Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026 on February 1- Time, Key Expectations and Stock Market Details Explained
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026 on February 1, a Sunday, making it a rare occasion in India’s parliamentary calendar. The budget will be tabled before both Houses of Parliament at 11 am. This will mark Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive full Budget presentation, in addition to one interim budget.
Budget 2026 is being closely watched as a crucial policy moment, with expectations that the government will balance fiscal discipline while pushing growth, job creation and long-term economic reforms. With global uncertainties and domestic priorities converging, the Budget is expected to outline India’s roadmap for the coming financial year and beyond.
Budget 2026: Date and Timings
The Union Budget 2026 will be presented on February 1 at 11 am. Despite falling on a Sunday, the government has chosen to stick to the traditional February 1 schedule.
Key Expectations from Budget 2026
Several policy announcements are anticipated this year. With the new Income Tax Act, 2025 set to come into force from April 1, 2026, industry stakeholders expect clarity on transition rules, FAQs and implementation guidelines. A higher standard deduction is also expected to encourage taxpayers to move to the new tax regime.
Other key expectations include rationalisation of TDS rates into fewer slabs, simplification of customs duties, and a possible amnesty scheme to resolve long-pending tax disputes. The government is also expected to focus on reducing India’s debt-to-GDP ratio, boosting defence spending amid geopolitical tensions, and allocating funds for employment and livelihood schemes under the Viksit Bharat framework.
Additional expectations include provisions for the 8th Pay Commission, increased tax devolution to states as recommended by the 16th Finance Commission, incentives for MSMEs and export-oriented sectors, and enhanced funding for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements.
Will Stock Markets Be Open on Budget Day?
Yes. Despite the Budget being presented on a Sunday, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain open. Equity markets will operate as usual, with trading scheduled from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm. The pre-open session will run from 9 am to 9:08 am.
Where to Watch Budget 2026 Live
The Budget speech can be watched live on HindustanTimes.com and its official YouTube channel. Viewers can also tune in to Sansad TV for live Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha coverage in multiple languages. Doordarshan will broadcast the session on its channels, while live streams will also be available on indiabudget.gov.in and official social media platforms of the Finance Ministry and PIB.