New Delhi, Sept. 30 -- India's central government fiscal deficit reached Rs 7.10 lakh crore during the first five months of the financial year 2026-27, accounting for 41.9 per cent of the full-year target, according to data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on Wednesday.
The fiscal deficit stood at Rs 7,10,249 crore between April and August 2026. The deficit was at 38.1 per cent of the Budget Estimate (BE) during the corresponding period of 2025-26.
The fiscal deficit represents the gap between the government's total expenditure and its receipts, excluding borrowings. For 2026-27, the Centre has budgeted a fiscal deficit of 4.3 per cent of GDP, or Rs 16.96 lakh crore.
The Centre's net tax revenue stood at around Rs 8.3...