The Bihar Economic Survey 2025–26 was tabled in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on 2 February 2026 by Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav. The survey presents a comprehensive assessment of Bihar's economic performance, public finances, sectoral growth, infrastructure, human development, agriculture, governance and social indicators. It highlights that while Bihar has recorded one of the highest economic growth rates in India, it continues to face challenges related to low per capita income, credit availability, employment quality and human development.
The 20th Bihar Economic Survey portrays a state witnessing rapid economic expansion with improving infrastructure and capital investment. Bihar's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for 2024–25 is estimated at ₹9,91,997 crore at current prices and ₹5,31,372 crore at constant (2011–12) prices. The state recorded 13.1% growth at current prices and 8.6% growth at constant prices, significantly higher than India's corresponding growth rates of 9.8% and 6.5%, making Bihar one of the fastest-growing state economies.
Despite rapid growth, Bihar continues to remain India's lowest per capita income state. Per capita income increased to ₹76,490 (current prices) and ₹40,973 (constant prices), reflecting improvement over previous years but remaining substantially below the national average. The survey indicates that Patna, Begusarai and Munger are the top three districts in per capita income, whereas Sheohar, Araria and Sitamarhi remain the poorest districts.
A notable regional disparity is visible within the state. Patna dominates across multiple economic indicators, recording the highest per capita GDDP, highest petrol, diesel and LPG consumption, indicating higher industrial activity, purchasing power and urbanisation. Conversely, districts like Sheohar, Banka, Araria and Kaimur continue to lag behind in economic and energy consumption indicators.
The survey reflects a gradual structural transformation of Bihar's economy. The tertiary (services) sector contributes 54.8% of GSDP, followed by the secondary sector (26.8%) and primary sector (18.3%). Sector-wise growth remained broad-based with the secondary sector growing fastest at 15.5%, followed by services (13.5%) and agriculture (9.6%), indicating increasing industrialisation alongside service sector expansion.
Public finances demonstrate greater emphasis on productive expenditure. Capital expenditure increased to 22.3% of total expenditure, compared to lower shares in previous years, while revenue expenditure declined proportionately. This indicates a policy shift towards asset creation, infrastructure development and long-term economic capacity building while maintaining fiscal discipline.
The survey also reports a substantial rise in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) from ₹17,416 crore to ₹34,905 crore during the last five years, signalling increasing investment in productive assets. Bihar's fiscal position remains relatively stable with Gross Fiscal Deficit at 4.2% of GSDP, Debt Outstanding at 37.7% of GSDP, and Revenue Deficit of only ₹357 crore, reflecting prudent financial management.
Agriculture continues to remain the largest source of employment despite contributing only 18.3% of GSDP, highlighting persistent low labour productivity in the sector. Nearly 54% of the workforce depends on agriculture, whereas the services sector contributes almost 55% of output but employs only 22% of workers. This mismatch underscores the need for faster industrialisation and skill development.
Agricultural performance remained encouraging with increases in milk (4.2%), egg (10%), and fish production (9.9%). Bihar produced 960 thousand tonnes of fish, with Madhubani emerging as the leading producer. The survey also highlights government initiatives such as Mukhyamantri Samekit Chaur Vikas Yojana, River Ranching Programme, Jalashay Matsyaki Vikas Yojana, Jaivik Kheti Protsahan Yojana and Jaivik Corridor Yojana to strengthen agricultural diversification.
Industrial development has also gained momentum. The reopening of Riga Sugar Mill, expansion of dairy procurement, implementation of the Bihar Industrial Investment Promotion Policy, and establishment of major industrial projects including the ₹1,200 crore Coca-Cola bottling plant and ₹500 crore JK Cement plant in Buxar district demonstrate increasing private investment under Bihar's industrial policy. Together, these projects represent nearly ₹1,700 crore investment and are expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment.
Infrastructure continues to expand across transport and energy sectors. Bihar accounts for 5.5% of India's road network, while road transport has grown at 13.4% annually during the last decade. Construction of the 6-lane New Ganga Bridge with Asian Development Bank assistance, expansion of expressways, improvement in rail connectivity and 20% annual growth in air transport indicate improving physical connectivity.
Digital governance has also strengthened through initiatives such as Bihar AI Mission, BSDC 2.0, BSWAN 3.0, BAAF, ERSS, CCTNS, CFMS and e-Challan. Tele-density reached 57.23%, while internet density stood at 43.10%, indicating scope for further digital inclusion.
The power sector witnessed notable improvements with per capita electricity consumption rising to 374 kWh. Both NBPDCL and SBPDCL received Innovation & Impact Awards at the India Energy Summit, while BSPTCL secured an A+ rating from PFC for the fifth consecutive year. Expansion of floating solar plants, smart metering, solar pumps, and Mukhyamantri Solar Street Light Scheme supports Bihar's transition towards sustainable energy.
Rural development continues to rely heavily on JEEVIKA, which has mobilised 1.40 crore families into over 11 lakh Self Help Groups, making it one of India's largest livelihood programmes. Complementary initiatives such as Didi Ki Rasoi, Pashu Sakhi, Satat Jeevikoparjan Yojana and Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan strengthen rural livelihoods and women's empowerment.
Human development indicators reveal both progress and continuing challenges.
Government expenditure on women increased 3.45 times between 2018–19 and 2023–24. Literacy has improved substantially, while life expectancy reached 68.9 years for males and 69.7 years for females. However, NFHS-5 continues to report high levels of stunting (42.9%), underweight children (41%) and wasting (22.9%), requiring sustained interventions in nutrition and healthcare.
The survey also draws attention to public health concerns. More than 2.83 lakh dog bite cases were reported during 2024–25, making it the state's most prevalent reported health issue. Patna recorded the highest number of dog bite incidents, highlighting the need for better urban animal management and rabies prevention programmes.
An important structural concern highlighted by subsequent analyses is Bihar's low Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio of 53.5%. Banks hold deposits worth approximately ₹5.69 lakh crore, but only ₹3.04 lakh crore is deployed as credit within the state. This indicates that a significant portion of Bihar's savings finances economic activity outside the state, limiting entrepreneurship, MSME expansion and industrial growth. Strengthening institutional credit, improving bankability of enterprises and enhancing financial inclusion remain critical policy priorities.
Overall, the Bihar Economic Survey 2025–26 presents a picture of rapid economic growth supported by infrastructure expansion, capital investment and improved fiscal management, while simultaneously highlighting persistent structural challenges relating to low income levels, regional disparities, employment quality, financial intermediation and human development.
| Indicator | Bihar (2024–25) |
|---|---|
| GSDP (Current Prices) | ₹9,91,997 crore |
| GSDP Growth (Current Prices) | 13.1% |
| GSDP Growth (Constant Prices) | 8.6% |
| Per Capita Income (Current Prices) | ₹76,490 |
| Per Capita Income (Constant Prices) | ₹40,973 |
| Top Income Districts | Patna, Begusarai, Munger |
| Lowest Income Districts | Sheohar, Araria, Sitamarhi |
| Highest Fuel Consumption | Patna |
| Capital Expenditure Share | 22.3% |
| Fiscal Deficit | 4.2% of GSDP |
| Debt Outstanding | 37.7% of GSDP |
| Per Capita Electricity Consumption | 374 kWh |
| Credit-Deposit Ratio | 53.5% |
Established: Annual publication of the Government of Bihar (2025–26 is the 20th edition)Prepared By:Bihar Institute of Public Finance and Policy (BIPFP)(as mentioned in the input)Presented By:Finance Minister, Government of BiharPresented In:Bihar Legislative Assembly
Updated – 01 March 2026; 11:18 AM | News Source –The Hindu, The New Indian Express, Times of India, India Today