Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will table this year's budget on February 1, 2026 (File Photo | PTI)
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Budget 2026: Date, Time, When and Where to Watch Live

Union Budget 2026 will be presented on Sunday, February 1, at 11 AM, marking a historic first. The ninth consecutive Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlines estimates, policies and reforms for FY 2026-27

EdexLive Desk

When will Union Budget 2026 be presented?

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented to Parliament on Sunday, 01 February 2026, at 11 AM for the financial year 2026–27.
The confirmation was given by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on January 19. This marks the first time in India’s history that the Union Budget will be presented on a Sunday.

Why is Budget 2026 being presented on February 1?

Since 2017, following a reform introduced by the late Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Union Budget has been presented on February 1 every year, except interim budgets.
While budgets have earlier been presented on Saturdays and other weekdays, 2026 is the first year when February 1 falls on a Sunday.
The presentation time remains the traditional 11 AM.

Budget 2026 session schedule

The Budget Session 2026 is expected to be held in two phases:

  • First session: January 28 to February 13, 2026

  • Second session: March 9 to April 2, 2026

Important dates related to Budget 2026

The Budget Session has been approved by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Key dates include:

  • January 28, 2026: Commencement of the Budget Session

  • January 31, 2026: Expected presentation of the Economic Survey

  • February 1, 2026: Union Budget 2026 presented by Finance Minister

  • February 13, 2026: Conclusion of the first half of the Budget Session

  • March 9, 2026: Commencement of the second half of the session

  • April 2, 2026: Conclusion of the Budget Session

What is a Union Budget?

The Union Budget is the annual financial statement presented under Article 112 of the Constitution of India.

It outlines the estimated receipts and expenditure of the upcoming financial year and includes: Tax amendment proposals Key expenditure and development priorities Proposed policies and reforms

When did the Budget-making process begin?

The Budget-making process for FY 2026–27 began in August 2025.
It starts with the issuance of a budget circular to ministries and departments, asking them to estimate revenue and expenditure.
This is followed by pre-budget consultations, ministerial discussions, and inputs from experts and the public before the Budget is finalised and presented to Parliament.

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