All eyes on February 1: What to expect from Union Budget 2026 as Nirmala Sitharaman set to make history with 9th consecutive presentation

People across, businesses and investors are keen to see how the government plans to balance economic growth with fiscal discipline.

The Union Budget 2026 is expected to place strong emphasis on boosting economic growth.

The government may increase spending on infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports and renewable energy projects.

Higher capital spending is seen as a way to create jobs and support long-term development.

The experts believe that support for manufacturing is also likely to continue, with incentives for domestic production and exports.

They expect that the Centre’s spending could also focus on railways, metro connectivity and airport infrastructure across the country.

Relief for the middle class

Taxpayers, especially the middle class, are hoping for more relief following the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) revamp.

There is speculation that the government could revise tax slabs, increase standard deductions, or offer incentives for savings and housing loans.

The government may also focus on improving supply chains to keep prices under control.

A report by State Bank of India (SBI) has highlighted that the upcoming budget 2026 should announce reforms across taxation, insurance and pension sectors to boost household financial savings, reduce compliance challenges and improve social security coverage in the country.

Push for Jobs and Skills

Job creation is likely to be another priority in thee Union Budget 2026.

The experts suggest that the budget could introduce schemes to support start-ups, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and labour-intensive industries.

They say that with growing Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology demand in the world, government spending could also focus on the tech infrastructures. 

Also, more funds may be allocated to skill development, education and digital training to prepare young people for future jobs.

Union Budget 2026 is expected to strengthen India’s green growth agenda. This may include higher spending on clean energy, electric vehicles, green hydrogen and climate-friendly infrastructure.

Such steps would support India’s climate commitments while also creating new economic opportunities.

Markets and investors

Financial markets will closely track announcements related to taxes, disinvestment, capital spending and reforms. Any big policy changes could affect stock markets, bond yields and the rupee.

Investors will look for clarity, stability and long-term growth signals.

Nirmala Sitharaman set to make history

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present her ninth consecutive Union Budget on February 1, creating a new record in India’s parliamentary history.

The budget is expected to include reform measures aimed at supporting economic growth at a time when global conditions remain uncertain due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

With this, Sitharaman will move closer to the long-standing record held by former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, who presented a total of ten budgets across different periods. Desai delivered six budgets as finance minister between 1959 and 1964, and a further four between 1967 and 1969.

Among other former finance ministers, P Chidambaram presented nine budgets under different prime ministers, while Pranab Mukherjee presented eight during his tenure.

However, Sitharaman will retain a unique distinction. She will be the only finance minister to have presented nine budgets in a row under the same prime minister, Narendra Modi, marking an unprecedented run of consecutive budgets.