Indian stock markets will remain open on Saturday, February 1, 2026, for live trading during the presentation of the Union Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This rare move ensures that traders and investors can immediately respond to the budget announcements and policy changes.
Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) have issued circulars confirming that standard market timings will be followed. The pre-open session will be held from 9:00 AM to 9:08 AM, followed by normal trading hours from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. The trade modification end time will be 16:15 hrs. A random closure in the last one minute of trading will be applicable as per existing norms.
The decision to keep the market open on a Sunday, traditionally a non-trading day, highlights the significance of the Union Budget in shaping market dynamics and investor sentiment. This synchronization of budget presentation with live trading sessions allows for real-time price discovery based on fiscal policy developments. The exchanges' commitment to providing continuous market access during significant economic events is evident in this move, allowing market participants to capitalize on budget-related opportunities without delay.
The Union Budget for FY 2026-2027 will be presented on February 1. The Economic Survey, a precursor to the budget document, will be presented on January 29. The Parliament's Budget Session will be held in two phases, from January 28 to February 13, and from March 9 to April 2. Budget 2026 will be the ninth consecutive budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Market analysts expect volatility ahead of the Union Budget, as the market reacts to the government's economic roadmap. The BSE Sensex has experienced both highs and lows on budget days in the past, with the strongest rally of 5% occurring on the 2021 Budget day and the biggest loss of 2.4% on the eve of the Budget in 2020. Historically, increased trading volumes have been observed on budget days presented on weekends. Investors typically adjust their portfolios after the Finance Minister's speech.
