Union Budget 2026 Publication Brief
While the ₹2.55 lakh crore allocation to the Home Ministry (a 9% increase) is a major highlight for national security and the Intelligence Bureau , here are the other “best” highlights from the 2026 Budget.
- Biggest Infrastructure Push:
The government has increased the capital expenditure (Capex) outlay to a record ₹12.2 lakh crore to drive long-term economic growth and job creation.
- Most Impactful Social Relief:A full customs duty exemption has been announced for 17 life-saving cancer drugs, significantly reducing treatment costs for patients.
- Major Structural Reform: The implementation of the New Tax Act, 2025, which begins on April 1, 2026, aims to simplify and modernize the 60-year-old income tax system for ordinary citizens.
- Stability for the Middle Class: There are no changes to income tax slabs or rates for the upcoming financial year, focusing instead on easing compliance and filing timelines.
- Connectivity Revolution: The announcement of seven new High-Speed Rail corridors, including routes like Delhi-Varanasi and Mumbai-Pune, designed to act as “growth connectors”.
- Green Energy & Technology: The launch of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 and the Biopharma SHAKTI scheme to establish India as a global manufacturing hub.