Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Union Budget 2026: Key Numbers and Economic Priorities
The Union Budget 2026-27, to be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, is highly anticipated as it will set the economic direction for India amid global uncertainties.
Key numbers to watch include the fiscal deficit, capital expenditure, and nominal GDP growth.
The fiscal deficit target for FY26 is 4.4% of GDP, and the government aims to bring it closer to 4% for FY27.
Capital expenditure, which focuses on building infrastructure like roads and railways, is expected to increase significantly.
The budget will also address personal income tax relief, subsidies, and welfare outlays.
Understanding these terms is crucial as they impact everything from home loan rates to government spending on infrastructure and welfare.
The budget will balance growth, fiscal discipline, and social spending, making it one of the most closely watched fiscal statements in recent years.
The Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented on February 1, 2026, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Key numbers to watch include fiscal deficit, capital expenditure, and nominal GDP growth.
The fiscal deficit target for FY26 is 4.4% of GDP, with an aim to reduce it to 4% for FY27.
Capital expenditure is expected to increase significantly, focusing on infrastructure like roads and railways.
Personal income tax relief, subsidies, and welfare outlays will also be addressed in the budget.
- Who
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- What
- Presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27
- When
- February 1, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To outline the government's economic priorities and fiscal policies for FY27
- Budget Presentation Date
- February 1, 2026
- Fiscal Deficit Target (FY26)
- 4.4% of GDP
- Nominal GDP Growth (FY26)
- 10% (estimated)
- Capital Expenditure (FY26)
- ₹11 lakh crore
- Tax-Free Bracket (FY26)
- ₹12 lakh per annum
- Primary Deficit Target (FY25-26)
- 0.8% of GDP
- Debt-to-GDP Ratio Target (FY31)
- 50%
Sources
Government spending crucial, hope it does not pursue aggressive tightening, says Canara Robeco AMC’s equity CIO
Budget 2026 preview- Key Budget terms explained and why you must know them
Union Budget 2026: Key numbers to watch as India’s FM Sitharaman prepares her ninth budget
‘Uncertainty is the new normal’: Q&A with Sonal Varma, MD and Chief Economist at Nomura India
