Budget 2026: Who Delivered The Longest Budget Speech In India?

Union Budget 2026: Key Highlights and Expectations

The Union Budget is a highly anticipated event in the Indian financial calendar, outlining the government's plans for the economy and public spending. This year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Budget on February 1, 2026, at 11 am, as confirmed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

A Record-Breaking Budget Speech in the Making?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman created history in 2020 by delivering the longest Budget speech in India, lasting 2 hours and 42 minutes. The marathon address introduced several major announcements, including a new income tax regime and the much-awaited initial public offering (IPO) of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).

However, during the course of the speech, Sitharaman felt unwell, following which Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla read out the remaining two pages on her behalf. Notably, the 2020 speech had already surpassed her own 2019 record, when she spoke for 2 hours and 17 minutes. In contrast, her 2024 Interim Budget speech was much shorter, lasting just 56 minutes, her briefest Budget address since taking charge as Finance Minister.

Understanding the Union Budget: What It Means for India

The Union Budget is a yearly financial statement presented by the Finance Minister in Parliament under Article 112 of the Constitution of India. It outlines the government's estimated income and spending for the upcoming financial year, giving a clear picture of how public funds will be raised and used.

Along with revenue and expenditure details, the Union Budget also announces proposed changes in taxes, key focus areas for development, policy initiatives, and major economic reforms. It serves as a roadmap for the country's economic direction in the year ahead.

Over the years, Budget speeches have evolved to reflect India's changing economic needs and challenges. All eyes are now on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who has been leading the Finance Ministry since 2019 and is set to present her eighth Union Budget on February 1.

Key Features of the Union Budget

• Estimated Income and Spending: The Union Budget outlines the government's estimated income and spending for the upcoming financial year.
• Tax Changes: The Budget announces proposed changes in taxes, affecting various sectors of the economy.
• Development Focus Areas: The Budget highlights key focus areas for development, guiding the country's growth trajectory.
• Policy Initiatives: The Budget introduces new policy initiatives to address emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Economic Reforms: The Budget announces major economic reforms to promote growth and stability.

What to Expect from the Union Budget 2026?

As the Finance Minister prepares to present the 2026 Budget, expectations are high. With the country facing a range of economic challenges, the Budget is expected to address issues such as inflation, unemployment, and infrastructure development.

The Budget may also introduce new measures to boost economic growth, improve tax compliance, and enhance public spending. With so much at stake, the 2026 Budget is set to be a critical event in India's economic calendar.