Budget Session begins today: President Murmu’s address, Economic Survey and FM Sitharaman’s speech in focus; check timeline of key events

The Budget Session of Parliament started on Wednesday, January 28, with the address of the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, to the joint sitting of both Houses – the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

On Tuesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the customary 'halwa' ceremony, representing the final stages for the preparations of the Union Budget 2026-27. The ‘halwa ceremony’ comes before the 'lock-in' of the finance ministry officials involved in the preparation of the Union Budget.

As the budget session starts, here's a look at key events that will be in focus.

Budget session dates

The budget session, which starts on January 28, will continue till April 2, 2026. The first phase will conclude on February 13, with Parliament reassembling on March 9. There will be a total of 30 sittings during the Budget Session.

President Murmu's address

The budget session commences with President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of the two Houses. The address usually outlines the government's priorities and policies, highlights achievements and the legislative agenda and sets the broader economic and governance direction.

After this, Parliament debates it via a 'Motion of Thanks', where members debate the government’s direction.

Economic Survey

The Economic Survey is an annual report prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), which is part of the Ministry of Finance, under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA). It offers a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the Indian economy over the previous financial year.

The survey also sets the tone for the government's economic thinking and provides a detailed snapshot of where the country stands financially before new policy decisions are announced.

The Economic Survey of India for 2026-27 will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament on Thursday, January 29.

Union Budget 2026

The Union Budget for 2026-27 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament on Sunday, February 1.

Notably, this will be her ninth consecutive budget, in the backdrop of gross domestic product (GDP) growth likely to be at 7.6% this fiscal year amid global geopolitical headwinds. Similar to the previous five full budgets and one interim budget, the forthcoming Union Budget 2026-27 will be delivered in a paperless form.