Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2026, a Sunday, marking the first time in independent India's history. This will be her ninth consecutive budget, including one interim. The budget is expected to emphasize economic reforms, fiscal discipline, and addressing global challenges.
New Delhi, February 1, 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha at 11 AM today. This budget is being presented on a Sunday for the first time in independent India's history. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, GDP growth for FY 2025-26 is estimated at 7.4%, with a range of 6.8-7.2% for 2026-27.
The budget will focus on sustaining growth momentum, maintaining fiscal discipline, and implementing reforms to shield the economy from global trade frictions like U.S. tariffs. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated, "It will be a good Budget... I am very, very confident that it will be a very good Budget." It will support MSMEs and prioritize job creation.
Stock markets will remain open today, with NSE and BSE operating from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. Expectations suggest limited tax relief, but trade and customs reforms will be prominent. The budget speech will be live on Sansad TV, Doordarshan, and the official website.
Historically, two finance ministers—KC Niyogi (1948, 35 days) and HN Bahuguna (1979, 5.5 months)—did not present any budget. Sitharaman's presentation will match former Finance Minister P Chidambaram's record of nine budgets.
