Explained: What Happens During India’s Budget Session?

The Budget Session is Parliament’s most important sitting of the year. It determines how the government plans to spend public money, manage taxes, and push key laws for the coming financial year.

The Budget Session will span 65 days across 30 sittings, concluding on April 2, with a recess between February 13 and March 9.

It opens with the President’s address to a joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, outlining the government’s policy vision and legislative agenda.

Parliament debates a Motion of Thanks, which often becomes the first major political confrontation between the government and the Opposition.

The Economic Survey is tabled on January 29, offering a snapshot of the economy. The Union Budget is presented on February 1, detailing taxes, spending and reforms for the next financial year.

Budget discussions take centre stage. Parliament examines Demands for Grants, while standing committees scrutinise ministry-wise spending during the recess.

Once the Budget is cleared, focus shifts to pending legislation, new bills and broader policy debates beyond fiscal issues. This is when the government pushes its non-budget legislative agenda.

Opposition parties are preparing to raise concerns around electoral roll revisions, changes to employment schemes and rural livelihoods and procurement policies. Disruptions and sharp debates are expected.

Because it sets the economic roadmap, tests the government’s political strength, and determines which laws move forward—or stall—in the year ahead.