Budget 2026: Key Date, Timings, and Where to Watch the Live Budget
- Rajesh Kumar Kar
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Every year, as February approaches, one question starts trending across search engines and conversations: When is the Union Budget and what time will it be presented? The budget 2026 is no different. People from all walks of life look for clear and quick answers because the Union Budget is not just a government formality. It directly affects taxes, prices, jobs, savings, and economic direction for the entire year.
Knowing the date and timing of Budget 2026 matters because many important announcements are made during the budget speech itself. Income tax changes, spending plans, and policy signals are first revealed live during the presentation. This is why people actively search for budget timing, budget date, and where to watch the live budget every year.
In a digital-first world, more viewers now prefer to watch the budget live rather than read summaries later. This makes accurate information about the budget schedule and live viewing options even more important.
Table of Contents
Budget 2026 Date and Time
The Union Budget 2026 will be presented on Sunday, 1 February 2026, at 11:00 AM IST.
This is a rare occurrence. While budgets have been presented on different weekdays over the years, this is the first time in India’s history that the Union Budget is being presented on a Sunday. The date itself follows an established practice, but the day makes Budget 2026 stand out.
Since 2017, the presentation of the Union Budget has been consistently scheduled for 1 February, a shift introduced to ensure smoother implementation of financial proposals before the new financial year begins on 1 April. Over the years, this date has fallen on various weekdays and even Saturdays, but never before on a Sunday.
Despite the unusual day, the budget presentation time remains unchanged at 11 AM, which has become the standard morning timing for Union Budgets.
Why the Budget Is Presented on 1 February
Presenting the budget on 1 February gives the government sufficient time to:
Debate and pass financial proposals in Parliament
Secure approvals for taxation and expenditure
Implement policy changes from the start of the new financial year
This timing ensures continuity and avoids delays in executing tax and spending measures.
Budget Session 2026: Key Dates and Schedule
The Budget Session of Parliament for 2026 has been approved by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and will be conducted in two phases, as is customary.
Below is an overview of the important dates related to the Budget Session 2026:
Date | Event |
January 28, 2026 | Beginning of the Budget Session |
January 29, 2026 | Presentation of the Economic Survey |
February 1, 2026 | Presentation of Union Budget 2026 |
February 13, 2026 | End of the first phase of the Budget Session |
March 9, 2026 | Start of the second phase of the Budget Session |
April 2, 2026 | Conclusion of the Budget Session |
The two-phase structure allows Members of Parliament adequate time to study budget proposals, debate them, and pass the necessary financial legislation.
Who Will Present Budget 2026?
The Union Budget 2026 will be presented by Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister of India, in the Lok Sabha.
This presentation holds special importance on multiple levels. First, it will be her ninth consecutive Union Budget, making her one of the longest-serving Finance Ministers to present back-to-back budgets. This reflects continuity in leadership and a consistent approach to fiscal policymaking over several years.
Second, Budget 2026 will be the second full annual budget of the government’s third term. This gives the budget added significance, as it is expected to move beyond interim or transition-focused measures and instead reflect more settled policy priorities. Such budgets usually carry clearer direction on taxation, public spending, and long-term reforms.
From an administrative perspective, the presentation also signals stability in economic governance. Markets, businesses, and investors often view continuity in leadership as a factor that reduces uncertainty and supports predictable policymaking.
Where to Watch Budget 2026 Live
The Union Budget is a national event, and the government ensures that it is easily accessible to everyone. Budget 2026 will be available live across television and digital platforms, allowing citizens to follow the announcements in real time.
Television Coverage
For viewers who prefer traditional broadcast media, the budget speech will be telecast live on:
Sansad TV, which provides direct and uninterrupted coverage of parliamentary proceedings
DD News, which offers nationwide access along with expert discussions and explanations
Television coverage is especially useful for viewers who want commentary and simplified explanations alongside the live speech.
Online and Digital Platforms
For digital viewers, Budget 2026 can be watched live through:
Official parliamentary streaming platforms
Live streams hosted by major news websites
YouTube channels of government bodies and news broadcasters
These options allow people to watch the budget on mobile phones, laptops, or tablets, whether they are at home, at work, or on the move. Digital streaming has become particularly popular among professionals, students, and younger audiences who prefer flexible viewing.
What Is the Union Budget?
The Union Budget is the annual financial statement of the Government of India, presented under Article 112 of the Constitution of India. It sets out the government’s financial plan for the upcoming financial year.
At its core, the Union Budget explains:
How much money the government expects to collect
Where this money will be spent
What policy changes are proposed to manage the economy
The budget includes estimates of government income and expenditure, proposed changes to tax laws, allocations for development and welfare, and reforms aimed at improving economic efficiency. Because it affects taxation, prices, public services, and growth, the Union Budget has a direct or indirect impact on every citizen.
In simple terms, the Union Budget acts as the government’s financial roadmap for the year ahead.
When Did the Budget Preparation Process for 2026 Begin?
The preparation of Budget 2026 began in August 2025, several months before the actual presentation. Budget-making is a long and detailed process that involves multiple stages and stakeholders.
It begins with the issuance of a budget circular by the Finance Ministry. This circular instructs all ministries and departments to estimate their expected revenue and expenditure requirements for the next financial year.
Following this:
Ministries hold internal reviews to assess funding needs
The Finance Ministry conducts consultations with departments
Discussions are held with industry bodies, economists, and experts
Public suggestions and feedback may also be considered
These inputs go through multiple rounds of evaluation and revision before the final budget document is prepared for presentation in Parliament. This extended process ensures that the budget reflects economic realities and policy priorities.
What Is the Economic Survey and Why Does It Matter?
The Economic Survey is traditionally presented one day before the Union Budget, which means it will be tabled on 29 January 2026.
The Economic Survey is different from the budget in purpose and scope. While the budget focuses on future plans, the Economic Survey looks at the current state of the economy.
It provides:
An assessment of economic performance during the ongoing financial year
Sector-wise and region-wise analysis
Data on growth trends, inflation, employment, and challenges
The Economic Survey helps explain the background against which budget decisions are made. It gives context to policy choices and allows observers to understand why certain priorities or reforms are proposed in the budget.
Why the Halwa Ceremony Is Important Before the Budget
The Halwa Ceremony marks the final and most confidential stage of budget preparation. This tradition has been followed since the 1980s and continues to hold symbolic and practical importance.
During the ceremony:
Halwa is served to officials involved in budget preparation
The printing of budget documents officially begins
A strict confidentiality phase comes into force
Once the Halwa Ceremony is completed, the officials associated with the budget enter what is known as the lock-in period. During this time, they remain within the budget printing premises and are not allowed to communicate with the outside world.
This controlled environment ensures that budget information remains secret until the Finance Minister presents it in Parliament. Maintaining confidentiality is critical to prevent leaks and ensure fairness and transparency.
Why Budget 2026 Is Especially Important
Budget 2026 stands out not just because of its date or presentation day, but also due to its broader political and economic context.
It reflects:
Continuity in fiscal and economic policy
Clear signals on taxation and public spending priorities
The government’s approach to growth, reforms, and fiscal discipline
For taxpayers, it provides clarity on tax rules and compliance. For businesses, it offers direction on investment and regulatory policy. For investors and students, it serves as a key reference point for understanding the economy’s future path.
FAQs
1. When is Budget 2026 being presented?
Union Budget 2026 will be presented on Sunday, 1 February 2026. This follows the practice adopted since 2017, where the Union Budget is presented on 1 February to allow enough time for parliamentary approval before the new financial year starts on 1 April. What makes Budget 2026 unique is that 1 February falls on a Sunday, making it the first Union Budget in India to be presented on a Sunday.
2. At what time will Budget 2026 be presented?
Budget 2026 will be presented at 11:00 AM Indian Standard Time. This has become the standard timing for Union Budget presentations in recent years. Earlier, budgets were presented in the evening, but the shift to a morning schedule helps align announcements with market hours and ensures better public access.
3. Is the budget date always 1 February?
For full Union Budgets, 1 February has been the standard date since 2017. Before this change, budgets were often presented later in February. Interim budgets, which are presented before elections, may follow a different schedule. Budget 2026 is a full annual budget, which is why it follows the 1 February timeline.
4. Why is Budget 2026 being presented on a Sunday?
Budget 2026 falls on a Sunday simply because 1 February 2026 happens to be a Sunday. There is no constitutional restriction on presenting the budget on weekends. Parliament can be convened on any day as approved by the President. This makes Budget 2026 historically significant as the first Sunday-presented Union Budget.
5. Where can I watch Budget 2026 live on TV?
You can watch Budget 2026 live on television through:
Sansad TV for direct parliamentary coverage
DD News for nationwide broadcast
Most major news channels will also carry live coverage along with pre-budget and post-budget analysis.
6. Where can I watch Budget 2026 live online?
Budget 2026 can be watched live online through:
Official Parliament live-streaming platforms
Live streams on major news websites
YouTube channels of government bodies and leading news broadcasters
This makes it easy to watch the budget live on mobile phones, laptops, or tablets from anywhere.
7. Can I watch Budget 2026 live on my mobile phone?
Yes, Budget 2026 can be watched live on mobile phones. Most news apps, official streaming platforms, and YouTube channels provide real-time coverage. This is especially useful for working professionals, students, and taxpayers who cannot watch the budget on television.
8. Who will present Budget 2026?
Budget 2026 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha. This will be her ninth consecutive Union Budget, making it an important milestone. It is also the second full annual budget of the government’s third term, adding policy significance.
9. What is the Budget Session of Parliament?
The Budget Session is the period during which the Union Budget is presented, debated, and approved by Parliament. For 2026, the Budget Session is expected to be held in two phases, allowing Members of Parliament to:
Discuss budget proposals
Debate tax and spending measures
Pass the Finance Bill and Appropriation Bill
The session usually runs over several weeks.
10. What is the Economic Survey and when will it be presented?
The Economic Survey is presented one day before the Union Budget, which means it will be tabled on 29 January 2026. It reviews the performance of the Indian economy during the ongoing financial year and provides data-driven insights that help explain the context behind budget decisions.
11. What is the Halwa Ceremony before the Budget?
The Halwa Ceremony marks the final stage of budget preparation. It is a long-standing tradition where halwa is served to officials involved in preparing the budget. After this ceremony, the lock-in period begins, during which officials are isolated to maintain strict confidentiality until the budget is presented.
12. When do budget announcements come into effect?
Most tax changes announced in Budget 2026 will apply from 1 April 2026, which is the start of the new financial year. However, some procedural or compliance-related changes may apply immediately or from a specified date mentioned in the budget documents. This is why reading detailed provisions after the speech is important.
13. Why is it important to know the budget date and time?
Knowing the Budget 2026 date and time helps taxpayers, businesses, investors, and students plan better. Major tax announcements, policy changes, and economic signals are first revealed during the live budget speech. Watching it live ensures you receive information directly, without delays or misinterpretation.
14. How long does the budget speech usually last?
The budget speech generally lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. Key announcements are usually made in the early part of the speech, which is why many viewers tune in exactly at 11 AM.
15. Is Budget 2026 relevant for people who do not pay income tax?
Yes. Even if you do not pay income tax, Budget 2026 affects you indirectly through:
Prices of goods and services
Government spending on welfare and infrastructure
Employment opportunities and economic growth
This makes the Union Budget relevant for every citizen.
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