India’s Software Technology Park (STP) units recorded estimated exports of ₹7,73,898.97 crore in FY26, a rise of 21.56 per cent from ₹6,36,619.87 crore in FY24, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) reported on Friday. The gain continues a steady upward trend in outbound software and IT-enabled services (IT/ITeS) shipments from STP-registered units.
What the numbers show
MeitY’s export-import data for the STP Scheme — a government initiative aimed at promoting 100% exports of software and related services — shows exports increasing year-on-year from ₹6,36,619.87 crore in FY24 to ₹6,88,194.11 crore in FY25 and then to ₹7,73,898.97 crore in FY26. The FY26 figure is roughly equivalent to ₹7.73 lakh crore when rounded.
“STP Scheme is a 100% export-oriented scheme to promote software and IT-enabled services (IT/ITeS) exports from India and STPI has been providing Statutory Services on a single-window Clearance System under STP Scheme,” the release said.
While exports rose, reported investment by STP units declined for the third consecutive year — from ₹10,709.92 crore in FY24 to ₹8,870.78 crore in FY25 and further down to ₹7,362.86 crore in FY26. Imports by STP units have been relatively steady, at ₹9,947.47 crore in FY24, ₹9,482.27 crore in FY25 and ₹9,960.26 crore in FY26.
- Exports: ₹6,36,619.87 crore (FY24) → ₹6,88,194.11 crore (FY25) → ₹7,73,898.97 crore (FY26)
- Investment reported: ₹10,709.92 crore (FY24) → ₹8,870.78 crore (FY25) → ₹7,362.86 crore (FY26)
- Imports: ₹9,947.47 crore (FY24) → ₹9,482.27 crore (FY25) → ₹9,960.26 crore (FY26)
| Financial Year | Exports (₹ crore) | Investment (₹ crore) | Imports (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY24 | 6,36,619.87 | 10,709.92 | 9,947.47 |
| FY25 | 6,88,194.11 | 8,870.78 | 9,482.27 |
| FY26 | 7,73,898.97 | 7,362.86 | 9,960.26 |
Context and consequences
The STP Scheme is a cornerstone of India’s export architecture for software and IT services, offering a single-window statutory clearance mechanism under STPI (Software Technology Parks of India). The rise in export values underscores the sector’s resilience and demand for Indian IT/ITeS globally, even as the decline in reported capital deployment by STP units suggests a moderation in fresh onshore investments or a shift in the nature of investments being recorded under the scheme.
For businesses and workers, growing exports usually translate into steadier revenues, higher utilisation of developer capacity and potential for job creation in service delivery, support and exports operations. However, the fall in reported investment could signal reduced expansion of physical infrastructure or lower new unit formation under the STP umbrella, which may affect future capacity additions.
Steady import levels — around ₹9,500–10,000 crore a year — point to continued reliance on certain hardware, software licences or specialised equipment that STP units source from abroad. The gap between exports and imports remains wide, with exports running into several lakh crore, reinforcing IT services as a major foreign exchange earner for India.
What it means for you
If you are an investor, employee or vendor in the IT ecosystem, the headline growth in exports is encouraging: it suggests sustained global demand for services supplied by STP units. For startups and mid-size firms, the dip in reported investment could mean tighter competition for office space or talent where expansions are paused. For policymakers, the data highlights a dual priority — sustaining export momentum while reviving capital formation within STP-registered firms to support long-term capacity and employment growth.
MeitY’s figures provide a snapshot of STP activity but do not replace granular firm-level analysis. Market participants should note that these are estimated export figures as released by the ministry.
