Budget 2026: Sitharaman to Present Record 9th Budget; Tax Changes Expected

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her 9th consecutive budget, setting a new record.
• The budget session runs in two phases until April 2, with the President addressing both Houses.
• The budget will be presented on Sunday, February 1, at 11 AM, a historic first for independent India.
• BSE and NSE will hold special trading sessions on February 1 for real-time market reactions.
• Expectations for major income tax slab changes are low due to a new 'Income Tax Act' from April 1, 2026, but standard deduction and LTCG exemption limits may increase.

Why It Matters: Finance Minister Sitharaman presents a historic 9th budget, with minor tax relief expected amidst a new tax act.