Budget 2026 Live Streaming: Complete Guide to Watch FM Nirmala Sitharaman's Historic Budget Speech
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament on Sunday, 1 February 2026 at approximately 11 AM. This presentation marks a significant departure from tradition, as it represents the first time in at least a decade that the Union Budget will be delivered on a Sunday. The date was officially confirmed earlier by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, adding to the anticipation surrounding this fiscal announcement.
A Historic Ninth Consecutive Budget Presentation
Union Budget 2026 will be Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Budget, establishing a remarkable record in India's parliamentary history. Having assumed charge of the Finance Ministry on 31 May 2019, Sitharaman has now become the longest-serving finance minister in continuous office. By 31 January 2026, she will have completed an impressive six years and eight months in this pivotal role.
Ahead of the Budget Session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the significance of this ninth consecutive budget presentation, describing it as "a moment of pride in India's parliamentary tradition." This achievement places Sitharaman in a unique position among India's finance ministers.
FM Sitharaman's Place in Budget History
While former Prime Minister Morarji Desai presented the Union Budget ten times and P Chidambaram did so nine times, neither accomplished this feat in consecutive years. Other notable finance ministers with extended tenures include:
- C D Deshmukh
- Manmohan Singh
- Pranab Mukherjee
- Arun Jaitley
- Yashwant Sinha
However, their terms were either shorter or non-continuous compared to Sitharaman's uninterrupted service. The distinction of being independent India's first Finance Minister belongs to R K Shanmukham Chetty, who set the foundation for this important parliamentary tradition.
Where to Watch Union Budget 2026 Live
The live streaming of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget speech will be accessible across multiple platforms, ensuring widespread coverage for citizens across India:
- Television Broadcast: The speech will be telecast live on Sansad TV and DD News
- Digital Streaming: Available on Sansad TV's official YouTube channel
- Media Coverage: The Indian Express will provide comprehensive live coverage through its YouTube channel along with a detailed live blog featuring real-time updates, key announcements, and political reactions as the speech unfolds
Viewers can conveniently follow the budget presentation in real time from their homes or on mobile devices, making this important fiscal event accessible to a broad audience.
Accessing Budget Documents Online
All official Union Budget 2026 documents will be available through digital platforms following the completion of the Budget speech on February 1, 2026. Key documents include:
- Annual Financial Statement (Budget)
- Demand for Grants (DG)
- Finance Bill
These documents will be accessible through the Union Budget mobile app and the Union Budget Web Portal (indiabudget.gov.in). The mobile application, available in both English and Hindi for Android and iOS devices, provides easy digital access for Members of Parliament and the general public alike.
Parliament Budget Session 2026 Timeline
The Budget Session of Parliament 2026 commenced on January 28 and will conclude on 2nd April 2026, comprising a total of 30 sittings:
- First Part: 13 sittings
- Second Part: 17 sittings
A recess period is scheduled from February 13 to 9 March 2026. During this interval, Standing Committees will thoroughly examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and submit their reports, ensuring detailed scrutiny of budgetary allocations.
This comprehensive guide provides all essential information for citizens to engage with Union Budget 2026, from watching the historic presentation to accessing official documents, marking an important moment in India's fiscal calendar.
