Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: Benchmark Indices NSE and BSE Fell Sharply Over 1%, STT on Futures Rose to 0.05%

FM proposed a special one-time measure to facilitate sale in domestic tariff area at concessional rate of duty by eligible manufacturing units of special economic zones (SEZs). 

This will address the concerns arising about utilisation of capacities by manufacturing units in the SEZs units due to high tariffs in the US.

Here’s a ranking of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speeches from longest to shortest:

The Budget aims to improve the lives of ordinary citizens through higher farm incomes and rural employment via fisheries, animal husbandry, and digital agriculture.

It also focuses on expanding education, skills, and hostels with new institutes and university townships, easing credit and support for MSMEs, enhancing healthcare with more professionals, hospitals, and mental health facilities, and boosting urban growth and connectivity through new high-speed rail corridors.

Despite the Sensex dropping 1,140 points and Nifty50 down 356 points after the STT hike announcement, MAXHEALTH (+3.35%), WIPRO (+1.41%), and SUNPHARMA (+1.27%) led the gainers. TCS rose 0.68%, and DRREDDY edged up 0.64%, showing resilience amid the market fall.

Shares of select companies declined during midday trade on February 1, with metals, finance, and FMCG stocks among the biggest losers (as of 12:56 PM).

FM Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the Finance Bill 2026 in the Lok Sabha. The House is adjourned until Monday. 

GST collections for FY26 are projected at ₹11.78 lakh crore, marking an 11% increase year-on-year. Estimates for FY27 will be closely watched, especially as rate adjustments since September 2025 are expected to support higher consumption and improved compliance. 

All official Budget 2026 documents, including the Annual Financial Statement, Demand for Grants, and Finance Bill, will be accessible via the Union Budget mobile app and the Union Budget Web Portal (indiabudget.gov.in). The app is available for both Android and iOS, and the documents will be uploaded shortly. 

The Sensex has tumbled sharply as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded her budget speech. At 12:45 PM:

• Nifty: 24,965.05, -1.79%
• Sensex: 81,294.28, -1.54%

• The fiscal deficit for 2026-27 has been set at 4.3% of GDP, underlining the government’s focus on fiscal consolidation.
• Capital expenditure has been raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27, up from ₹11.2 lakh crore in the current fiscal.
• The debt-to-GDP ratio is targeted at 55.6% for 2026-27, slightly lower than the 56.1% estimated for this year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Indian equity markets tumbled following the presentation of the Union Budget, with the Sensex plunging over 1,000 points and the Nifty slipping below the 25,000 mark as investors digested the fiscal announcements. 

The Finance Minister has announced strategic shifts in customs duties aimed at lowering input costs for critical manufacturing sectors:

• Extension of basic customs duty exemption for capital goods used in manufacturing Battery Energy Storage Systems
• Full customs duty exemption on sodium antimonate, a key raw material for high-quality solar glass production
• To accelerate India's carbon-free baseload power, all imports of goods for nuclear power projects are now exempt from customs duty until 2035
• The limit for duty-free imports of essential inputs for seafood processing has been tripled, from 1% to 3% of the FOB value
• New provisions allow for duty-free imports of specified inputs to support the leather export value chain

The Nifty VIX, which measures market volatility, surged 14.32% to 15.28 on February 1, 2026. The index opened at 13.37, touched a high of 14.23, and a low of 12.88 during the session.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an allocation of ₹5,000 crore over five years to develop City Economic Regions (CERs).

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction in the TCS rate under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for education and medical expenses from 5% to 2%, easing the burden on overseas remittances for these purposes.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed reducing the customs tariff on all dutiable goods imported for personal use from 20% to 10%, easing the cost of imports for individuals.

The government has proposed exempting basic customs duty on components and parts used in manufacturing civilian training and other aircraft. Additionally, raw materials imported for producing aircraft parts for maintenance, repair, or overhaul by defence units will also be exempt, aiming to promote growth and self-reliance in India’s aviation sector.

A strategic tax framework is launched to establish India as the Data Capital of the World:

• Any foreign company providing global cloud services using Indian Data Centers will enjoy a tax holiday until 2047
• To reduce litigation in the software sector, the government aims to fast-track the Advance Pricing Agreement process
• An ambitious goal is set to conclude the APA process, crucial for determining transfer pricing for IT services, within a 2-year window

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed introducing a capital tax on share buybacks as part of the Union Budget 2026 announcements. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a five-year income tax exemption for non-residents who supply capital goods and equipment to toll manufacturers operating in bonded zones, aimed at boosting manufacturing and investment. 

The government has proposed that TDS on immovable property sales by non-residents will be deducted and deposited by resident buyers using their PAN-based challan. 

This removes the requirement for a TAN (Tax Deduction Account Number), making compliance easier for NRIs.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a dedicated programme to make India self-reliant in cashew and cocoa production and processing, aiming to enhance competitiveness and position Indian cashew and cocoa as premium global brands by 2030.

On sandalwood, she announced plans to collaborate with state governments to promote focused cultivation and post-harvest processing, revitalising India’s sandalwood ecosystem.

Additionally, a programme will support the rejuvenation of old orchards and the expansion of high-density cultivation of walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts to boost farmer incomes and encourage youth participation in value addition.

• Taxpayers can now revise ITR with a nominal fee until March 31
• Taxpayers can now update their returns even after reassessment is complete by paying an additional 10% tax
• Interest awarded by Motor Accident Claims Tribunals to individuals is now fully exempt from Income Tax, and all associated TDS is removed

 Filing Deadlines:

•  ITR-1 and ITR-2: Deadline remains July 31
• Trusts and Non-Audit Businesses: Extended filing allowed until August 31

For simpler compliance, resident buyers of NRI property will now deduct TDS without needing a TAN

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a reduction in the TCS rate under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for education and medical expenses from 5% to 2%, easing the burden on overseas remittances for these purposes. 

The government has announced plans to raise ₹11.7 lakh crore in FY27 through dated securities to finance its fiscal deficit. 

Shares of key healthcare companies saw positive movement during the Budget session as investors reacted to policy measures promoting medical tourism and healthcare infrastructure.

The Union Budget 2026 proposed developing five regional medical hubs through public–private partnerships, integrating hospitals, education, diagnostics, and post-care facilities. Stocks such as Max Healthcare, Medanta (Global Health Ltd), and Apollo Hospitals traded higher in response to these announcements.

Roadmap to elevate India from a "back-office" to a global high-end services and care hub:

• A high-powered Education-to-Employment and Enterprise (E2E) Standing Committee to established to optimise the services growth potential and audit the impact of AI on jobs.
• Launch a scheme to support States in setting up 5 Regional Medical Hubs in partnership with the private sector.
• A massive push to upgrade existing nursing and paramedic institutions, plus new private/govt Allied Health Professional (AHP) institutes to meet global demand.
• For the first time, a dedicated "Strong Care System" for the elderly proposed, alongside training 1.5 lakh specialised caregivers.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop ecologically sustainable mountain trails in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, as well as in the Araku Valley of the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats. The government will also create turtle trails near major nesting sites in Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala to promote eco-tourism. 

Building on the success of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, the government plans to help women transition from credit-linked livelihoods to enterprise ownership. Self-Help Entrepreneur (SHE) Marts will be set up as community-owned retail outlets within cluster-level federations, supported by enhanced and innovative financing, enabling women to advance in entrepreneurship. 

To encourage environmentally sustainable cargo transport, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed the development of new freight corridors linking Dankuni in eastern India to Surat in the west. She also announced plans to operationalise 20 new national waterways over the next 5 years.

FM has introduced several "next-gen" infrastructure reforms aimed at attracting private capital and lowering logistics costs:

• Launch Infra Risk Guarantee Fund to help private developers manage and mitigate construction-phase risks
• Introduction of dedicated REITs to recycle the high-value assets of CPSEs
• 20 new National Waterways to be operationalised within 5 years
• Regional Institutes of Excellence for waterways training
• New ship repair hubs in Varanasi and Patna to service inland vessels
• A new Coastal Cargo Scheme to significantly increase the share of water-based transport
• Strategic support for indigenous seaplane manufacturing to solve last-mile connectivity in remote and island regions

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new scheme to position India as a global medical tourism destination, with support for states to establish five regional medical tourism hubs across the country. 

The government announced plans to set up NIMHANS 2.0, a premier mental health institute in North India, aimed at expanding access to quality mental healthcare and research facilities. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a new coconut production scheme aimed at improving productivity and strengthening the sector.  She said, "To diversify farm outputs, increase productivity, enhance farmer income, we will support high value such as coconut, cashew, coco in coastal areas and nuts such as walnuts and pinenuts,". 

The Centre announced plans to promote astrophysics and astronomy through immersive learning initiatives and by establishing or upgrading telescope infrastructure across the country. Major projects include the National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical Infrared Telescope, Himalayan Chandra Telescope, and the Cosmos 2 Planetarium. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Khelo India Mission, outlining a long-term push to promote sports and athletic development across the country over the next ten years. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop 15 archaeological sites into lively cultural experience destinations, aiming to strengthen tourism and showcase India’s heritage. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that one girls’ hostel will be set up in each district under the VGF scheme to support female students facing challenges due to long hours of study and laboratory work, thereby improving access to education. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a ₹20,000 crore outlay to roll out a carbon capture and utilisation scheme, targeting high-emission sectors such as steel and cement. 

During the Budget 2026 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will train 10,000 tourist guides to boost tourism services and improve visitor experience across the country. 

In her Budget 2026 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the establishment of 3 new All India Institutes for Ayurveda, aimed at strengthening India’s traditional healthcare and research ecosystem. 

During the Budget 2026 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the proposal to form a high-level committee on banking, aimed at strengthening the financial system in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat. 

During the Budget 2026 speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the proposal to form a high-level committee on banking, aimed at strengthening the financial system in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop 7 high-speed rail corridors across key regions of the country. The proposed routes include Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Bengaluru–Varanasi, and Varanasi–Siliguri, aimed at boosting faster and more efficient connectivity. 

The government announced plans to develop new dedicated freight corridors connecting Dankuni in eastern India to Surat in the west, along with a proposal to operationalise 20 new national waterways over the next 5 years to support environmentally sustainable cargo transportation. 

The government has increased capital expenditure (Capex) to ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27. 

Pharma and healthcare stocks moved higher after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to position India as a bio-pharma development hub. Following the statement, the Nifty Pharma and BSE Healthcare indices rose between 1.7% and 2% during trade. 

The government has proposed a dedicated ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund aimed at encouraging enterprises and supporting job creation, with incentives to be provided based on defined eligibility criteria. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to support mineral-rich states, including Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, in establishing dedicated rare earth corridors, building on the rare earth permanent magnets scheme launched in November 2025. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India’s Semiconductor Mission 1.0 helped expand the country’s semiconductor capabilities. Building on this success, the government will launch ISM 2.0, aiming to produce semiconductor equipment and materials, develop full-stack Indian IP, and strengthen supply chains, further bolstering India’s technology ecosystem. 

The Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, launched in 2025, has already attracted investment commitments twice its original target. The government now plans to increase the scheme’s outlay to ₹40,000 crore to further boost electronics manufacturing in India.  

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the government has implemented over 350 reforms aimed at boosting employment and economic growth. Key measures include GST rationalisation and the revocation of quality control orders to improve business efficiency. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a BioPharma Strategy aimed at advancing healthcare through knowledge, technology, and innovation, stating that the initiative will help strengthen India’s digital healthcare ecosystem. 

FM Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “Today, we operate in a global environment where trade and multilateralism face challenges, and access to resources and supply chains is disrupted. Emerging technologies are reshaping production while driving higher demand for water, energy, and critical minerals. India will continue to advance confidently towards Vikasit Bharat, balancing ambition with inclusion.” 

“Since taking office 12 years ago, India’s economic journey has been defined by stability,” said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has begun her ninth consecutive Union Budget speech in the Lok Sabha, marking a historic milestone in India’s fiscal history. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to make history on Sunday by presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget. The Budget aims to support economic growth, maintain fiscal discipline, and push reforms to protect India from global trade pressures, including potential US tariffs. 

PSU bank shares, including Bank of Maharashtra, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, and State Bank of India, are in focus today as the government is likely to outline the Banking Governance Bill during today’s Budget proceedings as mentioned in news reports. 

Since 1947, India has presented a total of 73 annual Budgets, 14 interim Budgets, and 4 special or mini-Budgets. 

On Budget Day, the Union Cabinet convenes at 10 AM at the Sansad Bhavan. After the Cabinet approves the Budget proposals, the Finance Minister moves to Parliament to present the Union Budget. 

The Union Cabinet is currently in session at Parliament, with approval for the Union Budget 2026 expected shortly. 

Indian equity markets opened lower on February 1, with metal stocks under pressure ahead of the Union Budget 2026. Investors remained cautious, awaiting policy signals on customs duties, mining reforms, and domestic manufacturing, while shares of aluminium, zinc, and copper companies such as Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta, and more dragged the benchmark indices lower. 

Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary stated, “Over the past 11 years, Budgets presented under the Prime Minister’s leadership have reflected the aspirations of the people and aimed at driving the country forward. The Budget being presented today is aligned with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.” 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to deliver her Budget speech at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha. The Budget documents will be made available on the official mobile app and website once her speech concludes. 

As of December 2025, the Centre’s fiscal deficit stood at ₹8.55 lakh crore, or 54.5% of the annual budget estimate for 2025-26, compared with 56.7% during the same period last year, according to data released on January 30. The fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is projected at 4.4% of GDP, or ₹15.69 lakh crore, while total receipts up to December reached around ₹25.25 lakh crore, or 72.2% of the corresponding estimate. 

India’s goods and services tax (GST) collections for January stood at ₹1,93,384 crore, marking a 6.2% increase compared to the same month last year. The growth was driven by robust domestic activity and higher import revenues, the government reported. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Parliament ahead of the Union Budget 2026-27 presentation. 

The Cabinet meeting is set to begin at 10:15 AM. Following the Cabinet’s approval of the proposals, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will head to Parliament to present the Union Budget. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a copy of the Union Budget to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived at Parliament on Sunday to attend the Cabinet meeting ahead of presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 in the Lok Sabha. She is set to present her 9th consecutive Budget, with the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to approve the proposals before the official presentation during the ongoing Budget session. 

Ahead of her ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation, President Droupadi Murmu fed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the customary ‘dahi-cheeni’ (curd and sugar), following the traditional ritual. 

ITC share prices are under pressure as the new cigarette tax takes effect from Feb 1. The stock fell 20% in January, while investors await further clarity during Budget 2026 announcements. 

India’s Union Budget is prepared by the Budget Division of the Department of Economic Affairs under the Finance Ministry. The division collaborates with central ministries, state governments, and other departments to finalise estimates, allocations, and policy priorities. 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by her team, paid a visit to President Droupadi Murmu ahead of presenting the Union Budget. 

Defence stocks Bharat Electronics (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and more are in focus as investors track possible announcements related to capital expenditure and policy support for the sector in the Union Budget. Companies across defence manufacturing and allied segments, including shipbuilding, aerospace and defence electronics, remain on watchlists after strong sector performance and rising defence spending in recent years, with detailed measures expected to emerge in the Budget. 

Following the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will hold an interaction with around 30 college students from different parts of India. The initiative reflects the government’s emphasis on youth engagement and possible student-focused measures announced in the Budget. 

Indian benchmark indices opened on a mixed note on Budget Day, with the Nifty 50 trading at 25,285.70, down 30.60 points or 0.12% at 9:21 AM, after opening at 25,333.75. Meanwhile, the BSE Sensex edged slightly higher to 82,281.64 at 9:23 AM, up 11.86 points or 0.01% from its previous close of 82,269.78, after opening at 82,388.97. 

On the morning of Budget Day, the Finance Minister visits the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan to obtain formal approval before presenting the Union Budget in Parliament. As part of a long-standing tradition, the President offers curd and sugar to the Finance Minister, symbolising good luck ahead of the important responsibility. The customary meeting is scheduled to take place today as well. 

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, arrived at Kartavya Bhawan ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha as part of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament. Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Budget at 11 AM today, marking her ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation. 

Welcome to Union Budget 2026 Live coverage by Angel One. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her 9th consecutive Union Budget today, marking a rare Sunday presentation in recent times. 

With the Budget Session of Parliament running from January 28 to April 2, 2026, expectations are high following last year’s significant tax relief measures, including income up to ₹12 lakh being made tax-free and the standard deduction raised to ₹75,000. 

Stay with us for live updates, key announcements, policy developments, and more as the country closely tracks one of the most important financial events of the year.