NITI Aayog export readiness 2024: Maharashtra tops Export Preparedness Index 2024, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Learn key insights, rankings, and economic impact for competitive exams.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Lead NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024
Introduction to the Export Preparedness Index
In January 2026, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) released the 4th edition of the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, ranking Indian states and union territories on their readiness and performance in promoting exports. The EPI is an important tool for assessing which regions are best positioned to boost export-led growth — a key driver of India’s economic progress and global trade footprint.
Maharashtra Emerges as the Top-Ranked Large State
In the latest EPI 2024 rankings, Maharashtra secured the top position among large states, scoring 68.01, reflecting its strong performance across key export metrics such as infrastructure, business ecosystem, and policy framework. This achievement highlights the state’s role as a major export hub in sectors like manufacturing, engineering, chemicals, and services.
Tamil Nadu and Gujarat Follow Closely
Following Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu ranked second with a score of 64.41, showcasing its export capabilities in automotive, electronics, textiles, and other sectors. Gujarat placed third with a score of 64.02, affirming its long-standing strength in export activities, particularly in petrochemicals and precious stones.
Performance of Other States
States like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Punjab also featured among top performers. Among smaller states and union territories, Uttarakhand led the category, followed by Jammu and Kashmir and Nagaland — indicating growing diversification in India’s export readiness landscape.
What Does the Index Measure?
The EPI uses a multi-dimensional framework based on 4 pillars, 13 sub-pillars, and around 70 indicators that measure export infrastructure, business environment, policy and governance, and actual export performance. This comprehensive assessment helps local governments design strategies to enhance export competitiveness and support exporters.
Export Growth and Economic Impact
With global trade dynamics rapidly evolving, the EPI offers valuable insights for policymakers. States that perform well in the index are seen as better equipped to attract investment, strengthen manufacturing bases, and improve global market integration — all critical for achieving India’s export target of USD 1 trillion by 2030.
Why This News Is Important for Competitive Exams
Strategic Economic Indicator
The release of the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 is significant because it reflects the ability of Indian states to contribute to the country’s export performance — a cornerstone for economic growth, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation. Competitive exams often ask about tools used by government think tanks to measure economic performance, making the EPI a crucial topic.
Relevance to Government Policies and Initiatives
Understanding this index helps aspirants link how state-level policies and ecosystem improvements contribute to national objectives, such as India’s ambitious plan to achieve USD 1 trillion merchandise exports by 2030. Questions may focus on how indices influence policymaking or what factors are considered in economic rankings.
Beneficial for Economics and General Awareness Sections
The EPI covers areas like export infrastructure, business environment, governance, and performance — topics frequently tested in exams like UPSC Civil Services, State PCS, banking and insurance exams, and other recruitment tests. Grasping this framework reinforces core concepts of economic planning and international trade.
Historical Context of the Export Preparedness Index
The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) was first launched by NITI Aayog in 2020 as part of efforts to assess and improve India’s export potential at sub-national levels. Since then, it has evolved into a comprehensive benchmark that evaluates states on multiple attributes crucial for export success.
Earlier editions of the EPI used similar pillars but have progressively expanded their scope, methodology, and indicators to better capture economic and policy environments across states. Past rankings saw Tamil Nadu and Gujarat performing strongly, though Maharashtra has now overtaken its peers in the latest edition.
The index aligns with India’s broader trade strategy and plans such as Make in India, export promotion schemes, and trade facilitation initiatives. By highlighting strong performers and laggards, the EPI serves as both a mirror and a roadmap for states seeking to boost export competitiveness.
Key Takeaways from NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Maharashtra became the top-ranked large state in the EPI 2024 with a score of 68.01. |
| 2 | Tamil Nadu ranked second, followed by Gujarat in third place among large states. |
| 3 | The EPI evaluates export readiness based on four pillars and around 70 indicators. |
| 4 | Uttarakhand ranked first among smaller states and UTs in the index. |
| 5 | The index helps states shape policies and strategies to boost exports and support India’s USD 1 trillion export target. |
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the NITI Aayog Export Preparedness Index (EPI)?
A: The EPI is an index released by NITI Aayog that ranks Indian states and union territories based on their export readiness, infrastructure, policy environment, and overall performance in promoting exports.
Q2: Which state topped the EPI 2024 among large states?
A: Maharashtra topped the EPI 2024 among large states with a score of 68.01.
Q3: Which smaller state or UT led the EPI 2024 rankings?
A: Uttarakhand ranked first among smaller states and union territories.
Q4: What factors are measured in the Export Preparedness Index?
A: The EPI evaluates states on four pillars: export infrastructure, business environment, governance and policy, and export performance, using around 70 indicators.
Q5: Why is the EPI important for competitive exams?
A: The EPI is important as it reflects India’s economic and export strategy, state-level policy effectiveness, and contributes to questions in general awareness, economics, and current affairs sections in exams like UPSC, PSCs, banking, railways, and defence services.
Q6: Which other states performed well in EPI 2024 among large states?
A: Tamil Nadu ranked second and Gujarat third, while Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka also featured among top performers.
Q7: How does the EPI help India’s economic growth?
A: By identifying strong and weak states in export readiness, the EPI helps in policy formulation to boost export-led growth, attract investment, and achieve India’s USD 1 trillion export target by 2030.
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