Harshvardhan Mishra
The Union Budget 2026 is set to be presented before Parliament on Sunday, 1 February 2026, marking a historic first for India—never before has the Union Budget been presented on a Sunday. The Budget will be tabled by Nirmala Sitharaman, making this her 9th consecutive Union Budget, and the second full Union Budget of the Modi Government 3.0.
Budget 2026 Date and Time
Union Budget 2026 Date
- Since 2017, after the reform introduced by late Arun Jaitley, the Union Budget has been presented on 1st February instead of the earlier practice of the last working day of February.
- Budgets have since been presented on various weekdays, including Saturdays.
- 1 February 2026 falls on a Sunday, making this the first Sunday Budget presentation in Indian history.
- Budget Presentation Time: 11:00 AM IST, following long-standing convention.
Budget Session 2026 Duration
The Budget Session of Parliament for 2026 is expected to be held in two phases:
- First phase: 28 January to 13 February 2026
- Second phase: 9 March to 2 April 2026
Budget 2026 Session Dates (Key Schedule)
The Droupadi Murmu, President of India, has approved the summoning of the Budget Session 2026. Below are the key dates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 28 January 2026 | Commencement of Budget Session |
| 29 January 2026 | Presentation of Economic Survey |
| 1 February 2026 | Union Budget 2026 presentation |
| 13 February 2026 | Conclusion of first phase |
| 9 March 2026 | Commencement of second phase |
| 2 April 2026 | Conclusion of Budget Session |
Where to Watch Budget 2026 Live?
The Union Budget 2026 will be broadcast live across multiple platforms to ensure nationwide access.
| Platform | How to Watch |
|---|---|
| Sansad TV | Live telecast of proceedings |
| DD News | National television broadcast |
| News Broadcaster Websites | Live streaming on major portals |
| YouTube | Official channels of PIB, MyGov, DD News, and major media houses |
Citizens can also follow real-time updates via government social media handles.
What Is a Union Budget?
The Union Budget is the annual financial statement of the Government of India, presented under Article 112 of the Constitution of India. It outlines:
- Estimated receipts and expenditures for the upcoming financial year
- Tax proposals and amendments
- Allocation of funds to priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, education, and defence
- Key policy reforms and economic measures
Budget 2026 is particularly significant as it:
- Is the 9th consecutive Budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman
- Represents the second full Budget of Modi Government 3.0, following the Interim Budget of 2024 and the full Budget of 2025
When Did the Budget-Making Process Begin for 2026?
The Budget preparation process for FY 2026–27 began in August 2025.
Key steps include:
- Issuance of the Budget Circular to all ministries and departments
- Estimation of revenue and expenditure requirements
- Multiple rounds of pre-budget consultations with stakeholders, economists, industry bodies, and experts
- Finalisation and approval before being laid before Parliament
What Is the Economic Survey?
The Economic Survey is traditionally presented one day before the Union Budget, and for 2026, it will be tabled on 29 January 2026.
It provides:
- A detailed review of the current state of the Indian economy
- Sector-wise and region-wise performance analysis
- Data-driven insights into growth, inflation, employment, and fiscal trends
While the Budget focuses on the future financial year, the Economic Survey evaluates the performance of the ongoing year.
Significance of the Halwa Ceremony Before the Budget
One of the most well-known traditions associated with the Union Budget is the Halwa Ceremony.
- It marks the final stage of Budget preparation
- A tradition dating back to the 1980s
- Symbolises appreciation for officials involved in Budget drafting
- Signals the start of the “lock-in period”
During the lock-in period:
- Officials involved in Budget preparation remain confined to the North Block / Budget printing facility
- All communication with the outside world is restricted
- This ensures absolute secrecy until the Budget is presented in Parliament
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What time does the Budget speech start?
The Budget speech usually begins at 11:00 AM IST.
Q2. Who will present the Union Budget 2026?
The Budget will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha.
Q3. Where can I watch Budget 2026 live?
You can watch it live on Sansad TV, DD News, major news websites, and YouTube channels of PIB, MyGov, and news networks.
Q4. Is this the first Sunday Budget in India?
Yes, Union Budget 2026 is the first Budget in recent Indian history to be presented on a Sunday.
