- Big spending push, leading to a slower reduction in deficit
- Major boost for infrastructure -- road, rail, power, ports
- Strong anti–black money law with new, more forceful measures
- Corporate tax cut to 25% from 30% over next four years
- A new MUDRA Bank to finance MFIs for lending to small biz
India Budget 2026
Budget and Markets
Budget 2026 not headline-grabbing but fiscally prudent and growth-oriented
Union Budget 2026: SGBs bought from secondary markets to attract capital gains tax, effective April 1
Defence stocks face test of nerves as 22% capex lift in Union Budget meets lofty valuations; BEL, HAL, Mazagon Dock top picks
Budget impact: What makes Morgan Stanley's Ridham Desai remain bullish on Indian stocks
Budget 2026: Shankar Sharma cheers derivatives STT hike, calls F&O a ‘poison’ for investors
Taxes and You
Pay reduced tax at 39% rate on unexplained income compared to 78% earlier, with close eye on penalty, Budget 2026 announcement?
Confused about income tax deduction on pre-EMI interest? Budget 2026 brings clarity on Rs 2 lakh home loan deduction
No need to pay income tax if your land is acquired by government giving payout under RFCTLARR Act; Budget 2026 proposal
Relaxation in jail term on ITR filing offence in Budget 2026: Pay fine or 2 years jail instead of 7 years if ITR not filed and tax is above Rs 50 lakh
SGB Taxation: From zero tax to Rs 2.60 lakh capital gains tax on Rs 10 lakh investment, how new Budget proposal will cost investors dearly
Sectors In Focus
SME
Charting the Global Economy: Central banks hold the line
Two VLCCs exit Strait of Hormuz, where traffic remains thin
Hormuz oil shuttling trade is picking up again after lull
Esstee Exports bets on IoT platform Texplus to boost textile factory efficiency by up to 20%
India doubles down on strategic manufacturing--from semiconductors to hydrogen trains: Finmin Report
Defence
Air Marshal Tejpal Singh takes charge as new Deputy Chief of Air Staff
Enhance use of AI to develop 'intelligent military': Xi Jinping tells PLA
US Marine Corps says F-35B stealth fighter jet crashed in California
China conducts naval, air patrols around disputed shoal in South China Sea
'Kind of madness': Iran vows to target US, Israeli energy assets if attacked as Trump weighs fresh strikes
Housing
HUDCO sees Rs 1 lakh crore opportunity in new cities push
Zomato Hyperpure leases 3.5 lakh sq ft warehouse in Chennai
Mumbai records best-ever July property registrations, stamp duty collections
Suraksha Group completes structural audit of seven towers at Jaypee Wish Town
Beyond property search: From documentation to maintenance, how India's online real estate experience is changing
Banking
Bank credit to industry up 19%, personal loans stay strong
PNB raising $1 billion for FCNR on-lending
FCNR deposits from Indian diaspora in UAE come in big; some say flow could be bigger
Loan growth remains strong, shows latest RBI sectoral data
RBI asks banks to install fake currency detection machines at branches along international borders
Energy
Petrol could cost Rs 125/litre without ethanol blending: Government
Arvind Kejriwal announces march to PM's residence on August 4 over E20 fuel, alleges ethanol imports to rise five-fold
Indian Oil rules out shift from Gulf crude despite regional conflict
ONGC plans 150 deepwater wells under Rs 84,084-crore Samudra Manthan Mission
LPG price cut today: Commercial cylinders cheaper by over Rs 200 in Delhi & Kolkata; domestic rates remain unchanged
Insurance
NRIs can now buy term insurance in USD from India: Policybazaar explains how new plan protects against currency risk
Home loan insurance: Protecting the dream home without paying more than you need to
The old health insurance model sees hospitalisation as an inconvenience, says Narayana Health's Viren Prasad Shetty; bets on managed care model
Maternity cover in group health insurance plans: Why outdated limits leave employees paying more out of pocket
Goal protection matters: Why Waiver of Premium deserves more attention
Borrow
How a personal loan EMI calculator can help you plan repayments better
Understand loan eligibility before applying for a loan for doctors
Explore this practical guide to smarter home financing
Instant ₹10,000 loan approval strategy: How to pick lenders offering the best interest rates
How inflation and RBI repo rates influence personal loan interest rates
Auto
India PV sales hit record high in July, up 34% on strong demand and GST cuts
Suzuki Motorcycle India sales up 26pc at 1,42,985 units in July
Hero MotoCorp July sales up 18.6% at 5,33,416 units
Royal Enfield sales up 34% at 1,18,232 units in July
Tata Motors commercial vehicle sales up 37 pc at 39,641 units in July
Travel
Destination weddings to make up 30-32% of Indian weddings by 2028: Report
More Indians choosing roads over runways for a Dil Chahta Hai moment
Industry body FAITH advocates for a tourism growth charter to unlock opportunities at annual conclave
India must undertake visa reforms, invest more in tourism: WTTC president
The rains are winning: India's monsoon travel boom sends hotel bookings up 10-fold
- Budget underscores razor-sharp focus on rare earth self-reliance: Subhrakant Panda'Markets have reflected their disappointment': Naina Lal Kidwai explains the miss in Budget 2026
17:29'What course correction…': FM Sitharaman's sharp reply to LoP Rahul Gandhi over Budget criticism
02:29‘Inflation down in India & it’s remaining there for some time’: FM Sitharaman at post-Budget presser
02:02
BUDGET PHOTO GALLERY
BUDGET FAQS
Four Balance Sheet Challenge issue was hughlighted by a paper. India's economy has overcome significant financial stress. Now, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman states India has a 'twin balance sheet advantage'. Corporate and financial sectors have recovered and are in excellent shape to support growth.
India Budget 2026: As India prepares for Union Budget 2026, this explainer details its significance as the government's annual financial blueprint. The Budget outlines revenue and expenditure plans, crucial for converting policy promises into action and managing finite resources to drive economic growth and social welfare.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, 2026. This marks a continuation of her tenure, joining a select group of finance ministers with multiple consecutive budgets. The meticulous preparation process, involving extensive consultations and departmental reviews, culminates in the budget's presentation to Parliament.
Union Budget 2026: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for FY 2026-27 on February 1, 2026. Ahead of this, understanding key budget terms like Annual Financial Statement, Fiscal Deficit, and Revenue Expenditure is crucial for grasping the government's financial blueprint and economic strategy.
Full Budget and Vote on account explanation: A Full Budget is the government's comprehensive annual financial plan, detailing past performance and future revenue and spending. In contrast, a Vote on Account is a temporary measure for essential expenses when a full budget cannot be presented, typically during elections. Unlike a full budget, it doesn't introduce new policies or tax changes.
India Budget: Fiscal policy guides government revenue and spending to maintain economic health, addressing deficits through borrowing or reserves. It aims to control inflation, generate employment, and boost investments. In India, it's vital for revenue collection, encouraging savings, and reducing income inequality, working alongside monetary policy to shape economic growth and development.
Government Budgeting Understanding types of Budget Advantages Disadvantages: Governments utilize budgets to manage national finances, categorizing them into balanced, surplus, and deficit types. Each budget offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, impacting economic stability, public welfare, and national development. Effective planning and execution are crucial for a budget's overall success.
Budget 2026: A buyback tax, currently at 23.29%, was extended to listed companies in July 2019, having initially targeted unlisted firms in 2013. This tax discourages profit distribution via share repurchases over dividends. The dividend distribution tax was abolished in 2020, shifting the burden to dividend recipients.
India Budget: Governments resort to deficit financing when spending exceeds earnings, often to stimulate growth through tax cuts or infrastructure projects. While crucial for developing nations like India, it risks inflation and increased production costs, potentially deterring investment and widening economic inequality if overused.
Union Budget: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present India's Union Budget 2026 in February. The budget's core is projecting nominal GDP growth. This estimate drives calculations for tax revenue, government spending, and borrowing needs. Key figures are often percentages of projected nominal GDP. Crude oil prices also significantly influence budget allocations, especially for subsidies. Realistic projections are crucial for budget credibility.
Union Budget 2026 fiscal glide path: India's fiscal deficit reached 52.6% of annual estimates in the first seven months. The government targets a 4.4% deficit for the current fiscal year. This fiscal glide path aims to reduce budget gaps. The NK Singh Committee proposed this plan. Deviations are allowed in extraordinary circumstances. Balancing fiscal discipline with economic needs is crucial for India's growth.
Budget 2026: The 2025-26 Union Budget significantly boosted India's public health. It expanded Ayushman Bharat to gig workers and offered duty exemptions on life-saving drugs. New medical seats were added, and district hospitals will get cancer centers. Digital health infrastructure also received a boost. These measures aimed to improve healthcare access and coverage across the nation.
Union Budget 2026- how to read budget: The Union Budget is the government’s annual financial blueprint outlining projected income, expenditure and policy priorities for the fiscal year.
Types of Deficits Explained: As Union Budget 2026 approaches, understanding fiscal deficits is crucial for assessing a nation's financial health. A deficit signifies the imbalance between the government’s expenditures and revenues. A deficit occurs when a government spends more money than it collects through various sources of revenue. There are mainly three types of budget deficits: Revenue deficit, fiscal deficit and primary deficit.
What is a Budget Plan: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for 2026-27 on February 1, 2026. The budget, a comprehensive financial statement, outlines the nation's economic performance and future aspirations. Its preparation involves months of meticulous planning, consultations with diverse stakeholders, and final approval from the Cabinet. The Union Budget includes revenues and expenditures as its main components.
India has successfully met its fiscal deficit target for FY25 at 4.8% of GDP, with a further reduction planned to 4.4% for FY26. This achievement was bolstered by strong tax revenues and a significant dividend from the RBI. The government aims to continue this trend by managing revenue growth and controlling expenditure, particularly subsidies, while maintaining capital investments.
Union Budget 2026: Pre-Budget consultations for Union Budget 2026-27 have already started but a large question looms-its presentation date. February 1, 2026, a Sunday, coincides with Guru Ravidas Jayanti, a restricted holiday. Historically, the Indian Union Budget has been presented on Saturdays and even Sundays, with recent instances in 2015 and 2016.
What is government borrowing and how does it impact fiscal deficit? A key question ahead of the big day. As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, government borrowing and its impact on the fiscal deficit are under scrutiny. The Centre raises funds through securities to finance public expenditure, especially when revenues are low. Higher borrowing increases interest burdens, impacting future spending flexibility.
India Budget 2026: Work on Budget 2026 has commenced, following a meticulous five-step process initiated by the Department of Economic Affairs. This involves pre-budget estimates, inter-ministerial consultations, Cabinet approval, and parliamentary presentation. The final approved budget then guides the implementation of national financial plans and schemes for the upcoming fiscal year.
India's annual budget is its economic roadmap. It guides how the nation earns and spends money. The budget ensures fair resource distribution. It supports growth, reduces inequality, and strengthens key sectors. Public funds are used effectively for development and economic stability.
Details on Budget 2026
Presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the Budget for 2026-27 is driven by Yuvashakti and anchored in three core kartavyas -- accelerating growth, fulfilling aspirations and ensuring Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. While the government kept personal income tax rates unchanged, the Budget packed in a wide-ranging growth and reform agenda spanning infrastructure, railways, manufacturing, semiconductors, MSMEs, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, defence and skills, alongside a surprise hike in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives.
The total Budget size was pegged at Rs 53.5 lakh crore, with a sharp focus on capital expenditure, fiscal consolidation and reform delivery.
Taxpayers: Status quo on rates, procedural relief
In a major signal of continuity, Sitharaman proposed no change in personal income tax rates. The New Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into force, it was announced.
To ease compliance, the government extended the ITR filing deadline for non-audit businesses and trusts to August 31, while individuals filing ITR-1 and ITR-2 will continue to have time till July 31. The deadline for revised returns has been extended to March 31, subject to payment of a nominal fee.
TDS, TCS rationalisation
The Budget proposed sweeping rationalisation of Tax Collected at Source (TCS). TCS on the sale of overseas tour packages has been slashed to 2%, while TCS on overseas education and medical expenses under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) has also been reduced to 2%. Interest awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal will now be fully exempt from income tax.
TCS on goods was rationalised -- alcoholic liquor, scrap and mineral products at 2%, while Tendu leaves saw a reduction from 5% to 2%.
Markets: STT hike on derivatives
In a move that surprised market participants, the government raised STT on futures to 0.05% from 0.02%, and STT on options premium to 0.15% from 0.10%. However, Sitharaman clarified that there will be no change in short-term or long-term capital gains tax.
NRIs: Disclosure and investment access
For non-resident Indians, TDS will be deducted on the sale of immovable property. A foreign investment disclosure scheme was announced. Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) will now be permitted to invest in equity instruments of listed Indian companies through the Portfolio Investment Scheme.
Railways and infrastructure: High-speed push
The Budget proposed seven high-speed rail corridors and one dedicated freight corridor. High-speed corridors will connect major economic centres, including Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi and Varanasi–Siliguri.
Infrastructure measures include a new freight corridor at Dankuni in West Bengal, operationalisation of 20 new waterways, and a Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme aimed at doubling modal share by 2047.
Education and skilling
The Budget proposed one girls’ hostel in every district, support for the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, Mumbai, to set up content labs in 15,000 secondary schools, and a new National Institute of Design in eastern India through a challenge-based route. States will be supported to develop five university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors.
Healthcare: Cancer drugs, trauma care, mental health
Sitharaman exempted basic customs duty on 17 cancer-related drugs and announced nationwide strengthening of emergency and trauma care centres at district hospitals. The government will establish NIMHANS 2.0 in North India and add seven rare diseases to the list eligible for import duty exemption on personal medical imports.
Semiconductors and critical minerals
The Budget launched ISM 2.0, a semiconductor mission with an outlay of Rs 40,000 crore, and announced rare-earth corridors across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Industry, MSMEs and services
To boost industry, the government proposed a tax holiday for foreign companies offering cloud services using Indian data centres, mandated foreign digital firms to serve Indian customers through Indian reseller entities, and announced Rs 10,000 crore investment in biopharma over five years. Outlay on electronics manufacturing will rise to Rs 40,000 crore in FY27.
A Rs 10,000 crore MSME Growth Fund will be set up to create future champions. Customs will move to trust-based systems, with advance ruling validity extended to five years. A high-level committee will work towards raising the services sector’s contribution to 10% by 2047.
The Budget also reduced the APA timeline to two years (extendable by six months), cut MAT to 14% and made it the final tax, and raised the safe harbour threshold for IT services to Rs 2,000 crore.
Economy and fiscal math
Sitharaman pegged the fiscal deficit at 4.3% of GDP for 2026-27, with the debt-to-GDP ratio targeted at 55.6%. Capital expenditure will rise to Rs 12.2 lakh crore, while Rs 1.4 lakh crore will be devolved to states. Net tax receipts are estimated at Rs 28.7 lakh crore, and gross market borrowings at Rs 17.2 lakh crore. The FM said that since the PM's Independence Day announcement in 2025, over 350 reforms have been implemented
Agriculture and fisheries
Measures include coconut and cashew promotion, rejuvenation of old orchards, high-density cultivation of walnuts, almonds and pine nuts, and integrated fisheries development across 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. Fish caught in India’s EEZ or high seas will be duty-free even if landed at foreign ports. Sandalwood cultivation will be strengthened, and dividend income exemption granted to notified national cooperative federations for three years.
Tourism, jobs and defence
Tourism initiatives span trekking and hiking in J&K, Uttarakhand, Araku Valley and Pudigai Malai, wildlife and Buddhist heritage trails, development of 15 archaeological sites, a National Institute of Hospitality, and training of 10,000 tourist guides. India will host the first Global Big Cat Summit.
For defence, Rs 7.85 lakh crore has been allocated for 2026-27, including Rs 2.19 lakh crore capital outlay. Customs duty exemptions were announced for aircraft manufacturing and MRO. Civil aviation received Rs 4,699.92 crore, with UDAN allocation raised 27% to Rs 550 crore.

















