UPSC 2025EconomyModerate

Suppose the revenue expenditure is ₹ 80,000 crores and the revenue receipts of the Government are ₹ 60,000 crores. The Government budget also shows borrowings of ₹ 10,000 crores and interest payments of ₹ 6,000 crores. Which of the following statements are correct? I. Revenue deficit is ₹ 20,000 crores. II. Fiscal deficit is ₹ 10,000 crores. III. Primary deficit is ₹ 4,000 crores. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

A
I and II only
B
II and III only
C
I and III only
D
I, II and III
Correct Answer

Explanation

Option (D) is correct because all three statements accurately apply standard budgetary formulas: Revenue Deficit is the gap between revenue expenditure and receipts (80,000 - 60,000 = 20,000), Fiscal Deficit is by definition equal to total borrowings (10,000), and Primary Deficit is Fiscal Deficit minus interest payments (10,000 - 6,000 = 4,000). A common mistake (making other options tempting) is failing to recognize that "borrowings" is the direct accounting equivalent of Fiscal Deficit, or incorrectly subtracting interest from the Revenue Deficit instead of the Fiscal Deficit to find the Primary Deficit. The core concept tested is the definition and mathematical interrelationship of various government deficit indicators.

Public FinanceGovernment BudgetingRevenue DeficitFiscal DeficitPrimary DeficitRevenue ExpenditureBorrowings

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