Source: PIB
Subject: Economy
Context: NITI Aayog has released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 to assess how ready Indian States and UTs are to drive India’s export-led growth.
About Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024:
What is it?
- The Export Preparedness Index (EPI) is a composite index that evaluates the export readiness, competitiveness, and institutional capacity of India’s States and Union Territories at the sub-national level.
Published by: NITI Aayog (Government of India)
History:
- First edition: August 2020
- EPI 2024: 4th edition of the Index
Aim: To create an evidence-based framework that helps States and districts identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities to boost exports, jobs, regional development, and global value-chain integration.
Criteria Used: EPI 2024 is based on:
- 4 Pillars
- 13 Sub-pillars
- 70 indicators
Pillars:
| Pillar | Focus |
| Export Infrastructure (20%) | Utilities, logistics, connectivity, industrial infrastructure |
| Business Ecosystem (40%) | Macroeconomy, cost competitiveness, human capital, finance, MSMEs, innovation |
| Policy & Governance (20%) | State export policies, institutions, regulatory environment |
| Export Performance (20%) | Export outcomes, diversification, market access, facilitation |
Key Features of EPI 2024:
- Introduces new dimensions such as macroeconomic stability, cost competitiveness, MSME ecosystem, and financial access.
- Uses official data from Central Ministries, State Governments and public institutions.
- States and UTs are classified as Leaders, Challengers, and Aspirers.
- Strong focus on districts as the real units of export competitiveness.
- Helps in cluster-based, place-based and value-chain driven export strategies.
Top Performing States & UTs (EPI 2024):
Large States:
- Maharashtra
- Tamil Nadu
- Gujarat
- Uttar Pradesh
- Andhra Pradesh
Small States / North-East / UTs
- Uttarakhand
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Nagaland
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Goa
