The Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced on Monday. The Budget will be tabled during the Budget Session of Parliament, which is set to commence on January 28 and continue until April 2.
Key Dates for Budget Session 2026
As per the official announcement:
- First Phase: January 28 to February 13, 2026
- Second Phase: March 9 to April 2, 2026
The break between the two phases allows parliamentary committees to examine budgetary proposals in detail before final approval.
Budget Session Structure and Proceedings
The Budget Session traditionally begins with the President's Address to a joint sitting of both Houses, outlining the government's policy priorities and legislative roadmap for the year ahead. This address sets the tone for the session and is followed by extensive financial and legislative business.
A major highlight of the first phase will be the presentation of the Union Budget 2026, which is expected to be tabled on February 1, 2026.
The Budget documents will include:
- Annual Financial Statement
- Finance Bill
- Appropriation Bill
Together, these outline the government's revenue estimates, expenditure plans, taxation proposals, and fiscal strategy for the financial year beginning April 1, 2026.
Focus Areas of the Two Phases
First Phase (January 28 - February 13)
The initial phase primarily focuses on:
- Presentation of the Union Budget
- General discussion on Budget priorities
- Introduction of key financial and economic legislation
- Preliminary debates on Demands for Grants of various ministries
Second Phase (March 9 - April 2)
The second phase is crucial for:
- Detailed scrutiny and voting on Demands for Grants
- Consideration and passage of the Finance Bill
- Approval of the Appropriation Bill
- Completion of other legislative business
These steps are essential to secure parliamentary approval for government spending and taxation measures before the start of the new financial year.
Importance of the Budget Session in Parliament's Annual Calendar
The Budget Session is one of the three regular parliamentary sessions held every year, along with:
- Monsoon Session (July-August)
- Winter Session (November-December)
Among them, the Budget Session holds special significance, as it determines the government's financial framework, policy direction, and expenditure priorities for the entire year.
With key fiscal reforms, taxation measures, and economic policies expected to be debated, the Budget Session 2026 will play a pivotal role in shaping India's economic trajectory for the upcoming financial year.
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