Will BSE and NSE Hold Regular Trading on Budget Day?
Synopsis
India's stock exchanges, BSE and NSE, will maintain regular trading on February 1, coinciding with the Union Budget presentation. This event marks a significant moment in the financial calendar, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveils the government's fiscal plans for the upcoming year. Stay tuned for market reactions and analysis.
Key Takeaways
Regular trading on February 1 despite it being a Sunday.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Union Budget at 11 am.
No trading of shares purchased on Budget Day until the next settlement day.
Analysts expect a 4.1–4.2% fiscal deficit for FY27.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 has already been released.
Mumbai, Jan 31 (NationPress) India’s stock exchanges are set to conduct a standard live trading session on the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, even though it falls on a Sunday.
Traditionally, Budget presentations occur on February 1, and the markets remain open for trading, even when this date coincides with a weekend.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will unveil the Union Budget for 2026‑27 at 11 am in the Lok Sabha on February 1.
The National Stock Exchange has issued a circular stating that "Due to the Union Budget presentation, members are informed that the Exchange will hold a live trading session on February 1, 2026, adhering to the regular market hours (9:15 am-3:30 pm)."
Since it is a settlement holiday, shares acquired on January 30 will not be available for sale on February 1. Likewise, stocks purchased on Budget Day cannot be sold the next day.
Sitharaman is preparing for her ninth consecutive Budget presentation, marking one of the longest uninterrupted terms for a finance minister. This will also be the second full Budget since the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured its third consecutive term in 2024.
A recent analysis indicates that investors are likely to concentrate on debt metrics, deficit results, and planned borrowings for the upcoming Budget to meet strategic goals. Analysts predict a modest increase in borrowings of approximately 3 percent year‑on‑year, suggesting a fiscal deficit for FY27 of around 4.1–4.2 percent of GDP, in line with the ongoing consolidation trajectory.
The Department of Economic Affairs spearheads the preparation of Budget documents, outlining the government’s forecasts for expenditures, revenues, and new initiatives for the coming fiscal year.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 was presented on January 29, followed by a press conference featuring Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran and senior officials.
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Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the significance of the upcoming Union Budget Day. While trading will continue, this reflects the market's resilience and the importance of fiscal policy in shaping India's economic landscape. Our focus should remain on how these developments impact investors and the broader economy, ensuring we remain a trusted source for our audience.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the stock market be open on Budget Day?
Yes, the BSE and NSE will hold regular trading sessions on February 1, the day of the Union Budget presentation.
What time will the Union Budget be presented?
The Union Budget 2026-27 will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at 11 am on February 1.
Can I sell shares purchased on Budget Day?
No, any shares bought on Budget Day cannot be sold the following day, as it is a settlement holiday.
How will the Budget affect the stock market?
Investors will be focusing on debt metrics and fiscal deficit outcomes, which could influence market sentiment and trading decisions.
Who is presenting the Budget?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27.
