Budget 2026 Date: Will Nirmala Sitharaman Present the Union Budget on Sunday, February 1 or Monday, February 2?

Budget 2026–27: The countdown for India’s Union Budget 2026–27 has officially begun, and a key question is already making headlines—on which day will the budget be presented? Traditionally, the Union Budget is tabled on February 1, but in 2026, this date falls on a Sunday, triggering widespread speculation over whether the government will stick to tradition or shift the presentation to the next working day, Monday, February 2.

Since 2017, the Narendra Modi-led government has consistently presented the Union Budget on February 1 to ensure that the Finance Bill is passed on time and the new financial year, beginning April 1, starts smoothly. However, this is the first time since the change in tradition that February 1 is falling on a Sunday, making the situation unusual and historically significant.

A Historic Budget for Nirmala Sitharaman

If presented as scheduled, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver her eighth consecutive Union Budget, a remarkable milestone in itself. Budget 2026–27 will also be India’s 80th Union Budget since Independence. A Sunday budget presentation would set a new precedent in India’s parliamentary history, adding further importance to the event.

Naturally, this has led to intense discussions in political and policy circles about whether Parliament will convene on a weekend for such a crucial exercise.

Will the Budget Be Presented on February 1?

According to reports, the government is inclined to maintain the February 1 tradition, even if it falls on a Sunday. This indicates that presenting the budget on Sunday, February 1, 2026, is very much a possibility. However, the final decision has not yet been officially confirmed.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has stated that the matter will be decided by the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA) at an appropriate time. Until then, both dates—February 1 and February 2—remain under consideration.

The Guru Ravidas Jayanti Factor

Adding another layer of complexity, February 1, 2026, also coincides with Guru Ravidas Jayanti. While this day is not a central government public holiday, it is observed as a public holiday in some northern states such as Delhi and Haryana. At the central government level, it is classified as a restricted holiday.

As per information available on the Rajya Sabha website, parliamentary proceedings do not have to be suspended on restricted holidays. This means that, technically, Parliament can function normally on such days.

However, there is some historical context worth noting. During the Budget Session in 2025, Guru Ravidas Jayanti also fell on a session day, and both Houses of Parliament did not sit on that occasion. Additionally, parliamentary sittings were cancelled due to Guru Ravidas Jayanti in 1981 and 1986, suggesting that exceptions have been made in the past.

Has Parliament Sat on Sundays Before?

Yes, Parliament has convened on Sundays and public holidays on several occasions. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, parliamentary sessions were held despite extraordinary circumstances. Similarly, on May 13, 2012, which was a Sunday, a special session was organized to mark the 60th anniversary of Parliament’s first sitting.

There have also been instances where parliamentary business continued on holidays like Buddha Purnima. These examples indicate that while uncommon, Sunday sittings are not unprecedented.

What About January 31 or February 2?

Reports suggest that the possibility of presenting the budget on Saturday, January 31, 2026, is extremely low. If the government ultimately decides against a Sunday presentation, the most likely alternative would be Monday, February 2, 2026.

It is worth noting that in 2020 and 2025, February 1 fell on a Saturday, and the budget was presented on the same day without any changes. This strengthens the argument that the government prefers sticking to February 1 wherever possible.

Why February 1 Matters

The shift to February 1 in 2017 was a strategic move aimed at allowing sufficient time for parliamentary approval of financial proposals before the start of the new financial year on April 1. Any significant delay could disrupt budget implementation, making February 1 a critical date in the fiscal calendar.

Final Word

As of now, the government has not made an official announcement regarding the exact date of the Union Budget 2026–27. While Sunday, February 1, 2026, remains the frontrunner, Monday, February 2, is the backup option if logistical or parliamentary concerns arise.

If the budget is presented on February 1, it will mark the first Sunday budget since 2017 and further cement Nirmala Sitharaman’s place in India’s financial history. Until a formal notification is issued, all eyes remain on the Cabinet Committee’s final call.