GST Collections Surge to Record ₹1.95 Lakh Crore in October 2025, Imports Drive Annual Growth

New Delhi, November 3, 2025 India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) revenue reached an all-time high in October 2025, crossing the ₹1.95 lakh crore mark on the back of strong import activity, festive season demand, and improved tax compliance measures. According to data released by the Revenue Department, the total GST collection for the month stood at ₹1,95,936 crore, representing a 4.6 per cent increase compared to the ₹1,87,035 crore collected in October 2024. The growth was driven primarily by a surge in GST collections from imports, which rose by nearly 13 per cent year-on-year. Domestic GST collections, excluding imports, also showed steady growth of 2 per cent, increasing from ₹1,42,251 crore in October 2024 to ₹1,45,052 crore in October 2025. The figures indicate that while domestic consumption maintained a stable pace, import-linked trade activity played a more significant role in boosting overall revenue. Net GST revenue, after adjusting for refunds, stood at ₹1,69,002 crore for October 2025 — a 0.6 per cent increase over September 2025 and a 7.1 per cent rise compared to October last year. This consistent upward trend in net receipts reflects a robust economic rebound, aided by increased business transactions during the festive season and stricter enforcement of tax compliance measures. State-level data showed that five major industrial states — Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana — contributed over 40 per cent of the total GST collected in October. Maharashtra remained the top contributor, followed closely by Karnataka and Gujarat, all of which reported significant improvements in both domestic trade and import-related GST inflows. The government also noted a sharp rise in refunds issued during the month. Total GST refunds in October 2025 increased by nearly 40 per cent compared to the same month last year. Refunds on domestic transactions grew by 26.5 per cent, while those linked to imports surged by 55.3 per cent. Officials said the increase was due to faster processing times and a higher volume of export-related claims during the festive quarter. Experts attribute the record-breaking collections to a mix of seasonal demand, inflationary trends increasing the nominal value of transactions, and enhanced data analytics tools used by the GST Network (GSTN) to detect tax evasion. The Revenue Department’s continued focus on automation, e-invoicing compliance, and targeted audits has helped plug revenue leakages and improve efficiency in tax collection. The October figures signal optimism for the remainder of the fiscal year, as policymakers expect GST collections to remain strong amid steady consumption and global trade recovery. Analysts note that if the current trajectory continues, India’s total GST revenue for FY2025–26 could surpass ₹22 lakh crore, setting a new benchmark for indirect tax performance since the system’s inception in 2017. The government is expected to review the October data in the upcoming GST Council meeting, where discussions will likely focus on rationalising tax slabs and further streamlining refund mechanisms to sustain revenue momentum into the next fiscal year. India’s GST Hits Record High India’s GST collections soared to an all-time high of ₹1.95 lakh crore in October 2025, driven by festive demand and strong import growth. The month saw a 4.6 per cent rise from last year, with import-related GST surging 13 per cent. Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat led state contributions, reflecting robust trade and manufacturing activity. The sharp 40 per cent jump in refunds signaled improved compliance and faster processing. Economists hailed the record numbers as a sign of resilience and fiscal strength, marking a new milestone in India’s journey toward a more transparent, efficient tax regime.