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The Union Budget 2026 is scheduled to be presented on 1 February 2026 (Sunday) and aims to support economic growth and stability. It includes planned spending on infrastructure, possible changes to taxes, and support for jobs and new sectors like technology and manufacturing. Being familiar with basic budget terms makes it easier to see how these decisions may affect daily life and the economy as a whole.
Source: Investopedia, Clear Tax and The Hindu
The Union Budget 2026 will outline the government’s expected sources of revenue over the next 12 months and its planned expenditure during the same period.
The budget shows us where all of our federal tax money originates and how it will be allocated to items such as education, physical infrastructure like roads, health care facilities that provide medical services, and helping those who require social assistance programs.
This guide explains key budget words in simple language so everyone can understand what the budget means and why it matters.
Understanding the Union Budget helps people gain clarity on how government finances are managed. It explains where public funds come from, how they are allocated, and why certain sectors may receive priority. This knowledge makes it easier to understand tax changes, public spending decisions, and the government’s approach to growth and fiscal discipline.
The fiscal deficit is the difference between the government's total spending and its total income in a given year. A bigger fiscal imbalance usually indicates more borrowing.
In Budget 2026, the government is likely to focus on controlling the budget deficit while still supporting economic growth through targeted spending.
Example: If the government earns ₹20 lakh crore in total revenue during a year but plans to spend ₹25 lakh crore, there is a gap of ₹5 lakh crore. This gap is called the fiscal deficit.
To cover it, the government usually borrows money by issuing bonds or taking loans. This shows how the fiscal deficit represents extra spending funded through borrowing, not income.
Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) refers to spending on long-term assets such as roads, railways, defence infrastructure, power projects, and digital networks. In recent budgets, CAPEX has been a key tool to support growth and employment.
Budget 2026 is expected to continue emphasising infrastructure investment, while maintaining efficiency and fiscal balance.
Example: If the government allocates ₹2 lakh crore in the Union Budget to build new highways, expand railway lines, set up power plants, and develop digital infrastructure, this spending is classified as capital expenditure (CAPEX).
These assets last for many years and help improve productivity, create jobs, and support long-term economic growth, unlike regular expenses such as salaries or subsidies.
GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced in the country over a specific period. GDP growth is an important indicator of economic health.
Government spending, policy support, and investment in key sectors can influence GDP performance. Budget decisions are often aimed at supporting steady GDP growth amid domestic and global challenges.
Example: If in one year India produces goods and services worth ₹300 lakh crore, including cars, food, software services, healthcare, and education, then this total value is the country’s GDP.
If GDP grows to ₹315 lakh crore the next year, it shows the economy has expanded. Government spending on infrastructure, incentives for manufacturing, or support for services can increase production and boost GDP growth.
The debt-to-GDP ratio compares the government’s total debt to the size of the economy. It helps assess the sustainability of public borrowing.
Higher GDP growth can help lower this ratio
Controlled borrowing supports long-term fiscal stability
Fiscal discipline remains an important policy objective
Budget 2026 is expected to continue focusing on gradual debt management. The debt-to-GDP ratio can be calculated by this formula:
Debt to GDP= Total Debt of Country/Total GDP of Country
Example: If India’s total government debt is ₹180 lakh crore and the country’s GDP is ₹300 lakh crore, the debt-to-GDP ratio is 60%.
If GDP grows to ₹330 lakh crore while debt rises slowly to ₹185 lakh crore, the ratio falls to about 56%. This shows how faster economic growth and controlled borrowing can improve debt sustainability.
Subsidies are financial support provided by the government to reduce costs for individuals or specific sectors.
Fertiliser and food subsidies help support farmers and consumers
Welfare schemes aim to support rural and low-income households
Subsidies can help stabilise prices and incomes
Higher subsidy spending may limit resources for other priorities
Future subsidy decisions will depend on fiscal space and policy priorities.
Example: If the market price of a fertiliser bag is ₹1,200 but the government provides a subsidy of ₹700, farmers pay only ₹500. This lowers farming costs and helps keep food prices stable.
Similarly, food subsidies under the Public Distribution System (PDS) allow low-income households to buy rice or wheat at much lower prices, supporting household budgets while increasing government spending.
Understanding budget terms helps individuals make informed financial decisions. It improves awareness of government priorities, tax policies, and spending plans, making economic news easier to interpret. This knowledge can support better saving, spending, and investment choices.
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