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Notes

National Income Accounting

Definition/Introduction

National income accounting is a system used by economists to measure the economic performance of a country. It involves the systematic recording of all economic transactions and the calculation of various economic indicators such as GDP, GNP, NNP, and NI.

Constitutional Provisions

  • This topic does not have specific constitutional provisions as it relates more to economic policy and statistics.
  • Historical Evolution

    The concept of national income accounting was formalized during the 20th century. The first comprehensive system of national accounts was developed in the United States in the 1930s. This system has since been adopted and refined globally.

    Classification/Types

    1. **Gross Domestic Product (GDP)**: The market value of all final goods and services produced within a country in a given period.

    2. **Net National Product (NNP)**: GDP minus depreciation, reflecting the net output of an economy.

    3. **National Income (NI)**: The total income earned by factors of production, including wages, rents, interest, and profits.

    4. **Personal Income (PI)**: The income received by households, including wages, dividends, and rent.

    5. **Disposable Personal Income (DPI)**: The income available to households after taxes, used for consumption and savings.

    Important Provisions/Features

  • National income can be calculated using three methods: Income Method, Expenditure Method, and Output Method.
  • The Income Method focuses on earnings of factors of production.
  • The Expenditure Method sums up consumption, investment, government spending, and net exports.
  • The Output Method measures the total value added in the production of goods and services.
  • Landmark Judgments

    There are no landmark judgments related to national income accounting as it is more of an economic concept rather than a legal one.

    Amendments

    There are no specific amendments related to national income accounting.

    Comparison Tables

    | Feature | GDP | NNP |

    |---------|-----|-----|

    | Definition | Total market value of all final goods and services produced | GDP minus depreciation |

    | Scope | Domestic production | National production including net income from abroad |

    UPSC Exam Focus

  • Frequently asked aspects include differences between GDP and NNP, methods of calculating national income, and the significance of personal income.
  • Tricky areas often involve distinguishing between personal and disposable income, which can confuse candidates.
  • ---

    Key Concepts

    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - the total market value of all final goods and services produced in a country in a given period.

    Net National Product (NNP) - GDP minus depreciation.

    National Income (NI) - the total income earned by a country's factors of production in a given period.

    Personal Income (PI) - the total income received by individuals and households.

    Disposable Personal Income (DPI) - the amount of money that households have available for spending and saving after income taxes have been accounted for.

    Income Method - calculates national income by adding up all incomes earned by factors of production.

    Expenditure Method - calculates national income by adding up all expenditures made in an economy.

    Output Method - calculates national income by adding up the value of all final goods and services produced.

    Important Facts

    • •[2018] GDP of India crossed USD 2 trillionImportant for understanding India's economic growth trajectory.
    • •[1951] India's National Income accounts are prepared by the Central Statistical Office (CSO)Essential for understanding the institutional framework.
    • •[2015] The base year for calculating GDP was revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12UPSC often tests knowledge on revisions in economic indicators.
    • •Income Method is one of the three methods for calculating National IncomeA fundamental concept in national income accounting.
    • •Expenditure Method includes consumption, investment, government spending, and net exportsKey method that is frequently examined.
    • •GDP Growth Rate averaged 7% between 2014-2019Reflects India's economic performance in recent years.

    Mnemonics & Memory Tricks

    Income Calculation Methods

    I.E.O - Income, Expenditure, Output

    Components of GDP

    C.I.G.N.E - Consumption, Investment, Government spending, Net Exports

    National Income Definitions

    G.N.P.D - Gross, Net, Personal, Disposable