The Union Budget is presented every year on February 1st by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This will be her eighth budget presentation and the second budget of the Modi government’s third term, including one interim budget.
In this article, we’ll tell you the date, time, and where you can watch the Budget live.
Usually, the budget session happens in two parts.
For the financial year 2025-2026, the first part of the session will continue until February 13, 2025. The second part will start on March 10, 2025, and end on April 4, 2025.
Union Budget 2025 Date
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget 2025 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, 2025. Even though it falls on a Saturday, both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will stay open for trading as usual, from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
Note: The government usually announces the exact date closer to the time, but for many years, the Budget has been presented on February 1.
What is the Union Budget?
The Union Budget is a yearly report that shows how much money the government expects to earn and spend in the coming year. It is very important because it helps plan the country’s economic policies and decides how money will be distributed to different sectors.
The government also uses the Union Budget to suggest any changes it wants to make to the Income-tax Act of 1961.
What is the Main Focus of Budget 2025?
The Union Budget 2025 will mainly focus on the ideas of ‘Amrit Kaal’ and ‘Viksit Bharat.’ These themes aim to support the growth and development of different sectors and help move India closer to becoming a developed country.
When did the Budget-making Process Begin for 2025?
The Finance Ministry started preparing the Budget in October 2024. This process includes meetings with different ministries to finalize their financial needs for the next year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with economists and industry leaders in December 2024 to discuss the Budget.
What is the Economic Survey?
The Economic Survey is presented by the Finance Minister on January 31, 2025, one day before the Budget. It gives an overview of the country’s economy, showing how different sectors have performed and what plans are in place for the future.
What is the Importance of the Halwa Ceremony Before the Budget?
The Halwa ceremony is a tradition that has been part of India’s budget-making process since the 1980s. It marks the final stage of preparing the Union Budget.
The ceremony has two main purposes:
- Celebrating Teamwork: The Halwa ceremony is held to thank and appreciate the hard work of the Finance Ministry officials who help prepare the budget. During the event, the Finance Minister cooks halwa (a traditional Indian sweet) in a large wok (kadhai) and serves it to the staff, symbolizing their teamwork and effort in shaping the country’s financial plan.
- Starting the Lock-in: After the Halwa ceremony, a lock-in period begins. During this time, the officials involved are not allowed to leave the North Block building or communicate with anyone outside. This helps keep the budget details secret until they are officially announced in Parliament.
What is Fiscal Deficit?
A fiscal deficit happens when the government spends more money than it earns in a year. It shows the gap between the government’s income and its spending. To cover this gap, the government usually borrows money.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Budget 2025 be presented?
Budget 2025 will be presented on February 1, 2025.
What time will the Budget 2025 presentation start?
The Finance Minister will start the Budget 2025 speech at 11:00 AM on February 1st in the Lok Sabha.
Who will present Budget 2025?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present Budget 2025 in Parliament, as she does every year.
