Budget 2026 Expectations Highlights: Will FM Sitharaman's Budget take cues from Economic Survey's policy prescriptions? Capex, income tax measures in focus

Budget 2026 Expectations Highlights: On February 1, 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present her ninth consecutive Union Budget, setting a record of sorts. Budget 2026 is being looked at for multiple reasons: India is the fastest growing major economy, but will its growth story be dented by the global issues - both geopolitical and the ongoing tariff war started by US President Donald Trump. Taxpayers, industry, startups are looking at more relief measures. Ahead of her Union Budget speech, FM Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament on January 29. The Economic Survey serves as a policy guideline document for the Budget, and it has reaffirmed faith in India’s growth story, while striking a note of caution on the impact of global headwinds. What will FM Sitharaman’s Union Budget do to protect India’s economy and move it forward on the road to reforms? Track TOI’s live coverage for the latest from Budget 2026 expectations: