Union Budget 2026: A Historic Sunday Presentation by FM Nirmala Sitharaman
In a landmark moment for India's parliamentary history, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026 at 11 AM today in the Lok Sabha. This presentation marks a significant departure from tradition as it becomes the first full Union Budget to be delivered on a Sunday, adding a new chapter to India's economic calendar.
The Timing and Tradition of Budget Presentations
The 11 AM Budget speech has become standard practice, but this timing represents a deliberate shift from historical norms. Until 1999, Union Budgets were presented at 5 PM, following a colonial-era practice aligned with British working hours. The change was initiated by then Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha, who moved the presentation to morning hours to better suit Indian administrative and market schedules.
Another crucial reform occurred in 2017 when Arun Jaitley advanced the Budget date to February 1 from the month's end. This adjustment provided ministries with additional time to implement schemes and allocate spending from the beginning of the financial year on April 1. Today's presentation continues both these established traditions while introducing the novel element of a Sunday Budget.
What to Expect from Budget 2026
During her address, Finance Minister Sitharaman will outline the government's fiscal roadmap for the financial year 2026–27, detailing estimated receipts and expenditures. She will also table essential documents mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003, including:
- The Medium-term Fiscal Policy-cum-Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement
- The Macro-economic Framework Statement
Following this, she will seek leave to introduce the Finance Bill, 2026, which provides legal authority to the government's taxation and financial proposals. The Budget Session of Parliament, currently underway, will witness this crucial economic blueprint being unveiled.
Economic Survey Sets the Stage
The Budget presentation follows the tabling of the Economic Survey 2025–26, the government's comprehensive annual assessment of economic performance. Prepared by the Economic Division under the Chief Economic Adviser, this survey reviews the past year's achievements and establishes the context for upcoming fiscal decisions.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted key findings from the survey, noting that First Advance Estimates project real GDP growth of 7.4% for FY 2025–26. This maintains India's position as the fastest-growing major economy for the fourth consecutive year. The survey also reported inflation of 1.7% between April and December 2025, attributing this to lower food prices and effective inflation management strategies.
Additionally, the Economic Survey emphasized a strategic policy push in manufacturing, describing the government's approach as evolving from "Swadeshi" to "Strategic Resilience" and now "Strategic Indispensability."
Historic Moments and Symbolism
Nirmala Sitharaman was observed leaving Kartavya Bhavan for Rashtrapati Bhavan carrying her distinctive red 'bahi-khata' style tablet folder adorned with the national emblem. This presentation marks her record ninth consecutive Budget, solidifying her position as one of India's most experienced finance ministers.
Accompanying her were senior officials including Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Economic Adviser Dr V Anantha Nageswaran, CBDT Chairman Ravi Agrawal, and other Finance Ministry representatives. The Lok Sabha's List of Business confirms the House will assemble at 11 AM for this historic address.
As India navigates global economic headwinds, all eyes remain on potential reforms, capital expenditure initiatives, and possible tax relief measures for salaried and middle-class taxpayers in the new tax regime for FY 2026-27.
