Union Budget 2026-27: Sitharaman to Present Ninth Consecutive Financial Blueprint
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is poised to deliver her ninth consecutive Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27 on Sunday, 1 February 2026. The highly anticipated announcement will be tabled at the Union Parliament at 11 a.m. (IST) during the Budget session, marking a significant moment for India's economic trajectory. All eyes are on this pivotal event, which sets the fiscal agenda for the coming year.
Economic Survey 2025-26 Sets the Stage
Ahead of the Budget presentation, the Ministry of Finance's Department of Economic Affairs released the Economic Survey 2025-26 on Thursday, 29 January. This comprehensive financial document provides a detailed analysis of India's economic performance in the current financial year and outlines projections for the upcoming fiscal period.
Key Highlights from the Economic Survey:
- The survey forecasts that the Indian economy is expected to grow between 6.8% and 7.2% in real GDP terms for FY 2026-27. This growth is underpinned by the country's robust macroeconomic fundamentals and ongoing policy reforms.
- While the survey notes that both core and headline inflation rates may be higher in the next fiscal year compared to 2025-26, it suggests that this is unlikely to pose a significant concern for the overall economy.
- Amid global uncertainties, including concerns over Trump tariffs, India's total exports reached a record high of $825.3 billion in FY 2025-26. Merchandise exports saw a rise of 2.4%, while services exports increased by 6.5% during the April-December period.
Sectors in Focus for Budget 2026-27
Reports indicate that the Union Budget 2026-27 will prioritize several key sectors, reflecting the government's strategic economic goals. These sectors include:
- Railways
- Defence
- Infrastructure
- Urban development
- Manufacturing
- MSMEs
- Electronics
- Renewable energy
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Recap of Last Year's Budget Highlights
In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Sitharaman announced significant measures aimed at boosting the middle class. The key focus was on tax relief, with income tax cuts for taxpayers earning up to ₹12 lakh per year. For salaried individuals, the non-taxable income segment under the new tax regime was increased to ₹12.75 lakh, factoring in the standard deduction exemption.
Additionally, Sitharaman introduced the New Income Tax (I-T) Act 2025 during her budget speech last year. This legislation is scheduled to come into effect from 1 April 2026, replacing the previous I-T Act of 1961, and represents a major overhaul in India's tax framework.
Budget 2026 Date and Time Details
Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget speech on Sunday, 1 February 2026, addressing a joint session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. This event is considered the most significant financial announcement of the year, outlining the government's fiscal policies and allocations.
The Budget presentation will commence at 11 a.m. (IST) before the houses of the Union Parliament. As the nation eagerly awaits this announcement, viewers can follow live coverage through various platforms to stay updated on all developments.
