Budget 2026 Expectations LIVE: Historic Ninth Presentation by FM Nirmala Sitharaman
In less than a week, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the Budget 2026-27, laying out the government's comprehensive blueprint for India's economic pathway in the upcoming months. This highly anticipated budget presentation is scheduled for Sunday, 1 February 2026, and marks a significant milestone as it will be her ninth consecutive Union Budget speech – setting a new record in India's financial history.
Key Dates for Budget 2026 Session
The Budget Session follows a structured timeline with several important events:
- 28 January: The Budget Session commences at Parliament as President Droupadi Murmu delivers a joint address to both Houses.
- 29 January: The Lok Sabha meets according to the provisional calendar issued by its Secretariat.
- 29 January: Finance Minister Sitharaman tables the Economic Survey at 11 AM, providing a comprehensive state of the economy analysis.
- 1 February: Nirmala Sitharaman presents Budget 2026 at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha.
- 13 February: The first half of the Budget Session concludes.
- 9 March: The second half of the Budget Session begins.
- 2 April: Final day of the Budget Session, after which both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourn sine die.
Sectoral Expectations and Taxpayer Demands
Ahead of Union Budget 2026, taxpayers and industry leaders have expressed numerous demands from the government, hoping for reforms and allocations that boost economic growth. The budget is expected to focus on propelling India to a historic position through strategic sectoral allocations.
Key sectors to watch include:
- Railways and Infrastructure
- Urban Development
- Manufacturing and Auto Industry
- Defense and Electronics
- MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises)
- Renewable Energy
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Additionally, other critical areas like healthcare, tourism, agriculture, and logistics are also likely to receive government allocations for their development and benefit.
Reflecting on Budget 2025 Achievements
In last year's Budget 2025, Finance Minister Sitharaman delivered a mega boost to Indian taxpayers by cutting income tax on earnings up to ₹12 lakh, benefiting millions of middle-class individuals. For the salaried class, the non-taxable income under the new tax regime increased to ₹12.75 lakh after standard deduction. She also announced the New Income Tax Act, 2025, which is set to come into effect from 1 April.
As the nation awaits Budget 2026, stakeholders across sectors are keenly observing how these expectations will translate into policy measures and financial allocations.
