---
title: "Mahalanobis Model: Definition & Meaning | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Mahalanobis model is an economic framework for India's Second Five-Year Plan, focusing on state-led industrialization and capital goods investment."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/mahalanobis-model"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed July 7, 2026

TL;DR

- The Mahalanobis model was the theoretical framework underlying India's Second Five-Year Plan (1956-61), prioritising rapid industrialisation through state-led heavy and capital-goods industries.
- Which Five-Year Plan was based on the Mahalanobis model?
- What is the core idea of the Mahalanobis two-sector model?
- What were the main criticisms of the Mahalanobis strategy?
- How does the Mahalanobis model relate to the Feldman model?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated July 7, 2026

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Drafting India's Second Five-Year Plan in 1956, the Planning Commission under Jawaharlal Nehru adopted P.C. Mahalanobis's heavy-industry strategy, channelling public investment into steel plants at Bhilai, Rourkela and Durgapur.

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