Union Budget 2026: Key Expectations, Sector Signals, and What Businesses Should Watch

As Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Union Budget 2026 today, India enters a defining fiscal moment. This marks her ninth consecutive budget under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the first time in India’s fiscal history that the Union Budget is being presented on a Sunday. The budget is being unveiled at a time when the Indian economy is showing resilience amid global uncertainty.

According to the Economic Survey 2026, India’s GDP is projected to grow by 7.4% in FY26 and between 6.8% and 7.2% in FY27, driven by a strong macroeconomic foundation, continued regulatory reforms, and a renewed push for private sector investment. Against this backdrop, Budget 2026 is expected to balance growth priorities with fiscal prudence, while laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability.

Budget 2026 inspired by Three 'Kartavya'

• Accelerating and sustaining economic growth by enhancing competitiveness and building resilience to global volatility

• Fulfilling the aspirations of citizens by strengthening capabilities and enabling them to be active partners in India’s growth journey

• Ensuring sab ka saath, sab ka vikas by expanding access to resources, amenities, and opportunities across regions and communities

Budget 2026: What Is Needed To Achieve Three 'Kartavya'

The threefold approach requires a supportive ecosystem. It includes:

• Sustain the momentum of structural reforms
• Robust and resilient financial sector
• Cutting-edge technologies, including AI

As the budget announcements unfold, this blog will capture the latest updates, key policy measures, and sector-wise implications, offering timely insights into what Union Budget 2026 means for businesses, MSMEs, taxpayers, and the broader economy.

Live Updates from Union Budget 2026

Feb 01, 2026 11:26 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to link GeM (Government e-Marketplace) integrated with TReDS (Trade Receivables electronic Discounting System), for information sharing.

Also, to introduce TReDS receivables as asset-backed securities.

Feb 01, 2026 11:25 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: Self Reliant Funds

Self-reliant India fund gets Rs 2000 crore to continue support to micro enterprises.

Feb 01, 2026 11:25 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: Rs 10,000 Crore SME Growth Fund

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed to introduce Rs 10,000 crore SME growth fund. The idea is to incentivise SMEs based on select criteria.

Feb 01, 2026 11:23 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: "India Has The Potential To Emerge As A Global Hub For Sports Goods"

India has the potential to emerge as a global hub for sports goods, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman while presenting the Union Budget 2026. She proposed a dedicated initiative to promote globally competitive sports goods.

Feb 01, 2026 11:21 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: Textile Sector In Focus

• A textile expansion and employment scheme to modernise textile clusters
• Aim for Samarth 2.0 to promote skilling in the textile sector
• Propose to set up mega textile parks in challenge mode
• To launch Mahatma Gandhi Gram Samaj initiative to support Khadi, handicrafts

Feb 01, 2026 11:21 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: National Fibre Scheme For Self-Sufficiency In Space

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed a National Fibre Scheme for self-sufficiency in the space.

Feb 01, 2026 11:20 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live

Propose a scheme for container manufacturing with a budgetary allocation of Rs 10,000 cr over 5 years.

Feb 01, 2026 11:19 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live

A scheme for the enhancement of construction and infrastructure equipment to be introduced.

Feb 01, 2026 11:17 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: India Semiconductor Mission 2.0

India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to focus on industry-led research and training centres for semiconductor

Feb 01, 2026 11:15 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: Bio-pharma Gets Rs 10,000 Crore

To develop India's global bio-pharma hub, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes Biopharma Shakti with Rs 10,000 crore outlay over 5 years.

Strategy to include a bio-pharma focus network. It will also create a network of 1,000 accredited trial sites to bolster the bio-pharma industry.

Feb 01, 2026 11:14 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposes interventions in six areas:

• Scaling up manufacturing in seven strategic and frontier sectors  
• Rejuvenating legacy industrial sectors
• Creating champion MSMEs
• Delivering a powerful push for infrastructure
• Ensuring long-term security and stability
• Developing city economic regions

Feb 01, 2026 11:12 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live

India's disease burden is observed to be shifting to non-communicable diseases: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Feb 01, 2026 11:06 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: Budget 2026 Is 'Yuva Shakti' Driven

Budget 2026 is 'Yuva Shakti' driven: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Feb 01, 2026 11:05 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live | "Government Has Preferred Reform Over Rhetoric": N Sitharaman

While presenting her ninth consecutive budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has preferred reform over rhetoric.

Feb 01, 2026 11:04 (IST)

Budget 2026 Live: India's economic trajectory marked by stability over 12 years

"Since we assumed office 12 years ago, India's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious choices we have made."

Expectations from the Union Budget 2026: Live updates

Here’s a comprehensive look at the major themes and expectations shaping Union Budget 2026:

1:14 AM IST, 30 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 Expectations Live: Closing the Health Spending Gap: JSA’s Budget 2026 Demands

As the Union Budget 2026–27 approaches, Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA) has claimed that the commitments made in the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017 are not being met. The NHP promised public health spending of 2.5% of GDP by 2025, but it remains low at 1.15%. In this context, JSA released a demand letter endorsed by 350 organisations and individuals outlining urgent budget priorities.

12:05 AM IST, 30 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Major Tax Relief on the Horizon for Salaried Employees, Seniors, Homebuyers and Savers?
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, income taxpayers are closely tracking announcements that could reshape India’s personal tax framework. Following the significant changes introduced to the new tax regime last year, the focus has now shifted to the future of the old tax regime—whether it will continue alongside, undergo modifications, or be phased out gradually. Expectations include possible revisions to tax slabs and rebates, selective deductions under the new regime, and targeted concessions for senior citizens and long-term investors. Simplification of compliance, quicker refunds, and a reduction in tax-related disputes are also high on the wish list. While sweeping tax cuts may be unlikely, Budget 2026 is expected to provide clear direction on the evolution of India’s income tax system, making it especially important for salaried taxpayers, retirees, homebuyers, and investors.

11:07 AM IST, 30 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: AI Excellence

“As businesses integrate AI, MarTech, and AdTech into their core operations, the clarity and direction provided by the Union Budget become critical for sustained digital growth. Last year’s Budget delivered a substantial ₹2,000 crore allocation to the IndiaAI Mission and ₹500 crore for a Centre of Excellence in AI , signalling strong intent.

11:05 AM IST, 30 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Viksit Bharat

The goals of NEP 2020 and the broader Viksit Bharat agenda depend on expanding higher education while maintaining quality and global competitiveness. Achieving a 50% gross enrolment ratio will require consistent, long-term funding of around USD 30 billion, backed by policy frameworks that support affordable, long-duration financing and prudent access to capital markets for educational institutions.

Jan 27, 2026 13:57 IST

Union Budget Expectations 2026 Live Updates: Drone Manufacturing Industry

“The Union Budget is a key opportunity to accelerate India’s drone and deep-tech ecosystem through an infrastructure-first approach. Strengthening Drone Shakti through incentive-based manufacturing will clearly signal India’s shift from pilot adoption to large-scale expansion of the drone economy. Priority support for skill-linked training infrastructure, indigenous component manufacturing, and shared testing and certification facilities is essential to reduce import dependence and speed up innovation.

Industry Voices | January 23, 2026

12:33:09 PM IST, 22 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: India’s semiconductor push seeks a power shift

After years of policy announcements and initial approvals under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), the next phase will test whether the country can translate intent into sustained, on-ground execution while remaining competitive in an increasingly fractured global chip race.

 11:45:09 AM IST, 22 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Government gears up for all-party meeting on January 27

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiran Rijiju will convene an all-party meeting of floor leaders of both Houses of Parliament on January 27, ahead of the upcoming Budget Session.
As per sources, the meeting is scheduled to be held in the main Committee Room of Parliament.

 11:22:31 AM IST, 22 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: AI, algorithms and cyber war: Will Budget 2026 redefine India’s battlefield?

According to BMI, it is expected to target a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP in FY2026/27, even as fresh pressures build on defence and capital expenditure.
BMI, however, projects that the actual deficit could edge closer to 4.6%, underlining the challenge of balancing fiscal consolidation with rising strategic and security demands.

04:00:00 PM IST, 21 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: India seeks integrated push for nutraceuticals

The 2025 GST rationalisation was a game-changer for India’s nutraceutical sector, simplifying tax structures and easing costs for consumers. Budget 2026 is an opportunity to formally recognise food and dietary supplements as a core part of the country’s wellness ecosystem.

03:57:50 PM IST, 21 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Can policy boost urban logistics, exporter-friendly SEZs?

India’s logistics and warehousing sector has benefited from sustained public capex, initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the development of industrial corridors, which have strengthened connectivity and supported manufacturing expansion. As the sector scales, continued efforts to streamline environmental clearances and bring predictability to regulatory frameworks will be critical for timely project execution.

03:30:00 PM IST, 21 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Can Budget help footwear sector move from volume to value?

India is the world’s second-largest footwear producer, yet remains under-indexed in value-added exports. Budget 2026 should focus on rationalising GST on premium footwear and leather accessories and correcting the inverted duty structure, which continues to pressure margins and consumer pricing.

02:47:05 PM IST, 21 Jan 2026

Union Budget 2026 News Live: Hospitality sector seeks GST relief, tourism push

The hospitality and food service sector reflects India’s evolving consumption story, driven by rising disposable incomes, experiential spending and renewed momentum in tourism and events. Continued focus on infrastructure development, tourism promotion and urban connectivity can deliver strong multiplier effects for the sector.

Hear from industry experts on pre-budget 2026-27

As Budget 2026 approaches, there is a strong expectation for meaningful GST reforms that simplify compliance and reduce litigation. Correcting place-of-supply rules for intermediary services, extending amnesty relief to Section 74 cases, and rationalising penalties for minor e-way bill violations can provide much-needed relief to genuine taxpayers and strengthen trust in the GST framework. — CA Rajesh Kumar Khandelwal

Read more>>

As Budget 2026 approaches, expectations are building around further income tax relief through a more attractive new tax regime, possible increases in standard deduction, and targeted support for middle-class and senior taxpayers. On the economic front, the focus is likely to remain on boosting domestic manufacturing, infrastructure spending, EV clarity, and research-led growth, while maintaining stability in capital gains taxation to support investor confidence. — Adv Gautam Sharma

Read more>> 

Union Budget 2026–27 is expected to sustain India’s growth momentum while balancing fiscal discipline, as the economy targets long-term expansion toward a USD 5-trillion milestone. With GDP growth projected at around 7.4%, stakeholders anticipate simpler and more predictable tax laws, reduced litigation, smoother compliance, and clear transition under the new Income-tax Act from April 2026. — Kunal Soni

Read more>>

Union Budget 2026–27 is expected to focus strongly on easing compliance and improving liquidity for India’s MSMEs. Key direct tax expectations include higher presumptive taxation limits, relaxed tax audit requirements, faster dispute resolution, and greater certainty in restructuring provisions. On the GST side, businesses are looking for quicker refund processing, simplified export refund rules, easier treatment of post-sale discounts, and clearer place-of-supply provisions to reduce litigation. Overall, these reforms aim to lower compliance costs, strengthen working capital, improve export competitiveness, and create a more predictable, MSME-friendly tax environment that supports sustainable growth and investment confidence. — Dhara Gandhi

Read more>>

Why union budget 2026 is crucial?

Union Budget 2026 is seen as more than just an annual financial exercise. It is expected to:

• Strengthen India’s economic resilience amid global headwinds
• Maintain momentum in capital expenditure without widening fiscal stress
• Support long-term reforms rather than short-term populist measures
• Enable inclusive growth across urban, semi-urban, and rural India

With recommendations from the 16th Finance Commission set to influence fiscal transfers, this Budget will also define Centre–State financial dynamics for the next five years.

Read more: Union Budget Halwa Ceremony

What the fiscal signals suggest: Budget 2026

• The fiscal deficit is likely to be maintained around 4.3% of GDP in FY27, indicating commitment to deficit reduction without sharply tightening spending.

• Capital expenditure may rise by nearly 14%, reflecting continued emphasis on infrastructure, logistics, and connectivity to crowd in private investment and improve productivity.

• Gross market borrowings are expected to increase, largely to fund higher capex outlays and meet debt redemption requirements, rather than to support revenue expenditure.

• Direct tax collections are expected to remain the main driver of revenue growth, supported by formalisation and compliance gains, while GST growth may stay moderate, mirroring steady but unspectacular consumption trends.

Why this matters?

Overall, the fiscal approach points to policy continuity rather than expansionary surprises—prioritising long-term capacity building and asset creation over short-term stimulus. For businesses and investors, this suggests predictability in government spending, sustained infrastructure momentum, and limited risk of abrupt fiscal tightening.

Key sector expectations and policy priorities from Budget 2026

Infrastructure, housing, and urban development in focus

Real estate & housing

Industry leaders are calling for:

• Policy stability and faster approvals
• Infrastructure-led urban expansion in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
• Support for green and sustainable housing
• Measures to boost housing demand and NRI investments

A steady policy framework is seen as critical for maintaining investor confidence and housing-led economic growth.

Rail, roads & multimodal transport

Mobility and logistics are expected to remain central, with emphasis on:

• Rail modernisation and high-capacity corridors
• Multimodal transport integration
• Technology adoption and PPP models
• Reduced logistics costs and lower carbon footprint

Digital finance: Moving beyond adoption to impact

While India has achieved global leadership in digital payments, Budget 2026 is expected to focus on deepening digital finance usage, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

Key themes include:

• Strengthening last-mile digital financial infrastructure
• Enhancing reliability and security of digital transactions
• Enabling small businesses and micro-entrepreneurs to fully participate in the formal economy

For MSMEs, this could translate into better access to credit, faster settlements, and improved financial visibility.

GST & taxation

Corporate India is largely seeking a predictable and reform-oriented Budget rather than headline-driven tax changes.

Notable GST-related expectations include:

• Rationalisation of GST structures in specific sectors
• Addressing rate mismatches, especially in emerging industries like electric mobility
• Simplifying compliance to reduce operational friction

For businesses, consistency and clarity in tax policies remain more valuable than short-term incentives.

Electric mobility & clean energy: Aligning policy with adoption

Electric vehicles

Industry participants have flagged GST inconsistencies—particularly the higher tax rate on EV batteries—as a barrier to faster adoption. Aligning GST rates across EVs and core components could:

• Reduce total ownership costs
• Enable innovative models like battery-as-a-service
• Accelerate adoption among commercial and fleet users

Renewables & green hydrogen

The clean energy sector is looking for:

• Support for energy storage and hybrid projects
• Incentives for domestic manufacturing
• Stronger push for green hydrogen under the National Green Hydrogen Mission

These measures are seen as essential for India’s low-carbon industrial transition.

MSMEs, credit access & financial inclusion

Access to affordable, formal credit remains a major theme ahead of Budget 2026.

Key expectations include:

• Greater recognition of secured lending models for first-time borrowers
• Support for digital credit innovations
• Lower cost of funds for NBFCs serving under-banked segments

Such measures could strengthen consumption, entrepreneurship, and financial resilience at the grassroots level.

Insurance, healthcare & pharma innovation

Insurance

The general insurance sector is transitioning from rapid expansion to sustainable growth. Budget expectations include:

• Incentives for micro-insurance and social sector coverage
• Measures to improve affordability and penetration
• Stronger risk governance frameworks

Pharmaceuticals & healthcare

The pharma industry is seeking:

• Simplification of tax provisions affecting R&D
• Restoration of weighted tax deductions for in-house research
• Support for innovation in diagnostics, anti-infectives, and medical technology

Healthcare innovation is increasingly viewed as both an economic and public health priority.

Technology, AI & skilling the workforce

Union Budget 2026 is also expected to place technology at the heart of employment and skilling strategies.

Stakeholders are advocating:

• Use of AI-driven tools for large-scale skilling and career readiness
• Purpose-built learning technologies that deliver measurable outcomes
• Stronger alignment between education, employability, and industry needs

A national focus on “technology-enabled inclusion” could help bridge the gap between qualifications and jobs.

Tourism, hospitality & creative economy

Tourism & hospitality

The sector is seeking:

• Infrastructure status for hospitality
• Better connectivity to tourism clusters
• GST rationalisation and input tax credit support
• Incentives for niche tourism segments such as medical, sustainable, and MICE tourism

Creative & digital economy

There is growing emphasis on:

• Supporting original IP creation
• Incentivising export-oriented creative industries
• Simplifying tax frameworks for digital and IP-led businesses

These sectors are seen as high-potential job creators for India’s youth.

What businesses should watch out for in budget 2026?

Based on expert opinions, businesses should be prepared for possible changes in: 

• Tax structures and slabs
• Compliance timelines and reporting
• MSME-focused incentives
• Digital compliance requirements

Final thoughts

Union Budget 2026 is shaping up to be a reform-driven, stability-focused budget, prioritising long-term growth over short-term announcements. With sustained capex, digital deepening, clean energy push, and technology-led skilling, the budget is expected to strengthen India’s economic foundation while keeping fiscal risks in check.

For businesses, staying informed and prepared will be key to navigating the opportunities and changes that follow.

Archieves

Union Budget 2024: Key Highlights

Get detailed archives of previous Union Budgets

Interesting facts about the Indian Union Budget

Record-breaking Budget speeches

• Longest speech (by duration): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the longest Budget speech in 2020–21, speaking for 2 hours and 42 minutes, surpassing her own 2019 record.

• Longest speech (by word count): Manmohan Singh’s 1991 Budget remains the most detailed, with 18,650 words, presented during India’s economic crisis.

• Shortest speech: In 1977, Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel delivered the briefest Budget speech, comprising just 800 words.

Who presented the most Budgets

• Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting the highest number of Union Budgets (10), followed by P. Chidambaram (9), Pranab Mukherjee and Yashwant Sinha (8 each).

How Budget traditions evolved

• Until 1999, Budgets were presented at 5 PM; this shifted to 11 AM under Yashwant Sinha.

• Since 2017, the Union Budget has been presented on February 1, advancing the earlier end-February schedule.

• Budget documents were printed only in English until 1955, after which Hindi editions were introduced.

• The 2021–22 Budget marked India’s first paperless Budget, introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Women and the Union Budget

• Nirmala Sitharaman became the second woman Finance Minister to present the Union Budget in 2019, after Indira Gandhi.

• She also replaced the traditional briefcase with a ‘bahi-khata’, signalling a move toward Indian tradition.

Railway Budget merger

• After being presented separately for over nine decades, the Railway Budget was merged with the Union Budget in 2017.

Iconic Budgets that shaped India

• 1973–74 ‘Black Budget’: Reflected severe fiscal stress during an economic downturn.

• 1986 ‘Carrot and stick Budget’: Initiated early reforms and introduced MODVAT to reduce tax cascading.

• 1991 ‘Epochal Budget’: Laid the foundation for economic liberalisation amid a balance-of-payments crisis.

• 1997 ‘Dream Budget’: Lowered tax rates to improve compliance and revenue mobilisation.

• 2000 ‘Millennium Budget’: Accelerated growth in India’s IT sector.

• 2002–03 ‘Rollback Budget’: Remembered for reversing several announced measures.

• 2021 ‘Once-in-a-century Budget’: Focused on infrastructure, healthcare, and privatisation to revive the post-pandemic economy.