---
title: "First Five-Year Plan — Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "A First Five-Year Plan is a state's initial economic blueprint, used by India and China to set production targets and investment priorities."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/first-five-year-plan"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- A First Five-Year Plan is a state's inaugural medium-term economic blueprint setting production targets and investment priorities, deployed by both the People's Republic of China (1953–57) and India (1951–56).
- What was the central priority of India's First Five-Year Plan?
- What were the '156 Projects' in China's First Five-Year Plan?
- How did China's First Five-Year Plan differ from India's?
- What replaced India's five-year plan system?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 1954 the People's Republic of China commissioned the Anshan Iron and Steel works under its First Five-Year Plan, one of the 156 Soviet-aided projects, while India inaugurated the Bhakra-Nangal dam during its own 1951–56 plan.

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