New GST Rate for Construction Services in India

Updated: Sep 15, 2026 10 min read Susheel Kumar Add as preferred source
Quick Summary
  • GST on construction services is generally 18% for most general construction and works contract services under SAC 9954.
  • Affordable residential apartments under the specified promoter scheme attract 1% GST without ITC.
  • Road, bridge, tunnel and public road-terminal construction generally attracts 18% GST.
  • Specified government earthwork and offshore works contracts moved from 12% to 18% with ITC from 22 September 2025.
  • GST registration is generally required when aggregate turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh, subject to the applicable threshold.
  • ITC depends on the type of construction service; the 1% and 5% promoter schemes do not allow ITC.

Construction services form the backbone of infrastructure and real estate development in India. Whether it’s a housing project, a commercial mall, or a government road,  GST  applies at every level. This guide explains the gst rate for construction services, how it varies based on project type, and its impact on pricing and compliance.

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New GST Rate on Construction Services in India

GST rates for construction services vary depending on the type of project and applicable scheme. Below are the GST rates for common construction service categories.

New GST Rate for Construction Services (General)

The construction GST rate is generally 18% for standard construction and works contract services, while specified residential promoter schemes attract concessional rates.

Type of Construction

Commercial construction services

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

Type of Construction

Residential complex (eligible ongoing project under old scheme, with ITC)

GST Rate

12%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

12%

Type of Construction

Residential complex (under new scheme, without ITC)

GST Rate

5%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

5%

Type of Construction

Affordable housing projects (new scheme, without ITC)

GST Rate

1%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

1%

New GST Rate on Civil Construction Services

GST on construction services for these general civil works is generally 18%.

Service

Road/highway construction

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

SAC Code

9954

Service

Water pipeline/sewer systems

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

SAC Code

9954

Service

Irrigation systems

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

SAC Code

9954

Service

Commercial civil works

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

SAC Code

9954

New GST Rate on Construction Services to Government

Type of Government Contract

Works contract for government projects (infrastructure)

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

Type of Government Contract

Construction of houses under PMAY/CLSS as works contract

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

Type of Government Contract

Other government buildings (offices, hospitals)

GST Rate

18%

Rate Before 22 Sep 2025

18%

Note: Government construction contracts are not automatically exempt or eligible for a lower GST rate. Specified government earthwork contracts that earlier attracted 12% GST moved to 18% from 22 September 2025. Separate concessional rates may apply to qualifying residential apartments under the real-estate promoter scheme.

What Are Construction Services Under GST?

Construction services include any work related to:

  • Building construction (residential, commercial, industrial)
  • Civil engineering projects (roads, bridges, water systems)
  • Repairs and renovations
  • Public infrastructure projects

These services fall under SAC Code 9954, and are taxed differently depending on whether the project is residential, commercial, or government-related.

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GST Compliance for Construction Businesses

  • Must register under GST if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakhs
  • Use SAC code 9954 for invoicing
  • Maintain separate records for ITC-eligible and ineligible projects
  • File monthly or quarterly GST returns

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Input Tax Credit in Construction Services

Type of Construction

Commercial projects (under 18% GST)

ITC Available

Yes

Type of Construction

Residential under old 12% scheme (eligible ongoing projects)

ITC Available

Yes

Type of Construction

Residential under 5% scheme (post-2019)

ITC Available

No

Type of Construction

Affordable housing under 1% scheme

ITC Available

No

Type of Construction

Government works contracts under 18% GST

ITC Available

Yes

Conclusion

Knowing the correct gst rate for construction services helps contractors, builders, and clients quote, budget, and bill correctly—especially when projects span residential, commercial, and government categories.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common queries about this topic.

What is the current GST rate for construction services?

It ranges from 1% to 18%, depending on the project type (affordable housing, general residential, commercial).

What is the GST rate for construction services on commercial projects?

It is 18%. Input Tax Credit may be available subject to the applicable GST conditions and restrictions.

Are government construction services taxed?

Yes. Most government construction and works contract services attract 18% GST. Exemptions may apply only to specifically notified services or projects.

Can builders claim Input Tax Credit?

Under the 1% or 5% promoter schemes, ITC is not available. GST for builders and developers under eligible 12% or 18% taxable supplies may allow ITC, subject to normal GST conditions and restrictions.

What is the GST rate on civil construction services like roads or bridges?

Construction of roads, bridges, tunnels or road terminals for use by the general public generally attracts 18% GST. Other civil construction services may attract 18% GST, depending on the nature of the contract. 

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Susheel Kumar

Chartered Accountant

I am a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of experience and a finance content writer. I focus on educating people about finance and taxation. I have written many blog posts on finance, taxation, trading, and investment on the BUSY website. My goal is to increase financial understanding by making complex concepts easier to grasp and to support educational programs in India.

MRN: 096252 Delhi