Union Budget 2026-27: Key Dates and Presentation Details Announced
The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 is set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at approximately 11:00 AM. This marks her ninth consecutive budget presentation, a historic achievement as India's first woman Finance Minister.
Budget Session 2026 Schedule and Structure
The Budget Session of Parliament commenced on January 28, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, April 2, 2026. The session is divided into two parts with a recess period in between to facilitate detailed examination of budgetary allocations.
- First Part: January 28 to February 13, 2026 (13 sittings)
- Recess Period: February 13 to March 9, 2026
- Second Part: March 9 to April 2, 2026 (17 sittings)
Overall, the session will provide 30 sittings spread over 65 days, allowing parliamentary committees to thoroughly review the Demands for Grants from various ministries and departments.
Halwa Ceremony: Traditional Prelude to Budget Presentation
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the traditional Halwa ceremony was held at the Budget Press in North Block, New Delhi. This ceremony symbolizes the final stage of the budget preparation process, where officials involved in drafting the document are served sweet halwa before entering a lockdown period to maintain confidentiality.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was accompanied by Secretaries of all departments under the Ministry of Finance and other senior officers during this significant event. The ceremony underscores the meticulous and secretive nature of budget preparation in India.
Political Significance and Historical Context
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the significance of Finance Minister Sitharaman presenting the budget for the ninth consecutive time, calling it "a proud moment in India's parliamentary history." He emphasized that while national attention focuses on the budget, his government's identity remains centered on Reform, Perform, and Transform.
This budget presentation comes at a crucial juncture as India continues to navigate economic challenges and opportunities, with expectations high for policies supporting growth, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
The extended Budget Session allows for comprehensive debate and scrutiny, ensuring democratic oversight of the government's financial plans for the coming fiscal year.
