When is the Union Budget 2026? Know the Date, Time and Other Key Details

Another Financial Year is coming to end on March 31 2026 and that brings the nation closer to another Union Budget of 2026-27. 

The Union Budget is one of the most significant annual events in India. It explains how the Central Government of the nation is planning to earn and spend money in the upcoming financial year which begins April 1 and lasts till March 31st of the following year according to the IndusInd Bank. The budget comprises taxes, and subsidies to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and defence spending. That is why it is one of the most significant events during a financial year as it impacts every citizen in some way.

As Union Budget 2026–27 is approaching, people across the country be it students, professionals, businesses, or policymakers are keen to know its date, time, and how the Budget process will unfold in Parliament.

What is the Union Budget?

According to a PDF from the Ministry of Finance, “Union Budget is the most comprehensive report of the Government's finances in which revenues from all sources and outlays for all activities are consolidated. The Budget also contains estimates of the Government's accounts for the next fiscal year called Budgeted Estimates.”

To put it in simpler terms, the Union Budget is an Annual Financial Statement according to that provides details about: 

• Government income (tax and non-tax revenue)

• Government expenditure

• Fiscal deficit and borrowing plans

• Changes in tax policies

• Allocation of funds to ministries and schemes

When is the Union Budget 2026?

According to News On Air, the Union Budget for the year 2026-27 will be presented on 1st February (Sunday) in the Lok Sabha. 

This is the officially confirmed date and follows the practice that began in the year 2017. Earlier the Budget presentation was done at the end of February and now the date has shifted to 1st February. 

The WIRC ICAI website mentions: “Until 1999, the Union Budget was presented at 5 pm on the last working day of February as per British era practice. Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha in 1999 changed the budget presentation timing to 11 am. Arun Jaitley started presenting the Union Budget on February 1 in 2017, departing from the colonial-era tradition of using the last working day of that month.”

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented at 11:00 AM (IST)

At this time, the Finance Minister of India, Nirmala Sitharaman, will deliver the Budget speech in the Lok Sabha. After the speech:

• Full Budget documents are released

• Sector-wise allocations become public

• Experts begin analysing the impact on individuals and businesses

How Many Sessions of Budget Will Be Held?

According to News On Air, the Union Budget will be presented as part of the Budget Session of Parliament, which is held in two phases.

Budget Session 2026 – Schedule

First Session:

28 January 2026 to 13 February 2026

Second Session:

09 March 2026 to 02 April 2026

In conclusion, the Union Budget 2026–27 will be presented on 01 February 2026 and the sessions will play a major role in deciding the company's economic growth for the upcoming year.