Budget 2026: Stock Markets To Open On Sunday, What Investors Should Expect On February 1

India’s leading stock exchanges, the BSE and the NSE, will hold a full trading session on February 1, 2026, even though the date falls on a Sunday. The move comes ahead of the presentation of the Union Budget 2026, a day that traditionally triggers heightened volatility and heavy investor participation.

Earlier this month, both exchanges confirmed that trading would proceed as usual. In a circular dated January 16, the NSE said, "On account of the presentation of the Union Budget, members are requested to note that Exchange shall be conducting a live trading session on February 01, 2026, as per the standard market timings (9:15 AM-3:30 pm)."

The announcement signals that Dalal Street will remain fully operational as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents the Budget at 11 AM in the Lok Sabha, her ninth consecutive Budget speech, placing her among the longest-serving finance ministers to deliver uninterrupted annual Budgets.