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The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) is expected to meet today to finalise the date for presenting the Union Budget. Sources said the committee is likely to favour holding the budget on February 1, 2026, continuing the traditional preference for an early February budget presentation.

The budget session of Parliament is expected to commence on February 28.

Since 2017, the Union Budget of India has been presented on February 1 every year, the practice being that Parliament has more time to scrutinise the budget proposals and approve them well before the new financial year starts on April 1. This change replaced the earlier practice of presenting in late February.

The officials and the economists think that the date of February 1 ensures the accompaniment of fiscal decisions, the Economic Survey being tabled one day earlier, and the legislative calendar being kept on track.

The budget date confusion for the year 2026 stems from the fact that February 1 falls on a Sunday, a day when Parliament normally does not sit, and several government offices, including those of administration and parliament, are closed.

Therefore, there have been speculations that the government's budget presentation might be shifted to Monday, February 2, to fit in with the normal working week. However, the government’s release of key policy statements on weekends is not an uncommon occurrence; in the past, budgets have been presented on Saturdays and even Sundays.

Until there is an official notification from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the exact date remains tentative. If the traditional February 1 schedule holds, it would mark one of the few times the Budget is presented on a Sunday.

1) What is the Union Budget?

The Union Budget is the annual financial statement presented by the government, detailing its expected revenue and expenditure for the upcoming financial year. It includes allocations for various sectors, taxes, and fiscal policies.

2) Who presents the Union Budget?

The Finance Minister of India presents the Union Budget in the Lok Sabha, outlining the government’s financial plan and policies for the year ahead.

3) When is the Union Budget usually presented?

Since 2017, the Union Budget has typically been presented on February 1, giving Parliament sufficient time to examine proposals before the new financial year begins on April 1.

4) What is the Budget Session of Parliament?

The Budget Session is the parliamentary session during which the Union Budget is presented, debated, and approved. It also includes the discussion of the Economic Survey and other financial proposals.

5) Why is the Union Budget important for citizens and businesses?

The Budget sets out the government’s tax policies, spending priorities, and economic plans, directly affecting citizens, businesses, investors, and the overall economy. It influences taxation, public welfare schemes, and business confidence.