Updated May 2026 · Based on 55th GST Council decisions

GST Rates in India 2026
Complete Rate List by Category

All 5 GST slabs — 0%, 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% — with goods, services, HSN/SAC codes, and examples. Free reference for small businesses, freelancers, and CAs.

0%

GST Rate: 0%

Essential goods — no tax

Food & Agriculture

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Unbranded rice, wheat, and flour
  • Fresh milk and pasteurised milk
  • Eggs (fresh)
  • Meat (fresh/frozen, unprocessed)
  • Fish (fresh/frozen)
  • Bread (unbranded)
  • Salt (table salt)
  • Jaggery

Healthcare

  • Human blood and its components
  • Contraceptives
  • Hearing aids
  • Aids for disabled persons (crutches, wheelchairs)

Education & Services

  • Books, maps, atlases
  • Newspapers and journals
  • Postal services (basic)
  • Government services
  • Educational services (school, college)
  • Health services (hospital services)
5%

GST Rate: 5%

Basic necessities — low tax

Food & Beverages

  • Branded packaged food items
  • Fish (processed), fish paste
  • Cream, yoghurt, butter (branded)
  • Packed tea and coffee
  • Edible oils (branded)
  • Sugar, khandsari
  • Pizza bread
  • Medicines (life-saving drugs)

Textiles

  • Fabrics (cotton, silk, jute, wool)
  • Handloom products
  • Coir and coir products

Transport & Services

  • Transport of goods by rail or road (under GTA)
  • Air travel (economy class)
  • Inland waterways transport
  • Tour operator services
  • Small restaurant services (without AC, without liquor licence)
12%

GST Rate: 12%

Processed goods & business services

Food & Beverages

  • Butter and ghee
  • Cheese
  • Frozen meat products
  • Packed coconut water
  • Namkeen / savouries
  • Dry fruits (cashew, raisins)

Electronics & Goods

  • Mobile phones (under ₹12,000 — now reclassified, check CBIC)
  • Computers, laptops
  • Printed circuits
  • Sewing machines
  • Umbrellas
  • LED lights
  • Solar water heaters
  • Playing cards

Services

  • Business class air travel
  • Construction services for affordable housing
  • Work contract for government projects
  • Entertainment tax (amusement parks, parks, swimming pools)
18%

GST Rate: 18%

Most goods & services — standard rate

Food & Beverages

  • Packaged food (branded biscuits, chocolates, confectionery)
  • Ice cream
  • Mineral water (branded)
  • Restaurant services (AC, with liquor licence)
  • Catering services
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitiser

Electronics & Goods

  • TVs (up to 32 inches)
  • Cameras and video cameras
  • Printers and scanners
  • Power banks
  • Industrial machinery parts
  • Medical equipment
  • Paints, varnishes, putty
  • Iron, steel products
  • Aluminium products

Services (Most Common for Freelancers & Consultants)

  • IT services and software development
  • Consulting and professional services
  • Accounting, legal, CA services
  • Advertising and marketing services
  • Interior design and architecture
  • Event management services
  • Repair and maintenance services
  • Telecom services
  • Insurance (financial services)
  • Hotels and accommodation (₹1,000–₹7,500/night)
28%

GST Rate: 28%

Luxury goods & sin goods — highest rate

Vehicles

  • Motor cars and vehicles (petrol, diesel, hybrid)
  • Motorcycles (> 350cc)
  • Yacht, motor boats
  • Aircraft (for personal use)

Consumer Durables

  • Air conditioners
  • Refrigerators (> 300 litres)
  • Washing machines (> 10kg)
  • Dishwashers
  • Large TVs (> 32 inches)
  • Video games and consoles

Sin Goods

  • Tobacco and tobacco products
  • Cigarettes (+ additional cess)
  • Pan masala (+ additional cess)
  • Aerated drinks
  • Cement
  • Dyes and chemicals

GST Rates for Common Services (with SAC Codes)

Most frequently searched by Indian freelancers, consultants, and small service businesses.

Service / CategorySAC CodeGST Rate
IT / Software Development99831418%
Consulting / Management99831118%
Accounting / CA Services99822218%
Legal Services99821218%
Graphic Design / Creative99838318%
Digital Marketing / SEO99836618%
Interior Design99832118%
Event Management99855218%
Repair & Maintenance (electrical)99871918%
Construction (commercial)99541118%
Construction (residential, non-affordable)99541118%
Healthcare / Medical9993110%
Education / Coaching9992100%
Transport (GTA, road)9965115%
Restaurant (no AC)9963315%
Restaurant (AC / with liquor)99633118%
Hotel room (< ₹1,000/night)9963110%
Hotel room (₹1,000 – ₹7,500/night)99631112%
Hotel room (> ₹7,500/night)99631118%

Quick GST Calculation Examples (18% Rate)

The most common rate for services in India. For other rates, use the GST Calculator →

Base AmountGST @ 18%CGST (9%)SGST (9%)Total Invoice
1,00018090901,180
2,0003601801802,360
5,0009004504505,900
10,0001,80090090011,800
15,0002,7001,3501,35017,700
25,0004,5002,2502,25029,500
50,0009,0004,5004,50059,000
1,00,00018,0009,0009,0001,18,000

* Above figures are for intra-state supplies. For inter-state, IGST = full 18% (no CGST/SGST split). Calculate for any amount →

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Ozydo auto-calculates the correct GST (CGST + SGST or IGST) for every item on your invoice. No manual rate lookup. No errors. Free for Indian small businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions — GST Rates India 2026

What are the current GST slab rates in India for 2026?

India has 5 GST slabs: 0% (essential goods like fresh food, healthcare, education), 5% (basic items — packaged food, medicines, economy air travel), 12% (processed food, computers, construction), 18% (most services including IT, consulting, restaurants; electronics; standard goods), and 28% (luxury goods — cars, ACs, tobacco). The majority of services used by Indian freelancers and small businesses fall under 18% GST.

What GST rate applies to IT services and software development in India?

IT services, software development, software consultancy, and related digital services are taxed at 18% GST in India (SAC code 998314). This includes web development, app development, SaaS products, cloud services, and IT consulting.

What is the GST rate for consulting and professional services?

Consulting services, management consulting, legal services, accounting, and CA services are all taxed at 18% GST. For a consultant billing ₹1,00,000, the GST amount is ₹18,000 (₹9,000 CGST + ₹9,000 SGST for intra-state, or ₹18,000 IGST for inter-state).

Which goods and services are exempt from GST (0% rate)?

GST-exempt (0%) items include: fresh fruits and vegetables, unbranded food grains (rice, wheat), fresh milk, eggs, meat (fresh/frozen), healthcare services, education services (schools, colleges, universities), government services, newspapers and books, and basic postal services.

When did the latest GST rate changes come into effect?

The GST Council regularly reviews and updates rates. The rates listed on this page reflect the schedule effective from the 55th GST Council meeting decisions. Always verify the latest rates with the CBIC official website (cbic.gov.in) or consult a CA for your specific category. This page was last updated May 2026.

How do I find the correct GST rate for my product or service?

To find the exact GST rate: (1) Identify the HSN code for goods or SAC code for services, (2) Check the CBIC rate schedule or use the GST rate finder on the GST portal (gst.gov.in), (3) Consult a CA if your item spans multiple categories. For most services (IT, consulting, design, marketing, repair), the rate is 18%.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This page is for general reference only. GST rates in India are subject to change based on GST Council decisions. Always verify current rates with the official CBIC website (cbic.gov.in) or consult a Chartered Accountant before billing clients. Last updated: May 2026.