Stock Market to Remain Open on Sunday, Feb 1, 2026: NSE & BSE Announce Special Budget Session

In a significant update for traders and investors, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have confirmed that the stock market will remain open on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This special trading session is being conducted to facilitate real-time price discovery during the presentation of the Union Budget 2026-27 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. While stock markets are typically closed on weekends, this move ensures that investors can react instantly to policy announcements rather than waiting for Monday.

Trading Schedule for Sunday, Feb 1, 2026

According to the circulars issued by the exchanges on Friday, January 16, the market will operate under standard trading hours rather than a shortened session.

Key Exception: No “T+0” Settlement

While the market is open for trading, banking channels remain closed on Sundays. Consequently:

• Settlement Holiday: February 1 will be treated as a settlement holiday.
• No T+0 Trading: The T+0 rolling settlement facility (same-day settlement) will not be available.
• Fund Transfers: Traders are advised to add funds to their broking accounts by Saturday, as banking payment gateways might experience weekend downtime or delays on Sunday.

Why is the Market Open on a Sunday?

The decision to keep the stock market open on Sunday, Feb 1, 2026, stems from the importance of the Union Budget as a macroeconomic event.

• Real-Time Reaction: The Budget speech typically begins at 11:00 AM. Keeping the market open allows sectors (like Railways, Defence, and Infra) to price in announcements immediately, reducing the risk of a massive “gap-up” or “gap-down” opening on Monday.
• Historical Precedent: This is not the first time Dalal Street has worked on a weekend for the Budget.
  • Feb 1, 2025 (Saturday): Markets remained open for last year’s budget.
  • Feb 1, 2020 (Saturday): A full trading session was held.
  • Feb 28, 2015 (Saturday): The first full Saturday session for a budget in recent decades.

Also Read: Official Trading Holidays for 2026: 7 Long Weekends for Investors

Segments Open for Trading

Investors can trade across multiple segments during this special Sunday session:

1. Capital Market (Equity): Fully operational.
2. Futures & Options (F&O): Fully operational.
3. Currency Derivatives: Closed (as per standard weekend norms).
4. Commodity Derivatives (MCX): Expected to remain open for the evening session (confirm with specific broker notifications closer to the date).

What Should Investors Expect?

Trading on Budget Day is historically characterized by high volatility.

• VIX Spike: The India VIX (Volatility Index) often spikes as traders hedge positions ahead of the speech.
• Sectoral Rotation: Expect sharp moves in rate-sensitive sectors like Banking (Bank Nifty), Infrastructure, and Automobiles based on capex announcements.
• Technical Glitches: With high volumes expected on a non-standard trading day, ensure your internet connection and trading app are updated.

Mark your calendars: The stock market is OPEN on Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Whether you are a day trader looking to capitalize on volatility or a long-term investor watching your portfolio, be prepared for a full day of action from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM. Ensure your funds are ready beforehand, as banking settlement will pause until Monday.

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