India Budget 2026 Expectations: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to Present Union Budget on February 1
India is gearing up for a significant fiscal event as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman prepares to present the Union Budget 2026 in less than a week, on 1 February 2026. This marks her ninth consecutive Budget speech in Parliament, a milestone that has generated high expectations from various stakeholders across the nation. Notably, this Budget presentation is set to occur on a Sunday, a departure from recent years, making it the first such instance in at least a decade.
Budget 2026 Key Dates and Schedule
The Budget Session of Parliament follows a structured timeline, with several key events leading up to the main presentation. Here is a detailed breakdown of the important dates:
- 28 January: The Budget Session commences with a joint address by President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament, setting the tone for the legislative agenda.
- 29 January: According to the provisional calendar issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the House will convene for further discussions and preparations.
- 31 January: Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran is expected to present the Economic Survey. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the economy's state and is traditionally released a day before the Budget to inform policy decisions.
- 1 February: At 11 AM in the Lok Sabha, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget 2026, outlining the government's fiscal plans and allocations for the upcoming financial year.
- 13 February: The first half of the Budget Session concludes, allowing for initial debates and reviews of the Budget proposals.
- 9 March: The second half of the Budget Session resumes, focusing on detailed discussions and potential amendments to the Budget.
- 2 April: The final day of the Budget Session, after which both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be adjourned sine die, marking the end of this critical parliamentary period.
When Will Budget 2026 Be Presented?
The Union Budget 2026 is scheduled for presentation on 1 February 2026, which falls on a Sunday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, detailing the government's revenue and expenditure plans for the fiscal year ahead. This timing is noteworthy as it breaks from recent traditions, adding an element of anticipation to the event.
Key Sectors to Watch Out for in Budget 2026
Budget 2026 is expected to focus on propelling India's growth to historic levels through strategic allocations across various sectors. The government aims to bolster economic development and address key challenges. Here are the primary sectors anticipated to receive attention:
- Railways and Infrastructure: Investments in transportation and urban development are likely to be prioritized to enhance connectivity and support urbanization.
- Manufacturing and Auto: Initiatives to boost domestic production and the automotive industry may be introduced to strengthen the Make in India campaign.
- Defense and Electronics: Allocations for defense modernization and electronics manufacturing could be key to fostering self-reliance and technological advancement.
- MSME and Renewable Energy: Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and renewable energy projects is expected to promote sustainability and entrepreneurship.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Given the global focus on technology, AI might see increased funding to drive innovation and digital transformation.
Additionally, other critical areas such as healthcare, tourism, agriculture, and logistics are also likely to benefit from government allocations, aiming to improve public welfare and economic efficiency.
What Happened in Budget 2025?
Reflecting on the previous year, Budget 2025 delivered significant benefits to Indian taxpayers. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major tax cut on earnings up to ₹12 lakh, providing relief to millions of middle-class individuals. For the salaried class, the non-taxable income under the new tax regime was increased to ₹12.75 lakh after accounting for the standard deduction. Furthermore, she introduced the New Income Tax Act, 2025, which is set to come into effect from 1 April, streamlining tax regulations and enhancing compliance.
As the nation awaits Budget 2026, stakeholders are keenly observing these developments, with live updates expected to provide real-time insights into the announcements and their implications for India's economic trajectory.
