Union Budget 2026: Will It Really Come On Sunday, February 1?

• The Union Budget 2026 is expected to be one of the most closely watched financial events of the year, especially because the proposed date – 1 February 2026 – falls on a Sunday. Reports suggest that the government is working with this date as the main option, even though an official notification for the Budget Session is still awaited.

What Is Known So Far

• Media reports indicate that the Finance Ministry is preparing to present the Union Budget 2026–27 around 1 February 2026, in line with the practice followed since 2017 of presenting the budget at the beginning of February.
• Internal work on the budget – including estimates, allocations and policy proposals – is already at an advanced stage in the Finance Ministry and other departments.
• Several business and news outlets have mentioned 1 February, which is a Sunday in 2026, as the likely day for the budget presentation.

Is The Date Officially Confirmed?

• As of now, the formal schedule of the Budget Session – including the exact date and duration – has not been officially notified by the government or Parliament.

• That is why most reliable reports use words like “likely”, “expected” or “proposed” rather than stating that the date is finally confirmed.​
• A final call on whether the budget will indeed be presented on Sunday, 1 February, or shifted to a nearby working day is expected to be taken by the competent authorities in the coming days.​

Why The Budget Date Matters

• Since 2017, presenting the Union Budget on or around 1 February has allowed enough time for Parliament to pass the Appropriation Bill and related legislation before the new financial year begins on 1 April.​
• The budget date is crucial for:
  • Government departments, which plan their spending and schemes for the next year.
  • Businesses and investors, who track tax changes, incentives and policy announcements.
  • Salaried employees, pensioners and taxpayers, who look for updates on income tax, exemptions and reliefs.​

What Citizens Should Watch For

• Clarity on the final budget date and session schedule, which will come through the official notification from the government or Parliament.​
• Possible announcements on:
  • Direct tax slabs, deductions and reliefs for individuals.
  • Changes in GST or indirect taxation structure.
  • Allocations for key sectors such as infrastructure, health, education and social welfare.