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

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

What is Economic Survey?

The Economic Survey is a yearly report done by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the supervision of the government’s Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha Nageswaram. It includes the state of India’s economy in the previous financial year.


What does the economic survey consist of?

The survey is divided into two parts, called Part A and part B. The first part generally consists of the major economic developments in the year and a broad review of the economy. Further, the second part covers specific issues like social security, poverty, education, healthcare, human development, and climate.

When was the first Economic Survey released?

The first ever Economic Survey was presented in 1950-51. The document was presented with the Union Budget till 1964. Later, it was separated and presented before the Budget announcement.