Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2026 on February 1, even though the day falls on a Sunday, underlining the significance of the annual financial exercise. The budget presentation will be closely watched across the country as it is expected to outline the government’s economic roadmap for the coming financial year amid evolving global and domestic challenges.
From the common citizen to large corporate houses, expectations from the Union Budget remain high. Salaried individuals are hoping for relief in personal income tax, higher standard deductions, and measures to ease the burden of rising living costs. Middle-class families are also looking for announcements related to affordable housing, education, healthcare, and inflation control, which directly impact household budgets.
At the same time, the business community is keenly awaiting policy signals on taxation reforms, incentives for startups, and steps to boost manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative. Industry leaders are also expecting clarity on capital expenditure, infrastructure development, and reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, which could help stimulate investment and job creation.
The agricultural sector, a key pillar of the Indian economy, is likely to look for increased budgetary support, higher allocations for irrigation, crop insurance, and measures to ensure stable incomes for farmers. Similarly, the youth of the country will be watching for initiatives focused on employment generation, skill development, and opportunities in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, green energy, and digital services.
Economists and market participants, meanwhile, will closely track the government’s fiscal discipline, deficit targets, and borrowing plans, as these have a direct bearing on inflation, interest rates, and overall economic stability. With multiple stakeholders pinning hopes on key announcements, the Union Budget 2026 is expected to set the tone for India’s economic direction in the year ahead.
