MoSPI explains new CPI series: base year revised from 2012=100 to 2024=100
On 29 July 2026 MoSPI said the Consumer Price Index base year has been revised from 2012=100 to 2024=100, with a larger basket of 358 items and price collection from 1,465 rural and 1,395 urban markets.
Summary
The Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) informed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) base year has been revised from 2012=100 to 2024=100; the new series was released on 12 February 2026. Price collection now covers 1,465 rural markets and 1,395 urban markets across 434 towns, plus 12 online markets in 12 towns with population above 25 lakh. Weighted items rose from 299 to 358 (goods 259 to 308, services 40 to 50), with basket and weights based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24. Inflation under the new series is available from January 2026; a direct comparison with the old series is not feasible. Combined CPI inflation was 2.74% in January 2026 and a provisional 4.38% in June 2026.
Key facts
- New base year
- 2024=100 (earlier 2012=100)
- New series released
- 12 February 2026
- Markets
- 1,465 rural + 1,395 urban across 434 towns; 12 online markets
- Weighted items
- 358 (earlier 299): goods 308, services 50
- Basket/weights based on
- HCES 2023-24
- Data from
- January 2026 (old series up to December 2025)
- June 2026 combined inflation
- 4.38% (provisional)
Practice MCQs 4 questions
What is the new base year of India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) series released by MoSPI in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 2024=100
MoSPI revised the CPI base year from 2012=100 to 2024=100; the new series was released on 12 February 2026.
How many weighted items are there in the All-India basket of the new CPI (2024=100) series?
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Correct answer: C — 358
The weighted items increased from 299 to 358 – goods from 259 to 308 and services from 40 to 50.
The item basket and weights of the new CPI (2024=100) series are based on which survey?
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Correct answer: A — Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24
MoSPI said the basket and weights are based on the results of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24.
Consider the following statements about the new CPI (2024=100) series: 1. Monthly prices are collected from 1,465 rural and 1,395 urban markets. 2. Online markets have been added to capture e-commerce prices. 3. Its inflation figures can be directly compared with those of the 2012 series. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Prices come from 1,465 rural and 1,395 urban markets plus 12 online markets. MoSPI said a direct comparison with the old series is not feasible because of changes in basket, weights, coverage and methodology.