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Budget 2025

Union Budget 2025: Upper hand to middle class

Updated on Feb 02, 2025 08:58 AM IST
The Union Budget 2025-26 announced a tax rebate that would mean people earning up to 12 lakh do not pay any tax at all; the arrival of a much-awaited reform, the new income tax bill, next week; and a continued focus on productive capital expenditure. (Samir Jana/HT Photo)

Empowerment, growth, and tax relief: Economists cheer Union budget

For representation only (Sourced)
Published on Feb 02, 2025 05:06 AM IST

Budget touches all four key engines of growth: India Inc

A Budget viewing session organised in Lucknow on Saturday (HT)
Published on Feb 02, 2025 08:46 AM IST

Income tax salary-wise details: How to calculate tax if pay is over 12.75 lac

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks in Parliament.
Updated on Feb 01, 2025 08:34 PM IST

Homeowners get simpler tax rules, higher limits in Sitharaman's budget

(Representative picture) For homeowners stuck in delayed projects, the budget introduced a new SWAMIH Fund 2 with a corpus of 15,000 crore (HT Photo)
Updated on Feb 02, 2025 07:02 AM IST

Relief for senior citizens earning interest, but worries remain

The budget also exempted withdrawals from old National Savings Scheme accounts after August 29, 2024. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)
Updated on Feb 02, 2025 09:54 AM IST

Thumbs up or down? How INDIA bloc reacted to Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the media on the first day of the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi on January 31, 2025. (Sanjeev Verma/ Hindustan Times)
Updated on Feb 02, 2025 09:55 AM IST

What the Budget 2025 means for economic reforms

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman addresses a post-budget press conference in New Delhi on Saturday.
Published on Feb 02, 2025 01:16 AM IST

Finance minister rejigs import tariffs to boost local manufacturing

PREMIUM
People watch the live telecast of Union Budget 2025 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha of the Parliament, at a television showroom in Ranchi, India on Saturday. (ANI)
Updated on Feb 03, 2025 10:35 AM IST

Key Announcements

Key Announcements

Market Update

30 Budgets post Liberalisation in India

Economy Snapshot

Budget Glossary

Budget 2025: What it means for you
The Union Budget is more than a financial statement - it is a roadmap that charts India's economic trajectory. As we gear up for Budget 2025, here’s a closer look at the numbers, milestones, and history that make this event so significant.


Looking back: How Budgets have shaped India’s economy
India’s Union Budgets reflect the country’s evolving priorities and challenges. Here’s how they’ve paved the way for India’s economic growth:



  • Post-Independence Era (1947-1970s):
    In the early years, budgets focused on building a self-reliant economy with investments in industries and public sector enterprises. The first Budget, presented by R.K. Shanmukham Chetty in 1947, allocated 92.74 crore for defence - a stark reminder of post-Partition challenges.
  • The Liberalisation Revolution (1980s-1990s):
    The 1991 Budget, presented by then Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, is widely regarded as a turning point in India’s economic history. It introduced bold reforms, slashed import duties, and opened the economy to foreign investment, pulling India out of a severe economic crisis.
  • Inclusive Growth (2000s):
    Budgets in this period prioritized rural development, education, and healthcare. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was a hallmark initiative aimed at providing employment in rural areas.
  • Digital and Green Push (2019-2024):
    Under Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, budgets in recent years have focused on digital infrastructure, green energy, and initiatives such as the Digital India program and the Gati Shakti master plan for logistics.


Budget 2025: Numbers to watch
As the Narendra Modi government prepares to unveil its plans, here are the key metrics and allocations to follow:


  1. Fiscal Deficit:
    The government aims to reduce the fiscal deficit, which was set at 4.9% of GDP in the last budget. This will indicate how much the government plans to borrow.
  2. Capital Expenditure:
    The previous budget allocated a record 11.11 trillion for infrastructure projects. A further increase could highlight a continued emphasis on growth-driving initiatives.
  3. Healthcare and Education Spending:
    Expect allocations for health infrastructure, medical research, and education technology to address post-pandemic challenges and skill gaps.
  4. Green Energy Initiatives:
    Renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture are expected to be big-ticket items, with increased subsidies and incentives.


Did You Know?


  • Longest Budget Speech:
    Nirmala Sitharaman holds the record for the longest Budget speech, delivering it over 2 hours and 42 minutes in 2020.
  • Budget Time Shift:
    Until 1999, the Budget was presented at 5 PM, a legacy of British rule. Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha changed it to 11 AM, aligning with Indian working hours.
  • First Digital Budget:
    In 2021, Nirmala Sitharaman ditched paper documents and presented India’s first fully digital Budget on a tablet.
  • Budget Date Shift:
    The Budget presentation was advanced to February 1 in 2017 to allow ministries enough time to implement fiscal measures from April 1, the start of the financial year.


Why Budget 2025 matters
Budget 2025 has the potential to shape India’s economic landscape for years to come. Whether it’s tax relief for households, incentives for businesses, or investments in healthcare and education, the decisions made this year will influence millions of lives.



People’s budget to unlock spending, says PM Modi

Updated on Feb 02, 2025 03:36 AM IST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks on the Union Budget in Delhi on Saturday. (DPR PMO)

Homeowners can now claim tax relief on two properties

Budget 2025: Homeowners can now claim nil valuation for two self-occupied properties instead of one. (Representational photo)
Updated on Feb 02, 2025 01:29 PM IST

Which apartment type can you target with an income of up to 12 lakh?

Budget 2025 exempts income up to 12 lakh from taxation under the new regime. This makes homeownership more accessible for those in this income bracket. (Representational photo)
Published on Feb 01, 2025 06:50 PM IST

TDS limit on rent increased from 2.4 lakh to 6 lakh

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on February 1 that the TDS threshold for rental income will be raised from 2.4 lakh per year to 6 lakh per year.
Published on Feb 01, 2025 06:43 PM IST

What Budget 2025 means for homebuyers: More money in hand to boost real estate

To boost disposable income and increase affordability for middle-class homebuyers, the Finance Minister on February 1 increased the income tax exemption limit to 12 lakh under the new regime. (Representational photo)
Updated on Feb 02, 2025 01:30 PM IST

FM announces SWAMIH fund 2.0 for completion of 1 lakh stalled projects

To help homebuyers stuck with delayed projects, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on February 1 that a SWAMIH Fund 2 will be established with 15000 crore allocation to help complete an additional 1 lakh housing units. (Picture for representational purposes only)
Published on Feb 01, 2025 04:53 PM IST

Real Estate Sector's Expectations from Budget 2025

The real estate sector hopes that Budget 2025 will prioritize affordable housing and provide incentives for developers to build budget-friendly homes. (Representational photo)
Published on Feb 01, 2025 10:20 AM IST

Will affordable housing subsidies be revived in Budget 2025?

With Budget 2025 just a few hours away, real estate experts are urging urgent reforms to boost affordable housing and enhance homeownership for the middle class. (Representational photo)
Published on Feb 01, 2025 10:21 AM IST

Economic Survey 2024-2025: Around 1.18 crore houses sanctioned under PMAY-Urban

Economic Survey 2024-25 said on Jan 31 that as many as 1.18 crore houses have been sanctioned to beneficiaries of The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), and over 89 lakh have been completed. (Picture for representational purposes only)
Updated on Jan 31, 2025 04:41 PM IST

Economic survey on real estate sector: Stability and infra growth driving demand

Economic stability and infrastructure growth driving real estate demand across the country, the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament on January 31 has said. (Picture for representational purposes only)
Updated on Jan 31, 2025 08:28 PM IST

Budget 2025 expectations highlights: What India wants from FM Nirmala Sitharaman

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Budget 2025 expectations highlights: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pictured at the Lok Sabha on July 23, with the Union Budget
Updated on Jan 31, 2025 06:29 PM IST

Budget 2025 expectations: What industry asks from Sitharaman's 8th budget

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Budget 2025 expectations highlights: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the sixth Pre-Budget Consultation with experts and representatives from the health and education sectors in connection with the forthcoming Union Budget 2025-26, in New Delhi, Monday, Dec. 30, 2024.
Updated on Jan 31, 2025 10:06 AM IST

Budget 2025 expectations highlights: Income tax changes, new sectoral policies

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Budget 2025 expectations highlights: File photo of Nirmala Sitharaman, carrying the Finance Budget ahead of the presentation of interim Budget 2024 in Parliament on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Updated on Jan 29, 2025 04:07 PM IST

Budget 2025 expectations highlights: Tax reforms, industry incentives and more

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Budget 2025 expectations highlights: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chairs a meeting on Pre-Budget Consultation with states and union territories (with legislature) for the forthcoming Union Budget 2025-26, in Jaisalmer
Updated on Jan 29, 2025 07:55 AM IST

Budget 2025 date and time: When will FM Nirmala Sitharaman present the budget?

Budget 2025 date and time: File photo of Nirmala Sitharaman, carrying the Finance Budget ahead of the presentation of interim Budget 2024 in Parliament on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Updated on Jan 27, 2025 04:40 PM IST
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