Why was the Union Budget earlier presented at 5 PM and why was it changed?
The shift of time from 5:00 pm to 11:00 am was a more symbolic and practical break from colonial tradition upholding the idea that the budget is completely made for Indian governance.
For many decades, the Union budget was presented at 5 PM, which in fact was the legacy of the colonial era. During the colonial period, the budget presentation was presented as per the convenience of the British Parliament, where the financial statement was delivered in the afternoon in London. Therefore, the 5 PM timing in India corresponded with morning hours in...
For many decades, the Union budget was presented at 5 PM, which in fact was the legacy of the colonial era.
During the colonial period, the budget presentation was presented as per the convenience of the British Parliament, where the financial statement was delivered in the afternoon in London.
Therefore, the 5 PM timing in India corresponded with morning hours in Britain, allowing British officials to follow fiscal announcements without delay. This practice continued even after Independence as a matter of convention.
📘 From Budget announcements to official notifications | Click Here
Another known reason for the late-evening presentation was that financial markets were already closed. This limits immediate speculation and volatility.
The budget documents were also treated as confidential, and presenting them after business hours was seen as a way to maintain secrecy and prevent leaks before formal disclosure in Parliament.
Also read: Union Budget 2026: KeyHighlights & What to Watch Out For
However, this practice was discontinued from 2017. The Government of India, historically presented a budget at 11:00 am on the presentation day. This was intended to cut off the traditional ties with the colonial era which is also a ‘black era’ for the nation. Now, the country is following more of its nature rather than Britain’s.
The shift in time also made the ministries and department to begin implementation-related work immediately, without losing an entire working day waiting for an evening announcement. Also, the analysts could analyse budget whole day and giving appropriate reports to the concerned ones.
Therefore the shift of time from 5:00 pm to 11:00 am was a more symbolic and practical break from colonial tradition upholding the idea that the budget is completely made for Indian governance.
Also additional change made in 2017 was the government merged the railway budget into the Union budget avoiding a separate budget.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
