Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget today, marking another key moment in India’s economic policy calendar. The Budget is expected to lay out measures aimed at sustaining growth in what remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy.

For fiscal 2027, policy priorities are likely to include defence, infrastructure, capital expenditure, power and faster growth in affordable housing, according to expectations ahead of the presentation.

Shift in Budget speech structure

This year’s Union Budget is expected to break with a long-standing tradition in the structure of the finance minister’s speech. Until now, most major policy announcements were typically made in Part A, while Part B focused on taxation. This time, Part B is expected to be used to present a broader vision for India’s economic future.

The finance minister is also expected to outline short-term priorities as well as longer-term goals, positioning India’s economic strategy as the country moves deeper into the 21st century, with emphasis on domestic strengths and global ambitions.

Market backdrop ahead of Budget

Ahead of the Budget presentation, equity markets opened lower. Gold and silver futures also declined sharply on the Multi Commodity Exchange, extending the impact of a severe two-day global sell-off.

India’s economy has so far remained resilient despite punitive tariffs imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. Growth is forecast at 7.4 per cent for the year ending March 31, supported by government spending on infrastructure and tax measures that boosted consumption.

Focus on rural development and jobs

Rural development and agriculture are expected to be among the top priorities in Union Budget 2026. The finance minister may announce higher allocations for programmes aimed at expanding employment opportunities in rural areas.

The Rural Development Ministry has sought a sharp increase in funding for the new employment guarantee scheme, ‘Viksit Bharat – G Ram G’ or VB-G Ram G, proposing a budget of Rs 1.51 lakh crore, a 72 per cent rise. In comparison, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme received Rs 86,000 crore in the previous Budget.

Fiscal deficit and capital expenditure

The budgeted fiscal deficit for fiscal 2026 is estimated at 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product. With the government having achieved a consolidation path that brought the deficit below 4.5 per cent, markets will closely watch signals on further debt-to-GDP reduction.

Capital expenditure for the current fiscal year has been budgeted at Rs 11.2 lakh crore. The government is expected to continue prioritising capex, with a possible increase of 10 to 15 per cent, as private sector investment remains cautious.

Investment reforms and global challenges

Further policy changes aimed at attracting domestic and foreign investment are also expected. These may include steps to make it easier for foreign companies to invest in defence firms that already hold licences.

The Union Budget 2026 comes at a time of mixed signals globally. While domestic demand remains steady and inflation has eased from recent highs, uncertainties linked to geopolitics, commodity price volatility and uneven monetary policy easing by major central banks continue to pose challenges.

For the first time in more than two decades, the Union Budget will be presented on a Sunday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to table the Union Budget for 2026 in the Lok Sabha on February 1 at 11 am, even as the day is usually observed as a holiday for government offices and financial markets.

February 1 falls on a Sunday this year, raising questions about market operations and investor response. To ensure uninterrupted trading and immediate market reaction to budget announcements, stock exchanges have announced special arrangements for the day.

Markets to remain open on budget day

Both the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange have confirmed that markets will remain open on February 1. The NSE has announced a special trading session, with the pre-open market scheduled from 9 am to 9:08 am, followed by normal trading hours from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm.

The BSE has also declared the day a special trading day, with regular market hours applicable. Trading is expected to continue across equity, derivatives, and futures and options segments.

What the Sunday budget means for investors

A weekend budget presentation is seen as offering certain advantages for market participants. With trading active on the same day, investors will be able to respond to policy announcements immediately rather than waiting for the next working day.

The Sunday timing also gives investors, analysts, and financial institutions additional time to go through detailed proposals, including tax changes, fiscal deficit targets, and sector-wise allocations. The extended window for analysis may help reduce sharp, headline-driven reactions and encourage more informed decision-making.

With fewer competing developments on a non-working day, budget announcements are also expected to receive more focused attention from markets and stakeholders.

Parliamentary schedule and key milestones

The Economic Survey is expected to be tabled on January 29, ahead of the budget presentation. The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 28 with the President’s address to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The upcoming budget will mark Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive Union Budget. It will also be India’s 80th budget since Independence. Since 2017, Union Budgets have been presented at 11 am on February 1, following a timing change introduced during the tenure of former finance minister Arun Jaitley.

The Union Budget remains one of the most closely watched events in India’s financial calendar, with stock markets often reacting sharply to policy signals. This year, trading will continue on Budget day — February 1 — despite it falling on a Sunday, allowing investors to respond immediately to announcements.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, an event that is expected to set the tone for market sentiment in the near term.

Growth-focused policies and investor sentiment

Equity markets generally respond positively when the Budget outlines steps aimed at supporting economic growth. Measures such as infrastructure spending, business-friendly reforms or incentives for key industries tend to improve investor confidence.

When such policies signal long-term expansion, markets often factor in stronger earnings prospects, leading to upward movement in stock prices.

Consumer spending and sectoral gains

Budget proposals that increase disposable income can also influence market behaviour. Tax relief measures, direct support schemes or efforts to manage inflation may leave households with more spending power.

Higher consumer spending typically benefits sectors such as retail, automobiles and fast-moving consumer goods, with increased demand often reflected in company valuations.

Tax changes and market participation

Tax-related announcements play a crucial role in shaping investment decisions. Lower taxes for individuals or businesses can support consumption and profitability, encouraging further investment activity.

At the same time, changes to capital gains or dividend taxation directly affect investor behaviour. Favourable tax treatment can lead to higher participation in equity markets, while tighter taxation may weigh on sentiment.

Fiscal deficit remains a key indicator

Markets also keep a close watch on the fiscal deficit — the difference between government spending and revenue. A higher deficit can raise concerns around increased borrowing, inflationary pressure and interest rates, all of which may affect corporate performance.

Conversely, a controlled deficit is often seen as a sign of fiscal discipline, helping strengthen confidence among investors.