Union Budget 2026 likely to be on a Sunday:It coincides with Feb 1 holiday for Guru Ravidas Jayanti; Sitharaman to present 8th-straight budget

Preparations for India’s 80th Union Budget are underway, but the presentation date has sparked discussion this year. In 2026, February 1 falls on a Sunday and coincides with Guru Ravidas Jayanti, raising questions over whether the budget will be presented on that day. If the budget is tabled on February 1, it would mark the first Sunday presentation since the budget date was advanced to February 1 in 2017. However, the final decision will rest with the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. Union Budget 2026–27 will also be significant for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, as it will be her eighth consecutive budget and the second full budget of the Modi government’s third term. With this, she will become the first Finance Minister in India to present eight budgets in a row. Possible Budget Dates in 2026 The budget has previously been presented on February 1 even when it fell on a Saturday, as in 2020 and 2025. Media reports suggest that January 31 (Saturday) is unlikely to be considered this time. If February 1 is ruled out due to the Sunday and Ravidas Jayanti, February 2 (Monday) could be the alternative. Before 2017, the Union Budget was traditionally presented on the last working day of February. This was changed to February 1 to ensure a smoother start to the financial year on April 1. Government Keen to Retain February 1 Tradition According to media reports, the government is inclined to maintain the February 1 tradition. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has stated that the cabinet committee will decide on the budget date at the appropriate time. Sources point out that Guru Ravidas Jayanti is classified as a ‘Restricted Holiday’ rather than a ‘Public Holiday’ for the central government. This leaves room for the budget to be presented on February 1 through a special sitting of Parliament, even if it falls on a Sunday. Sitharaman Set to Create History With Budget 2026–27, Nirmala Sitharaman will match the record of former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who also presented eight full budgets. However, Desai delivered them under two different prime ministers. Sitharaman will be the first finance minister to achieve this milestone under consecutive governments led by the same prime minister, Narendra Modi. Parliament Has Worked on Sundays Before There is ample precedent for Parliament functioning on Sundays or holidays. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, sessions were held on Sundays, and Parliament also met on Sundays during its 60th anniversary celebrations in 2012. In 1957, despite Buddha Purnima being a holiday, the President addressed both Houses. Experts note that since the Union Budget is a constitutional requirement, Parliament can be convened on a Sunday under special circumstances. ​