India, Jan. 9 -- The dates for the much-anticipated Union Budget 2026 are officially out. In a move that breaks from recent tradition, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present Union Budget 2026 on 1 February, which falls on a Sunday.

The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has finalised the budget schedule. Here are the key dates:

While 1 February aligns with the convention established in 2017, the day of the week does not. This will not be the first time a Union Budget is presented on a Sunday, but it is a rare occurrence.

The budget date was shifted to 1 February from 28 February in 2017 to ensure funds are allocated by the start of the financial year - 1 April.

Union Budget 2026 will be the ninth consecutive pre...