Union Budget 2026: Key Dates and Expectations as Sitharaman Prepares for Historic Sunday Presentation
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament on 1 February 2026, Sunday, at 11 am before both houses. This landmark event marks Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Budget speech, solidifying her tenure as one of India's longest-serving finance ministers in recent history. Notably, this will be the first time in at least a decade that the India Union Budget is presented on a Sunday, adding a unique dimension to the parliamentary calendar.
Budget Preparation and Ceremonial Traditions
The traditional Halwa ceremony, which signifies the final stage of budget preparation, was held on 27 January in the Budget Press at North Block. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presided over this symbolic event, where officials partake in sweet halwa before being locked in to finalize the budget documents, ensuring confidentiality and focus during the critical drafting phase.
Following this, the Budget Session commenced on 28 January with a joint address by President Droupadi Murmu to both Houses of Parliament. On 29 January, Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2026, a comprehensive report detailing the state of the economy and providing crucial context for the upcoming budget discussions.
Economic Survey 2026: Insights and Projections
The Economic Survey 2026 serves as the government's health report on the Indian economy, offering data-driven insights that inform policy direction. Historically, prior to 1964, the Economic Survey was integrated into the Budget presentation. Since its separation, it has provided lawmakers and the public with essential economic context, including challenges and growth indicators.
According to the survey, the Indian economy is projected to expand by 6.8-7.2% in FY27, bolstered by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and ongoing regulatory reforms. While core and headline inflation rates are expected to be higher in FY27 compared to FY26, this is not anticipated to be a major concern. As of November 2025, India's fiscal deficit stood at 62.3% of the Budget Estimates, with the government aiming to achieve a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP by FY26.
Key Sectors and Budget Expectations
The Union Budget 2026 is expected to allocate resources across several pivotal sectors, driving India's growth trajectory. Key areas to watch include:
- Artificial Intelligence and technology-driven initiatives
- Automobile and manufacturing industries
- Defense and electronics sectors
- Infrastructure and urban development projects
- Renewable energy and sustainability efforts
- MSMEs and railway modernization
Additionally, sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and tourism are also likely to receive significant allocations from the Centre, reflecting a balanced approach to economic development.
Budget Session Schedule and Parliamentary Proceedings
The Budget Session is structured into two halves, with the first half concluding on 13 February. The second half will resume on 9 March, and the final day of the session is scheduled for 2 April. Following this, both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be adjourned sine die, marking the end of parliamentary deliberations on the budget.
How to Watch the Budget 2026 Speech Live
For those eager to follow the Union Budget 2026 presentation live, multiple platforms will provide comprehensive coverage:
- Official Broadcasts: The government's live feed via Sansad TV on YouTube, available in multiple languages from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
- Television: State-run Doordarshan (DD) channels will broadcast live from Parliament's Budget Session on 1 February.
- Digital Platforms: Live video coverage will be available on the official Union Budget website (indiabudget.gov.in), the Finance Ministry's social media pages, and the Press Information Bureau's (PIB) official social media handles.
- News Portals: Stay tuned with leading financial news platforms for real-time updates and analysis.
This budget presentation not only underscores India's economic priorities but also highlights the government's commitment to transparency and public engagement through widespread accessibility of parliamentary proceedings.
