Union Budget 2026: Feb 1 on Sunday; Will India Shift Date? History & Govt's Plan

• February 1, the usual Union Budget presentation day, falls on a Sunday in 2026, raising questions about a potential date shift.
• Historically, India has sometimes shifted budget dates when February 1 or 28 fell on a weekend, with examples from 1953, 1999.
• In 2017, PM Narendra Modi's government moved the budget date from February end to February 1.
• Despite the Sunday, government sources indicate an inclination to retain February 1 for the Budget presentation in 2026 for continuity.
• The final decision rests with the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Why It Matters: Despite Feb 1, 2026 being a Sunday, India's government plans to stick to the traditional Budget date.