Budget 2026 Date, Time, Expectations and Key Events: Why February 1 Will Be a Defining Day for India’s Economy

As India moves closer to its most important annual fiscal exercise, attention has firmly shifted to the Union Budget 2026. Scheduled to be presented on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM, the Budget for the financial year 2026–27 carries historic, economic, and policy significance.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, a record-setting milestone that places her among the most consistent fiscal leaders in India’s parliamentary history. This will also be the first time since 2000 that the Union Budget is delivered on a Sunday, while continuing the February 1 presentation tradition introduced in 2017.

Beyond the symbolism, Budget 2026 is expected to outline the government’s fiscal priorities at a time of global tariff pressures, geopolitical uncertainty, and rising domestic expectations from taxpayers, industry, and key growth sectors.

Union Budget 2026 Key Dates, Schedule and Parliamentary Timeline

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented during the Budget Session of Parliament, which is scheduled to run in two phases.

Important Budget 2026 Dates to Remember

The Budget Session, being the first parliamentary session of the year, traditionally begins with the President’s address to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Economic Survey 2026: Timing, Role and Importance Before the Budget

The Economic Survey 2026 will be presented shortly before the Budget, under the guidance of Chief Economic Advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran.

While different reports cite January 29, January 30, or January 31 as the presentation date, all agree that the Survey will be tabled a day ahead of the Budget. The document provides a comprehensive review of India’s economic performance, sectoral trends, risks, and policy priorities.

Also Read: Budget Confirms Major Rise in Universal Credit and Benefits from April 2026 as Two-Child Cap Is Scrapped

The Economic Survey serves as the intellectual and statistical foundation of the Union Budget, helping frame fiscal decisions and reform measures for the coming financial year.

Budget 2026 Presentation: Date, Time and Historic Sunday Session

The Union Budget 2026–27 will be presented on:

• Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026
  
• Time: 11:00 AM IST
  
• Venue: Lok Sabha
  
• Presenter: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
  

This will be the first Sunday Budget presentation in at least a decade. Despite being a weekend, financial markets will remain active to allow real-time reaction to Budget announcements.

Stock Market Trading on Budget Day

• Pre-open session: 9:00 AM – 9:08 AM
  
• Regular trading: 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM
  
• Exchanges open: BSE and NSE
  

How to Watch Union Budget 2026 Live

The Budget speech and Economic Survey will be available live across multiple official platforms:

Television Coverage

• Sansad TV
  
• Doordarshan (DD News)
  
• Major private news channels
  

Live Streaming Platforms

• Official Union Budget website: indiabudget.gov.in
  
• Sansad TV YouTube channel
  
• Government YouTube platforms
  
• Social media handles of the Finance Ministry and PIB
  

Union Budget 2026 Expectations: Taxes, Growth and Fiscal Strategy

Budget 2026 is expected to balance fiscal responsibility with growth-oriented spending, in line with the government’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision.

Taxation Expectations

• Increase in standard deduction
  
• Revisions to income tax slabs under the New Tax Regime
  
• Higher basic exemption limits
  
• Changes aimed at boosting disposable income
  

Fiscal Outlook

• Targeted economic growth of 7–7.5%
  
• Fiscal deficit projected around 4.4%
  
• Gross borrowings estimated at ₹14.82 lakh crore
  
• State transfers expected to rise to ₹25.60 lakh crore
  

Key Sectors in Focus Under Budget 2026

Several sectors are expected to remain central to the government’s fiscal strategy:

Infrastructure and Railways

• Continued high-multiplier capital expenditure
  
• Focus on transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure
  

Manufacturing and MSMEs

• Customs duty rationalisation from eight slabs to four
  
• Support for Make in India and domestic manufacturing
  
• MSME incentives and innovation support
  

Defence and Strategic Industries

• Increased defence allocation
  
• Push for indigenous defence manufacturing amid geopolitical tensions
  

Technology, AI and Green Energy

• Tax incentives for AI and robotics
  
• EV and battery storage incentives
  
• GST rationalisation for Battery Energy Storage Systems
  
• Renewable and nuclear energy partnerships
  

Agriculture and Rural Economy

• Climate-resilient seeds
  
• National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds
  
• Pending announcements from Budget 2025, including KCC loan limit enhancements
  

Why Budget 2026 Holds Special Significance

Budget 2026 will be:

• Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget
  
• The third full Budget of the Modi government’s NDA 3.0 term
  
• A fiscal roadmap amid global tariff conflicts and shifting alliances
  
• A key step toward long-term economic stability and policy certainty before FY 2026–27 begins on April 1

Spiritual Perspective on Budget 2026: The Guiding Wisdom of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj

Beyond economic figures, policies, and fiscal strategies, national development also draws strength from ethical and spiritual foundations. Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji’s unique spiritual knowledge emphasizes that true progress is achieved when governance is aligned with justice, compassion, and welfare for all sections of society. His teachings highlight the importance of equitable resource distribution, honest administration, and policies that reduce suffering rather than deepen inequality. 

From this perspective, a national budget is not merely a financial document but a moral responsibility—one that should ensure basic needs, dignity, and stability for every citizen. Such spiritual insight encourages policymakers and citizens alike to view economic growth as meaningful only when it leads to social harmony and inclusive well-being.

A Defining Fiscal Moment for India’s Economic Direction

Union Budget 2026 is not just an annual financial statement under Article 112 of the Constitution, but a comprehensive blueprint outlining India’s revenue, expenditure, and development priorities. With a historic Sunday presentation, wide-ranging sectoral expectations, and close attention from markets and citizens alike, February 1 is set to be a defining moment for India’s economic journey in the year ahead.

FAQs on Union Budget 2026: Date, Schedule, Expectations and Live Coverage