As the nation gears up for one of its major annual economic events, many are asking: what time is the budget presentation going to happen? For the Union Budget of India 2025, the timing is now confirmed — and understanding this schedule matters not only for citizens, but for businesses, media, investors and each one of us.
Here’s a full rundown — when, where and how the budget is presented, plus helpful context, background, and FAQs you’ll want to know.
What is being presented – and when?
The Union Budget of India is the country’s annual financial statement, officially the “Annual Financial Statement” under Article 112 of the Indian Constitution. Wikipedia+1
For the 2025-26 fiscal year, the presentation will be made in Parliament by Nirmala Sitharaman, the Finance Minister. ICICI Direct+2Angel One+2
Date
It is scheduled for Saturday, 1 February 2025. ClearTax+1
Time
The presentation will begin at 11:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). ICICI Direct+1
This is the time when the speech in the Lok Sabha begins, following which the official budget documents are tabled. Razorpay
Where and how you can watch
- The speech will take place in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. Angel One+1
- It will be broadcast live on official channels such as Sansad TV and Doordarshan (DD News). The Economic Times+1
- Live streaming online is available via the government portals and YouTube channels of Parliament/Ministry of Finance. Razorpay+1
Why the timing matters
- Investors and markets pay close attention: since the speech is at 11:00 AM, there is time for markets to react within the same day. ClearTax+1
- The timing marks a departure from older traditions (see next section). Knowing “what time the budget” is helps media, businesses and citizens plan coverage and response.
Background: Why 11 AM and why February 1?
The current schedule is a result of changes from previous decades.
- Historically, the Budget used to be presented at 5:00 PM on the last working day of February. Moneycontrol+1
- The move to 11 AM was instituted around 2001. Moneycontrol
- The date of February 1 was adopted by the government so that the Budget is set earlier, allowing faster implementation of government programmes. Wikipedia+1
So when people ask “what time is the budget?”, the answer reflects these reforms: 11:00 AM on February 1 (for 2025) in the current format.
What to expect as key timing milestones
- Prior to the speech: The documents are finalised, reviewed, and often a “lock-in” period for officials begins.
- 11:00 AM IST: Finance Minister delivers the speech in Lok Sabha.
- Immediately after: Budget documents (Annual Financial Statement, Finance Bill, Demand for Grants) are tabled and made available.
- Following hours: Live commentary, market reactions and analysis begin.
- Markets: For 2025, though the date falls on a Saturday, both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will remain open for trading. Angel One+1
Why this question is trending
- With the date and time confirmed, people across India are searching “what time is the budget?” to follow live.
- Businesses, investors and media outlets coordinate coverage around the timing.
- Real-time reaction from markets and sectors makes timing critical for stakeholders.
- Earlier reforms (moving from 5 PM to 11 AM) are still fresh in public memory, so there’s curiosity about “why 11 AM?” and “why February 1?”.
50 People Also Ask (PAA) Questions
Here are 50 common “People Also Ask” style questions and answers about “what time is the budget” and related topics — useful for SEO and reader engagement.
- What time will the Union Budget 2025 be presented?
At 11:00 AM IST on February 1, 2025. ICICI Direct+1 - Who presents the budget in India?
The Finance Minister of India presents the budget in Parliament. - Why is the budget presented at 11 AM?
The tradition was changed to align India’s markets and working hours; earlier it was 5 PM. Moneycontrol+1 - On what date is the budget presented?
For 2025, February 1. - Which year’s budget is being presented in 2025?
The Budget for fiscal year 2025-26. - Where can I watch the budget live?
On Sansad TV, DD News, and official online streaming platforms. Razorpay+1 - Will the stock markets be open on budget day?
Yes; for 2025 both NSE and BSE will be open even though it’s a Saturday. Angel One+1 - How long does the budget speech usually last?
The exact duration varies, but traditionally around an hour or more. - What time do the budget documents become available?
Soon after the speech in Parliament. - Why did India move the budget time from 5 PM to 11 AM?
To modernise and align with India’s business hours, departing from colonial legacy. Moneycontrol - What is the Halwa ceremony before the budget?
A tradition marking the final stage of budget preparation (documents printing etc.). - Is the budget speech always at 11 AM?
Since around 2001 yes, for most years it has been. - Why is February 1 chosen for the budget?
To allow the government full financial year planning, and to break from end-February tradition. Wikipedia+1 - Will the budget time change in future?
Possibly, but no official change announced for now. - What does “budget session of Parliament” mean?
The session during which the budget is presented and discussed. - What time does the stock market open on budget day?
For 2025, around 9:15 AM IST (normal hours) even though it is Saturday. Angel One+1 - Does the budget time affect the markets?
Yes — earlier access to policy announcements means faster market response. - How early should I tune in if I want to watch live?
At least 5-10 minutes before 11:00 AM to avoid missing the start. - Are there pre-budget announcements before 11 AM?
Some preliminary commentary or documents may appear, but main speech begins at 11:00 AM. - What is the Annual Financial Statement?
The primary document outlining receipts and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. - Will the budget be paperless?
Yes, recent budgets have moved to digital/paperless formats. - Can I download the budget documents immediately after the speech?
Yes, usually from the official site (indiabudget.gov.in) soon after. - Does the timing differ for state budgets?
Yes — state budgets have their own schedules; this timing refers to the central Union Budget. - Why is timing of the budget important for businesses?
Because they can plan strategy, investments, tax compliance and policy response after announcements. - Will the budget affect everyday taxpayers immediately?
Some changes take immediate effect; others may phase in. Timing helps awareness. - What happens if the budget speech is delayed?
Parliament may adjourn or the session may be extended; unlikely but possible. - Does the timing vary for interim budgets?
It could, but the central practice for full budgets remains. - Is the budget time the same each year?
For many recent years yes (11:00 AM). - How is the budget time decided?
By the government in consultation with Parliament; guided by tradition and logistics. - Why do many people search “what time is the budget?”
Because knowing when helps access live coverage and coordinate response. - Will the speech time be broadcast globally?
Yes, international viewers can follow via online streams, remembering time zone conversion. - What is the equivalent time in UK for 11:00 AM IST?
Approximately 5:30 AM GMT (varies with daylight savings). - Do Indian markets react exactly at 11 AM when the budget is announced?
They can start reacting once key announcements are known — timing helps coordinate. - Are media briefings scheduled at the same time?
Usually some media coverage begins earlier and in parallel to the speech. - Does the Finance Bill get presented at the same time as the speech?
The Bill may be tabled immediately after or during the session. - What time will the debate over the budget start?
Debates normally begin following the speech, in subsequent sessions of Parliament. - Is the budget time announced beforehand every year?
Yes — the government typically announces date and time in advance. - What is the audience in the Lok Sabha when the budget is presented?
MPs, media, government officials and invited guests. - What time zone is “11:00 AM” referring to?
Indian Standard Time (IST). - If I’m abroad, how do I convert 11:00 AM IST?
Use your local time zone conversion (e.g., IST = UTC+5:30). - How long after 11 AM will full budget documents be available?
Generally within a few hours after the speech (digital upload). - Does the budget time affect sectoral announcements?
Yes, some key sectoral allocations may be announced precisely in the speech. - What time will parliamentary questions about budget start?
Likely the same session or following sessions after the speech. - Are state government budgets timed similarly?
Each state sets its own time; not necessarily 11:00 AM. - Why did the tradition of 5 PM exist originally?
It stemmed from colonial governance aligning with British financial markets. Moneycontrol+1 - Will the budget time change in future years again?
Possibly, but no official change announced yet. - Does the time attending matter for common citizens?
Yes if you are tracking live announcements, tax changes, subsidies, etc. - What is the start of the new fiscal year in India?
1 April. So budget timing is important for planning. - How early do analysts release their pre-budget expectational reports?
Often weeks in advance, but they focus primarily on content, not timing. - What time should I tune-in to not miss the budget?
At least by 10:50 AM IST for the 2025 session, so you’re ready for the 11:00 AM start.
Quick Recap
- Date: 1 February 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM IST
- Where: Lok Sabha, Parliament of India, live on official channels
- Why it matters: Instant policy changes, market reactions, business planning
Final Thoughts
Knowing what time the budget is is more than just a scheduling question — it’s about being prepared. For businesses, investors, media, and everyday citizens, the 11:00 AM window is when decisions are shared, reactions begin and strategies must align. So for the Union Budget 2025, mark your calendar and set an alarm: 11:00 AM IST on 1 February. You’ll want to tune in early to catch every key announcement as it unfolds.
