Every year, millions of Indians eagerly await the Union Budget announcements. The government has now officially confirmed the schedule for Budget 2026. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the financial statement on February 1, 2026.
What is the Union Budget?
The Union Budget represents the government's annual financial plan. Under Article 112 of the Constitution, the Finance Minister presents this document to Parliament. It outlines estimated receipts and expenditures for the upcoming financial year.
The budget includes crucial announcements about tax changes, development priorities, and policy reforms. These decisions directly impact citizens, businesses, and the overall economy.
Why Budget 2026 Matters
This budget holds special significance for several reasons. It marks Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive budget presentation. She continues her record-breaking streak as the only finance minister to present nine budgets in a row.
Next year, she will equal former Prime Minister Morarji Desai's record of presenting ten budgets. Budget 2026 also represents the second full budget of the Modi government's third term. Last year's budget came in July following the general elections.
Budget 2026: Complete Schedule
The budget presentation forms just one part of a longer parliamentary process. The government has already finalized most decisions through extensive preparations. Here are all the important dates you need to remember.
Key Dates for Budget 2026
- January 28: Budget Session commences with President Droupadi Murmu's joint address to both Houses of Parliament.
- January 29: Lok Sabha meets according to the provisional calendar issued by its Secretariat.
- January 31: Finance Minister presents the Economic Survey prepared by Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran. This document provides a comprehensive overview of the economy.
- February 1: Nirmala Sitharaman presents Union Budget 2026 at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha.
- February 13: First half of the Budget Session concludes.
- March 9: Second half of the Budget Session begins.
- April 2: Final day of the Budget Session, with both Houses adjourned sine die.
What to Expect
The budget presentation typically follows established patterns but always brings surprises. Citizens and businesses watch closely for tax proposals and spending allocations. The Economic Survey on January 31 will set the context by analyzing current economic conditions.
As the session progresses through March and April, Parliament will debate and approve the budget proposals. This democratic process ensures thorough examination of the government's financial plans.
