Union Budget 2026 Live Updates: India is all set to witness the Union Budget 2026 presentation on Sunday, February 1 and is looking forward to seeing what is in store this time. From tax relief and policy clarity to growth-oriented incentives, the common man, businesses and economists alike are closely tracking what the government may deliver this year.
The upcoming Budget 2026 address will mark Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Budget speech, which is a first for any Finance Minister.
India Union Budget 2026 Date and Time: Finance Minister Sitharaman’s Budget speech will be broadcast live on Sansad TV at 11 am 1st February 2026.
Economic Survey 2026
Ahead of the Budget, the government presented the Economic Survey 2026 in Parliament on 29 January, offering a snapshot of India’s macroeconomic health and future outlook. According to the survey, India’s economy is projected to grow between 6.8 per cent and 7.2 per cent in FY27, supported by stable macro fundamentals and ongoing regulatory reforms. While both core and headline inflation are expected to edge higher compared to FY26, the survey indicates that inflationary pressures are unlikely to pose a major risk.
On the fiscal front, the survey noted that India’s fiscal deficit stood at 62.3 per cent of the Budget Estimates as of November 2025. The government continues to target a fiscal deficit of 4.4 per cent of GDP by FY26, reinforcing its commitment to fiscal consolidation.
Expectations From Budget 2026
Income Tax: Major slab relaxations under the new regime are unlikely.
MSMEs: Improved credit access, stronger guarantees, better last-mile delivery.
Healthcare: Lower customs duties, PLI push, rural and digital healthcare boost.
Agriculture: Spending may rise to Rs 1.5 lakh crore; focus on productivity and storage.
Real Estate: Stamp duty relief, a wider definition of affordable housing.
AI & Deep Tech: Incentives for AI, robotics, and digital infrastructure.
Green Energy: Solar manufacturing, storage, EVs, and clean mobility push.
Defence: Higher capital outlay for indigenous manufacturing.
