Union Budget 2026–27 strengthens India’s central school systems with higher allocations for Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas. Funding for KVS rises to ₹10,129.41 crore, while NVS receives ₹6,025 crore, signalling continued support for urban and rural learners. The increases, part of a wider school education budget expansion, focus on sustaining infrastructure, staffing, and residential facilities amid rising enrolment and operating costs.
Starting April 1, 2026, India will see increased Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures and options trading. The Finance Minister announced higher rates for options premium, exercise, and futures, aiming to moderate speculative activity. This change, part of Budget 2026, will slightly raise trading costs for derivatives participants, while equity and mutual fund STT rates remain untouched.
Union Budget 2026 maintains the existing income tax framework, with the new regime offering tax-free income up to Rs 12 lakh for individuals. While the old regime continues with its deductions, the new system has been progressively liberalized since 2020, making it increasingly attractive for middle-income taxpayers.
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27, her ninth consecutive, with major announcements across defence, railways, income tax, and healthcare. Prime Minister Modi hailed it as "historic" and a "high flight toward Viksit Bharat." Key proposals include a significant defence allocation, seven high-speed rail corridors, a simplified Income Tax Act, and support for rare-earth mineral development.
Union Budget 2026-27 unveils significant tech sector boosts, including a 20-year tax holiday for foreign cloud service providers operating from India. Key initiatives like India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 and increased outlay for Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme aim to fortify domestic capabilities and attract global investment.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, presenting the Union Budget 2026–27, announced the creation of five university townships near major industrial and logistic corridors. These zones will house universities, colleges, research institutions, skill centres, and residential complexes, aiming to integrate education, skills, and employment. The Budget also includes girls’ hostels in every district to improve access and participation in higher education.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Union Budget 2026. New rules simplify tax filing and reduce burdens. Key changes include extended deadlines for revised returns and staggered filing dates. Tax Collected at Source rates for education, medical purposes, and overseas tours are reduced. Small taxpayers get easier tax deductions. Awards from the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal are now tax-exempt.
The most consequential decision is also the quietest. The Centre has accepted the Commission’s recommendation to retain 41% vertical devolution to states. In an era where political economy is increasingly centralised in rhetoric if not always in law, this is a signal worth underlining. It anchors federal trust even as the Centre tightens its own fiscal belt. The Budget’s fiscal deficit for 2026–27 is pegged at 4.3% of GDP, with a clear glide path towards a 50±1% debt-to-GDP ratio by 2030. This is not austerity. It is choreography.
The Union Budget 2026 significantly boosts defence spending to Rs 7.85 lakh crore, a substantial rise from last year. Modernisation efforts will receive Rs 2.19 lakh crore, with key allocations for aircraft and naval fleets. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced customs duty exemptions on aircraft components and raw materials, aiming to invigorate the defence aerospace industry.