RAS question
India's net direct tax collections grew by what percentage to over ₹18.38 lakh crore as of January 11, 2026?
Correct answer: (B) 8.82%.
As of January 11, 2026, India's net direct tax collections had grown 8.82% to over Rs 18.38 lakh crore.
Explanation
The relevant figure is 8.82%, because the reported net direct tax collection rose to over Rs 18.38 lakh crore from Rs 16.89 lakh crore in the corresponding period of FY25. The Akashvani report, citing the Income Tax Department, confirms that collections up to January 11 grew 8.82 per cent to over Rs 18.38 lakh crore. The composition also supports the scale of the rise: net corporate tax stood at Rs 8.63 lakh crore, while non-corporate tax stood at Rs 9.30 lakh crore. For an economy question, the key is to read the percentage growth with the net collection base, not just the headline amount.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 5.50% understates the reported rise; Akashvani News identifies the growth rate as 8.82%.
- (C) 12.50% is higher than the reported net direct tax growth and does not match the increase from Rs 16.89 lakh crore to over Rs 18.38 lakh crore.
- (D) 15.30% overstates the growth figure; Akashvani News gives 8.82% for net direct tax collections up to January 11.
Concept
This tests current Indian Economy, especially tax revenue trends and direct-tax collection data. It recurs in RAS because fiscal indicators connect current affairs with budget, revenue and public finance concepts.