BSE and NSE Stock Exchanges to Remain Open on Sunday, February 1 for Union Budget 2026 Session

India's major stock exchanges, BSE and NSE, have confirmed that there will be a regular trading session on Sunday, February 1, to accommodate the presentation of Union Budget 2026, as per news reports. Markets will follow their standard operational hours, aligning with previous budget-day practices observed in earlier years. 

Budget Day Trading Confirmed for February 1, a Sunday 

On January 16, BSE and NSE released circulars announcing that the stock markets will remain operational on Sunday, February 1, despite it being a weekend. This decision is linked to the presentation of the Union Budget 2026, scheduled for 11:00 am by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha. 

The trading session on this day will be conducted as per standard exchange hours, starting at 9:15 am and closing at 3:30 pm. This move ensures that market participants can react in real time to policy announcements made during the budget speech. 

Historical Precedent for Budget Day Sessions 

Keeping the market open on budget day has been followed in past instances. For example, the stock market remained operational on Saturday, February 1, 2020, and Saturday, February 1, 2025, to coincide with budget presentations. Another notable budget session took place on Saturday, February 28, 2015. 

This practice facilitates immediate market response and trading activity around key announcements related to taxation, economic planning, and fiscal measures proposed during the annual budget exercise. 

Read More: Budget 2026: Highways Outlay Likely To Rise Marginally To ₹2.90 Lakh Crore! 

Budget Timing, Economic Survey and Market Expectations 

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented at 11:00 am on February 1. Typically, the Ministry of Finance also releases the Economic Survey the previous day, followed by a detailed press conference led by the Chief Economic Advisor. Budget documentation outlines the country’s revenue and expenditure plans and highlights government initiatives for the upcoming financial year. 

In alignment with the event, the Department of Economic Affairs is responsible for budget document preparation and data compilation. The market session on February 1 will allow stakeholders to process and respond to key fiscal announcements during trading hours. 

Conclusion 

With February 1 falling on a Sunday in 2026, BSE and NSE’s decision to conduct a full trading session ensures market continuity and real-time engagement with the Union Budget presentation. This approach aligns with practices followed in other budget years where the date coincided with a weekend. 

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