The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) saw a 3.7% increase in December 2025, driven by growth in cement, steel, electricity, fertiliser, and coal production, as per government data. In November 2025, the final growth rate of the Index of Eight Core Industries stood at 2.1%.
The cumulative growth rate of the ICI from April to December 2025-26 is 2.6% (provisional), compared to the same period last year, according to Commerce Ministry data. Steel production rose by 6.9% in December 2025 over the previous year, with a cumulative index increase of 9.5% during April to December 2025-26.
Coal production increased by 3.6% in December 2025 compared to December 2024, while its cumulative index declined by 0.7% from April to December 2025-26 over the previous year. Fertiliser production also saw a 4.1% increase in December 2025 over the previous year, with a cumulative index rise of 1.7% during April to December 2025-26.
Cement production surged by 13.5% in December 2025 compared to December 2024, with a cumulative index increase of 8.8% during April to December 2025-26. Additionally, electricity generation rose by 5.3% last month, with a cumulative index increase of 0.3% from April to December 2025-26.
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a significant growth of 6.7% (quick estimate) in November, up from 5% in the same month last year. The manufacturing sector exhibited strong growth, expanding by 8% year-on-year in November.
