Budget 2026: What Gets Cheaper and Costlier in India

Budget 2026: What Gets Cheaper and Costlier in India

The Union Budget 2026-27, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, is like a roadmap for India’s spending. It decides where money goes for schools, jobs, health, and more. This year, the focus is on making India self-reliant, boosting jobs, and helping key areas like health and education. But what does it mean for prices? Some things will cost less, while others will go up. In this blog, we’ll break it down simply. We’ll look at key highlights, list what’s cheaper and costlier, and explain how it impacts you.

Let’s dive in!

Why Does the Budget Matter to Students Like You?

First, think about it. The budget sets aside huge amounts for education and skills. For 2026-27, the government plans to spend ₹12.2 lakh crore on big projects like roads and factories. This creates jobs, which could help you after school. Plus, the fiscal deficit – that’s like the government’s overspending – is targeted at 4.3%. It means they’re trying to keep things stable. No big changes in income tax slabs this time, but the new tax regime lets you pay zero tax up to ₹12 lakh income. That’s good news if you start earning soon. Now, let’s get to the fun part: price changes!

Key Highlights of Union Budget 2026

Before we list prices, here’s a quick overview. The budget pushes “Make in India” by cutting duties on parts for phones and EVs. It also helps health by making medicines free of import taxes. For the environment, solar panels and clean energy get boosts. Sports get a shoutout with the “Khelo India Mission,” aiming for more jobs in sports. Overall, it’s about growth without too much borrowing. Experts call it “producer-centric,” meaning it helps businesses make things here, which could lower prices long-term. But some items see quick changes. Ready for the lists?

What Gets Cheaper in Budget 2026?

Great news! Many everyday items and big needs will cost less. The government cut customs duties – that’s taxes on imports – to make these affordable. Here’s a clear list with facts:

  • Cancer and Rare Disease Medicines: 17 cancer drugs now have zero basic customs duty (BCD). Plus, 7 medicines for rare diseases are duty-free. This could save families thousands on treatment. For example, insulin for diabetes might drop in price due to better supply rules.
  • Mobile Phones and Electronics: Duties on parts like connectors and batteries fell sharply. Phones could get 5-10% cheaper. Tablets and smart devices benefit too.
  • Microwave Ovens: Specific parts for making them are now duty-free. Expect lower prices in stores soon.
  • Leather Goods and Footwear: Inputs like “wet blue” leather import without duty. Your shoes or bags might cost 10-15% less.
  • Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Batteries: Lithium-ion battery parts stay duty-free. Solar panels get help too, with zero duty on glass ingredients. EVs could drop by ₹10,000-20,000.
  • International Travel Packages: Tax collected at source (TCS) dropped to 2% from up to 20%. Booking a family trip abroad just got easier on the wallet.
  • Foreign Education and Medical Trips: Sending money abroad for studies or health now has only 2% TCS, down from 5%. This helps if you dream of studying overseas.
  • Personal Imports: Duty on goods you bring back from trips halved to 10% from 20%. Imported clothes or gadgets for yourself cost less.
  • Sports Equipment: The Khelo India push means better access and possibly lower costs through jobs and support.
  • Seafood and Fish Feed: Duty-free limits rose for feeds, helping fishermen. Fresh fish might stay affordable.
  • Aircraft Parts: Zero duty on components for planes. This boosts jobs in aviation, indirectly helping travel costs.

These cuts aim to help health, tech, and fun. For students, cheaper phones mean better online learning tools. Plus, affordable meds keep families healthy.

What Gets Costlier in Budget 2026?

Not everything drops. Some items rise to discourage bad habits or protect local makers. The government added duties or taxes here. Check this list:

  • Cigarettes and Tobacco Products: National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD) jumped to 60% from 25% on items like gutkha. Add excise and health cess – prices could rise 10-20%. This targets health risks.
  • Imported Alcohol and Wines: Duties hiked on premium spirits. TCS rose to 2% from 1%. A bottle might cost ₹100-500 more.
  • Coffee Machines: No more duty exemptions for roasting or brewing machines. Imported ones get pricier, maybe by 15%.
  • Stock Trading: Securities Transaction Tax (STT) up to 0.05% on futures and 0.15% on options. If you learn investing, trades cost a bit more.
  • Luxury Watches and Cameras: Higher tariffs on imports. High-end items could add 10-20% to the price.
  • Umbrellas: New minimum duty makes cheap imports costlier.
  • Fertilizers and Minerals: Exemptions removed on some like ammonium phosphate. Farmers might pay more, affecting food prices slightly.
  • Video Game Parts: Duty exemptions end April 1. Consoles could rise by 5-10%.
  • Other Imports: Things like ATM parts, film equipment, and zoo animals face higher costs.

These hikes push people toward healthier choices and local products. For you, it means thinking twice about junk like tobacco.

How Do These Changes Affect Students?

Now, connect the dots. Cheaper meds mean less worry if someone in your family gets sick. Affordable phones help with studies – think apps for math or science. Lower travel taxes could mean family vacations or study abroad dreams. On the flip side, costlier tobacco might keep friends from bad habits. Plus, the budget boosts skills with ₹2 lakh crore for jobs. It plans high-speed trains and medical hubs, creating future careers.

But remember, prices don’t change overnight. Shops might take time to adjust. Also, indirect effects matter. Cheaper EVs mean cleaner air for your generation. Higher duties on luxuries fund schools. Overall, it’s balanced for growth.

Wrapping Up

The Union Budget 2026 mixes savings and smart spending. Items like life-saving medicines and gadgets become cheaper, while things like alcohol and tobacco rise in price. This balanced approach supports India’s push toward becoming a stronger economy in the coming years. As students, keeping an eye on these changes builds good money habits and helps you understand real-world economics. What do you think about these shifts? Feel free to discuss with friends, family, teachers or in class!

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February 4, 2026