The Union Budget 2026 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, in the Lok Sabha at 11:00 AM. This will be her ninth consecutive Budget presentation. Expectations are building around income tax relief, growth-focused spending, and measures to strengthen India’s economic momentum in FY 2026–27.
Follow all the Latest Union Budget 2026 updates here.
29 Jan 2026, 1:50 PM
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) stands at 90.9% (primary), 90.3% (upper primary), and 78.7% (secondary) levels.
India now has 23 IITs, 21 IIMs, and 20 AIIMS, along with two international IIT campuses in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi.
India has outpaced global averages in reducing maternal and child mortality since 1990.
As of January 2026, the e-Shram portal has registered over 31 crore unorganised workers, with 54% women.
Vacancies mobilised on the National Career Service portal exceeded 2.8 crore in FY25 and crossed 2.3 crore by September FY26.
Multidimensional Poverty Index shows poverty declining from 55.3% in 2005-06 to 11.28% in 2022-23.
29 Jan 2026, 1:40 PM
India’s share of global merchandise exports increased from 1% in 2005 to 1.8% in 2024.
Services exports touched an all-time high of USD 387.6 billion in FY25, growing by 13.6%.
India remained the world’s largest recipient of remittances with inflows of USD 135.4 billion in FY25.
India’s foreign exchange reserves increased to USD 701.4 billion as of 16 January 2026. It provides cover for about 11 months of imports and 94% of external debt.
Average headline inflation stood at 1.7% during April–December 2025 which is the lowest since the CPI series began.
Foodgrain production is estimated at 3,577.3 lakh metric tonnes in AY 2024–25. It shows an increase of 254.3 LMT over the previous year.
More than ₹4.09 lakh crore has been released to eligible farmers under PM-KISAN since its inception.
29 Jan 2026, 1:30 PM
Gross NPAs of scheduled commercial banks declined to 2.2% in September 2025, a multi-decadal low.
Net NPAs stood at 0.5% during the same period.
Bank credit growth increased to 14.5% year-on-year as of December 2025.
Manufacturing GVA grew 7.72% in Q1 and 9.13% in Q2 of FY26, reflecting structural recovery.
PLI schemes across 14 sectors have attracted over ₹2 lakh crore of actual investment and generated over 12.6 lakh jobs as of September 2025.
29 Jan 2026, 1:20 PM
Effective capital expenditure rose to around 4% of GDP in FY25.
States maintained capital spending at around 2.4% of GDP through central assistance.
India reduced its general government debt-to-GDP ratio by about 7.1 percentage points since 2020.
High-speed corridors increased nearly ten-fold from 550 km in FY14 to 5,364 km in FY26 (up to December 2025).
3,500 km of railway lines were added in FY26.
India is now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. The number of airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025.
29 Jan 2026, 1:10 PM
The Centre’s revenue receipts increased to 9.2% of GDP in FY25 (PA).
The direct tax base expanded with income tax returns rising to ₹9.2 crore in FY25.
Gross GST collections during April–December 2025 stood at ₹17.4 lakh crore, growing 6.7% year-on-year.
29 Jan 2026, 1:00 PM
India remains the fastest-growing major economy for the fourth consecutive year.
Private consumption grew by 7.0% in FY26, reaching 61.5% of GDP, the highest level since FY12.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation grew by 7.8% in FY26, maintaining a 30% share of GDP.
29 Jan 2026, 12:50 PM
Real GDP growth for FY26 is projected at 7.4%, while GVA growth is estimated at 7.3%, as per the First Advance Estimates.
India’s potential growth is estimated at around 7%.
Real GDP growth for FY27 is projected in the range of 6.8%–7.2%.
29 Jan 2026, 12:30 PM
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has tabled the Economic Survey 2025–26 in Parliament, ahead of the Union Budget 2026 presentation on February 1. Read the detailed highlights and summary of the Economic Survey 2026 for a chapter-wise breakdown and key data.
29 Jan 2026, 10:50 AM
In an address ahead of the Economic Survey 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Budget Session is taking place at a crucial time as India moves towards the goal of Viksit Bharat.
He stated that the government is moving forward on the path of “reform, perform and transform.”
The Prime Minister said the Economic Survey and Union Budget will reflect the government’s long-term vision for India’s development.
He highlighted that the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement will benefit Indian youth, services, and manufacturing sectors.
PM Modi noted that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, calling it a significant milestone.
29 Jan 2026, 10:20 AM
The Economic Survey 2025–26 is expected to be tabled in Parliament at 11:00 AM today, ahead of the Union Budget 2026 presentation on February 1. The Economic Survey 2025–26 provides an overview of India’s economic performance and sets the context for Budget 2026.
28 Jan 2026
The Budget Session of Parliament has commenced with the President’s address to both Houses.
The government is expected to outline its broad economic vision for FY 2026–27 through the Economic Survey tomorrow.
Nearly 25 crore people have come out of poverty in the last decade, said President Droupadi Murmu.
Coverage under social security schemes has expanded from 25 crore people in 2014 to 95 crore currently.
The Vikshit Bharat Gram Law has been formed, providing an employment guarantee of 125 days in villages.
150 Vande Bharat trains are currently operational across the country.
The proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost services and manufacturing and generate employment for youth.
The government is revising old rules to meet future needs and is moving on the path of a “Reform Express.”
Welfare of backward communities remains a key priority of the government.
Budget 2026 Expectations
Income Tax
No major overhaul of income tax slabs is expected, as the revised income tax framework was introduced recently.
Middle-class taxpayers are expecting relief through a higher standard deduction under the new tax regime.
Simplification of personal tax compliance and faster grievance redressal remain key expectations.
Economic Growth & Infrastructure
Continued emphasis on capital expenditure, infrastructure development, and manufacturing-led growth is expected.
Increased allocations for railways, and urban infrastructure may be announced to support long-term growth.
The government is likely to maintain its push on “Make in India” and domestic value creation.
MSMEs & Business Support
MSMEs are seeking easier access to credit, extended support schemes, and simplified compliance norms.
Industry bodies are expecting policy measures to boost exports and improve ease of doing business.
Tax Administration & Digital Governance
Measures to improve taxpayer experience through quicker refunds, and reduced duration of litigation are anticipated.
Further use of digital tools and data analytics in tax administration may be highlighted.
Sector-wise Expectations
Stock Market: Higher capital expenditure with focus on infrastructure, defence, clean energy, AI, railways, and manufacturing.
Manufacturing & MSMEs: Improved access to institutional credit and stronger credit-guarantee support.
Railways: Increased allocation for capacity expansion, including new lines and track upgrades.
Medical Field: Lower customs duty on medicines and equipment, with support for healthcare PLI schemes.
Agriculture: Higher agriculture spending, possible Seeds Bill, and expanded warehousing for perishables.
Real Estate: Reduced stamp duty, expanded affordable housing limits, and faster project clearances.
AI & Robotics: Extended PLI and infrastructure support for AI, robotics, and deep-tech sectors.
Climate Change & Green Energy: Faster scale-up of domestic solar manufacturing and clean energy adoption.
Clean Mobility: Expansion of EV charging infrastructure and support for battery manufacturing and recycling.
Defence: Higher capital outlay to boost domestic defence manufacturing.
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