Union Budget 2026 Date and Will the Stock Market Open or Not?
vrushangshah93@gmail.com On February 1, Sunday, The Union Budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year is set to be presented, with finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman poised to table her ninth consecutive Budget in Parliament.
The budget is traditionally presented on this date every year, but this time falls on a Sunday, making the occasion a rare one.
Now, it has raised questions among investors about whether the stock markets would remain closed on the day. Clearing the uncertainty, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have announced that equity markets will remain open for trading on Sunday, February 1.
February 1, however, was not always the designated date for the Budget. Until 2017, it was traditionally presented on the last working day of February. This change was introduced under the Modi government.
“On account of the presentation of the Union Budget, members are requested to note that the Exchange shall be conducting a live trading session on February 01, 2026, as per the standard market timings (9:15 am–3:30 pm),” NSE said in a circular.
The pre-open market will start at 9 am and end at 9.08 am, and the normal market will function between 9.15 am and 3.30 pm, according to a circular issued by NSE.
What is the Union Budget:
The Union Budget shows how much money the government expects to earn and how it plans to spend it during a financial year. The meaning of the Union Budget is given in Article 112 of the Constitution, which requires the government to present its estimated income and expenditure for the year.
The budget will chart the Union government’s economic roadmap and outline its approach to optimal resource allocation, providing a broader blueprint for the country’s growth trajectory.
The buzz around the Budget gained momentum with the start of the Parliament session and President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both Houses. In her speech, the President outlined the government’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” and highlighted achievements in social justice, economic growth, infrastructure development, national security and global engagement.
A day later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his pre-Budget remarks, underlined India’s growth momentum, describing the country as self-confident and a “ray of hope for the world today.”
Revenue Budget:
The Revenue Budget deals with the government’s regular income and daily expenses. Revenue receipts include money earned through taxes such as income tax and GST, as well as non-tax income like fees and interest.
Why the Union Budget is important
The Union Budget is a key part of the government’s functioning and is presented every year. It sets the economic direction of the country by showing the government’s priorities and financial goals. The Budget explains how resources will be allocated across sectors such as health, education, defence sector and welfare. It also signals which industries may receive support and which may face tighter controls.
Impact on citizens
The Budget directly affects people’s daily lives as it announces changes in income tax slabs, tax rates, deductions, and how income tax is calculated.
These decisions influence household finances, savings, and spending, helping people plan better for the coming year.
How the Union Budget process begins
The Budget process starts with the President. Under Article 87 of the Constitution, the President addresses a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha at the beginning of the Budget Session.
This address outlines the government’s policies, achievements, and plans for the year ahead.
President’s address and Motion of Thanks
After the President’s address, a Motion of Thanks is moved in both Houses of Parliament. Members debate the speech and vote on it, formally approving the government’s roadmap. With the new Parliament building, this joint sitting now takes place in the new chamber.
It will be interesting to see how the Union budget will be presented on 1st of February and it is also interesting to see how the stock market will react.
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