Union Budget 2026: LIVE Updates

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be presenting the Union Budget 2026-27 live in Parliament today, on February 1, 2026, at 11 AM IST, marking her record ninth consecutive budget presentation, the longest such streak by an Indian finance minister.

Sitharaman arrived at Kartavya Bhavan this morning ahead of the budget speech and will participate in the traditional Halwa ceremony before beginning the address. 

Despite being a Sunday, the NSE and BSE markets are open for trading today so investors can react in real time to announcements.

Live Updates 

February 01, 2026 | 11:18 AM
The finance minister proposes to revive 2,000 industry clusters by a ₹10,000 crore MSME growth fund.

February 01, 2026 | 11:18 AM

FM spells out focus areas under first Kartavya

Elaborating on the first Kartavya, to accelerate and sustain economic growth, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government will step in across six key focus areas, which include:

• Expanding manufacturing capabilities across seven strategic and emerging sectors

• Revitalising traditional and established industries

• Nurturing MSMEs to build national champions

• Giving a strong boost to infrastructure development

• Strengthening long-term economic security and stability

• Promoting the growth of city-based economic regions

February 01, 2026 | 11:11 AM
Sitharaman announces ₹10,000 crore for Biopharma Shakti! 

February 01, 2026 | 11:08 AM
The budget is based on three kartavyas, says Nirmala Sitharaman.  She outlined the focus areas as:

Accelerating and sustaining economic growth
Meeting people’s aspirations by strengthening their capabilities
Advancing development in line with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas

“Threefold approach requires a supportive ecosystem. It is a unique, yuva shakti-driven budget,” says Nirmala Sitharaman

February 01, 2026 | 11:05 AM
While presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that since the Modi government came to power, the Indian economy has demonstrated stability, backed by fiscal prudence, steady growth momentum, and controlled inflation.

February 01, 2026 | 11:03 AM

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has started delivering the Union Budget for FY 2026–27 in the Lok Sabha. This marks her ninth straight budget presentation, a record milestone.

February 01, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Lok Sabha session begins

The lower house of Parliament has assembled, setting the stage for the Finance Minister’s Budget address shortly thereafter.

February 01, 2026 | 10:15

The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Union Budget, clearing the way for its presentation in Lok Sabha by the Finance Minister.

February 01, 2026 | 09:15

The benchmark indices began the session on a positive note, with Nifty 50 edging up to 25,333.75, gaining 13.10 points (0.05%), while the BSE Sensex opened higher at 82,445.97, rising 176.19 points (0.21%).