A  26-member ACNAS high level panel chaired by Biswanath Goldar has been constituted to revise India’s GDP base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23 under the Ministry of State for Statistics & Programme Implementation.

Objectives of the Update

• Base Year Revision: The new base year for GDP calculations will be updated to 2022-23.
  • The current GDP series, based on 2011-12 as the base year, was introduced in January 2015.
• Key Reasons for Changing the Base Year:
  • Reflecting Economic Shifts: The Indian economy has undergone significant structural changes, particularly in the service and technology sectors. The old base year may not accurately represent the current economic reality.
  • Leveraging New Data Sources: The availability of high-frequency data sources like digital payments and e-commerce has improved, allowing for more accurate GDP calculations.
  • Adapting to Post-Pandemic Economy: The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped global and domestic economic dynamics. A new base year helps incorporate these changes and provide a more accurate assessment of economic recovery.
  • Aligning with International Standards: Updating the base year enhances India’s GDP data comparability with international standards, facilitating global economic analysis.
• Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS):The panel includes members from RBI, academia, central and state governments, and researchers.
• Timeline and Expectations: The exercise is expected to be completed by early 2026.

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About Base Year 

• Base Year is a specific year used as a benchmark to measure economic changes over time.
• Base Year Revision: The government periodically revises the base year to reflect changes in the economy’s structure and composition.
• First Estimates: The first official GDP estimates were based on 1948-49 as the base year.
  • Published in 1956 under the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO).

Role of Base Year in GDP Calculation:

• Price Index: The base year’s prices are used to create a price index, such as the GDP deflator.
• GDP Deflator: A measure of the overall price level of all final goods and services produced in an economy.
  • Calculation: (Nominal GDP / Real GDP) x 100
• Real GDP Calculation: Real GDP = Nominal GDP / GDP Deflator
• Recent Base Year: India’s current base year for GDP calculation is 2011-12.

Steps Taken to Strengthen Statistical Reporting

• Standardized Data Structures: Harmonization of data collection and reporting across the National Statistical System.
• Use of Administrative Data: Integration of administrative records to enhance data quality.
• Advisory Role: ACNAS will identify new data sources and refine methodologies for compiling the revised National Accounts Statistics.

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Implications of the Change in Base Year

• Improved Growth Insights: Revising the base year will adjust historical GDP estimates, offering a clearer view of economic trends and growth patterns.
• Enhanced Policy Planning: Accurate GDP data will enable better-targeted government policies in crucial sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.
• Boost to Investor Confidence: Updated and transparent data will reflect the true state of the economy, attracting greater investor trust.

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