Union Budget 2026: Date, Time, Updates, and Key Announcements

Three Chemical Parks To Reduce Import Dependence

12:48 PM, February 1
The government will support states in setting up 3 dedicated chemical parks under a cluster-based plug-and-play model to boost domestic chemical production and strengthen industrial supply chains.

Customs Duty Waived On 17 Medicines

12:44 PM, February 1
Finance Minister Proposed a basic customs duty exemption on 17 medicines, aimed at easing costs for patients, especially those undergoing cancer treatment.The relief also covers 7 additional rare diseases, with import duty exemptions on personal imports of drugs, medicines and specialised food required for treatment.

Buyback Gains Taxed, MAT Cut To 14%

12:42 PM, February 1
Buyback proceeds for all shareholders will now be taxed as capital gains. The Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate has been reduced from 15% to 14%, and MAT will be treated as the final tax liability.

Market reaction To STT Rate Increase For F&O - Sensex Falls 2,300 Points Nifty Below 25,000

12:39 PM, February 1
Markets tumbled after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman raised STT on futures from 0.02% to 0.05%. The Sensex plunged 2,300 points, while the Nifty slipped below the 25,000 mark, as traders reacted to higher derivatives transaction costs.

Electronics Outlay Raised To ₹40,000 Crore

12:38 PM, February 1
The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay has been increased from ₹22,999 crore to ₹40,000 crore to strengthen semiconductors and cut import reliance. ISM 2.0 will boost equipment, materials and Indian IP development. Rare earth corridor support will go to Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. States will also be supported to set up 3 chemical parks under a plug-and-play cluster model.

Aircraft Parts Imports Get Customs Duty Waiver

12:34, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a basic customs duty exemption on raw materials imported to manufacture aircraft parts for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) needs of defence sector units, aimed at lowering input costs and strengthening domestic capability.

Customs Duty Relief For Critical Mineral Processing

12:32 PM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a basic customs duty exemption on imports of capital goods required for processing critical minerals in India, aimed at strengthening domestic value addition.

Nuclear Power Import Duty Exemption Till 2035

12:32 PM, February 1
The government will extend the basic customs duty exemption on imports of goods for nuclear power projects until 2035. The benefit will now apply to all nuclear plants, regardless of capacity.

Duty Free Import Limit Raised

12:27 PM, February 1
Duty-free import limits for inputs used in seafood exports will rise from 1% to 3% of last year’s FOB export value. The benefit, currently for leather and synthetic footwear, will also cover shoe upper exports.

Income Tax Act 2025 From April 2026

12:24 PM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Income Tax Act 2025 will take effect from 1 April 2026, with simplified rules and redesigned forms to be notified soon.

The law is revenue neutral, keeps tax rates unchanged, and trims the 1961 Act by nearly 50%. A single tax year system will apply, and TDS refunds can be claimed even after ITR deadlines without penalties.

Rare Earth Corridors In Four States

12:22 PM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed rare earth corridors in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala for 2026–27 to cut import dependence. The plan backs mining, processing, research and manufacturing of rare earths and permanent magnets for clean energy, electronics, defence and EVs.

Fiscal Deficit Seen At 4.3% Of GDP

12:21 PM, February 1
Fiscal deficit for 2026–27 pegged at 4.3%, versus 4.4% this year. States to receive ₹1.4 lakh crore in tax devolution. Net tax receipts estimated at ₹28.7 lakh crore, total expenditure at ₹53.5 lakh crore. General government debt in 2024 stood at 85% of GDP (Centre: 57%). A 3–4% deficit band seen as sustainable.

₹2.2 Lakh Crore Infra Capex Plan

12:20 PM, February 1
Public capex raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27, targeting Tier II–III cities (population above 5 lakh). ₹5,000 crore over 5 years for City Economic Regions. Coastal shipping share targeted to rise from 6% to 12% by 2047. Plans include 20 National Waterways (5 years), 7 high-speed rail corridors, Dankuni–Surat freight link and a Seaplane VGF scheme.

1,000 Clinical Trial Sites And Rural Market Initiatives

12:17 PM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to establish over 1,000 accredited clinical trial sites across the country, moving beyond key centres such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.

A credit-linked subsidy scheme for livestock farmer producer organisations was also proposed to support job creation.

The Budget introduced Bharat Vistar, a multilingual AI platform integrating the agri-stack, and announced She Marts — community-owned retail outlets designed to back local entrepreneurs.

₹20,000 Crore For Carbon Capture Technologies

12:16 PM, February 1
An outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next 5 years was proposed to advance Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies. The funding aims to scale up projects and improve technology readiness for broader industrial use across sectors.

New Income Tax Law From April 2026

12:12 PM, February 1
The Income Tax Act 2025 will take effect from 1 April 2026, introducing simplified rules, redesigned forms and multiple direct tax relief measures. Changes include lower TCS rates, new exemptions and removal of interpretational ambiguities affecting individuals and service providers, aimed at easing compliance and reducing transaction-level tax burden.

Interest awarded to individuals by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal will be fully exempt from income tax.

TCS on overseas tour packages and on education and medical remittances under LRS will be reduced to 2%.

Manpower supply services will now be treated as contractor payments for TDS, removing classification disputes.

ITR Filing Deadline Changes

12:11 PM, February 1
The government has proposed a staggered ITR filing schedule. Individuals filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 will continue with the 31 July deadline. Non-audit businesses and trusts will be allowed to file returns until 31 August.

Disability Support Schemes Expanded

12:07 PM, February 1
The Divyangjan Skill Scheme will provide industry-relevant specialised training to improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Divyang Sahara Scheme will support Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) to scale up assistive device production, strengthen R&D, and integrate AI technologies.

State Devolution Allocation

12:05 AM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Centre has accepted the 16th Finance Commission’s recommendation to keep states’ vertical tax devolution share at 41%. She set aside ₹1.4 lakh crore for states for FY 2026–27.

Fiscal Consolidation Outlook

12:04 AM, February 1
The government reaffirmed its focus on growth with fiscal discipline. The debt-to-GDP ratio is seen easing to 55.6% in 2026–27 from 56.1% earlier.

The fiscal deficit is pegged at 4.3% of GDP. Non-debt receipts are estimated at ₹36.5 lakh crore, net tax receipts at ₹28.7 lakh crore, and total expenditure at ₹53.5 lakh crore.

Medical Tourism And Biopharma Push

12:03 AM, February 1
Support will be extended to states to build five regional medical tourism hubs integrating treatment, education and research.

A ₹10,000 crore, five-year Biopharma Shakti plan will boost domestic biologics and biosimilars. This includes new and upgraded National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 1,000 clinical trial sites, and stronger capacity at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda are also proposed.

AVGC Sector Skill Expansion

11:59 AM, February 1
India’s AVGC industry may need two million professionals by 2030. The government will back the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies Mumbai to set up AVGC creator labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges.

FM Announces Three New All India Institutes of Ayurveda

11:56 AM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed setting up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda. She also announced upgrades to Ayush pharmacies and drug testing labs, along with support to improve the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar.

AI Capacity Building Mission for 25 Crore People

11:55 AM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an AI capacity-building mission aimed at benefiting 25 crore people. She said the government is focusing on artificial intelligence and other new technologies to drive growth and innovation. Support will also continue through national missions in quantum technology, research, and innovation.

Union Budget 2026: FM Announces ‘Khelo India Mission’

11:51 AM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed launching a Khelo India Mission to boost sports, create jobs, and support young talent over the next decade.

Budget 2026: FM Sitharaman on Banking Reforms

11:47 AM, February 1
The Finance Minister proposed setting up a high-level banking committee for Viksit Bharat to review the sector and support growth with stability and inclusion. She also announced plans to restructure Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation to improve efficiency among public NBFCs.

Union Budget 2026 Live: ₹2,000 Crore Boost for Micro Enterprises

11:47 AM, February 1
FM Sitharaman proposed adding ₹2,000 crore to the Self Reliant India Fund to help micro businesses access risk capital. She also announced steps to improve MSME payments, expand invoice discounting support, link GeM with TReDS, and launch Corporate Mitras to help small firms with compliance.

Union Budget 2026 Live: Panel Proposed on Education to Jobs

11:47 AM, February 1
The Finance Minister proposed a high-powered Education to Employment and Enterprise Committee. The panel will suggest ways to create jobs, grow the services sector, boost exports, and prepare workers for new technologies like AI.

Farmers and High-Value Crops

11:46 AM, February 1
In fresh measures for agriculture, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will push crop diversification and higher farm incomes by backing high-value produce. Coastal regions will receive support for coconut, cashew and cocoa cultivation, while hill and temperate zones will be encouraged to expand walnut and pine nut production.

Telescope Infrastructure and Space Science

11:45 AM, February 1
The Centre outlined plans to strengthen astrophysics and astronomy education through immersive learning and upgraded telescope facilities nationwide. Major initiatives include the National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical Infrared Telescope, the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, and the Cosmos 2 Planetarium, aimed at expanding advanced research access.

Income Tax — No Major Slab Changes This Year

11:42 AM, February 1
The Finance Minister did not announce any major overhaul of income tax slabs in Budget 2026. Major changes to tax slabs are unlikely, following the relief announced last year that benefited middle-class taxpayers The tax slabs announced by the Finance Minister in Budget 2025 — which made income up to ₹12 lakh effectively tax-free under the new regime — will continue to govern calculations for the current assessment year. Budget documents are still being released for a full read on any minor tweaks to deductions or compliance rules under Part B.

Customs Duty & Trade Reforms (Part B — Reform Express)

11:44 AM, February 1
In a historic break from tradition, Part B of the Budget speech emerged as the primary platform for articulating India's economic vision and reform priorities, with Sitharaman speaking in unusual depth on both short-term policy actions and long-term economic goals. The Centre is preparing a fresh overhaul of India's customs duty architecture, including proposals to rationalise basic customs duty slabs and simplify procedures, with the objective of reducing compliance burdens, minimising classification-related disputes and improving predictability for firms operating in global value chains. Part B also outlined proposals to merge existing schemes such as SEZs, EOUs, and the MOOWR regime into a Unified Export and Manufacturing Zone to promote domestic manufacturing and boost export resilience.

Girls’ Hostels in Every District

11:43 AM, February 1
Recognising the long academic and laboratory hours faced by female students, the government will establish one girls’ hostel in each district under the VGF framework to improve access and safety in education.

Traditional Medicine, Veterinary Services and the Orange Economy

11:40 AM, February 1
The government will promote evidence-based research and awareness in traditional medicine. Veterinary capacity will expand by adding over 20,000 professionals through a loan-linked capital subsidy scheme supporting private colleges, hospitals, diagnostic centres and breeding facilities. Partnerships between Indian and overseas institutions in animal husbandry will be encouraged. Support will also extend to India’s Orange Economy, covering animation, VFX, gaming and comics.

Tourism at the Core of Jobs and Local Growth

11:39 AM, February 1
Tourism has been positioned as a central pillar of the employment and growth roadmap. The Budget links the sector to job creation, foreign exchange inflows and regional economic activity, with initiatives spanning institution-building, skills development, digital mapping and eco-tourism.

To upgrade standards, a National Institute of Hospitality will be formed by elevating the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology, working closely with industry, academia and government bodies.

Grassroots skilling also features prominently. A pilot will train 10,000 guides across 20 iconic destinations through a structured 12-week hybrid programme in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management.

A National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will digitally catalogue culturally, spiritually and historically significant sites, opening opportunities for local researchers, historians, creative professionals and tech partners.

Eco-tourism is another focus. Sustainable trekking and hiking routes will be developed in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu and Kashmir, alongside Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghats and Pudigai Malai in the Western Ghats.

Wildlife-based tourism will also expand, including turtle conservation trails along nesting stretches in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala, as well as bird-watching circuits around Pulicat Lake.

Bond Market & Corporate Bond Reforms

11:37 AM, February 1
To strengthen the corporate bond market, the government plans to introduce a market-making framework with access to funds and derivatives on corporate bond indices. Total return swaps on corporate bonds will also be introduced. To promote the municipal bond market, larger cities issuing high-value bonds will be incentivised with ₹100 crore for a single bond issuance exceeding ₹1,000 crore, building on the existing Amrit scheme. The government also proposed to review foreign exchange management rules on non-debt instruments.

Banking & Financial Services Overhaul

11:36 AM, February 1
FM Sitharaman proposed setting up a high-level committee on banking to advance the Viksit Bharat agenda. This signals the government's intention to deepen banking reforms and improve the health and efficiency of the financial services sector going forward.

AI & Technology Push

11:32 AM, February 1
FM Sitharaman described the Budget as a "yuva shakti-driven" budget, stating that AI functions as India's hidden engine, driving economic development through enhanced work efficiency and improved public sector operations. The combination of artificial intelligence with financial system improvements is intended to accelerate India's development targets across all regions.

Reforms Momentum

11:28 AM, February 1
Sitharaman stated that more than 350 reforms have been rolled out recently, declaring that "the reform express is well on its way." She emphasised that keeping Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) as a guiding principle, the government has built domestic manufacturing capacity, energy security, and reduced critical import dependencies.

Fiscal Deficit & Total Expenditure

11:35 AM, February 1
The fiscal deficit for FY27 is being targeted at around 4.16% of GDP, down from 4.4% in FY26. Total expenditure for FY 2026-27 is estimated at ₹54.1 lakh crore, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.9%. The government continues its path of fiscal consolidation, having brought the deficit down from the COVID-era high of 9.2%.

Defence & National Security

11:33 AM, February 1
The Defence Ministry had sought a 20% increase in military spending following the short but intense conflict with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. New Delhi is also likely to ease conditions for foreign investments into defence units. Under the 2025-26 budget, defence received ₹6.81 lakh crore — 9.5% higher than the previous year's estimate and the largest allocation among all ministries. The full FY27 defence figure is expected to be confirmed shortly in the budget documents.

Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors Announced

11:34AM, February 1
Sitharaman announced seven inter-city high-speed rail corridors, describing them as major growth connectors. The proposed routes are Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi, and Varanasi–Siliguri, aimed at improving connectivity, mobility and regional economic integration.

High-Speed Rail & Freight Corridors

11:31 AM, February 1
The government will develop seven high-speed rail corridors between cities as growth connectors: Mumbai to Pune, Pune to Hyderabad, Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Hyderabad to Chennai, Chennai to Bengaluru, Delhi to Varanasi, and Varanasi to Siliguri. Business Today To promote environmentally sustainable movement of cargo, FM proposed establishing new dedicated freight corridors connecting Dankuni in the east to Surat in the west, and making 20 new waterways operational over the next five years, starting with National Waterway 5 in Odisha.

Carbon Capture & Climate Initiatives

11:28 AM, February 1
The government proposed an outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next five years in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies to achieve higher readiness levels in end-use applications across the economy.

Municipal Bond Incentives & Medical Tourism

11:26 AM, February 1
The government proposed an incentive of ₹100 crore for single bond issuance by municipal corporations exceeding ₹1,000 crore. The government will also support states in setting up five hubs for medical tourism.

MSME & SME Support

11:22 AM, February 1
Recognising MSMEs as a vital growth engine, the Self Reliant India Fund will be topped up by ₹4,000 crore in 2026-27 to support micro, small, and medium enterprises. A new ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund was also proposed to create champion small and medium enterprises.

Chemical Parks & Legacy Industrial Revival

11:20 AM, February 1
FM Sitharaman proposed setting up three dedicated chemical parks to enhance domestic production and reduce import dependency She also announced a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters, alongside proposals for container manufacturing and a scheme to strengthen domestic production of construction and infrastructure equipment.

Manufacturing Scale-Up: Semiconductors, Biopharma & Rare Earths

11:20–11:25 AM, February 1
To scale up manufacturing in strategic and frontier sectors, FM Sitharaman proposed launching Biopharma SHAKTI, India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, and the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme. The budgetary allocation for electronic component manufacturing was raised to ₹40,000 crore. Biopharma SHAKTI carries an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years and will include three new national pharma institutes and upgrading seven existing ones. Dedicated rare earth corridors were announced to support mineral-rich states such as Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu for mining, processing, research, and manufacturing.

Bond Market Reforms & Financial Institution Restructuring

11:37 AM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined key measures to deepen India’s bond market and strengthen financial institutions. The government will introduce a formal market-making framework to improve liquidity in the corporate bond segment.

In addition, Power Finance Corporation and REC Limited will undergo restructuring. A provision of ₹100 crore will be allocated for a single bond issuance exceeding ₹1,000 crore. The Minister also confirmed that resident individuals living abroad will be allowed to invest directly in Indian equities.

Record Capital Expenditure & Waterways Expansion

11:33 AM, February 1
The government announced its highest-ever capital expenditure push, setting FY27 capex at ₹12.2 lakh crore. A major focus will be inland waterways, with plans to make 20 new routes operational over the next five years.

Public sector real estate assets will be monetised through Special REIT structures. Waterway connectivity will also be expanded in mineral-rich regions of Odisha. To support the sector’s growth, dedicated training institutes will be established to build a skilled workforce for the waterways ecosystem.

Rare Earth Magnet Push & Mineral Corridors

11:27 AM, February 1
The Finance Minister said the government will extend support to the rare earth permanent magnet scheme first introduced in November 2025. The aim is to strengthen domestic capacity in critical minerals.

Dedicated rare-earth corridors will be developed in mineral-rich states including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha to reinforce the supply chain and industrial base.

SME Funding Boost & Textile Skills Drive

11:23 AM, February 1
To stimulate small business growth, the Budget proposes a ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, alongside a ₹2,000 crore fund aimed specifically at micro enterprises. The TReDS platform will be leveraged to enhance liquidity access for MSMEs.

The Minister also announced a National Fibre Scheme and a new initiative to develop a structured textile skilling ecosystem, aimed at strengthening workforce capabilities in the sector.

Self-Reliance Drive Powers Manufacturing, Energy Security

11:23 AM, February 1
The government has placed self-reliance at the heart of its economic strategy, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, enhancing energy security, and reducing reliance on critical imports, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

She added that reforms have been designed to ensure broad public benefit, with measures aimed at job creation, higher farm productivity, stronger household spending power, and wider access to essential services. These efforts, she noted, have supported average economic growth of around 7 per cent, contributed to poverty reduction, and improved living standards.

In the technology and strategic sectors, the government announced a dedicated rare earth corridor to reinforce India’s position in critical minerals. Building on the progress of India’s Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 1.0, which expanded the country’s chipmaking capabilities, ISM 2.0 will focus on producing semiconductor equipment and materials, developing full-stack Indian intellectual property, and strengthening supply chains.

The Finance Minister also outlined a new BioPharma Strategy for Health Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation, aimed at advancing India’s digital healthcare ecosystem and fostering innovation in the life sciences sector.

Self-Reliance Drive Deepens as Budget Focuses on Industry, Energy and Technology

11:18 AM, February 1
The government has placed self-sufficiency at the heart of its economic approach, emphasising stronger domestic manufacturing, greater energy security and a steady reduction in reliance on key imports, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

She noted that policy decisions have also aimed to ensure broader public benefit. Reforms have centred on generating employment, improving farm productivity, enhancing household purchasing power and widening access to essential services. These measures, she said, have supported average economic growth of roughly 7 per cent, contributed to poverty reduction and lifted overall living standards across India.

As part of the latest Budget announcements, a dedicated rare earth corridor will be established to strengthen strategic supply chains. The minister also highlighted progress under the India Semiconductor Mission, saying its first phase broadened the country’s chipmaking capabilities. Building on that base, ISM 2.0 will focus on producing equipment and materials, developing end-to-end domestic intellectual property and reinforcing supply networks.

In healthcare, the proposed BioPharma Strategy for Health Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation is intended to reinforce the country’s digital health ecosystem while encouraging research-driven growth in the pharmaceutical sector.

Six-step Roadmap To Sustain India’s Lead

11:16 AM, February 1
Sitharaman presents a six-step roadmap aimed at sustaining India’s lead

Sitharaman’s Three Duties Framework

11:14AM, February 1
The government remains firmly committed to supporting the poor, marginalised and disadvantaged sections of society. As this marks the first Budget presented from Kartavya Bhavan, it is guided by three core duties.

The first duty is to drive faster and more durable economic expansion by improving productivity, strengthening competitiveness and building resilience against an uncertain global environment.

The second duty focuses on meeting the aspirations of citizens while enhancing their skills and capabilities, enabling them to become active contributors to the nation’s growth journey.

The third duty, aligned with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, is to ensure equitable access to opportunities and resources for every family, community, region and sector of the economy.

Reforms prioritised over rhetoric, says Finance Minister

11:09AM, February 1
The govt. has repeatedly opted for decisive action rather than hesitation, pushing through deep structural reforms while keeping a firm grip on fiscal discipline and monetary stability, Sitharaman said. Public investment has remained a central focus throughout. Since coming to power, she added, the administration has prioritised reform over rhetoric.

Budget 2026-2027 – A Historic Address

11:06AM, February 1
FM Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2026-2027, opening what is being described as a historic address.

FM Sitharaman set to present Budget 2026 in Parliament at 11AM

10:46AM, February 1
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Budget in Parliament at 11AM. Ahead of the presentation in the Lok Sabha, she met President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and formally hander over a copy of the digital budget.

Cabinet has cleared Union Budget 2026

10:44AM, February 1
The Cabinet has cleared the Union Budget 2026. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will now head to the Lok Sabha, where she is set to deliver her budget speech. Reports suggest that Part B of her address will receive particular emphasis, outlining both the short-term and long-term plans for India’s economy.

Cabinet Meeting in progress

10:41AM, February 1
The Cabinet meeting is currently in progress at the Parliament to approve the Union Budget proposal. Formal approval is expected shortly.

Trade sector calls for higher spending to drive growth

10:30AM, February 1
IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director Ajit Mangrulkar said expectations from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman remain optimistic. He noted that the upcoming budget is likely to remain growth-focussed, in line with previous budgets, and the fiscal deficit is under control.

However, he believed there is room for higher govt. spending, as accelerating growth should be the priority. Mangrulkar added that the govt. is stable and committed to sustaining the current growth trajectory. He also expects more investments in infrastructure, with significant emphasis on technology, and an increase in defence spending, while anticipating limited changes in personal taxation.

Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister arrive at Parliament

10:03 AM, February 1
Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrive at the Parliament ahead of Niramala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget presentation.

Dahi-cheeni ceremony

9:58 AM, February 1
President Draupadi Murmu fed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam the customary dahi-cheeni before she begins presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget

Union Budget 2026 Live

9:08 AM : 01 Feb 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her team step out with the budget tablet ahead of the presentation.

8:30 AM : 01 Feb 2026
Foreign institutional investors turned net buyers with ₹2251 Cr inflows ahead of the Budget 2026 session, signalling selective risk appetite before key announcements.

8:15 AM : 01 Feb 2026
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present budget at 11Am in Lok Sabha