Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024

NITI Aayog on 14 January 2026 released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024, a comprehensive assessment of export readiness across India’s States and Union Territories (UTs). The Index evaluates how effectively subnational regions are positioned to contribute to India’s expanding global trade footprint.

Top Performers

Large States

• 1st: Maharashtra
• 2nd: Tamil Nadu
• 3rd: Gujarat

Small States, North Eastern States and UTs

• Uttarakhand
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Nagaland

About the Export Preparedness Index

• First published: August 2020
• EPI 2024: Fourth edition of the Index
• Recognises the diversity of subnational economic structures and their importance in driving exports

The Index is aligned with:

• India’s target of USD 1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030
• The long-term vision of Viksit Bharat @2047

Objectives of EPI

• Provide an evidence-based framework to assess export ecosystems
• Measure strength, resilience and inclusiveness of exports at the State and district levels
• Identify:
  • Structural challenges
  • Growth drivers
  • Policy opportunities to boost export competitiveness

Framework and Methodology

The Export Preparedness Index 2024 is built on four key pillars:

1. Export Infrastructure
2. Business Ecosystem
3. Policy and Governance
4. Export Performance

These pillars are further disaggregated into:

• 13 sub-pillars
• 70 indicators, enabling a granular, policy-relevant assessment

State Categorisation

For comparative assessment and peer learning:

• States and UTs are grouped into:
  • Large States
  • Small States
  • North Eastern States
  • Union Territories

Within each category, regions are classified as:

• Leaders
• Challengers
• Aspirers

based on their level of export preparedness.