According to official data for India, what was the approximate debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio for the financial year 2016–17?

Introduction / Context:
The debt to gross domestic product ratio is a widely used indicator of the sustainability of a country’s public debt. It measures the stock of government debt as a proportion of the size of the economy and is closely watched by policymakers, credit rating agencies and investors. In the Indian context, the debt to gross domestic product ratio is often discussed in relation to fiscal responsibility targets and the overall health of public finances. This question asks specifically for the value of this ratio in the financial year 2016–17, which is a factual recall item based on official economic survey and government reports.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The question focuses on India’s debt to gross domestic product ratio in the financial year 2016–17. • Four close numerical options are given: 60.40 per cent, 49.40 per cent, 50.40 per cent and 55.40 per cent. • The ratio refers to general government debt as a percentage of gross domestic product for that year. • We must recall or infer the correct approximate figure from standard exam oriented sources.

Concept / Approach:
Certain competitive examinations and economic surveys highlight that India’s debt to gross domestic product ratio during the financial year 2016–17 was just under fifty per cent, around 49.4 per cent. The other values in the options are distractors that are fairly close but not correct. For exam purposes, the official figure rounded to two decimal places is 49.40 per cent. The approach is therefore to remember that the ratio was around one half of gross domestic product, and to select the option that most closely matches the documented figure.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Indian Economic Survey and various exam prep materials often mention that the debt to gross domestic product ratio in 2016–17 was approximately 49.4 per cent. Step 2: Compare this remembered figure with the numerical options provided in the question. Step 3: Option B lists 49.40 per cent, which matches the remembered figure exactly. Step 4: The other options, 60.40, 50.40 and 55.40 per cent, differ from the known approximate value and would represent either much higher or slightly different ratios. Step 5: Conclude that 49.40 per cent is the correct approximate debt to gross domestic product ratio for India in the financial year 2016–17.

Verification / Alternative check:
A quick sense check is to recall that India has often discussed a target of keeping general government debt near or below 60 per cent of gross domestic product under fiscal responsibility frameworks. In 2016–17, the actual ratio was slightly below this threshold and closer to fifty per cent, rather than being in the mid fifties or above sixty. Exam oriented summaries and question banks consistently quote 49.40 per cent for this specific year, which aligns with the official data. This cross check supports the selection of the 49.40 per cent option as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
60.40 per cent would imply that the debt level was significantly above the half of gross domestic product mark, which does not match the official figure for that period.

50.40 per cent is close but still not equal to the widely cited 49.40 per cent value and appears as a distractor created by adding one percentage point.

55.40 per cent would place the debt ratio much closer to the sixty per cent fiscal target and is not consistent with the reported ratio for 2016–17.

Common Pitfalls:
Because the options are numerically close, candidates may misremember whether the figure was “just under fifty per cent” or slightly over fifty. Another source of confusion is mixing up different fiscal years, since debt ratios can change gradually over time. Reading economic survey summaries carefully and associating key figures like 49.40 per cent with specific years such as 2016–17 helps to retain them for examination and general awareness.

Final Answer:
For the financial year 2016–17, India’s debt to gross domestic product ratio was approximately 49.40 per cent.