stood at Rs 1.69 lakh crore, 0.6 per cent more last month than in October 2024. October also made it the 10th consecutive month that revenues remained above the Rs 1.8 lakh crore mark.
The month of October saw robust consumer demand after the September 22 rate cuts towards broader tax and economic reforms. The government said that the benefits of recent GST cuts have been extended to consumers in the festive season, as consumption is one of the key engines for growth. The GST revenues rose 9.1 per cent year-on-year in September, reaching Rs 1.89 lakh crore. In the second quarter of FY26, collections reached Rs 5.71 lakh crore, a 7.7 per cent increase year-over-year.
Meanwhile, India’s net direct tax revenue climbed 6.33 per cent to over Rs 11.89 lakh crore in the current fiscal year (till October 12). The Income Tax Department said total gross direct tax collection stood at Rs 13.92 lakh crore, up from Rs 13.60 lakh crore during the same period last fiscal.
This performance was driven by stronger corporate tax collections and slower refund payouts. While corporate tax receipts rose to Rs 5.02 lakh crore from Rs 4.91 lakh crore, non-corporate tax collections (including individuals and HUFs) went up to Rs 6.56 lakh crore from Rs 5.94 lakh crore.
In a historic move to simplify the GST, GST Council in its 56th meeting had reduced the GST structure from four slabs (5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, 28 per cent) to two main rates–5 per cent (merit rate) and 18 per cent (standard rate) along with a 40 per cent special rate for sin/luxury goods.
This was aimed at reducing the tax burden on citizens while stimulating economic growth. On September 22, the first day of Navratri, all changes to GST rates took effect.
