The long-running speculation around the Union Budget 2026 calendar has finally settled. With February 1 falling on a Sunday this year, the market had been buzzing with questions—Will the Budget be delayed? Will markets open?
A key decision by the Centre has now brought clarity. And the answer is simple: the Union Budget 2026 is proposed for Sunday, February 1.
Let’s break down what’s confirmed, what’s under review, and why this matters for markets and investors.
Market Performance Angle: Focus Shifts to Budget Day Logistics
From a market standpoint, clarity on the Union Budget 2026 schedule removes a big uncertainty. Timing matters. Liquidity matters. And so does whether equity markets will function on a Sunday.
While there’s no final word yet on market operations, the discussion itself signals preparation for a potentially active Budget Day—even if it’s a weekend.
Key takeaway for markets right now:
No surprise postponement. Budget Day remains February 1.
Main News: Budget Schedule Formally Proposed
The Centre, through the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), has proposed the full roadmap for the Budget Session.
Here’s the confirmed structure surrounding Union Budget 2026:
- President’s Address: January 28
- Economic Survey: January 29
- Union Budget 2026 Presentation: Sunday, February 1
This decision ends earlier reports suggesting the Budget could be shifted to Monday, February 2.
Notably, if presented as planned, this will be the first time in recent history that the Union Budget is delivered on a Sunday.
Parliament Budget Session: Key Dates at a Glance
The Budget Session is proposed to be split into two phases, following the usual parliamentary calendar.
Session timeline:
- First Phase: January 28 to February 13
- Second Phase: March 9 to April 2
This structure allows initial Budget discussions, followed by deeper legislative debate in the second leg.
Union Budget 2026: A Historic Moment for the Finance Minister
For Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the upcoming Union Budget 2026 carries multiple milestones.
- It will be her ninth consecutive Union Budget
- It will be the 88th Union Budget since Independence
Since 2017, the government has consistently presented the Budget on February 1 at 11 am, after moving it forward from the earlier February 28 schedule. The intent behind this shift was simple—faster rollout of policy measures from the start of the financial year.
That approach continues this year as well.
Weekend Budgets Are Rare—but Not New
While a Sunday Budget may feel unusual, it isn’t entirely without precedent.
A quick look at history shows:
- Union Budget 2025 was presented on a Saturday
- Budgets of 2015 and 2016 were delivered on February 28, both Saturdays
So while Union Budget 2026 being presented on a Sunday is rare, it fits within past exceptions when the calendar demanded flexibility.
Will Stock Markets Open on February 1? Here’s What We Know
The big operational question now is about market hours.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has confirmed that it is evaluating the possibility of opening equity markets on Sunday, February 1, 2026, if the Budget is presented that day.
Important points to note:
- No final decision has been announced yet
- Any move depends on the official confirmation of the Budget schedule by the government
- The proposal is currently under internal review
From an operational lens, such a move wouldn’t be unprecedented. Indian exchanges have operated on non-trading days in the past when major national events required it.
As of now:
- NSE: Feasibility under examination
- BSE: No official announcement yet
Company & Exchange Details: Operational Readiness in Focus
At this stage, discussions remain centered on logistics rather than announcements.
What’s clear is that exchanges are actively assessing:
- System readiness
- Staffing and settlement processes
- Coordination with regulators and government notifications
Until official circulars are issued, Sunday market operations for Union Budget 2026 remain a possibility—not a certainty.
Summary: What This Means Going Forward?
To sum it up, here’s the confirmed picture around Union Budget 2026:
- Budget Date: Sunday, February 1
- Economic Survey: January 29
- Budget Session Start: January 28
- Markets: NSE reviewing Sunday operations, no final call yet
The biggest development isn’t just the date—it’s the certainty. With the schedule now proposed, attention shifts from speculation to preparation.
As Budget Day approaches, the focus will remain on execution, market logistics, and how smoothly India’s financial system adapts to a rare Sunday presentation.
One thing is clear: Union Budget 2026 is firmly on the calendar—and the countdown has begun.
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