Union Budget 2026 – Let’s Talk Numbers, Promises & Reality!

Union Budget 2026 – Let’s Talk About Numbers, Promises & Reality!

The Union Budget is more than just figures and finance jargon — it reflects the government’s priorities, vision, and roadmap for the nation. From tax slabs, inflation control, employment, education, healthcare, agriculture to middle-class relief, every announcement directly or indirectly touches our lives.

What caught your attention, and priorities for this year?

Any relief for the middle class?

Boost for youth, women, farmers, or startups?

Reality vs expectations — did the Budget deliver?

Share your views, analysis, hopes, disappointments, and takeaways. Let’s have a healthy, insightful discussion and decode what this Budget really means for us.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting Union Budget 2026. This is her ninth consecutive budget speech under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is the first time in India's fiscal history that the budget is being presented on a Sunday.

According to the Economic Survey 2026 tabled on Thursday, India's economy is projected to grow 7.4 percent in financial year 2026 (FY26) and 6.8-7.2 percent in FY27, driven by regulatory reforms, a strong macroeconomic base, and a renewed call for private sector investment.

Budget 2026 Is 'Yuva Shakti' Driven --Live updates--

Budget 2026 is 'Yuva Shakti' driven: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Budget 2026 Live | "Government Has Preferred Reform Over Rhetoric": N Sitharaman

While presenting her ninth consecutive budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government has preferred reform over rhetoric.

India's economic trajectory marked by stability over 12 years

"Since we assumed office 12 years ago, India's economic trajectory has been marked by stability, fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation. This is the result of conscious choices we have made."

India will launch semi-conductor mission 2.0, outlay increased to Rs 40,000 crore: Nirmala Sitharaman

Key Updates

• Dedicated rare-earth corridors
• Gross GST collections rise 6.2% to over ₹1.93 lakh crore in January

High-level committee on banking for Viksit Bharat

Speaking on the Financial Sectors, Ms. Sitharaman proposes the setting up of a high-level committee on banking for Viksit Bharat to comprehensively review the sector.

Ms Sitharaman proposes the restructuring of Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation.

She also proposes a comprehensive review of the Foreign Exchange Management non-debt instruments rules.

Ms. Sitharaman also announces proposals for Corporate and Municipal Bonds.

Union Budget Update: FM announces 7 new high-speed corridors across major hubs such as Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore among others. This is positive for Stainless steel industry with Jindal Stainless as the key beneficiary.

Union Budget Update : Proposal to set up three new dedicated chemical parks under a Plug and Play model to facilitate faster implementation and to strengthen the supply chain likely to be beneficial for Chemical companies looking for a new capex

Union Budget Update: FM announces ? 12.2 lakh crore (up 9% YoY) as the capital expenditure outlay for FY26-27. Positive for domestic commercial vehicle space with beneficiaries being Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland in the OEM space and Jamna Auto in the auto ancillary space.
Union Budget Update : Finance minister proposed various schemes to strengthen domestic textile industry. It includes various schemes such as Labour incentive scheme, national handloom and handicrafts and setting up mega textile parks in challenge mode. Positive for textile sector
. EMS companies like Kaynes, Amber, Syrma and Dixon which are investing in components ecosystem including PCB manufacturing, display fab shall be key beneficiaries.
Union Budget Update: Government capital expenditure pegged at Rs 12.2 Lakh crore for FY27BE vs Rs 11.2 lakh crore
Union Budget Update: EMS companies like Kaynes, Amber, Syrma and Dixon which are investing in components ecosystem including PCB manufacturing, display fab shall be key beneficiaries.
Union Budget Update: Government proposes to launch ISM 2.0 scheme which shall provide capital subsidy/incentives. Also, ECMS outlay increased from ~Rs 22919 cr to Rs 40,000 cr.
Union Budget Update : Proposed allocation of Rs 10000 crore under the Biopharma Shakti over the next five years to strengthen biologics and biopharma manufacturing likely to be beneficial for Pharma companies-Biocon, Syngene, Sun Pharma, DRL, Lupin, Cipla, Zydus and Aurobindo
Union Budget Update : Scheme proposed for container manufacturing with outlay at Rs 10000 crore over 5 years.
Union Budget Update : Hi tech tool rooms by CPSU at two locations ( design and manufacture high precision components).
Union Budget Update: Semiconductor 2.0 to produce equipment and value chain. The outlay increased to Rs 40000 crore for semiconductor scheme.

Growth, Fiscal Stance & Macro Outlook

• India’s infrastructure spending was raised to a record ₹12.2 trillion for FY27 — underlining a continued push on economic growth drivers.

• Early reporting highlights key takeaways for the common taxpayer and structural measures that affect consumption, MSMEs and investment.

• The accompanying Economic Survey projects steady growth (around ~7 – 7.2 %) and advises caution amid global uncertainties, signalling a mix of pragmatism and optimism in policy.

2. Sectoral Priorities & Policy Signals

Technology & Innovation

• Launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 with multi-thousand-crore support to boost chip manufacturing and ecosystem competitiveness — a strategic move in tech industrial policy.

Agriculture & Rural Economy

• Budget continues prioritisation of agriculture with significant allocations and programmes aimed at productivity enhancement, diversification and credit support for farmers.

Urban Growth & Infrastructure

• Urban development is a clear focus:

  • Funds for transforming cities into economic hubs.

  • Expansion of broadband to secondary schools and rural healthcare centres.

Human Capital (Education & Health)

• Strong investments in:

  • Atal Tinkering Labs and AI Centres of Excellence in education.

  • Additional medical seats and district-level cancer care centres.

Ease of Doing Business & MSME Support

• Enhancements in credit guarantee and credit card schemes along with broad support for MSMEs, including entrepreneurs from under-represented groups.

Make India a global leader for Service Sector by 2047

Speaking on emerging technologies and AI, Ms. Sitharaman announces a proposal to set up a high-powered Committee to recommend measures for Service sector as score-driver of Viksit Bharat.

This, she says, will also measure the impact of emerging technologies and AI on jobs.