---
title: "GST Rates in India: Tax Slabs 0%, 5%, 18% & 40% Item-Wise"
description: "Find GST rates in India- tax slabs of 0%, 5%, 18% & 40%, how CGST, SGST & IGST apply, how does gst rate work, and items not covered under GST like alcohol."
canonical: "https://busy.in/gst-rates/"
---

# GST Rates in India 2025: Complete Rate Chart After GST 2.0

GST rates are the percentage of tax levied on the [**supply of goods and services**](https://busy.in/gst/continuous-supply-of-goods-and-services-under-gst-a-comprehensive-guide/) under India's Goods and Services Tax framework, which replaced VAT, excise duty, service tax, and over a dozen other indirect levies when it came into force on July 1, 2017.

Every good or service in India is classified under an [**HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code for goods**](https://busy.in/gst/advisory-regarding-revamped-hsn-code-functionality/) or an SAC (Services Accounting Code) for services. The GST rate attached to that code determines how much tax the buyer pays at each stage of the supply chain.

## **GST 2.0: The New 4-Slab Rate Structure**

The [56th GST Council meeting](https://gstcouncil.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-09/press_release_press_information_bureau_0.pdf) (September 22, 2025) rationalised India's rate structure from six slabs to four primary slabs. The reform's stated goal was to simplify compliance, eliminate [**cess cascading**](https://busy.in/gst/what-is-cess-in-gst-full-form-meaning-and-gst-use-case/) , and improve ITC (Input Tax Credit) fungibility for businesses.

**Current GST Rate Slabs (Effective September 22, 2025)**

| GST Rate | Category | Examples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0% | Essential goods and services | Fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, milk, eggs, curd, natural honey, books, unbranded flour (atta), unbranded maida, jute, raw silk |
| 5% | Basic necessities and mass-consumption items | Packaged food, coffee/tea (not branded), medicines (life-saving), fertilisers, tractors, domestic LPG (up to ₹500), railway tickets (non-AC), economy air travel |
| 18% | Standard rate (covers former 12% + former 18% goods) | Mobile phones, electronics, FMCG, computers, construction services, restaurant services (non-AC), most professional services, packaged cement, IT services, telecom services |
| 40% | Luxury and demerit goods (replaces former 28% + cess) | Luxury automobiles, aerated beverages, tobacco products, high-end motorcycles (>350cc), yacht/aircraft for personal use, luxury watches, pan masala |
| 3% | Precious metals | Gold, silver, platinum, gold coins, gold jewellery, silver jewellery |
| 0.25% | Rough precious stones | Rough diamonds, rough precious stones |

**Note:** The 28% rate with compensation cess has been replaced by a flat 40% rate. For tobacco and pan masala, a transitional period was in effect from September 22, 2025, to January 31, 2026, before a new production-capacity-based Health Security Cess regime took effect on February 1, 2026.

## **Before vs. After: Old vs. New GST Rate Structure**

**GST Rate Structure - Pre-Reform vs. Post-Reform**

| Aspect | Before September 22, 2025 | After September 22, 2025 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Number of primary slabs | 6 (0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% + special 3%/0.25%) | 4 (0%, 5%, 18%, 40% + 3%/0.25%) |
| 12% slab | Active - packaged food, medicines, agri equipment | Abolished - goods moved to 5% or 18% |
| 28% slab | Active - luxury goods + compensation cess on top | Abolished - replaced by flat 40% |
| Compensation Cess | Levied on top of 28% GST (1%-22% on cars; ₹400/tonne coal; 12% aerated drinks) | Abolished for most goods (autos, coal, beverages, motorcycles >350cc, yachts) |
| Tobacco treatment | 28% GST + specific cess (e.g., ₹4,170+/1,000 cigarettes) | 28%-40% transitional -> new regime Feb 1, 2026 (Health Security Cess + Central Excise) |
| ITC on cess | Cess ITC could only offset cess liability | Not applicable for most goods (cess abolished) |
| Rate on automobiles | 28% GST + 1%-22% cess = effective 29%-50% | Flat 40% GST (no cess) |
| Rate on aerated beverages | 28% + 12% cess = 40% total | Flat 40% GST |
| Gold/silver | 3% | 3% (unchanged) |
| Diamonds | 0.25% | 0.25% (unchanged) |
| Composition scheme | Separate flat rates | Unchanged |

## **What Gets Cheaper, What Gets Costlier After GST 2.0**

The GST 2.0 reform did not uniformly raise or lower taxes - it streamlined how taxes are calculated, which in practice changes costs depending on the product and on whether your business is B2B (ITC-eligible) or B2C.

### **What Gets Cheaper**

1.  **Automobiles (especially mid-segment)**
    Under the old regime, a ₹10 lakh car attracted 28% GST + 17% cess = 45% effective tax. Post-reform, the same car attracts 40% GST. That is a 5-percentage-point reduction for buyers in that segment.
2.  **Coal**
    Imported and domestic coal used to attract 28% + ₹400/tonne cess. The cess is now abolished; coal attracts 18% GST, making it cheaper for power plants and industry.
3.  **Aerated Beverages**
    Effective rate was 28% + 12% cess = 40%. Post-reform: flat 40% - mathematically the same, but with full ITC now available at each stage (cess ITC was ring-fenced), reducing hidden costs for manufacturers.
4.  **Goods Previously at 12% Now at 18% - B2B Buyers**
    For registered businesses buying goods that moved from 12% -> 18%, the higher GST is fully available as ITC. Net cost of purchase remains the same; only cash flow differs (higher outgo claimed back sooner).

### **What Gets Costlier**

1.  **Goods Previously at 12% - B2C / End Consumers**
    End consumers cannot claim ITC. For goods that moved from 12% to 18%, they pay 6 percentage points more. Key categories that became costlier due to the move from 12% to 18% include business-class air travel, intellectual property services, and specific high-end processed foods, as these did not qualify for the 5% merit rate.
2.  **Tobacco (Short-Term, February 1, 2026)**
    The new Health Security Cess + National Security Cess + Central Excise duty on pan masala and tobacco products introduced from February 1, 2026, results in a higher effective burden than the previous cess regime for premium cigarette and smokeless tobacco brands.
3.  **Goods at 28% with Low Cess -> Now at 40%**
    Goods that were at 28% + cess rates below 12% (e.g., certain luxury goods at 28% + 1% cess = 29%) now face 40% - an 11-point increase. Luxury watches, high-end handbags, and similar items fall here.
4.  **Key principle:** If you are a GST-registered business buying inputs, rate changes affect cash flow, not final cost (ITC cancels out the extra GST paid). If you are an end consumer or exempt business, rate changes directly affect your price paid.

## **Special GST Rates: Gold, Diamonds, and Precious Metals**

Precious metals and stones have always carried special concessional GST rates outside the standard slab structure. These rates are unchanged post-GST 2.0.

**Special GST Rates - Precious Metals and Stones**

| Item | GST Rate | Making Charges | Total on Jewellery |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Gold (bar, coin, jewellery) | 3% | 5% | 3% on gold value + 5% on making charges |
| Silver (bar, jewellery) | 3% | 5% | 3% on silver value + 5% on making charges |
| Platinum | 3% | 5% | 3% on platinum value + 5% on making charges |
| Rough diamonds | 0.25% | \- | 0.25% |
| Cut and polished diamonds | 1.5% | \- | 1.5% |
| Rough precious stones (non-diamond) | 0.25% | \- | 0.25% |
| Pearls (not strung, not set) | 0% | \- | 0% |
| Imitation jewellery | 3% | \- | 3% |

Why special rates? Gold and diamonds are India's second-largest import categories by value (India imports approximately 700-800 tonnes of gold annually per the World Gold Council). A standard 18% rate would fuel a massive grey market and smuggling. The 3% rate is calibrated to keep the formal trade competitive.

Making charges clarification: Charges for [**making gold jewellery**](https://busy.in/gst/the-impact-of-gst-on-gold-and-gold-jewellery/) attract 5% GST separately (as a service). If a jeweller charges ₹1,00,000 for gold + ₹10,000 making charges, GST is: ₹3,000 (3% on gold) + ₹500 (5% on making) = ₹3,500 total.

## **Nil-Rated vs. Zero-Rated vs. Exempt: Key Differences**

One of the most common sources of GST confusion is the distinction between goods and services that attract "zero" tax. There are actually three distinct categories, and they have very different implications for Input Tax Credit.

**Nil-Rated vs. Zero-Rated vs. Exempt - Comparison**

| Feature | Nil-Rated Supply | Zero-Rated Supply | Exempt Supply |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| GST Rate | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Defined under | Schedule I/II of CGST Rate Notification | Section 16 of IGST Act | Section 11 of CGST Act / Schedule III |
| Examples | Salt, fresh fruits, grains, unbranded wheat flour | Exports, supplies to SEZ units/developers | Health services, educational services, alcohol for human consumption (non-GST) |
| ITC on inputs | Not available (supplier cannot claim ITC) | Fully available (refundable) | Not available (ITC must be reversed) |
| Supplier must file GST returns? | Yes (turnover counts for registration threshold) | Yes | Yes (if registered) |
| Impact if you buy for exempt use | Input ITC must be reversed under Rule 42/43 | No reversal required | Input ITC must be reversed under Rule 42/43 |
| LUT/Bond required? | No | Yes (for exports under LUT) | No |

### **Why This Distinction Matters**

A hospital providing [**exempt health services**](https://busy.in/gst/gst-exemptions-products-services/) cannot claim ITC on the equipment it buys. If it pays ₹18 GST on a ₹100 medical device, that ₹18 is a real cost - not recoverable.

An exporter providing zero-rated services can claim a full refund of [**ITC accumulated on inputs**](https://busy.in/gst/refund-claims-of-accumulated-itc/) , which is why export-oriented businesses file for GST refunds regularly.

A farmer selling nil-rated fresh vegetables cannot claim back the GST paid on fertilisers, tractors, or seeds - the rate structure effectively subsidises the end consumer but does not benefit the farmer's input cost chain.

## **Composition Scheme Tax Rates**

Small businesses with [**turnover up to ₹1.5 crore**](https://busy.in/gst/minimum-turnover-for-gst-registration-in-india/) (₹75 lakh for some North-Eastern and special category states) can opt for the Composition Scheme under Section 10 of the CGST Act. Composition dealers pay a flat tax on turnover instead of the standard rate, cannot charge GST on invoices, and cannot claim ITC.

**Composition Scheme Rates (Current)**

| Business Type | Turnover Limit | Composition Rate | Effective Rate (CGST + SGST) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Manufacturers (goods) | ₹1.5 crore | 1% of turnover | 0.5% CGST + 0.5% SGST |
| Traders (goods) | ₹1.5 crore | 1% of turnover | 0.5% CGST + 0.5% SGST |
| Restaurants (not serving alcohol) | ₹1.5 crore | 5% of turnover | 2.5% CGST + 2.5% SGST |
| Service providers (QRMP opt-in) | ₹50 lakh | 6% of turnover | 3% CGST + 3% SGST |
| Mixed suppliers (goods + services, services ≤10% of turnover) | ₹1.5 crore | 1% of turnover | 0.5% CGST + 0.5% SGST |

**Note:** [**Composition dealers pay tax**](https://busy.in/gst/gst-composition-scheme-rules-for-e-commerce-sellers-and-online-retailers/) from their own pocket - they cannot charge GST to customers, and they cannot issue tax invoices. They issue [**Bills of Supply**](https://busy.in/gst/guide-to-bill-of-supply-under-gst/) instead. Their buyers cannot claim ITC on purchases made from composition dealers.

**When Composition makes sense:** If most of your customers are end consumers (B2C), your input costs are low relative to turnover, and your compliance capacity is limited, Composition typically reduces your tax outflow significantly compared to regular registration.

**When it does not**: If you sell primarily to registered B2B buyers who need ITC, being a Composition dealer makes you uncompetitive because your buyers cannot claim back any tax on your supply.

## **Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) and GST Rates**

Under the standard GST mechanism, the [**supplier collects and remits**](https://busy.in/gst/forward-charge-mechanism-under-gst-explained-with-examples/) GST. Under the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM), the recipient [**pays the GST directly**](https://busy.in/gst/all-about-reverse-charge-mechanism-rcm-under-gst/) to the government - the supplier does not charge it.

RCM matters for rate purposes because the recipient must self-assess the applicable rate and pay it. Getting the rate wrong in an RCM scenario results in the recipient bearing both the shortfall and any interest or penalty.

**Key RCM Scenarios and Applicable Rates**

| Supply | Supplier | Recipient | GST Rate under RCM |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Goods transport agency (GTA) services | GTA | Registered recipient | 5% (no ITC) or 12% (with ITC) |
| Advocate/legal services | Individual advocate/firm | Any business entity | 18% |
| Director remuneration | Director (non-employee) | Company | 18% |
| Import of services | Foreign supplier | Indian registered person | Applicable rate (IGST) |
| Agricultural produce loaded on vehicles by unregistered persons | Unregistered farmer | Registered buyer | 5% (if applicable) |
| Security services | Unregistered person | Registered recipient | 18% |
| Renting of motor vehicles | Unregistered supplier | Registered recipient | 5% |
| Sponsorship services | Any person | Corporate / partnership | 18% |
| Cashew nuts (shelled/peeled) | Agriculturist | Any registered person | 5% |

**ITC under RCM**: GST paid under RCM is [**eligible for ITC**](https://busy.in/gst/input-tax-credit/) in the same month it is paid - but only if the payment is made in cash (not from ITC balance). This is a critical cash-flow planning point: businesses with large RCM liability must keep sufficient cash to pay RCM and can only recover it as ITC in subsequent months.

For a full list of RCM-notified goods and services, refer to Notification No. 4/2017-Central Tax (Rate) and Notification No. 13/2017-Central Tax (Rate) as amended.

## **ITC Eligibility Across Rate Slabs**

Not all GST paid on inputs is eligible for Input Tax Credit. The CGST Act, [**Section 17(5), blocks ITC**](https://busy.in/gst/what-is-blocked-credit-in-gst-a-guide-to-section-175/) on specific categories regardless of the GST rate charged. Understanding which inputs qualify for ITC is essential for correctly computing your net tax liability.

**ITC Eligibility - Rate Slab Interaction**

| Input Category | GST Rate Paid | ITC Eligible? | Key Condition / Exception |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Raw materials, components | 5% / 18% / 40% | Yes | Used in taxable supply |
| Capital goods (machinery, equipment) | 18% | Yes | Must spread over 5 years if used partly for exempt supply |
| Professional/consulting services | 18% | Yes | Not blocked under Sec 17(5) |
| Motor vehicles (4-wheelers) | 28%/40% | No (generally) | Exception: dealers, transport companies, driving schools |
| Construction of immovable property | 18% | No | Sec 17(5)(d) - blocked even if used for business |
| Food and beverages | 5% / 18% | No | Unless your business is a restaurant/caterer |
| Health club / fitness centre | 18% | No | Sec 17(5)(b) |
| Travel benefits to employees | 5% / 18% | No | Sec 17(5)(b) |
| Works contract (on immovable property) | 18% | No | Except for further works contract supply |
| Insurance for employees | 18% | Yes (post-July 2024) | GST Council recommended inclusion in employee welfare |
| Telecom, IT services | 18% | Yes | Standard business input |
| Compensation cess (old regime) | Varied | Partially | Cess ITC could only offset cess liability - moot post-GST 2.0 for most goods |

### **Pro-Rated ITC (Rule 42 / Rule 43)**

If you make both taxable and exempt supplies, you cannot claim [**full ITC on common inputs**](https://busy.in/gst/input-tax-credit-on-common-credit/) . ITC must be apportioned in the ratio of taxable turnover to total turnover. Businesses with a mix of GST-taxable and non-taxable revenue (e.g., hospitals with some taxable supplies, schools with some commercial activities) must calculate this apportionment monthly in GSTR-3B.

## **GST Rate Change History (2017-2025)**

The GST Council has met [**56 times since 2017**](https://busy.in/gst/gst-reforms-timeline-2024-2025/) . The following table captures the most significant structural rate changes - not individual product movements, but changes to the architecture of the rate system itself.

**GST Rate Structure Change History**

| Event | Date | Key Rate Change |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GST launch | July 1, 2017 | 5-slab structure: 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, 28% + compensation cess |
| 23rd GST Council | November 2017 | Mass rate cut: 178 items moved from 28% to 18% (e.g., shampoo, deodorant, paints) |
| 28th GST Council | July 2018 | 88 goods reduced from 28% to 18%; 15 from 18% to 12%; footwear restructured |
| 31st GST Council | December 2018 | 23 goods/services reduced; cinema tickets, TV sets moved to 18% |
| 37th GST Council | September 2019 | Hotels below ₹1,000/night moved to 0%; hotel ₹1,001-₹7,500 -> 12% |
| 43rd GST Council | May 2021 | COVID relief: COVID vaccines 5%; medical equipment for COVID 5% (temporary) |
| 47th GST Council | June 2022 | Pre-packaged and labelled staples (flour, curd, paneer) brought into GST net at 5% |
| 50th GST Council | July 2023 | Online gaming, casinos, horse racing -> 28% on full face value |
| 52nd GST Council | October 2023 | Millet-based food (>70% millet content) -> 0% if loose, 5% if pre-packaged |
| 53rd GST Council | June 2024 | Railway platform tickets, waiting hall services -> 0%; some services rationalised |
| 54th GST Council | September 2024 | Cancer drugs (Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, Osimertinib, Durvalumab) -> 5%; helicopter services for pilgrimage -> 5% |
| 55th GST Council | December 2024 | Fortified rice kernels -> 5%; gene therapy -> 0% |
| 56th GST Council | September 22, 2025 | Structural overhaul: 12% slab abolished -> 18%; 28% + cess abolished -> 40%; compensation cess ended for most goods |

## **GST Rates by Category: Complete Hub Index**

### **Goods Categories**

| Category | Current Rate |
| --- | --- |
| Food and agricultural products | 0%-18% |
| Medicines and pharmaceuticals | 0%-12% |
| Electronics and mobile phones | 18% |
| Automobiles and vehicles | 5%-40% |
| Construction materials | 5%-28% |
| Textiles and apparel | 0%-12% |
| Gold, silver, and jewellery | 0.25%-3% |
| Petroleum products | Outside GST / 5%-18% |
| Tobacco and pan masala | Special regime (Feb 2026) |
| FMCG and packaged goods | 5%-18% |

### **Services Categories**

| Category | Current Rate |
| --- | --- |
| Restaurant services | 5% (non-AC) / 18% (AC/liquor) |
| Professional services | 18% |
| Healthcare services | 0% (mostly exempt) |
| Education services | 0% (mostly exempt) |
| Transport services | 0%-18% |
| Financial services | 18% |
| Real estate services | 5% / 12% / 18% |
| IT and software services | 18% |
| E-commerce services | 18% |

India's GST rate structure underwent its most significant overhaul since the tax's 2017 introduction when the 56th GST Council abolished the 12% slab and replaced 28% + cess with a flat 40% on September 22, 2025. Understanding these changes matters because:

-   B2C businesses must reprice products previously in the 12% bracket
-   B2B businesses need to update their tax codes and ERP configurations to reflect the new slabs
-   Composition dealers are unaffected on rates but need to understand the ITC implications of the reform for their B2B buyers
-   Importers of automobiles, coal, and aerated beverages will see a simplified duty structure without cess