The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the experimental Index of Services Production (ISP) for August 2026, covering 19 sub-sectors with base year 2024-25. This trial publication aims to examine data quality, test resilience, and receive stakeholder feedback before formal implementation.
Sub-Sector Performance Overview
The data shows significant variation across service sectors. Retail Trade recorded the highest growth at 19.9% year-over-year with an index value of 139.2, followed by Repair Services and Real Estate both at 17.6% growth. Insurance sector grew 16.5%, while Banking showed robust growth of 14.9%. Professional, scientific & technical services including R&D grew 14.2%, and IT and computer related services increased 13.8%. Telecommunications sector expanded 11.8%, while Accommodation and food services grew 11.9%. Warehousing and support activities for transportation increased 11.2%, and Wholesale Trade grew 10.2%. Road Transport and Water Transport showed similar growth patterns at 9.4% and 9.5% respectively. Railway Transport recorded modest growth of 3.7%. However, Air Transport declined significantly by 9.6% with an index value of 89.2, and Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Services decreased by 4.7%.
Monthly Time Series Data
The annexure provides detailed monthly indices from August 2025 through August 2026 for all 19 sub-sectors. Retail Trade shows consistent strength throughout the period, reaching its peak in October 2025 at 153.1. Repair Services exhibited volatility with a notable peak of 187.4 in March 2026. Insurance sector also showed significant fluctuation, reaching 168.1 in March 2026 before moderating to 107.9 in August 2026. Air Transport demonstrates a concerning downward trend from its peak of 117.3 in January 2026 to 89.2 in August 2026. Banking sector shows steady progression from 108.8 in August 2025 to 125.0 in August 2026.
Data Quality Notes
The ministry notes that the indices for Railways, Banking and Insurance sub-sectors are based on provisional monthly data and will undergo revision on an annual basis. The experimental nature of this release emphasizes that these are trial series intended for stakeholder feedback and data quality assessment before formal adoption.