Union Budget 2026: Stock Market to Open on Sunday, February 1st; BSE and NSE Release Schedule

The Union Budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 is scheduled to be presented on February 1, 2026. This year, the date falls on a Sunday, which had created considerable. Suspense among investors and traders regarding the opening of the stock market. Typically, Indian stock exchanges remain closed on Saturdays and Sundays, leading to uncertainty about market operations on the budget presentation day, while however, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have now put an end to this suspense by issuing a significant announcement. Both premier exchanges have clarified through separate circulars that the stock market will remain open for live trading sessions on the budget day, February 1, 2026, operating under normal trading hours. This decision underscores the critical importance of the Union Budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, necessitating the market's continuous operation even on an otherwise non-trading day.

An Unprecedented Sunday for Dalal Street

This marks a rare occasion in the history of the Indian stock market where trading activities will proceed on a Sunday. Weekends are traditionally observed as market holidays, allowing participants to rest and strategize for the upcoming week. However, the Union Budget presentation is a pivotal economic event that directly influences the economy and various sectors, while Because of this, keeping the market open on this day is deemed essential to enable investors to react promptly to the budget announcements. This move effectively transforms February 1, 2026, into a 'working Sunday' for Dalal Street, a scenario seldom witnessed in recent times. The decision ensures market continuity and responsiveness to crucial economic developments, facilitating immediate price discovery and trading based on new policy directives.

Normal Trading Hours Confirmed

According to the circulars issued by BSE and NSE, the trading hours. On February 1, 2026, will align with the regular schedule observed on weekdays. The pre-open market session will commence at 9:00 AM and conclude at 9:08 AM, providing a window for participants to place orders before the main trading session begins, while following this, the normal trading session will run from 9:15 AM until 3:30 PM. This standard trading window is crucial for maintaining liquidity and ensuring fair price discovery throughout the day. Adhering to the usual timings will allow market participants ample opportunity to analyze the budget announcements, understand their implications, and adjust their trading and investment strategies accordingly, ensuring a smooth and efficient market operation.

Comprehensive Market Segments to Remain Active

On the budget day, beyond the equity segment, other vital market segments will also be open for trading. This includes the Futures & Options (F&O) segment and the Commodity Derivatives segment, while the F&O segment facilitates trading in futures and options contracts, offering avenues for hedging and speculative activities. The Commodity Derivatives segment allows trading in various commodities such as gold, silver, crude oil, and more. The decision to keep all these segments active ensures that all major parts of the market can react to the economic ramifications of the budget, while this comprehensive approach provides investors with the flexibility to manage their positions across different asset classes and respond to policy changes that might affect various sectors of the economy.

Specific Exclusions for the Special Trading Day

While the market will be open for regular trading, the. BSE circular also specified certain exclusions for the special trading day. Trading members should note that the T+0 settlement session and the auction session for settlement defaults won't be conducted on Sunday, February 1, 2026. T+0 settlement implies that trades are settled on the same day, while auction sessions are typically held for trades that have defaulted. The suspension of these specific services is likely a measure to streamline operations and minimize complexities on an unusual trading day, particularly one as significant as the budget presentation. This ensures that the primary trading activities proceed without any. Undue operational burdens, focusing resources on the core market functions.

A Rare Sunday Budget Presentation: Historical Context

This will be the first instance since the year 2000 that the Union Budget will be presented in Parliament on a Sunday, while this marks a notable deviation from the traditional practice, as budgets have historically been presented on weekdays. However, there have been precedents of budget presentations on Saturdays in recent years. For instance, in 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget on a Saturday. Similarly, in 2015, the then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the budget on Saturday, February 28, 2015. The decision to present the budget on a Sunday in 2026 underscores its extraordinary nature and national importance, compelling the financial markets to adjust their usual weekend closure to accommodate this crucial event.

Understanding Regular Stock Market Holidays

Beyond the weekend closures, the Indian stock market observes several public holidays throughout the year. Both the BSE and NSE collectively have 16 public holidays during which trading activities are suspended. These holidays are designated to observe national festivals, religious events, and other significant days, providing a break for market participants. Recently, the market was also closed last Thursday due to. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation elections, a local but important event. January 26, Republic Day, will be the second market holiday of the current month, marking a day of national significance. These scheduled holidays are an integral part of the market's operational calendar. And are notified well in advance to facilitate planning for investors and traders.

Key Market Holidays in 2026

Several other significant holidays are scheduled for 2026 when the stock market will remain closed. In the first half of the year, the market will be closed on March 3 for Holi, a vibrant festival of colors. Following this, trading will also be suspended on March 26 for Ram Navami and March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti, both important religious observances. In April, the market will be closed on April 3 for Good Friday. And April 14 for Ambedkar Jayanti, marking days of Christian and national significance, respectively. May 1, Maharashtra Day, and May 28, Bakri-Id, will also be market holidays, representing regional and religious importance. The second half of the year also features several scheduled holidays.

Trading will be suspended on June 26 for Muharram, an important Islamic observance. September 14 will see the market closed for Ganesh Chaturthi, a widely celebrated festival in Maharashtra and other regions. October 2 will be a market holiday for Gandhi Jayanti, commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and observed as a national holiday, while subsequently, the market will be closed on October 20 for Dussehra, November 10 for Diwali Balipratipada, and November 24 for Guru Nanak Jayanti, all significant Indian festivals and religious days. The final market holiday for 2026 will be on December 25 for Christmas, a globally celebrated festival. This comprehensive holiday calendar assists investors and traders in their annual financial planning.