FM Sitharaman May Present Union Budget 2026 on February 1: What We Know So Far

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to present the Union Budget for 2026 on Sunday, February 1, according to news reports from Business Today. The final decision is expected to be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), which is scheduled to meet shortly to decide the Budget Session dates and the exact day of the Budget presentation.

Why is February 1 Still Under Discussion?

February 1 falling on a Sunday has created some uncertainty around the Budget schedule. Traditionally, the Union Budget has often been presented on February 1, but doing so on a weekend would be unusual. To address this, the CCPA is expected to finalise whether the government will go ahead with a Sunday presentation or adjust the schedule.

As per indications so far, the Budget Session of Parliament may begin on January 28, starting with the President’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses. The Economic Survey, which outlines the state of the economy and sets the context for the Budget, is expected to be tabled on January 29. With January 30 and 31 likely to be holidays, February 1 could emerge as the most practical date for the Budget.

Budget 2026 Preparations Already Underway

Preparatory work for Budget 2026 is already at an advanced stage. The finance ministry has completed pre-Budget consultations with various stakeholders between October and mid-November 2025. These discussions help gather inputs from industry, economists, farmers, and other groups.

In parallel, Budget Estimates for 2026–27 and Revised Estimates for 2025–26 have been provisionally finalised. The ministry is also awaiting updated GDP estimates from the Central Statistical Office, which will play a key role in shaping fiscal numbers such as the deficit, expenditure plans, and revenue projections.

FM Sitharaman’s Budget Legacy

If Budget 2026 is presented as planned, it will further add to Nirmala Sitharaman’s long list of Budget presentations. Last year, she delivered her eighth consecutive Union Budget, placing her among India’s most experienced finance ministers. India’s Budget tradition dates back to 1947, and over the decades, it has remained a key event for setting economic priorities.

Read more: Top SIP Stocks for January 2026: Hindalco, BEL, NTPC, and Others Based on 5Y CAGR and D/E Ratio.

Conclusion

While there is no official confirmation yet, all signs point to February 1, 2026, as the likely date for the Union Budget. The final word will come after the CCPA meeting. As expectations build, markets, businesses, and households will be closely watching for clarity on the date and the broader economic direction the Budget may outline.

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