Source: PIB
The Union Budget 2026–27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, focuses on economic growth, job creation, ease of living, and inclusive development.
Whether you are a salaried employee, farmer, student, small business owner, or taxpayer, this budget directly affects your daily life.
Let’s break down the Union Budget 2026–27 highlights in simple terms, without jargon.
Big Picture Numbers at a Glance
- Total government spending: ₹53.5 lakh crore
- Capital expenditure (roads, railways, infrastructure): ₹12.2 lakh crore
- Fiscal deficit: 4.3% of GDP
- Market borrowing: ₹17.2 lakh crore
👉 What it means: The government is spending more on long-term assets like infrastructure while keeping the deficit under control.
1. Growth and Jobs: Focus on Manufacturing & Industry
Boost to “Make in India”
The budget targets 7 strategic sectors, including:
- Biopharma & healthcare
- Semiconductors & electronics
- Textiles
- Capital goods
- Rare earth minerals
Key announcements:
- ₹10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI scheme
- Semiconductor Mission 2.0
- Electronics manufacturing outlay raised to ₹40,000 crore
- Mega Textile Parks & revival of 200 old industrial clusters
👉 Impact: More factories, more jobs, and less dependence on imports.
2. Massive Push to Infrastructure
- Public capital expenditure raised to ₹12.2 lakh crore
- New Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dankuni (East) to Surat (West)
- 20 new National Waterways
- High-speed rail corridors like Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Varanasi
- Infrastructure Risk Guarantee Fund for private investors
👉 Impact on people: Faster travel, cheaper logistics, more construction jobs, and regional development.
3. Education, Skills & Employment
Education to Employment Focus
- High-powered committee for services sector jobs
- 100,000 Allied Health Professionals to be added
- 5 Medical Tourism Hubs
- University Townships near industrial corridors
- Girls’ hostel in every district
Creative & Digital Economy
- AVGC (Animation, Gaming, Comics) labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges
👉 Impact: Better skills, employability, and opportunities for youth.
4. Farmers & Rural India Get Support
- Development of 500 reservoirs and Amrit Sarovars
- Promotion of high-value crops like coconut, cocoa, cashew
- New Coconut Promotion Scheme
- Launch of Bharat-VISTAAR, an AI-based multilingual agriculture advisory system
👉 Impact: Higher farm income and modern farming support.
5. Major Income Tax & Ease of Living Reforms
New Income Tax Act
- New Income Tax Act, 2025 effective from April 2026
- Simplified tax forms and rules
Relief for Taxpayers
- Interest from Motor Accident Claims Tribunal exempt from tax
- Reduced TCS on foreign travel (down to 2%)
- Easier return revision till 31 March
- Simplified TDS and lower compliance burden
👉 Impact: Less paperwork, fewer disputes, and better taxpayer experience.
6. Boost for SMEs, Startups & Cooperatives
- ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund
- Additional ₹2,000 crore for Self-Reliant India Fund
- Tax benefits for cooperatives
- Easier access to professional help through “Corporate Mitras”
👉 Impact: Growth capital and support for small businesses.
7. Healthcare, Mental Health & Social Inclusion
- NIMHANS-2 to be set up in North India
- Upgradation of mental health institutes
- Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana for inclusive employment
- Expansion of veterinary and animal husbandry education
👉 Impact: Better healthcare access and inclusive growth.
8. Lower Duties & Cheaper Imports for Daily Needs
- Customs duty on personal imports cut from 20% to 10%
- 17 medicines made duty-free
- Duty-free imports for rare disease medicines
- Simplified baggage rules for international travellers
👉 Impact: Lower prices and easier travel compliance.
9. Ease of Doing Business: Faster Trade, Simpler Rules, Less Hassle
One of the most practical and impactful parts of the Union Budget 2026–27 is its strong push to improve Ease of Doing Business, especially for exporters, importers, startups, MSMEs, and honest taxpayers.
Single Digital Window for Cargo Clearance
To reduce delays and paperwork in imports and exports, the government has announced:
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Single, interconnected digital window for cargo clearance approvals from multiple government agencies
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This system will be fully operational by the end of the financial year
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For goods with no compliance requirement, Customs clearance will be done immediately after online registration
👉 What this means:
Less waiting at ports, faster movement of goods, and lower logistics costs for businesses.
Customs Integrated System (CIS): One Platform for All
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A new Customs Integrated System (CIS) will be rolled out within two years
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CIS will act as a single, integrated and scalable digital platform for all customs-related processes
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Designed to improve transparency, speed, and efficiency
👉 Impact:
Businesses will deal with one system instead of multiple portals, making trade smoother and more predictable.
AI-Based Container Scanning at Major Ports
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Expansion of non-intrusive scanning using advanced imaging and AI technology
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Phased implementation with the goal of scanning every container at all major ports
👉 Why it matters:
Faster inspections, reduced physical checks, and better risk assessment without slowing down trade.
10. Big Relief for Exporters, Fishermen & E-commerce Sellers
Duty-Free Fish Catch for Indian Fishing Vessels
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Fish caught by Indian vessels in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) or High Seas will be completely duty-free
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If such fish is landed at a foreign port, it will be treated as an export of goods
👉 Impact:
Higher income for fishermen and better competitiveness for India’s seafood exports.
Courier Export Limit Removed for Small Businesses
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Complete removal of the ₹10 lakh per consignment value cap on courier exports
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Major boost for small businesses, artisans, startups, and D2C brands
👉 Why this is important:
Indian sellers can now freely use e-commerce platforms to reach global markets without artificial limits.
11. Easier International Travel & Tax Dispute Resolution
Revised Baggage Clearance Rules
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Rules governing baggage clearance during international travel will be updated
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Duty-free allowances to be enhanced, keeping modern travel patterns in mind
👉 Benefit:
Less confusion and fewer disputes for international travellers.
Relief for Honest Taxpayers
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Honest taxpayers willing to resolve disputes can close cases by paying an additional amount instead of penalties
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Encourages voluntary compliance and reduces long-pending tax litigation
👉 Impact:
Lower stress, faster dispute resolution, and a more trust-based tax system.
The Union Budget 2026–27 aims to balance growth with inclusion. By investing in infrastructure, simplifying taxes, supporting farmers, and creating jobs, the government has tried to make the budget future-ready and people-centric.
