The finance ministry will commence a month-long series of pre-budget meetings from October 12, 2026, as part of preparations for Union Budget 2027-28. According to a notice by the Budget Division dated September 23, 2026, these discussions will be held under the chairmanship of Secretary (Expenditure) to finalise Revised Estimate 2026-27 and Budget Estimate 2027-28 in respect of grants and appropriations. The meetings will continue until November 13, 2026, as per the scheduled timeline. As reported by multiple sources, these pre-budget discussions will focus on reforms, growth, and jobs amid global challenges.
The notice has been circulated to all ministries and departments with a specific deadline for submission of necessary details. As reported by the ministry, ministries and departments should ensure that the necessary details required should be submitted by October 6, 2026. The schedule has been prepared taking into account various exigencies and is being circulated well in advance to ensure proper preparation for the budget process. The schedule has been prepared with the Department of Expenditure and will continue until November 13, 2026.
The Budget 2027-28 is likely to be presented on February 1, 2027, marking significant milestones in Indian political history. According to reports, this will be the fourth budget of the Modi 3.0 government and the 10th straight budget for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a rare distinction in Indian polity. The Budget Estimates for 2027-28 will be provisionally finalised after completion of these pre-budget meetings. The budget will focus on economic growth, job creation, and domestic demand amid the ongoing global challenges.
The budget preparation comes against the backdrop of ongoing West Asia crisis leading to global supply chain disruption, elevated crude oil prices and moderation in global growth. However, domestic growth is expected to remain strong around 7 per cent in the current financial year. As reported, India clocked a growth rate of 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY27, the fastest among the large economies in the world. The budget for the next financial year is expected to focus on reform continuation exercise to further accelerate economic growth, along with measures to create jobs and boost domestic demand.
