India’s financial markets will witness a rare but significant exception to their usual schedule. The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has officially announced that stock markets will remain open on Sunday, February 1, 2026, due to the presentation of the Union Budget 2026. This move cancels the regular Sunday market holiday, ensuring uninterrupted trading activity on one of the most crucial economic days of the year.
Official NSE Circular Confirms Sunday Trading
The confirmation comes through NSE Circular Ref. No. 07/2026, issued on January 16, 2026, by the Futures & Options Department. According to the circular, the exchange will conduct a live trading session on February 1, 2026, aligning with standard market timings.
The decision has been taken to facilitate real-time market reactions to policy announcements, taxation changes, and sector-wise allocations announced in the Union Budget.
Trading Timings for Sunday, February 1, 2026
As per NSE’s official notification, the market schedule will be as follows:
- Pre-Open Session: 09:00 AM – 09:08 AM
- Normal Market Session: 09:15 AM – 03:30 PM
- Trade Modification End Time: 04:15 PM
A standard NSE provision applies, where the pre-open session may close randomly in the final one minute.
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Market Segments That Will Remain Active
Trading will be enabled across key segments, including:
- Equity Market
- Futures and Options (F&O)
- Major indices such as NIFTY 50
This ensures full participation by retail investors, institutional players, and traders during the Budget announcement.
Why Budget-Day Trading Is Important
The Union Budget traditionally has a strong and immediate impact on financial markets. Decisions related to:
- Income tax slabs
- Capital gains taxation
- Government spending
- Sector-specific incentives
often lead to sharp market movements. By keeping markets open, NSE enables transparent price discovery, reduces uncertainty, and allows investors to respond instantly to policy announcements. Such special trading sessions on Budget Day have precedence and are considered essential for maintaining market efficiency.
What Investors Should Keep in Mind
Market participants should prepare for:
- High volatility during and after the Budget speech
- Active movement in sectors like banking, infrastructure, FMCG, defence, and PSUs
- Increased trading volumes throughout the session
Proper risk management and informed decision-making will be crucial on this day.
NSE Trading Timings – Sunday, 1 February 2026
| Session | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Open Market | 09:00 AM | 09:08 AM |
| Normal Market | 09:15 AM | 03:30 PM |
| Trade Modification | — | 04:15 PM |
Important Official Notes (Don’t Miss This)
- Sunday market holiday is cancelled ONLY for Budget Day
- Pre-open session may close randomly in the last 1 minute
- Normal market timing remains unchanged
- Applies to Equity & Futures & Options segments
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Conclusion:
The confirmation of stock market operations on Sunday, February 1, 2026, is an officially backed decision by the National Stock Exchange of India. The usual Sunday holiday stands cancelled exclusively for Budget Day, ensuring seamless market functioning during one of India’s most impactful economic events. Investors and traders are advised to take note of the special trading session and plan their strategies accordingly.
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