Budget 2026 Confirmed for Sunday Presentation on February 1
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made an important announcement on January 19. He confirmed that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament on Sunday, February 1. This date marks a significant moment for the financial calendar.
Historical Precedent for Sunday Budgets
Presenting a Union Budget on a Sunday represents an unusual practice. However, this will not be the first occurrence. Former Union Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha previously presented a budget on Sunday, February 28, 1999. The tradition continues with this upcoming presentation.
High Expectations from Industry and Government
The industry holds substantial expectations for Budget 2026. This budget will be Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive budget presentation. It also serves as the second full-fledged budget for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government during its third consecutive term in power. Stakeholders across sectors await key announcements.
Key Dates for Union Budget 2026 Session
President Droupadi Murmu has approved summoning both Houses of Parliament for the 2026 budget session. The session follows a structured calendar with several important events.
Pre-Budget Preparations and Economic Survey
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a pre-Budget meeting with Finance Ministers of States and Union Territories in New Delhi on January 10. This meeting aimed to gather inputs and align priorities.
The Economic Survey will precede the budget presentation. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran will present the survey to both houses of Parliament on January 31. This document provides a detailed analysis of the Indian economy. It reviews performance over the fiscal year, examining critical indicators.
Key indicators include growth rates, inflation trends, employment figures, trade balances, and overall fiscal health.Detailed Session Calendar
The Budget Session follows a specific timeline with multiple important dates:
- January 28: The Budget Session commences at Parliament with a joint address by President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses.
- January 29: The Lok Sabha will meet according to the provisional calendar issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
- January 31: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Economic Survey, prepared by CEA V Anantha Nageswaran.
- February 1: Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2026 at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha.
- February 13: The first half of the Budget Session concludes.
- March 9: The second half of the Budget Session begins.
- April 2: The final day of the Budget Session, after which Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha adjourn sine die.
The nation now watches closely as these dates approach. All eyes remain on Parliament for the upcoming financial announcements.
