Union Budget 2026 on February 01: Nirmala Sitharaman Eyes Record-Breaking 9th Consecutive Presentation

The financial world is focused on New Delhi as the official date for India’s fiscal roadmap is confirmed. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget on February 01, 2026. Notably, this year’s presentation falls on a Sunday, a rare occurrence that has seen the Lok Sabha Speaker confirm a weekend session to maintain the tradition of a February 1st rollout. This ensures that the government's economic policies are set well before the new financial year begins in April, allowing for seamless implementation across all sectors.

This upcoming session marks a historic milestone for Nirmala Sitharaman, as she is set to present her 9th consecutive budget (including the interim budget of 2024). By doing so, she has already become the first Finance Minister in Indian history to achieve such a long-unbroken streak under a single Prime Minister. This consistency has made her the face of India’s fiscal stability, overseeing the country’s journey through global challenges to become the world's fastest-growing major economy.

With her ninth budget, Sitharaman is now in the elite company of India’s greatest financial minds and is closing in on the legendary record held by Morarji Desai. Desai, a former Prime Minister, holds the all-time record for presenting 10 Union Budgets during his tenure as Finance Minister in the 1950s and 60s. Interestingly, Desai is also the only minister to have presented the budget on his birthday, February 29. Sitharaman’s ninth presentation on February 1st puts her just one step away from equalling this decades-old record, a testament to her longevity and the trust placed in her by the current administration.

The strategic direction of this budget is deeply rooted in the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the second full budget of the Modi 3.0 government, it serves as a critical building block for the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) 2047 initiative. Prime Minister Modi has consistently emphasised the need for structural reforms that empower the youth, support the agricultural sector, and accelerate the "Make in India" program. Under his leadership, the 2026 Budget is expected to focus on de-risking the Indian economy from global supply chain shocks while doubling down on indigenous technology.

In the agricultural sector, the government’s "Annadata" focus remains paramount. Expectations are high that Finance Minister Sitharaman will announce a significant expansion of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and introduce a "Mission for Pulses" to achieve self-reliance. Prime Minister Modi’s push for "Climate-Resilient Agriculture" is likely to see dedicated funding for high-yield, drought-resistant seeds, ensuring that rural India remains the backbone of the nation's economic stability despite global climate shifts.

Infrastructure and industrial growth continue to be the primary engines of the Modi government's economic strategy. The 2026 Budget is expected to see a significant expansion of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to include Artificial Intelligence, green hydrogen, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing. By maintaining a record-high capital expenditure (Capex), the administration aims to modernise India’s logistics via the Gati Shakti framework, reducing costs and making Indian exports more competitive globally—a key goal for PM Modi's industrial policy.

For the common man and the salaried middle class, the focus on February 01 will be on relief and simplicity. With most taxpayers having migrated to the New Tax Regime, industry experts anticipate that Sitharaman might introduce inflation-linked adjustments to the tax slabs. There is also a persistent demand for increasing the deduction limits for home loans and health insurance. As Nirmala Sitharaman takes the podium for the ninth time, the nation will watch to see how the Modi government balances its global ambitions with the immediate financial needs of 1.4 billion people.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.