INDEX OF EIGHT CORE INDUSTRIES (BASE YEAR: 2011-12=100) FOR MARCH, 2026

• The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is a monthly production index of eight infrastructure-supportive sectors, released by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• The eight industries together carry a 40.27% weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making ICI a high-frequency lead indicator of industrial activity.
• Examined frequently in Prelims (weights, base year, releasing ministry) and in GS-III Mains as a barometer of industrial growth.