Eight Core Industries: Complete List, Weightage in IIP, and Growth Data

Eight Core Industries are the foundation of the Indian economy, serving as the backbone of the country's industrial and infrastructure landscape. These sectors are known as "core" because they produce the basic inputs required by almost every other industry, from small-scale manufacturing to large-scale infrastructure projects. 

Monitoring the performance of the 8 core industries of India is crucial for economists and policymakers, as it provides a reliable lead indicator for the nation's overall industrial growth.

Eight Core Industries Overview

The Eight Core Sector Industries India include a specific group of sectors that have a major impact on the country's economic activity. These industries are categorized based on their fundamental role in industrial production and infrastructure.

The list of eight core industries is as follows:

1. Refinery Products: This sector involves the processing of crude oil into essential fuels such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene. It is the largest contributor among the core sectors.

2. Electricity: This includes the generation, transmission, and distribution of power from thermal, hydro, nuclear, and renewable sources.

3. Steel: A critical material for construction, automobiles, and machinery, reflecting the pace of infrastructure development.

4. Coal: The coal core industry remains the primary source of energy for power plants and a vital raw material for the steel and cement industries.

5. Crude Oil: Essential for domestic energy security and the primary raw material for refineries.

6. Natural Gas: Used extensively in power generation, the manufacturing of fertilizers, and as a cleaner fuel alternative.

7. Cement: The growth in this sector is a direct indicator of the health of the housing and construction industries.

8. Fertilizers: This sector is vital for ensuring agricultural productivity and national food security.

Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)

The index of eight core industries (ICI) is a monthly production volume index that measures the collective and individual performance of these eight sectors.

• Released By: The Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA), Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

• Base Year: The current index uses 2011-12 as the base year to calculate growth.

• Frequency: It is released on the last working day of every month.

• Significance: It serves as a precursor to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), providing a snapshot of the industrial environment before the broader data is available.

Weight of Eight Core Industries in IIP

Eight Core Industries of India are significant because they account for 40.27% of the total weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Because they comprise nearly half of the IIP, any fluctuation in these sectors significantly impacts the overall industrial growth figures.

The Weight of Eight Core Industries in IIP is distributed as follows:

Latest Eight Core Industries Data India

Analyzing the eight core industries data India helps in understanding current economic trends. According to recent provisional data, the combined index of the eight core industries has shown a growth of 4.0% in January 2026. While this reflects a slight moderation compared to previous months, the overall trajectory remains positive.

Sector-wise Performance Highlights:

• Coal Core Industry: The coal sector grew by 3.1%, maintaining a steady supply of energy for the nation.

• Steel & Cement: These sectors recorded significant growth of 9.9% and 10.7%, respectively, showcasing a boom in the infrastructure and construction segments.

• Electricity: Power generation increased by 3.8%, reflecting rising industrial and domestic demand.

• Fertilizers: The sector grew by 4.5%, supporting the agricultural season.

• Laggards: Crude Oil and Natural Gas experienced a decline of 5.8% and 5.0%, respectively, highlighting challenges in domestic extraction.

The cumulative core sector growth rate of India for the period of April to January 2025-26 is currently estimated at 2.8%.