Budget 2026: What is Economic Survey and when is it presented?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to present the Budget for the Financial Year 2026-27 in Parliament on February 1, 2026. Prior to the presentation, the Ministry of Finance will release the Economic Survey, which will be followed by a press conference with the participation of the Chief Economic Advisor and other senior officials of the Ministry of Finance.

What is Economic Research?

Economic Survey is an annual report prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the supervision of V Anantha Nageswaram, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the government. This includes the state of the Indian economy in the previous financial year.
What does economic research consist of?

The survey is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B. The first part generally consists of important economic developments during the year and a broad evaluation of the economy. Additionally, the second section deals with specific issues such as social security, poverty, education, health services, human development and climate.

When was the first Economic Survey published?
The first Economic Survey was presented in 1950-51. The document was presented in the Union Budget by 1964. It was later separated and presented before the Budget announcement.