Union Budget 2026: Will BSE, NSE Open on Sunday, February 1?

The NSE is considering allowing the Indian stock market to open on February 1 2026, provided that Nirmala Sitharaman releases the Union Budget on that day. However, there has been no confirmation about whether or not this will happen. Therefore, the NSE will be waiting for the Union Government to confirm the release schedule for the budget before making any final decisions. Hence, this proposal is still under internal consideration by the NSE.

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Historical Precedent Exists

There have been instances in the past where stock exchanges have had the ability to trade stocks on non-regular trading days (e.g. weekends or public holidays) as a result of publishing the Indian Budget on those days; therefore, this would not create a new precedent for those who are involved with the NSE. The BSE has not published anything to say whether it will operate on a Sunday.

Budget Tradition Meets Sunday Challenge

Since 2017, all February 1 presentations have occurred without reference to weekdays. Requiring a weekend Parliamentary consideration for a Sunday Budget will be a rare occurrence. The Economic Survey will typically be released and Chief Economic Adviser briefings given on dates preceding the tabling of the budgets.

Standard Operations Context

The Indian Markets are open from Monday to Friday each week between 09:15 & 15:30. Pre-opening is available from 09:00 to 09:15 each day. The Markets are closed over the weekend and during exchange holidays, except in the rare instance where they open for purposes related to a budget.

Research Context: Budget Day Dynamics

Union Budgets typically lead to gains of between 2% & 5% in a single day Nifty movement (1.5% average volatility). Allied pharmaceutical and healthcare companies experience an increase of between 3%-4% when enhanced healthcare allocation is made. Infrastructure tends to grow by 2% – 3%. Consumer staples tend to hold their value. 
Sunday Trading will allow investors to make quick changes to their portfolios in response to the budgets that are being tabled on Sunday. Historically, when budgets were tabled on a weekend, we have seen trading volumes increase 15-20% compared to Friday. Coordinate with NSE/BSE to ensure trades are executed under a liquid environment. 
All historical patterns of behaviour indicate that investors typically position themselves in the market post 1:00 pm on Budget day after the Minister of Finance has given their speech. FY27 Government is expected to release a Budget that accelerates Capex (₹12 Lakh Cr target) along with an extension of PLI and probable stimulus to rural areas due to falling tariffs from the U.S. Focus of Investors will include GST Rationalisation, Disinvestment Pipeline, and Gradual-moving Fiscal-deficit path of 4.5%.