Maharashtra Becomes No 1 Export-Ready State in NITI Aayog Index 2024

Maharashtra has topped the NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index 2024, surpassing Tamil Nadu, and securing the leading position among large Indian states in export readiness. Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh followed next in the rankings. 

Maharashtra Leads Export Preparedness Rankings 

According to the NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024 released on January 14, 2026, Maharashtra secured the top spot among large states. Tamil Nadu, which ranked highest in the EPI 2022 cycle, has moved to second place this year. Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh complete the top 5 positions. 

The rankings are based on performance during FY22 to FY24. However, NITI Aayog noted that methodological changes make the current index non-comparable with the previous EPI 2022. In EPI 2022, the top positions were held by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat and Haryana. 

Ranking Criteria and Methodology 

The EPI 2024 evaluates states on 70 parameters classified under 4 main pillars: export infrastructure, policy and governance, export performance and business ecosystem. While each of the first 3 pillars contributes 20% to the score, the business ecosystem pillar carries a weightage of 40%. 

Five new dimensions were added this year: macroeconomy, human capital, MSME ecosystem, financial access and credit, and cost competitiveness. Simultaneously, 19 parameters were either merged or removed and 8 were upgraded to align better with the prevailing macroeconomic environment. 

Read More: NITI Aayog Proposes Fiscal Incentives to Support Affordable Housing Development in India! 

Top Performers Among Smaller States and Union Territories 

Among the smaller and north-eastern states and union territories, Uttarakhand achieved the highest ranking. Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Goa followed behind in the list. 

NITI Aayog, along with knowledge partner Deloitte, underlines these rankings as a tool for state governments to assess and improve their export strategies. The focus on exports is linked to India’s aim to reach a $30 trillion economy, supported by $7.5 trillion in export contributions. 

Conclusion 

Maharashtra’s top rank in the Export Preparedness Index 2024 marks its strong progress in export readiness across several key indicators. The updated methodology and wider parameter inclusion have reshaped the rankings, offering states actionable insights to refine their export strategies. 

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