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MSME Sector

Definition, Classification, and Economic Significance

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises are classified under the MSME Development Act, 2006 (amended in 2020) based on composite criteria of investment in plant and machinery/equipment and annual turnover. The sector is often called the "backbone" of the Indian economy, comprising over 6.5 crore units, contributing approximately 30.1% of GDP, 35.4% of manufacturing output, and 45.73% of exports. The Udyam Registration Portal (launched in 2020) replaced the earlier EM-I/EM-II and Udyog Aadhaar system for MSME registration.

Key details
  • Micro: Investment up to Rs 1 crore, turnover up to Rs 5 crore.
  • Small: Investment up to Rs 10 crore, turnover up to Rs 50 crore.
  • Medium: Investment up to Rs 50 crore, turnover up to Rs 250 crore.
  • Union Budget 2025 enhanced limits: investment limits raised by 2.5x and turnover limits doubled (effective April 2025).
  • Over 6.5 crore MSME units provide employment to approximately 28 crore people.
  • Registration is fully online, free, and based on self-declaration through the Udyam Portal.
In the news

Tracked since February 01, 2026 · last seen June 23, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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