Union Budget 2026 Highlights: Things to Expect from Union Budget 2026

Union Budget 2026

Sectors in Focus for Budget 2026

Infrastructure
As Union Budget 2026 approaches, the infrastructure sector is again expected to be positioned as a key driver of growth. Industry bodies argue that sustained public capital expenditure (Capex) helps crowd in private investment and strengthens the economy’s competitiveness.
Media reports suggest that stakeholders across major infrastructure developers and industry participants expect the Centre to use public investment in roads, railways, and urban infrastructure to continue to support India's growth story.
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Financial Services
As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, financial sector expectations are being framed around market deepening, lowering friction costs, and strengthening long-term savings, retirement, insurance themes.
The sector is looking for stability, tax certainty, and targeted interventions that deepen credit, savings, and capital markets, according to media reports. As growth is moderating and geo-political conditions are still fluid, banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, and insurers are seeking a balanced approach that supports financial inclusion and enduring system stability.
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Manufacturing
Ahead of Budget 2026, manufacturing expectations are centred on a familiar formula of lower input friction + predictable policy + incentives. It can improve global competitiveness especially when there are trade headwinds and tariff uncertainties growing before budget coverage.
The manufacturing sector looking for policy continuity and targeted support to accelerate India's journey towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. Industry leaders are keen that the Budget balances fiscal prudence with incentives that boost exports, and technology adoption across sectors.
Read More

Jargons

Off-budget borrowing

This refers to borrowings raised outside the main budget, typically through public sector entities or special purpose vehicles. While it helps fund expenditure without showing up fully in the fiscal deficit, it still adds to the government’s overall debt. It is often tracked separately to understand the true borrowing requirement.

Revenue buoyancy

Revenue buoyancy measures how strongly government tax collections rise when the economy grows. If revenues increase faster than GDP, buoyancy is considered high. It indicates efficient tax collection, improved compliance, or a broader tax base, and helps the government fund spending without relying heavily on borrowing.

Counter-cyclical fiscal policy

A fiscal approach where the government increases spending or reduces taxes during a slowdown to support demand and tightens spending or raises taxes when the economy overheats. The objective is to smoothen economic cycles, protect jobs and incomes, and maintain stability without making growth overly dependent on short-term stimulus.

Union Budget 2025 Highlights

Bazaar & Beyond

Components of Budget

Budget Expectations Vox Pop

Budget Expectations of Middle Class

Calculate your income tax outgo under New and Old Tax Regime

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Union Budgets Over the Years

Union Budget 2024

Union Budget 2025

Key measures from Budget 2025

Updated Income Tax Slabs & Rates for FY 2025-26

Union Budget 2025: Key Ministry-Wise Allocations & Trends

Union Budget 2025: Key Announcements & Highlights

MSME Classification 2025: Key Revisions in Union Budget

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Articles

Union Budget 2026: Real Estate & Urban Housing Sector Expectations

The Real Estate and Urban Housing sectors are at the forefront of India’s growth story, with a deep connection to job creation, infrastructure development, and social welfare. With a booming population in major cities amid rising urbanisation, the demand for affordable housing continues to surge. So now industry leaders and experts look for critical policy interventions in Union Budget 2026.

Union Budget 2026: Key Demands from the Manufacturers

Ahead of Budget 2026, manufacturing expectations are centred on a familiar formula of lower input friction + predictable policy + incentives. It can improve global competitiveness especially when there are trade headwinds and tariff uncertainties growing before budget coverage. The manufacturing sector looking for policy continuity and targeted support to accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a global manufacturing hub. Industry leaders are keen that the Budget balances fiscal prudence with incentives that boost exports, and technology adoption across sectors.

Union Budget 2026: Financial services sector's wishlist

As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, financial sector expectations are being framed around market deepening, lowering friction costs, and strengthening long-term savings, retirement, insurance themes. The sector is looking for stability, tax certainty, and targeted interventions that deepen credit, savings, and capital markets, according to media reports. As growth is moderating and geo-political conditions are still fluid, banks, NBFCs, mutual funds, and insurers are seeking a balanced approach that supports financial inclusion and enduring system stability.

Union Budget 2026: Expectations of the Infrastructure Sector

As Union Budget 2026 approaches, the infrastructure sector is again expected to be positioned as a key driver of growth. Industry bodies argue that sustained public capital expenditure (Capex) helps crowd in private investment and strengthens the economy’s competitiveness. Media reports suggest that stakeholders across major infrastructure developers and industry participants expect the Centre to use public investment in roads, railways, and urban infrastructure to continue to support India’s growth story.

Union Budget 2025: Key Ministry-Wise Allocations and Trends

The Union Budget 2025 focused on defence, rural development, and technological innovation, apart from the headline grabbing income tax cut for individuals. There were increases in allocations to specific ministries, but the focus appears of this budget is to accelerate economic growth, enhance India’s global competitiveness, and public welfare. Here is a break-up of the allocations to major ministries.

MSME Classification 2025: Key Revisions in Union Budget

The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector serves as a cornerstone of India's economy, significantly contributing to employment, manufacturing output, and exports. In the Union Budget 2025, the government has introduced crucial amendments to the MSME classification criteria along with other initiatives that aim to boost growth and provide enhanced support for these enterprises.

Impact of 100% FDI on India's Insurance Sector

The Union Budget 2025 introduced a transformative change by permitting 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India's insurance sector. This strategic move is anticipated to reshape the industry's landscape, bringing forth a variety of opportunities and challenges. Here’s an easy-to-understand summary of the impact and potential benefits this move is expected to bring.

Updated Income Tax Slabs & Rates for FY 2025-26

The Union Budget 2025 has introduced significant changes to the income tax slab structure under the new tax regime. These updates are aimed at providing relief to middle-class taxpayers and simplifying the tax filing process. If you earn income from salary, business, or other sources, understanding the income tax slab for FY 2025-26 is crucial for tax planning.

Union Budget 2025 - Key Announcements & Highlights

The Union Budget 2025, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, introduces a range of measures aimed at driving economic growth, increasing investments, and providing relief to taxpayers. With a strong focus on tax simplification, infrastructure development, and financial sector reforms, the budget sets the stage to kickstartIndia's slowing economic growth. Here is a summary of the major budget announcements, including tax changes, investment policies, and initiatives for different sectors.

Trade Unions, Industry Call for Pay and Tax Reforms to Boost Consumption

The Union Budget is a document that reflects priorities, aspirations, and solutions to economic challenges. The 2025-26 Union Budget, set to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is already generating buzz. Two areas dominate the discourse: the formation of the 8th Pay Commission and income tax cuts. Both represent critical levers for boosting consumption, a vital driver of India's economic growth.

Union Budget 2025: Expectations on Home Loan Deductions Under the New Tax Regime

As Budget 2025-26 approaches, salaried taxpayers and homeowners are keenly watching the government for reforms that could bring much-needed relief. At the heart of these expectations lies a pressing issue the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) raises: the lack of provisions for home loan interest deductions under the New Tax Regime.

Budget Chronicles: Lessons from the Past, Clues for the Future

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's budget speeches over the past five years have been a window into India's evolving economic priorities. Each budget has introduced trends that address immediate challenges and signal long-term policy directions. With Budget 2025 approaching, it's timely to reflect on key themes that have defined her tenure and to consider what might be on the horizon. Here are ten key takeaways from Sitharaman's past budget announcements that continue to shape India's economic landscape.

Union Budget 2025: Expectation of the Financial Services Sector

As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, the financial services sector is buzzing with expectations aimed at promoting economic growth and stability. Industry stakeholders are advocating for measures that encourage savings, support green initiatives, and streamline financial operations. Here is a glimpse into the key expectations of the financial sector from the forthcoming budget.

Union Budget 2025: Expectations from Asset Management Companies (MFs)

The Union Budget 2025 will be presented on 1st February. The mutual fund industry is hopeful for reforms that will boost investor confidence and participation. The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has put forth several proposals aimed at making mutual fund investments more attractive and equitable. Let us explore the key expectations of the mutual fund industry from the upcoming budget.

Union Budget 2025: Budget Wishlist From India Inc

With the Union Budget 2025 just a few days away, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has prepared a detailed wishlist to strengthen India's economic landscape. This 10-point agenda is designed to streamline business operations, attract investments, and stimulate growth across various sectors. Here is a summary of CII's key recommendations and their potential impact on India's business environment, as reported by PTI.