Total Expenditure
Expenditure Beginnerकुल व्यय
Definition
Total expenditure is the sum of revenue expenditure and capital expenditure. It represents the complete spending plan of the government for a financial year. The budget is always balanced: total expenditure equals total receipts (with borrowings filling the gap between revenue and spending).
Formula
How Total Expenditure Appears in India's Budget
Total expenditure for 2026-27 is Rs 53.47 lakh crore.
Related Budget Terms
Why Total Expenditure Matters
Understanding total expenditure is essential for anyone following government finances, preparing for competitive exams, or analysing India's economic policy. This concept directly affects how the government allocates resources and plans its fiscal strategy.
In the context of India's Union Budget 2026-27, with a total size of Rs 53.47 lakh crore, terms like total expenditure help citizens and analysts evaluate whether the government is on the right fiscal path. The numbers in the budget are only meaningful when one understands the underlying concepts.
For UPSC aspirants, total expenditure is frequently tested in both Prelims and Mains, particularly in Paper III (Economic Development). For CA and MBA students, this concept appears in public finance and macroeconomics courses.
Explore Budget Data
Explore More Budget Terms
Browse our glossary of 100+ government budget terms