Union Budget 2026 falls on Sunday; Will the stock markets be open on February 1st?

Synopsis: In this article, we will explore the expected date of the Budget and examine whether the NSE and BSE will remain open if it falls on a Sunday, and we will also look at past precedents and explain why Budget-day trading is significant.

As India gets ready for the Union Budget for 2026–27, an unusual question has come up: When is the Union Budget dated? Will the stock markets open if Budget Day is on a Sunday? February 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday, so investors, traders, and financial institutions are watching closely for any announcements from the government and market regulators.

This article looks at whether the BSE and NSE will operate on Sunday, February 1, 2026, what rules or conditions might affect that decision, and why trading on Budget Day is important for the markets, investors, and the economy.

Union Budget 2026: Date and others

The National Stock Exchange’s potential move to operate on Sunday, February 1, 2026, is contingent on the government’s formal confirmation of the Union Budget date. Market participants have been advised to keep track of announcements from both the Centre and the NSE for updates on trading schedules and other preparations ahead of the Budget session.

The confirmation of February 1 as the Budget date is crucial not just for policymakers, but also for India’s financial markets. Since the date falls on a Sunday, exchanges must decide whether to conduct a special trading session to allow markets to respond immediately to the Budget announcements.

Will BSE and NSE Open on Sunday, February 1, 2026?

At present, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has indicated that it is considering operating on Sunday, February 1, 2026, but no final decision has been taken. The exchange has clearly stated that its move is contingent on formal confirmation of the Budget date by the central government.

In a communication issued in December 2025, the NSE noted that it was evaluating the feasibility of holding trading operations on Budget Day if it coincides with a non-trading day. Market participants have been advised to closely monitor official announcements from both the government and the exchange.

While the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has not issued a separate detailed statement so far, it typically aligns its trading calendar with the NSE on such occasions. If a special trading session is announced, it is widely expected that both BSE and NSE will open to ensure uniformity and avoid market fragmentation.

Past Precedents: Markets Opening on Holidays

Opening markets on a non-trading day for the Union Budget is not without precedent. In earlier years, when the Budget was presented on a weekend or public holiday, Indian stock exchanges conducted special trading sessions. The NSE has explicitly cited this past practice while explaining its current deliberations.

The special trading session was conducted even in the last year, during the budget, which fell on a Saturday, and the market was open. Indian equity markets were also open on select weekends as the stock exchanges conducted special trading sessions to test new systems, tools, and operational preparedness for upcoming market initiatives.

These special sessions were generally limited to the cash market, with adjusted trading hours and enhanced risk management measures. Such precedents strengthen the likelihood that markets could open again in 2026, provided logistical and regulatory approvals are in place.

Why Budget-Day Trading Matters

The Union Budget is one of the most market-sensitive events of the year, and the announcements related to taxation, government spending, infrastructure investment, fiscal deficit targets, and sector-specific incentives can trigger sharp movements in equity, bond, and currency markets.

In addition, traders closely watch the budget for any changes in corporate tax rates, capital gains rules, or policies affecting key industries, as these can create short-term opportunities. Effective budget-day trading allows investors to position themselves ahead of market reactions, manage risk, and capitalize on volatility driven by policy announcements.

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