Context: GST collections April 2026
India records its highest-ever monthly Goods and Services Tax collection of ₹2.43 lakh crore in April 2026, reflecting strong economic activity and improved tax compliance.
Core Basics
- Indirect, destination-based consumption tax (launched 1 July 2017)
- Dual model: CGST + SGST (intra-state), IGST (inter-state)
- Input Tax Credit (ITC) → removes cascading effect
Constitutional Framework
- 101st Constitutional Amendment Act
- Art 246A → GST power (Centre and States)
- Art 269A → IGST
- Art 279A → GST Council
GST Council
- Chairperson: Union Finance Minister
Decision Rules
- Quorum: 50%
- Majority: 75% weighted votes
Voting Weight
- Centre: 1/3rd
- States: 2/3rd
GST Slabs
- Old: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% + cess
- Reform: 0%, 5%, 18%, 40% (12% & 28% merged; cess replaced)
Outside GST
- Petroleum products (crude, petrol, diesel, ATF, natural gas)
- Alcohol for human consumption
