National News

Union Budget 2025-26: Nirmala Sitharaman Set to Present Her Record Eighth Consecutive Budget

With expectations ranging from income tax relief for the middle class to boosting consumption, this budget will be closely watched.

Sentinel Digital Desk

NEW DELHI: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the Union Budget 2025-26 on February 1, 2025. This will mark her record eighth consecutive budget, making her the first finance minister to achieve this feat. The budget comes at a crucial time when India’s economy is witnessing a slowdown, and key sectors are expecting major reforms to boost growth.

With expectations ranging from income tax relief for the middle class to boosting consumption, this budget will be closely watched. Here’s everything you need to know about FM Sitharaman’s Budget Speech 2025, including how to watch it live and what to expect.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman Breaks Record

Though former Prime Minister Morarji Desai holds the record for presenting the highest number of budgets overall (10), Sitharaman now holds the record for presenting the most consecutive budgets.

Finance Ministers with the Most Budget Presentations

  1. Morarji Desai – 10 budgets (1959-64, 1967-69)

  2. P. Chidambaram – 9 budgets (1996-97, 2004-08, 2013-14)

  3. Pranab Mukherjee – 8 budgets (1982-84, 2009-12)

  4. Nirmala Sitharaman – 8 budgets (2019-26)

With the 2025-26 budget, FM Sitharaman will match Pranab Mukherjee in terms of total budgets presented, placing her third on the list.

Where & How to Watch the Budget 2025 Speech Live

You can watch Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025 speech live on:

  • Sansad TV

  • Doordarshan (DD News)

  • Ministry of Finance official website

  • Press Information Bureau (PIB) official website

  • Private news channels and online platforms

Date: February 1, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM IST onwards

History of Budget Timing and Date

  • Earlier, the Budget was presented on the last day of February at 5 PM.

  • In 1999, Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha changed the timing to 11 AM.

  • In 2017, the presentation date was moved to February 1 to allow timely approval and implementation from April 1.

Key Expectations from Union Budget 2025-26

1. Income Tax Relief for the Middle Class

  • Taxpayers earning up to Rs 15 lakh annually are expecting relief.

  • Standard deduction may be increased from Rs 75,000 to ₹1 lakh.

  • Rebate under Section 87A may be increased to Rs 10 lakh, making incomes up to this limit tax-free.

2. Boosting Consumption & Growth

  • The government is expected to increase capital expenditure to boost demand.

  • Incentives may be introduced to revive real estate and infrastructure projects.

3. Healthcare & Pharma Industry Support

  • Duty exemptions on cancer drugs and essential medicines may be announced.

  • Increased funding is expected for non-communicable disease control programs.

4. Startups & MSME Growth Support

  • The government is expected to simplify regulatory norms for startups.

  • Special incentives may be announced for tech-based startups and green energy businesses.

The Union Budget 2025-26 will play a crucial role in shaping India's economic trajectory amid a slowing economy. With record-breaking consecutive budget presentations, Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver a budget that aims to support the middle class, drive industrial growth, and strengthen key sectors.

Stay tuned for live updates on Budget 2025, as all eyes will be on the Finance Minister’s speech on February 1, 2025, at 11 AM.