Budget 2026: Timings, key expectations, stock market update | All you need to know

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented before both houses of the parliament by Nirmala Sitharaman at 11 am on February 1, Sunday.

Published on: Jan 31, 2026, 12:55:15 IST

By Shivya Kanojia

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026 on February 1. While the budget is traditionally presented on this date every year, February 1 this time falls on a Sunday, making the occasion a rare one. This will be the ninth consecutive budget to be presented by Sitharaman, plus one interim budget.

This will be Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Budget speech. (PTI)

This year’s Budget is widely regarded as a defining moment—one where the government must walk the tightrope between maintaining fiscal prudence and providing the strategic fuel needed for growth, jobs, and global status.

Also read| Union Budget 2026: Key expectations — from income tax to GST-style customs overhaul

Budget 2026 date and timings

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented before both houses of the parliament by Nirmala Sitharaman at 11 am on February 1, Sunday.

Also read| Union budget 2026: How income tax slabs changed over the years

What are key expectations from Budget 2026?

Here's a look at the key budget expectations:

With the new and simplified Income Tax Act, 2025, coming into effect from 1 April 2026, the industry expects the budget to outline transition provisions, rules and FAQ for better understanding.
A hike in the standard deduction to encourage individuals to shift to the new income tax regime from the old regime.
Rationalisation of TDS categories into fewer rates, slabs.
Overhaul of customs duty into fewer tax slabs and an amnesty scheme to unlock ₹1.53 lakh crore stuck in disputes, and procedural simplification to boost ease of doing business.
Focus on reducing India's Debt-to-GDP ratio from FY27.
Higher defence budget in view of rising geopolitical tensions.
Outlay for Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar & Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) scheme under which cost will be shared between the Centre and States in a 60:40 ratio.
Provision for the 8th Pay Commission, which came into effect on 1 January 2026.
Tax devolution to states, in line with the recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission.
Incentives for MSMEs and tariff-sensitive sectors, like gems & jewellery, apparel and leather.
Funding for exploration and processing of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and rare earth magnets.

Will stock market open on Budget Day?

Since the budget is being presented on Sunday, the unusual timing has raised questions among investors about whether the stock markets will remain closed on the day.

Clearing the uncertainty, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have announced that equity markets will remain open for trading on Sunday, February 1.

"On account of the presentation of the Union Budget, members are requested to note that Exchange shall be conducting a live trading session on February 01, 2026, as per the standard market timings (9:15 am–3:30 pm)," NSE said in a circular.

The pre-open market will start at 9 am and end at 9.08 am, and the normal market will function between 9.15 am and 3.30 pm, according to a circular issued by NSE.

Where and how to watch Budget 2026 speech?

People can watch live coverage of the Union Budget 2026 on Hindustan Times.com website or the official YouTube channel.
People can also watch the government’s broadcast live through the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha feeds, available in multiple languages on the Sansad TV YouTube channel.
The state-owned Doordarshan (DD) channels will also broadcast the Budget Session live on February 1.
In addition, the live feed will be accessible on the official Union Budget website (indiabudget.gov.in), as well as through the Finance Ministry’s and Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) official social media platforms.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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