GST 2.0 Effect: Will Laptop Prices Drop in India from Next Week? Full Analysis Amid New GST Rate Changes 2025

GST 2.0 Effect: Will Laptop Prices Become Cheaper In India From Next Week?

Introduction

India’s Goods and Services Tax Council has unveiled GST 2.0, one of the biggest indirect tax reforms since 2017.

GST 2.0 Effect: Will Laptop Prices Drop in India from Next Week? 

From September 22, 2025, a new GST slab structure comes into force, promising lowered prices for many consumer durables and electronics.

income taxes

But a looming question for countless buyers remains: Will laptops become cheaper in India from next week?

Understanding GST 2.0

The new GST 2.0 overhaul streamlines India’s tax regime by replacing four previous slabs—5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—with just three: 5% for essentials, 18% for standard goods (includes most electronics), and a hefty 40% for luxury and sin goods.

This simplification aims to reduce confusion and lower the compliance burden for both businesses and customers.

• Essentials: 5%

• Standard goods/electronics: 18%

• Luxury/sin goods: 40%

Many high-use electronics such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and large TVs previously fell into the 28% bracket and are now brought down to 18%, making them significantly more affordable.

GST on Laptops: The Confirmed Rate

Amid these broad changes, laptops’ GST rate has been a topic of heated debate. Here’s the crucial takeaway: laptops and mobile phones were already in the 18% tax slab under the old system.

With GST 2.0, these rates remain unchanged, meaning laptops stay taxed at 18% without any relief or increase.

Why Laptops Won’t Get Cheaper

There are two simple reasons why laptops are unlikely to see a price drop from next week:

• No Change in GST: Since laptops remain at 18%, GST 2.0 does not affect their final retail price.

• Manufacturers’ Margin: Brands aren’t obligated to pass on any unrelated form of GST benefit, and since their tax burden isn’t reduced, prices are expected to stay flat.

Which Electronics Will Get Cheaper?

GST 2.0’s real winners are those electronic goods shifted from 28% to 18%, such as:

• Air conditioners

• Refrigerators

• Washing machines

• Dishwashers

• Large-screen televisions

• Monitors and projectors

These products will see a direct 8–9% price drop, and buyers planning festive season purchases may benefit greatly.

Possible Exceptions: Special Offers and Festive Discounts

While there’s no statutory drop in laptop prices due to GST 2.0, India’s festive season (including Diwali) is a period of aggressive marketing. Brands and retailers could still announce discounts, cashbacks, or bundled deals—but this would be due to market competition, not GST law changes.

Market Hopes vs. Reality

Many consumers had hoped GST 2.0 would deliver sweeping price reductions across all tech segments.

While the move certainly boosts affordability for household appliances, the government’s decision to keep laptops and mobiles in the 18% slab means shoppers looking for a laptop bargain after September 22 may be disappointed.

Impact for Students, Offices, and Tech Buyers

• Students: No additional price benefit, but festive offers may help.

• Offices: Bulk laptop purchases will continue to attract 18% GST.

• Home users: Tech upgrades for WFH or study will remain at regular prices.

GST 2.0: Broader Economic Impact

• Reduces prices and boosts demand for key white goods.

• Streamlines compliance and billing for retail businesses.

• Major electronics brands may see a sales increase for upgraded product lines outside the laptop/mobile category.

Updated GST Slab Comparison Table

Top FAQs

Q1: Will laptop prices in India decrease after GST 2.0?
A1: No, laptops remain under the 18% GST slab, so prices will not fall solely due to GST 2.0.

Q2: Which electronic products will be cheaper from next week?
A2: Appliances like ACs, fridges, and large TVs will become cheaper, thanks to the rate cut from 28% to 18%.

Q3: Could festive sales make laptops cheaper?
A3: Retailers may announce offers, but these will be seasonal deals, not a result of GST reform.

Q4: Has GST on mobiles changed in 2025?
A4: No, mobile GST remains unchanged at 18%.

Q5: Why did laptops not get GST relief?
A5: Laptops and mobiles were already placed in the 18% slab, which is retained in GST 2.0.

Conclusion

GST 2.0 marks a bold new chapter for India’s tax regime, slashing prices for major consumer durables and simplifying the tax landscape.

However, for laptop buyers, the status quo prevails: GST rates are unchanged at 18%, so don’t expect a price drop from next week—except when snagging a festive season deal.