RAS question
The total expenditure in Budget 2025-26 is approximately:
Correct answer: (A) ₹50.65 lakh crore.
The total expenditure in Union Budget 2025-26 is estimated at approximately Rs 50.65 lakh crore.
Explanation
Union Budget 2025-26 estimates total expenditure at Rs 50.65 lakh crore, making option A the only figure that matches the Budget Estimate. The PIB summary places this figure alongside total receipts other than borrowings of Rs 34.96 lakh crore, which helps distinguish the expenditure number from receipts. PIB also notes capital expenditure of Rs 11.21 lakh crore for FY2025-26. That capex figure is only one component of government spending, not total expenditure. Therefore, Rs 50.65 lakh crore should be read as the overall estimated expenditure of the Union government for 2025-26, not a sectoral allocation or a capital-outlay-only figure.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Rs 42 lakh crore is too low because the Budget Estimate cited by PIB puts total expenditure at Rs 50.65 lakh crore.
- (C) Rs 45 lakh crore is also below the official Budget Estimate and does not match the stated total expenditure figure.
- (D) Rs 55 lakh crore overshoots the official estimate, which is approximately Rs 50.65 lakh crore.
Concept
This tests basic Union Budget literacy, especially the ability to distinguish total expenditure from receipts and from capital expenditure. RAS asks such figures because Budget Estimates frame questions on fiscal policy, public finance and current economic affairs.