Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026 in Parliament today, marking her ninth consecutive budget speech. The budget comes at a crucial moment as the government looks to keep the Indian economy in a “Goldilocks” zone of strong growth and low inflation, even as global uncertainties rise amid geopolitical tensions and tariff pressures from the US under Donald Trump.
Key focus areas of Budget 2026
Jobs creation and measures to revive GDP growth are expected to dominate Sitharaman’s speech. With private investment falling to its lowest share in a decade in FY24, the government has stepped up its own role, increasing capital expenditure by 30% last year. Continued thrust on infrastructure spending and reforms in import-export policies are likely.
For the common taxpayer, expectations include a higher standard deduction under the new tax regime and the possible introduction of joint income tax return filing for couples. Having already offered income tax and GST relief in the current fiscal, the government may further simplify compliance and boost disposable incomes.
On the fiscal front, Sitharaman is expected to stick to consolidation, with a sharper focus on reducing India’s debt-to-GDP ratio rather than strictly targeting the fiscal deficit, which is projected at 4.2% in FY27.
What time is the Budget speech?
The Union Budget 2026 speech will begin at 11:00 am in the Lok Sabha. The address usually lasts between 90 and 120 minutes, after which the Finance Bill will be tabled.
Where to watch Budget 2026 live
- TV: Sansad TV and Doordarshan
- Web: India Budget Portal and budgetlive.nic.in
- YouTube: Sansad TV and PIB India official channels
Is the stock market open today?
Yes. Despite February 1 falling on a Sunday, Indian stock markets are open today for a special live trading session to coincide with the Budget presentation.
Important trading rules to note:
- No same-day (T+0) settlement today
- Stocks bought on Friday cannot be sold today
- Stocks bought today can only be sold from Monday
- Sale proceeds and profits from Friday’s trades will be credited on Monday
- Commodity markets: MCX is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; NCDEX from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm