Will the central government present the general budget on Sunday this time? A long-standing tradition could change, with the meeting scheduled for today.

News Topical, Digital Desk : The countdown to the Union Budget 2026-27 has begun. As usual, the central government is expected to present the budget on February 1, 2026. This will be the first time in recent years that the central government will present the budget on a Sunday. The Budget Session of Parliament is expected to begin with the President's address on January 28, 2026. The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs is expected to meet today to finalize the dates for the Budget Session. The budget is also expected to be presented on February 1.

Since 2017, the budget has been presented on February 1.

Before 2017, the budget was presented on the last day of February, but in 2017, former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the budget on February 1 for the first time, and since then, the budget has been presented on February 1 every year. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the budget in Parliament on February 1.

February 1st is Sunday

This year, February 1st falls on a Sunday, making it the first time the budget will be presented on a Sunday. This day also marks Guru Ravidas Jayanti, which will result in a holiday in many places. Government offices and the stock market are also closed on Sundays.

When was the budget presented on Saturday?

The central government will also release the Economic Survey on January 29th, followed by holidays on January 30th and 31st. Previously, the central government presented its interim budget on a Saturday, February 1st, 2025. This is the first time since 1999 that the central government's budget has been presented on a Saturday. Former Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha presented the budget on February 27th, 1999, at 11 a.m. on a Saturday. Previously, the budget was presented at 5 p.m.

Why is this year's budget special?

Everyone is eagerly awaiting the 2026-27 budget. Especially given the current situation, from US tariffs to global tensions, everyone is keenly watching the budget's key announcements. It's anticipated that the government may make some significant announcements to boost the country's growth rate.

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