Union Budget 2026 Speech Highlights
FM Nirmala Sitharaman to Present Ninth Consecutive Union Budget Today
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget 2026–27 today, February 1 (Sunday), at 11:00 am. This marks her ninth consecutive Budget speech and the first time in more than a decade that the Union Budget will be presented on a Sunday.
Budget 2026 will be the second full-fledged Budget of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government during its third consecutive term in office. The presentation is being closely tracked by taxpayers, businesses, investors, and policymakers.
Key Sectors to Watch in Budget 2026
Several sectors are expected to be in focus during the Budget announcement, including:
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Infrastructure and manufacturing
- Defence and electronics
- MSMEs and startups
- Railways and urban development
- Renewable energy and electric mobility
- Agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and tourism
Policy measures and budgetary allocations in these areas could influence economic growth and employment generation.
Impact of Budget 2026 on the Common Man
Budget proposals may have both direct and indirect implications for households. Direct impacts typically include changes to income tax slabs, welfare schemes, and education-related policies. Indirectly, increased public spending on infrastructure, rural development, and social services can support job creation and income growth over time.
Outlook on the Old and New Tax Regimes
The new income tax regime, introduced in 2020 and made the default option in 2023, has seen multiple incentives in recent years. In Budget 2025, income up to ₹12 lakh was made tax-free under the new regime.
With no changes made to the old tax regime in recent Budgets, analysts suggest that further steps may be taken in Budget 2026 to encourage taxpayers to shift towards the new regime, although a complete phase-out of the old structure is not expected immediately.
Key Takeaways from Economic Survey 2026
The Economic Survey 2026, tabled in Parliament on January 29, outlined the government’s assessment of the economy:
- FY26 GDP growth projected at 7.4%
- FY27 growth estimated between 6.8% and 7.2%
- Inflation expected to remain within manageable levels
- Fiscal deficit at 62.3% of Budget Estimates as of November 2025
- Target to reduce fiscal deficit to 4.4% of GDP by FY26
Stock Market Open for Special Trading Session
Indian stock exchanges will remain open today for a special trading session in view of the Union Budget presentation. Trading on the NSE and BSE will take place from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (IST). Such Sunday trading sessions are rare but have been conducted in the past during Budget announcements.
How Budget 2026 Differs from Previous Years
Apart from being presented on a Sunday, Budget 2026 is expected to differ in terms of its structure. Media reports indicate that Part B of the Budget speech may receive greater emphasis this year, outlining both short-term policy measures and long-term economic objectives.
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