India Union Budget 2025 LIVE Updates

The Indian Union Cabinet has approved Budget 2025.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present the Union Budget for 2025-26 in Parliament on Saturday (February 1) in the Lok Sabha starting at 11 am.

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government shifted the Union Budget presentation from 5 pm to 11 am in a historic break from colonial tradition. Since then, every government has adhered to this new norm, redefining the Budget’s timing in Indian politics.

Despite overall economic progress, women’s labour force participation remains low. The survey highlights the need for gender-inclusive policies, flexible work environments, and increased support for women-led businesses and startups.

In her record-setting eighth straight Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to alleviate the financial strain on the middle class, which is grappling with rising costs and sluggish wage growth, by lowering or adjusting income tax rates or slabs.

Facing global trade slowdowns and restrictive measures like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the survey stresses the importance of export diversification and exploring new markets to maintain external sector resilience.

Ahead of the budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union cabinet meeting has begun in Parliament.

With the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, the survey warns of potential job displacement. It calls for massive re-skilling and upskilling programs to prepare the workforce for AI-driven industries.

Anticipation is rising over potential adjustments to corporate tax rates. The government may explore tax incentives to encourage domestic businesses to reinvest, expand operations, and create jobs. Experts are also hopeful for simplified compliance processes, aiming to foster a more business-friendly environment.

The survey highlights climate-induced disruptions as key drivers of food inflation, which stands at 5.4%. It stresses the need for climate-resilient agriculture, improved supply chains, and investments in agricultural infrastructure.

RK Shanmukham Chetty, India’s first Finance Minister, presented the inaugural Budget with a leather portfolio, symbolising post-independence simplicity.

TT Krishnamachari opted for a file bag, reflecting administrative efficiency in a young republic.

Jawaharlal Nehru was seen with a black briefcase, highlighting the growing role of economic planning in nation-building.

Dr. Manmohan Singh carried a black bag in 1991, unveiling the landmark economic liberalisation that redefined India’s economy.

Pranab Mukherjee introduced a red briefcase, inspired by the British Gladstone bag, blending colonial legacy with sovereign confidence.

Piyush Goyal became the last Finance Minister to carry a briefcase in 2019, presenting the interim Budget with a bold red case.

Post-2019: The briefcase gave way to the ‘bahi-khata’, symbolising India’s shift from colonial relics to indigenous traditions.

The briefcase wasn’t just an accessory—it carried the blueprints of India’s economic evolution through decades of change.

President Droupadi Murmu feeds Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the customary ‘dahi-cheeni’ (curd and sugar) ahead of her Budget presentation.

#WATCH | President Droupadi Murmu feeds Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman the customary ‘dahi-cheeni’ (curd and sugar) ahead of her Budget presentation.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her 8th consecutive #UnionBudget, today in Parliament

(Source… pic.twitter.com/jZz2dNh59O

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2025

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reached Parliament ahead of the budget presentation.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has reached Parliament. She will present the budget in Lok Sabha soon.

RK Shanmukham Chetty, India’s first Finance Minister, presented the inaugural Budget with a leather portfolio, symbolising post-independence simplicity.

TT Krishnamachari opted for a file bag, reflecting administrative efficiency in a young republic.

Jawaharlal Nehru was seen with a black briefcase, highlighting the growing role of economic planning in nation-building.

Dr. Manmohan Singh carried a black bag in 1991, unveiling the landmark economic liberalisation that redefined India’s economy.

Pranab Mukherjee introduced a red briefcase, inspired by the British Gladstone bag, blending colonial legacy with sovereign confidence.

Piyush Goyal became the last Finance Minister to carry a briefcase in 2019, presenting the interim Budget with a bold red case.

Post-2019: The briefcase gave way to the ‘bahi-khata’, symbolising India’s shift from colonial relics to indigenous traditions.

The briefcase wasn’t just an accessory—it carried the blueprints of India’s economic evolution through decades of change.

India’s renewable energy capacity has surpassed 200 GW, positioning the country as a global leader in clean energy. The survey calls for accelerated investments in green hydrogen, battery storage, and sustainable infrastructure to achieve climate goals.

To maintain high growth, the survey emphasises the need to increase investment rates from the current 29% to 35% of GDP. This requires both public and private sector investments, with a focus on infrastructure, technology, and green energy.

The expectations range from cheaper goods and measures to ease inflation, to tax breaks, and more jobs.

The government is committed to reducing the fiscal deficit to 4.5% of GDP by FY26. The focus will be on fiscal discipline, efficient public spending, and enhancing tax revenues while sustaining capital expenditure for growth.

The digital asset and AI sectors eye the budget for clarity on policy and taxation. With the crypto sector gaining prominence after US President Donald Trump’s embrace of the industry, investors expect some easing in the regulation in India.

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek’s success has investors in India looking inward, and the industry will watch the budget closely for measures to boost the sector.

While the unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in FY24 from 6% in FY18, the survey highlights concerns over job quality, underemployment, and the need for formal job creation in sectors like manufacturing, services, and construction.

Tax cuts are widely anticipated, especially among the lower middle class. The middle class is hoping for an increase in the standard deduction and a decrease in income tax rates, so they may get some breaks. The basic income exemption ceiling was defined at 2.50 lakh rupees under the old regime and 3 lakh rupees under the new regime.

Speculation is that the government may scrap the old regime and bring in HRA deduction under the new regime.

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has presented the Union Budget to President Droupadi Murmu and will now move towards the Lok Sabha.

#UnionBudget2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary met President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Nirmala Sitharaman will present the #Budget2025 for the fiscal year 2025-26 today in the Lok Sabha.

(Source: ANI) pic.twitter.com/shIng43N9o

— WION (@WIONews) February 1, 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the longest Budget speech in history in 2020, lasting 2 hours and 40 minutes, with two pages left unfinished. The shortest Budget speech was in 1977 by Hirubhai Mulljibhai Patel, spanning just 800 words for the Interim Budget.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman paid tribute to Madhubani art by wearing a saree gifted by Padma Shri awardee Dulari Devi on Budget Day. The FM met Devi during a credit outreach event at Mithila Art Institute, where they shared thoughts on Bihar’s rich Madhubani art tradition.

Indian stock benchmarks opened in the green but turned volatile ahead of the budget.

The blue-chip Sensex index and the broader Nifty index oscillated between small gains and losses, with investors eyeing the budget for measures to boost slowing growth and demand.

Until 2019, Finance Ministers used to carry a briefcase for budgets. However, breaking this colonial era tradition, Nirmala Sithraman introduced the ‘Bahi Khata’. Now, in line with Digital India, she will present and read out the Budget through a tab.

BJD leader Dr Amar Patnaik in an interview with ANI said, “The Budget this time is getting prepared under different circumstances, compared to the previous year. I think the economy is slowing down… The global geopolitical situation has resulted in several economic stresses for countries like India and they will probably persist for some time.”

#WATCH | #UnionBudget2025 | Odisha: BJD leader Dr Amar Patnaik says, “The Budget this time is getting prepared under different circumstances, compared to the previous year. I think the economy is slowing down… The global geopolitical situation has resulted in several economic… pic.twitter.com/lRIhdpuPVL

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2025

Indian stocks are set to open in the green ahead of the budget announcement, with the Nifty futures pointing to a solid start

The 2025 Union Budget is more than just a financial roadmap—it’s an opportunity to redefine the future of education in India. As classrooms evolve, integrating AI-driven tools into traditional education is no longer optional but essential. AI and conventional learning aren’t opposing forces; rather, they can complement each other to create a more dynamic, inclusive, and effective education system. However, this transformation requires strategic investments and forward-thinking policies to ensure that India’s education system is fully prepared for the digital era. 

Read more here

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at the Ministry of Finance. 

Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at the Ministry of Finance.

She will present #UnionBudget2025 at the Parliament today.

(Source: ANI) #UnionBudget #Budget2025 pic.twitter.com/Wk9oXZhrFc

— WION (@WIONews) February 1, 2025

With the Union Budget 2025 to be tabled in Lok Sabha, today, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge told ANI that, “Personally, I have zero expectations from this budget.”

“We have seen over 10 years of Modiji’s masterstroke, ‘Modinomics’. And what has that led to? Highest unemployment, closure of SMEs and MSMEs, farmers protesting right at the doorstep of the parliament, start-ups have failed to take up, Make in India, Skill India and Digital India, all have remained on paper and just mere slogans.”

“We are suffering because of ‘Modinomics’…” he added.

#WATCH | Hubballi | #UnionBudget2025 to be tabled in Lok Sabha, today, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, “Personally, I have zero expectations from this budget. We have seen over 10 years of Modiji’s masterstroke, ‘Modinomics’. And what has that led to? Highest… pic.twitter.com/fmecyOT5Zj

— ANI (@ANI) February 1, 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Saturday (February 1). The budget speech will begin at 11:00 AM (IST) in the Lok Sabha, where she will outline the government’s revenue expectations and expenditure plans. Following her address in the lower house, the Budget documents will be submitted in the Rajya Sabha.

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The upcoming budget is anticipated to bring key reforms, particularly in the agriculture sector. There is speculation about major tax changes, including the phasing out of the old tax regime, as per media reports.

Balancing economic growth and fiscal consolidation will be a key challenge, especially with rising inflation. There is also growing demand for ‘industry’ status for the real estate sector and increased budgetary support for artificial intelligence (AI) development.

The government is expected to continue its push for large-scale infrastructure projects in the Budget, aiming to spur growth and create jobs.

India’s latest economic survey highlights steady growth in job creation and a reduction in unemployment. Beyond the numbers, the survey also sheds light on mental health issues and their economic impact.

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The Union Budget 2025 is an annual financial statement that will provide a proposal of expenditures and revenues of the federal government for the next fiscal year, starting April 1, 2025, till March 31, 2026. Here’s all you need to know about when and where to watch the unveiling of Indian union budget.

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Key highlights from the survey include a strong emphasis on financial inclusion, with initiatives aimed at enhancing access to credit for rural households and small businesses via microfinance institutions and self-help groups. 

The survey also outlines significant investments in infrastructure, rural housing, sanitation, clean fuel, social protection, and connectivity, with increased allocations expected for agriculture, rural sectors, and welfare schemes to uplift the poor.