Union Budget 2026 Date and Time: When Will FM Nirmala Sitharaman Present the Budget? Where to Watch Live

The Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, 1 February, is expected to set the economic direction for the next financial year. With the new fiscal year beginning on 1 April, investors, economists, industry bodies and households are closely tracking the Budget for signals on growth, taxation and government spending priorities.

What Is Union Budget 2026-27 and Why It Matters

Union Budget 2026-27 will present the Annual Financial Statement for FY 2026-27 and outline the Centre's strategy on development, reforms and sector-wise allocations. Policy watchers are keen to see how the government balances growth support with fiscal discipline at a time when infrastructure investment, job creation and fiscal consolidation are all competing priorities.

Budget 2026 Expectations

The Union Budget 2026 is widely expected to focus on infrastructure creation and structural reforms as the main drivers of long-term economic growth. Analysts do not anticipate major changes to direct tax slabs or rates, in line with the government's recent policy stance. A PL Capital report suggests the Budget may include incentives for electric vehicles, further consolidation among public sector banks, and fresh clarity on the proposed IDBI Bank stake sale. Higher allocations for defence, railways and the energy sector are also expected, along with targeted support for hybrid vehicles following recent GST rate adjustments.

Budget 2026 Speech Time and Where to Watch Live

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget 2026-27 in Parliament at 11 am on Sunday, 1 February. The Budget speech will be broadcast live on Sansad TV and Doordarshan, with live streaming also available on Sansad TV's YouTube channel. Viewers can follow live updates and coverage on Goodreturns' YouTube channel, while the official Budget website, indiabudget.gov.in, will host Budget documents, statements and detailed proposals.

Why Budget 2026 Is Being Presented on a Sunday

The decision to present Union Budget 2026-27 on a Sunday follows the long-standing practice of fixing 1 February as Budget Day. Since the date falls on a Sunday in 2026, the government has chosen to retain the schedule to allow ministries and departments more time to implement announcements before the financial year begins on 1 April.

Stock Market Open on Budget 2026 Day

Because the Budget is being presented on a Sunday, Indian stock exchanges BSE and NSE will remain open for trading on Budget Day. This will allow markets to react in real time to key announcements related to spending, reforms, taxation and sectoral allocations.

What to Watch Out for in Union Budget 2026

With Budget 2026-27 just hours away, attention is firmly on announcements related to infrastructure spending, banking reforms, electric vehicle incentives and sector-wise allocations. The live telecast and digital access will allow viewers to follow every part of the Budget speech and assess how the government plans to shape India's economic roadmap for FY 2026-27.