India’s stock exchanges will operate live trading sessions for the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, despite it being a Sunday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the budget at 11 am in the Lok Sabha on that day. The National Stock Exchange has informed members that trading will follow standard market timings from 9:15 am to 3:30 pm.
Due to the budget presentation, shares purchased on January 30 cannot be sold on February 1, as it is a settlement holiday. Similarly, stocks bought on Budget Day cannot be sold the next day. Sitharaman is gearing up for her ninth consecutive budget presentation, marking one of the longest uninterrupted tenures for a finance minister. This budget will be the second full one since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) began its third consecutive term in 2024.
Investors are anticipated to focus on debt metrics, deficit outcomes, and scheduled borrowings for the upcoming fiscal year to align with strategic objectives. Analysts predict a modest 3% year-on-year increase in borrowings, suggesting a fiscal deficit of around 4.1–4.2% of GDP for FY27, in line with the ongoing consolidation path. The Department of Economic Affairs is responsible for preparing the budget documents, outlining the government’s expenditure estimates, revenues, and new schemes for the next fiscal year.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 was presented on January 29, followed by a press briefing by Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran and senior officials.
