Union Budget 2026 Date and Time: Watch FM Nirmala Sitharaman Live at 11 AM

The countdown has begun for one of the most important economic events in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is ready to present the Union Budget for the financial year 2026-27. This year’s presentation is special because it will take place on a Sunday, a rare occurrence in recent parliamentary history.

Citizens, taxpayers, and investors are eagerly waiting to know the new tax rules, cheaper goods, and government schemes. This article covers the exact date, time, and where you can watch the live telecast of the Budget 2026 speech.

Official Date and Timing for Budget 2026

The Union Budget 2026 will be presented on February 1, 2026.

According to the official schedule released by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will begin her speech at 11:00 AM IST (Indian Standard Time).

This will be Nirmala Sitharaman’s ninth consecutive budget presentation. With this, she continues to hold the record for the most consecutive budgets presented by a Finance Minister in India’s history.

Read more: RBI Payment Gateway News 2026

Why is the 11 AM Timing Significant?

For many decades, the Indian Budget was presented at 5:00 PM on the last working day of February. This was a colonial practice followed by the British. However, in 1999, the timing was changed to 11:00 AM to make it convenient for Indian lawmakers and citizens. Since 2017, the date was also shifted to February 1st to help the government start spending funds right from the start of the new financial year (April 1st).

Special Sunday Session: Will Stock Markets be Open?

Usually, stock markets remain closed on weekends. However, since the Budget is being presented on Sunday, February 1, 2026, the stock exchanges have announced a special exception.

Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will remain open for trading. This allows investors to react immediately to the announcements made by the Finance Minister. The market timings will likely align with the budget speech to track real-time volatility.

Where to Watch the Budget 2026 LIVE?

You can watch the live telecast of the Union Budget 2026 on multiple platforms. The government ensures that the speech is accessible to everyone in Simple English and Hindi.

• Television: The speech will be broadcast live on Sansad TV and Doordarshan (DD News). Most private news channels will also carry the live feed.
• YouTube: You can stream it on the official PIB India and Sansad TV YouTube channels.
• Mobile App: The “Union Budget Mobile App” (available on Android and iOS) will provide instant access to the budget documents after the speech concludes.
• Official Website: You can visit indiabudget.gov.in for the live stream and official documents.

What to Expect from Nirmala Sitharaman’s 9th Budget?

The 2026 Budget is expected to focus on maintaining India’s economic growth while controlling inflation. Experts believe the government might focus on these key areas:

• Tax Relief: Salaried employees are hoping for changes in the income tax slabs under the New Tax Regime.
• Job Creation: New schemes to boost employment in manufacturing and services sectors.
• Infrastructure: Continued heavy spending on railways, roadways, and defense.
• Welfare Schemes: Increased support for farmers and rural housing.

The “Halwa Ceremony,” which marks the final stage of budget preparation, was already held on January 27, 2026, at the North Block in New Delhi.

Parliament Budget Session Schedule 2026

The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 28, 2026, with the President’s address. The session is divided into two parts:

1. First Part: Runs from late January to February 13, 2026.
2. Recess: A break for Standing Committees to examine grant demands.
3. Second Part: Resumes on March 9, 2026, and concludes on April 2, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)