Finance Ministry to begin pre-budget meetings from October 12

As per the latest business developments, The finance ministry will begin a month-long series of pre-budget meetings from October 12 as part of the preparations for Union Budget 2027-28.

"Pre-budget discussions to finalise RE (Revised Estimate) 2026-27 and BE (Budget Estimate) 2027-28 in respect of the Grants/appropriations will commence with effect from 12.10.2026 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Expenditure)," a notice by the Budget Division of the ministry stated.

The notice dated September 23, 2026, circulated to all ministries and departments, has a schedule of meetings with the Department of Expenditure.

The schedule has been prepared taking into account various exigencies, and is being circulated well in advance.

Hence, ministries and departments should ensure that the necessary details required should be submitted by October 6, 2026, the notice stated.

These meetings will continue till November 13 as per the schedule.

The Budget Estimates for 2027-28 will be provisionally finalised after completion of pre-budget meetings.

The Budget 2027-28 is likely to be presented on February 1.

It 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 2027-28 would be presented against the backdrop of ongoing West Asia crisis leading to global supply chain disruption, elevated oil price marks and moderation in global expansion.

That stated, domestic expansion is anticipated to be firm around 7 per cent in the current financial year. India clocked a expansion 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 anticipated to focus on the reform continuation exercise to further accelerate economic expansion, along with measures to create jobs and lift domestic demand.