Indian Stock Markets to Hold Rare Full Sunday Session for Union Budget 2026

New Delhi: In a rare move, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will operate for full trading hours on Sunday, February 1, 2026, to coincide with the presentation of the Union Budget 2026–27 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The Budget speech is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. in Parliament.

As part of the special arrangement, a pre-open session will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:08 a.m., followed by normal equity trading hours from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. IST. The decision aims to allow investors and markets to respond immediately to major policy announcements, ensuring real-time price discovery on a day that would otherwise be a market holiday.

This Sunday session marks a departure from routine practice and reflects the significance of this year’s Budget. Part B of the Budget is expected to focus more on India’s long-term economic roadmap rather than routine tax adjustments.

Key priorities are likely to include a sustained infrastructure push, with capital expenditure projected in the range of ₹12–12.5 lakh crore, up 10–15% from ₹11.21 lakh crore in the FY26 Budget Estimates – covering roads, railways, logistics, and urban development.

Other focus areas are expected to include strengthening defence capabilities, accelerating green energy initiatives, and possible tax relief measures aimed at boosting middle-class consumption and overall market sentiment. Together, these measures are seen as central to maintaining growth momentum amid global economic uncertainties.

Market analysts anticipate heightened volatility during the session, noting that the India VIX has historically spiked around Budget announcements. Sectors such as infrastructure, construction, steel, cement, and automobiles are expected to remain in sharp focus, given their strong multiplier effect on employment and economic growth.

With GDP growth projected at 7–7.5% in the coming fiscal year, driven largely by capex-led expansion, the government’s policy signals will be closely tracked by investors.