Budget 2026 Expectations Live: Rajiv Memani Calls for Faster Reforms and Push to Boost Domestic Manufacturing
Budget 2026 Expectations Live Updates: On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget at 11 a.m.—the longest tenure by any finance minister so far.
Markets will remain open on Budget Day, with both the NSE and BSE operating during normal trading hours, as investors and businesses brace for key announcements that will shape FY27.
All eyes are on sector-wise allocations, income tax updates, and measures to boost exports. Meanwhile, the Economic Survey, scheduled to be released on January 31, will offer the first snapshot of the government’s priorities. Industry bodies are pushing for stronger policy support and GST rationalisation, while business leaders continue to seek reforms that improve ease of doing business in India.
On the income tax front, experts believe the government is likely to focus more on administrative reforms rather than changes in tax slabs—especially with a new Income Tax Act set to come into effect from April 1, 2026.
This Budget is also being presented amid rising global uncertainty. Trade relations with the United States have become strained, with India facing tariffs of up to 50%. At the same time, the rupee has been under pressure, hitting a fresh low of 91.50 against the US dollar on Wednesday, January 21. Experts say the market will closely watch measures aimed at supporting export-import substitution and attracting higher foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows.
Investment firms are also keeping a close watch on announcements related to long-term capital gains and transaction taxes.
In short, the announcements made on February 1 will signal the government’s priorities for the April 2026–March 2027 period and will have a direct impact on individuals, investors, and businesses alike.
Key Dates to Watch:
- January 31, 2026 (Saturday): On the eve of Budget Day, the government will release the Economic Survey—an annual report that reviews economic trends and performance over the past year and outlines priorities for the year ahead.
- February 1 (Sunday): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Union Budget speech at 11 a.m.
- January 28 (Wednesday) to April 2 (Thursday): The Budget Session of Parliament will be held in two phases.
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