Union Budget 2026–27 Likely on February 1 Despite Sunday, Upholding Post-2017 Practice

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to present India’s Union Budget for 2026–27 on Sunday, February 1, continuing the practice followed since 2017, officials have indicated. Although the date falls on a weekend, the government appears keen to stick to the fixed schedule to ensure timely fiscal implementation from the start of the new financial year.

February 1 Convention Remains Key

Since 2017, the Union Budget has been presented on February 1 every year, a strategic shift aimed at providing Parliament sufficient time to examine and approve budget proposals before the financial year begins on April 1. In 2026, the date coincides with a Sunday, but officials clarified that parliamentary conventions prioritise the date rather than the day.

Presenting the Budget early allows ministries and departments to access funds without delays, ensuring smooth execution of government programmes from the very first day of the fiscal year.

How Budget Timing Changed

Before 2017, the Union Budget was traditionally presented on the last working day of February. This was followed by a Vote on Account, permitting the government to meet essential expenses until the full Budget was passed after detailed parliamentary scrutiny.

This practice changed under former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who advanced the Budget presentation to February 1. The move enabled Parliament to pass the complete Budget before March-end, reducing uncertainty for government departments, investors, and markets.

Sunday Parliament Sessions: Rare but Allowed

While uncommon, Parliament has convened on Sundays during exceptional circumstances. Notable examples include sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the special sitting on May 13, 2012, marking Parliament’s 60th anniversary.

An official remarked humorously that the concept of Sunday as a non-working day dates back to British-era customs, underlining Parliament’s flexibility when national priorities require it.

Government Response to Speculation

Addressing speculation, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the final decision rests with the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, which will take a call at the appropriate time. However, sources suggest that there is little likelihood of deviating from the established February 1 tradition.