India’s CSR Spending Rises 17% to Rs. 40,794 Crore in FY 2024-25

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Indian companies spent a record ₹40,794 crore on CSR in FY 2024–25. Education-led sectoral funding, Maharashtra topped state-wise investment, and Gujarat registered 68% growth.

VARODARA (India CSR): Fulcrum, a Consulting, advising, and Research Firm, released its comprehensive CSR Performance Report 2026, which reveals that CSR spending by Indian corporates reached an unprecedented Rs. 40,794 crore in FY 2024-25, a 17% increase over the previous year, taking the corporate sector’s cumulative decade-long investment in Social and Environmental Development past Rs. 2.61 lakh crore.

The report highlights CSR expenditures, emerging trends, and geographical distribution of funds, offering invaluable insights for stakeholders across the CSR and social ecosystem.

Gujarat Emerges as India’s Fastest-Growing CSR Destination, recording a 68% increase in total CSR Investment compared to FY 2023–24.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Parthesh Vyas, Co-CEO of Fulcrum, said, “This year’s data tells a story of both momentum and imbalance. One notable exception is Gujarat, which has emerged as the country’s fastest-growing CSR destination. While national CSR spending increased by 17%, Gujarat’s total CSR investment rose by 68%, far outpacing the rest of India.”

“Over the past decade, CSR spending has grown by more than 300%, marking a significant milestone in India’s CSR journey. While India’s GDP grows at around 7%, CSR grows at an average of 15%” said Arun Mathai Marette, Co–CEO, Fulcrum.

Top 10 Companies Contribute 17% of Total CSR Spend; Education Leads with Rs. 13,877 Crore

Key Takeaways from the Report:

• Over 1,012 new companies joined the CSR ambit during the year, taking the total number of contributing companies to 29,546 (a 9% increase).
• A total of 72,233 CSR projects were implemented nationwide, a 21% increase from last year, with an average project cost of ₹56.47 lakh per project.
• The top 10 companies accounted for 17% of total CSR expenditure, collectively spending Rs. 7,123 crore. Reliance Industries Ltd. led the pack with Rs. 1,309 crore, followed by HDFC Bank Ltd. (Rs. 1,039 crore) and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (₹949 crore).
  • Notably, the gap between the top two spenders widened sharply to 26%, up from just 2.5% in FY 2023-24.
  • Education sector received the highest funding with Rs. 13,877 crore (34% of total CSR expenditure), up 14% year-on-year.
  • Healthcare secured the second-highest funding with Rs. 8,531 crore (21% of total CSR expenditure), up 19% year-on-year.
  • Environmental Sustainability received a total of ₹3,397 crore (8% of total CSR expenditure), a sharp 40% year-on-year surge from the FY 2023–24.
• 98% (Rs. 39,851 crore) of CSR funds were spent directly on social projects, while 2% (Rs. 943 crore) were transferred to Government Funds — declined by 6% from last year.
• Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu collectively received a significant share of the total CSR expenditure.
  • Gujarat recorded an exceptional 68% year-on-year increase in CSR expenditure — growth unmatched by any other state — driven by its manufacturing, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and infrastructure base.
  • Regions such as Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Tripura consistently received minimal CSR funding, due to factors like limited corporate presence and geographical challenges.

Over Rs. 2.61 Lakh Crore Invested in CSR by Indian Corporates Over the Past Decade

A total of 72,233 projects have been implemented during the FY 2024. This has increased by approx. 21% since last year. On an average, every project implemented was of approx. 56.47 lakhs.

This report serves as a vital resource for companies, policymakers, NGOs, and researchers to understand the evolving landscape of CSR in India and to strategize for more impactful and equitable development initiatives.