This document discusses the Central Excise Act in India. It provides an overview of indirect taxes and defines central excise duty. It outlines the key laws governing central excise - the Central Excise Act of 1944, Central Excise Tariff Act of 1985, Central Excise Rules of 2002. It describes the objectives of central excise, types of excise duties, and conditions for liability. It also defines key terms like manufacture, taxable event, and bases for valuation of goods for duty purposes.