Union Budget 2026-27: LIVE
The presentation will also be the second full Budget since NDA returned to power for a third consecutive term in the 2024 general elections
FM Sitharaman (front left) & MoS Pankaj Chaudhary after final touches to Union Budget 2026–27, on Saturday. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi, Feb 1: The Union Budget 2026–27, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today, is expected to prioritise defence, infrastructure, capital expenditure, power and affordable housing.
Sitharaman will table the Budget in the Lower House, marking the 15th Union Budget of the Narendra Modi-led government.
The presentation will also be the second full Budget since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) returned to power for a third consecutive term in the 2024 general elections.
The Finance Minister is set to create history by becoming the first woman to present the Union Budget for the ninth consecutive time.
Economists said expectations around the FY27 Budget differ from the previous year, which was largely focused on boosting middle-class consumption through tax relief measures. The upcoming Budget, they noted, is likely to take a more calibrated approach to stimulating consumption while prioritising long-term growth drivers.
Greater emphasis is expected on capital expenditure, particularly in sectors considered strategically important amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. Defence preparedness, infrastructure development and energy security are likely to feature prominently in the spending roadmap.
According to an India Strategy report by Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd, capital spending is expected to remain a key priority in the Budget, with allocations also likely to support higher growth in affordable housing.
Stay tuned for live updates, below:
Live Updates
- 1 Feb 2026 2:02 PM IST
Divyaang Sahara Yojana:
Divyaang Sahara Yojana will provide dignified livelihood opportunities, and timely access to high-quality assistive devices for all eligible divyaangjan.
She proposes:
- To support artificial limbs manufacturing corporation of India to setup and scale up production of assistive devices
- Invest in R & D and AI integration
- Strengthen PM Divyasha Kendras
- Support setting up of modern retail-style centres for purchase of assistive products
- 1 Feb 2026 1:56 PM IST
Bharat Vistar AI tool for agricultural practices
FM Sitharaman announces proposal to launch Bharat Vistar, a multilingual AI tool that shall integrate agristack portal and the ICAR portals on agricultural practices with AI systems. This will aim to enhance farm productivity, and reduce risk by providing customised advisory support.
She also proposes the launch of She(Self help entrepreneurs)-Marts, community-owner, retail outlets within cluster level federations through enhanced and innovative financing instruments.
- 1 Feb 2026 1:52 PM IST
Agriculture
Coming to the third Kartavya, FM Sitharaman stated that its fulfilment require targeted efforts to increase farmers income, empowering divangjan, empowering the vulnerable to access mental health and trauma care, and focus on the NE region.
For fisheries, she announced initiatives for integrated development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars. Along with it, she also stressed on to strengthen the fishery value chains in the coastal areas and enable market linkages, involving start-ups and women led groups together with fish farmer producer organisations.
Talking about Animal Husbandry, she emphasised that this sector will be developed through a credit-linked subsidiary program, scaling up of livestock enterprises, enhanced creation of livestock, diary and poultry.
She proposes a Coconut Production and Promotion Scheme to enhance productivity.
Similar proposals are also announced for high value crops such as cashew, cocoa, and Sandalwood production in the coastal areas. Whereas, Agar trees in NE and nuts such as almonds, pine nuts and walnuts in hilly regions.
- 1 Feb 2026 1:41 PM IST
Khelo India Program: Sports Sector
The Ministry of Finance proposes a Khelo India Mission to transform the Sports sector over the next decade. The mission will facilitate:
- An integrated talent development pathways supported by training centres
- Systematic development of coaches and support staffs
- Integration of sports science and technology
- Competition and leagues to promote sports culture and platforms
- Development of sports infrastructure for training and competitions
- 1 Feb 2026 1:37 PM IST
Tourism
FM Sitharaman propose to set up of a National Institute of Hospitality by upgrading the existing council for hotel management. It will act as a bridge between academia, industry and govt.
She also proposes a pilot scheme for upskilling 10,000 guides in 20 iconic tourist sites through standardised high quality 12 week training course in high-breed with an IIM.
A National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will be established to digitally document all places of significance in India expanding cultural, spiritual and heritage. It will create an ecosystem for researchers, historians and content creators.
She proposes development of ecological sustainable trails in Himachal, Uttarakhand and J&K. Along with it, Turtle trails in Kerala, Odisha, Karnataka and three bird-watching trails along Pulicat lake will also be developed.
Focusing on heritage and culture tourism, she further proposes to develop 15 archaeological sites.
- 1 Feb 2026 1:30 PM IST
Education
The govt will support states in creating five university townships in the vicinity of major industrial and logistics corridors.
Through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) or capital support, one girl's hostel will be established in every district.
- 1 Feb 2026 1:24 PM IST
Orange Economy
India's animation, visual ethics, gaming and comic sector (AVGC) projects a requirement of 2 million professionals by 2030.
Sitharaman proposes to support the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies Mumbai in setting up AVGC content creator labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country.
She also proposes to establish a new National Institute of Design to boost design education and development in the Eastern region of India.
- 1 Feb 2026 1:21 PM IST
Animal Husbandry
To scale up availability of veterinary professionals by more than 20,000, FM proposes to roll out a loan linked capital subsidiary support scheme for the establishment of veterinary and para-veterinary colleges, hospitals, diagnostic labs and breeding facilities in private sector.
It will also facilitate collaboration with international institutions.
- 1 Feb 2026 1:16 PM IST
India as a Hub of Medical Tourism Services
To promote India as a hub for medical tourism services, FM proposes a scheme to support states in establishing five regional medical hubs, jointly with private sector. It will involve AYUSH centres, medical valued tourism facilitation centres and infrastructure for diagnostics, post-care and rehabilitation.
It will also create diverse job opportunities for health professionals including doctors and AHPs.
With regards to Yoga, Ayurveda, she sets up proposal of:
- Three new All India Institutes for Ayurveda,
- Upgrade AYUSH pharmacies and drug testing labs for higher standards of certification ecosystem
- Upgrade WHO traditional medical center in Jamnagar
- 1 Feb 2026 1:08 PM IST
A new range of skilled career pathways in Health sector
Existing institutions for Allied Health Professionals will be upgraded and new AHP institutions will be established in private and govt sectors. This will cover 10 selected disciplines and add 1 lakh AHPs over the next five years.
