Energy Transition Index 2026 — India Rank, WEF Report, Top Countries | SSC UPSC Current Affairs
Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2026 — India's rank improved to 63rd (out of 120 countries) in the WEF Energy Transition Index 2026. ETI measures how well a country is transitioning to sustainable, affordable, and secure energy. Sweden tops the index.
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- Energy Transition Index (ETI) is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
- ETI 2026: India's rank = 63rd (out of 120 countries).
- ETI measures energy system performance and readiness to transition to clean energy.
- India improved its ETI rank by 2 positions compared to 2025.
- Top performers on ETI 2026: Sweden, Denmark, Finland (Nordic countries typically top the index).
- ETI evaluates three dimensions: Energy System Performance (access, security, sustainability), Transition Readiness (capital, talent, regulation).
- India's strengths: energy access improvement, renewable energy capacity additions.
- India's challenges: energy security, carbon intensity of the energy mix.
- India added ~25 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2025-26.
- India's renewable energy target: 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030.
Why In News
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its annual 'Fostering Effective Energy Transition' report in 2026, including the Energy Transition Index (ETI) rankings. India improved its rank, reflecting progress in renewable energy capacity additions, energy access, and policy reforms under programmes like PM-KUSUM and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Syllabus Connection
India's energy transition — from fossil fuel dependence to renewable energy. Connects to WEF indices, India's NDC targets, 500 GW renewable goal. Also relevant for Banking awareness exams (green finance).
Prelims vs Mains — What to Focus On
| Aspect | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| India's rank | 63rd out of 120 (ETI 2026) | What drives India's ranking: energy access improvement vs. high carbon intensity challenge |
| Top country | Sweden | Why Nordic countries top: high renewable share, carbon pricing, energy efficiency policies |
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | High | 10–20 | Economy is a core UPSC subject. Economic Survey, budget, and policy changes are heavily tested. |
| SSC (CGL / CHSL / MTS) | Medium | 2–4 | Budget highlights, GDP data, and government economic schemes appear in SSC CGL GK section. |
| State PCS / PSC | High | 4–8 | State budget, MSME, agriculture policy, and banking data are common in state PCS papers. |
| Banking (IBPS / SBI) | Very High | 6–10 | RBI policy, inflation, CRR/SLR, monetary committee decisions — banking exams test the full spectrum. |
What to Memorize from This Topic
- Key budget figures: fiscal deficit %, GDP growth projection, key scheme allocations
- RBI rate decisions: Repo rate, CRR, SLR, Reverse Repo — current values
- Rankings: India's position in ease of doing business, hunger index, HDI
- Abbreviations: FRBM, NBFC, MPC, PMGSY, PMGKAY — full forms and purpose
- Trade data: import-export balance, major trading partners
Practice Questions
Q1. The Energy Transition Index (ETI) is published by which organization?
- United Nations Environment Programme
- International Energy Agency
- World Economic Forum
- World Bank
Explanation: The Energy Transition Index (ETI) is published annually by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in its 'Fostering Effective Energy Transition' report.
Q2. India's rank in the Energy Transition Index 2026 is:
- 40th
- 55th
- 63rd
- 78th
Explanation: India ranked 63rd (out of 120 countries) in the Energy Transition Index 2026 published by WEF, improving by 2 positions from the previous year.
How to Prepare Economy & Finance for Government Exams
Track current Repo Rate, Inflation rate, and GDP growth. These three numbers appear in almost every banking exam.
Keep a running note of new schemes with their ministry, launch date, and target beneficiary group.
Focus on the Economic Survey and Union Budget highlights — these single documents generate dozens of exam questions.
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