India’s Union Budget for the 2026-27 financial year will be presented to Parliament on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11 AM. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table the document, marking a historic first for a Sunday presentation.
What Is the Union Budget?
The Union Budget is the government’s annual financial statement laid before Parliament under Article 112 of the Constitution. It includes tax proposals, important spending areas, and policy improvements, as well as the projected receipts and expenditures for the next fiscal year. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce the 2026 budget for the eighth time in a row.
When and Where Is the Budget 2026 Presentation?
The Union Budget 2026 will be presented on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11 AM in Parliament. The budget session commences on January 28, 2026. The Economic Survey will be presented on January 29, 2026.
Why Is the Budget Happening on a Sunday?
February 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday. Since the late Finance Minister Arun Jaitley established the practice in 2017, the full Union Budget has been presented on February 1 each year, regardless of the weekday. This is the first instance where that date is a Sunday.
Where to Watch Budget 2026 Live?
Budget 2026 will be shown live across different platforms on Sunday, February 1, 2026, beginning at 11:00 AM IST.
- Sansad TV: Official live telecast.
- DD News: National broadcast.
- News Websites: Live streams on major news broadcaster websites.
- YouTube: Official streams from channels like PIB, MyGov, and news networks.
Budget 2026 Session Schedule
President Droupadi Murmu has summoned the Budget Session, which is divided into two parts:
First Part: January 28 to February 13, 2026.
Second Part: March 9 to April 2, 2026.
Important events include the Union Budget announcement on February 1 and the Economic Survey on January 29.
What Is the Economic Survey?
The Economic Survey is presented a day before the Budget. It provides a detailed statistical review of the economy’s performance throughout the ongoing financial year, offering context for the budget’s future projections.
When Did the Budget-Making Begin for 2026?
The process for the 2026-27 budget started in August 2025. It begins with a budget circular sent to ministries for estimates, followed by pre-budget talks and consultations with experts and the public.
Who Is Presenting Budget 2026?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2026. This will be her ninth consecutive budget presentation and the second full-fledged budget of the Modi government’s third term. According to Article 112 of the Constitution, the budget is the government’s yearly financial statement that outlines projected income, expenses, proposed taxes, and policy changes for the next fiscal year.
What Is the Significance of the Halwa Ceremony?
The Halwa Ceremony is a traditional function conducted in North Block before the budget is printed. The Finance Minister distributes halwa to officials, marking the start of a lock-in period in which those involved are sequestered to maintain secrecy until the budget is presented in Parliament.
What Is the ‘Blue Sheet’?
The ‘Blue Sheet’ is a closely guarded document inside North Block. Traditionally coded blue, it acts as the master sheet containing all key budget calculations. Finalizing it officially begins the lock-in period for officials working on the budget process.
What Are Some Interesting Historical Facts About the Budget?
- The budget presentation time was moved from 5 PM to 11 AM in 1999.
- The document carrier changed from a red briefcase to a ‘bahi khata’ (traditional ledger) in 2019.
- The secretive “blue sheet” contains the budget’s core calculations.
- The Halwa Ceremony tradition dates back to the 1980s.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What time will the Budget 2026 presentation begin?
A: It will begin at 11 AM IST on February 1, 2026.
Q: Who will present the Budget 2026?
A: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present it.
Q: Where can I watch the Budget 2026 live?
A: Watch on Sansad TV, DD News, official YouTube channels (PIB, MyGov), and major news websites.
Q: Is Budget 2026 on a Sunday?
A: Yes, this is the first time it is being presented on a Sunday.
