RBI Initiates 115th Round of Industrial Outlook Survey
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the 115th round of its Quarterly Industrial Outlook Survey (IOS) on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. This survey aims to assess business sentiment within the Indian manufacturing sector for the July-September 2026 quarter (Q2:2026-27) and gather expectations for the subsequent quarters.
According to an official statement from the RBI, the survey covers the reference period of July-September 2026 and evaluates both the current business situation and expectations for the October-December 2026 quarter (Q3:2026-27).
Survey Objectives and Key Indicators
The RBI stated that "the survey assesses business sentiments for the current quarter (Q2:2026-27) and expectations for the ensuing quarter." The survey is designed to capture qualitative responses from manufacturing companies on critical business indicators, including demand conditions, financial conditions, employment trends, and the price situation.
Additionally, the central bank noted that the survey will collect outlook data on important business parameters for the following two quarters: January-March 2027 (Q4:2026-27) and April-June 2027 (Q1:2027-28).
Survey Methodology and Participation
The Industrial Outlook Survey is conducted by the RBI on a quarterly basis to gauge business confidence and expectations in the manufacturing sector. The findings are released in summary form on the RBI's website, with the identity of participating companies kept confidential.
For this round, the RBI has authorized M/s Genesis Management & Market Research Pvt. Ltd. to conduct the survey on its behalf. The agency will approach selected manufacturing companies to participate. However, the RBI also encourages other manufacturing companies to take part by downloading the survey questionnaire from the central bank's website under the "Survey" section.
Interested companies can fill in the questionnaire and submit duly authenticated responses via email using the contact details provided in the survey document, as per the RBI.
Impact and Confidentiality
The survey seeks qualitative assessments and expectations from manufacturing companies on various aspects of business activity, including demand conditions, financial conditions, employment trends, and the price environment. This provides an assessment of current business sentiment as well as expectations for future quarters.
The RBI regularly publishes the findings of the Industrial Outlook Survey in a summary format, which helps indicate business confidence and expectations in the manufacturing sector while maintaining the confidentiality of individual respondents.
