Union Budget 2026 Boosts AI, Cloud & IT Services; Tech Stocks in Focus

The Union Budget 2026, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has delivered a mixed reaction in the stock market, with significant impacts across sectors. Budget allocation changes, policy reforms, and tax measures impact various industries. Here’s a detailed look at how the budget has influenced the Technology ‘IT’ sector: 

Budget Allocation Snapshot

This table gives you a quick comparison of government spending relevant to the sector across the previous financial year and the current budget year: 

Information Technology (IT) Sector Budget Allocation (FY 2026-27)

In the Union Budget 2026-27, the Indian government has continued its strong backing for the IT sector, with capital expenditure for the IT sector in FY27, a moderate increase from the previous year’s allocation. 

Key Announcements in the IT Sector

• AI has been highlighted as a growth enabler for the economy. 
• A high-powered committee will study AI’s impact on the services sector, employment, skills, and global competitiveness. 
• Investments in Digital India projects continue, including public digital platforms, cybersecurity initiatives, and the expansion of e-governance services.
• Projects like Bharat VISTAAR, a multilingual AI-powered platform for agriculture, showcase cross-sector applications of AI. 
• AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) creator labs are set up in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges to build digital and creative skills for the next generation. 
• Support for tech startups and innovation-driven enterprises is being reflected.
• Launch of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 to boost domestic chip manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and strengthen the digital economy.   

Comparison with the Previous Year

Compared to last year, the Union Budget 2026 signals a strategic shift in the policy approach to the IT and digital sectors. While FY26 focused largely on capacity expansion, incentives, and demand support through various technology adoption, the FY27 allocation highlights the government’s intent to build long-term efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability within the IT sector. It highlights the government’s intent to boost India’s long-term AI, cloud, and digital infrastructure ecosystem. 

Capital Expenditure & Multiplier Impact 

A significant capex outlay has been proposed in the Union Budget 2026, expected to create a strong multiplier effect across all industries. It is expected to generate artificial intelligence and boost demand for IT services, software and consulting across sectors, and this is expected to lead to enhanced spending is expected to generate a strong multiplier effect across the economy. Overall, the budget’s IT & digital capex will boost the tech sector  

Impact on Industry & Market Sentiment

Market players have received the Budget announcements in the agricultural sector positively. Experts believe the increased allocation and announced changes may help agricultural players achieve greater revenue visibility and margins in the medium term.

The sectors expected to benefit the most from the policy thrust include railways. It will be seen as a positive impact on tech companies’ long-term growth opportunities. The increased spending is also expected to boost allied industries and strengthen revenue prospects across the IT ecosystem. 

Key Stocks Will Perform Well in the IT Sector 

The Budget 2026’s strong focus on AI, cloud infrastructure, data centres, semiconductors, and digital skill development is expected to positively impact IT stocks.

Large IT Services Companies

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
• Infosys
• Wipro
• HCL Technologies

Cloud & Data Infrastructure Providers 

• Tech Mahindra
• L&T Technology Services
• Persistent Systems

Support for IT, Startups & Employment 

The Union Budget 2026 continues its focus on Information Technology (IT) and startups within the IT Sector through targeted investments, tax incentives, and ecosystem support. These measures are expected to generate employment across skilled and semi-skilled categories with the IT supply chain while strengthening the sector’s supply chain and innovation with digital adoption.

Focus on National Development: Union Budget 2026

As the government’s initiatives in the IT sector reflect its development priorities, they include Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Digital India, and Green Growth. The government’s main aim is to efficiently utilise resources and promote sustainable growth to accelerate innovation across all sectors. Overall, the Budget focused on the sectoral growth for national development, while creating employment and strengthening infrastructure. 

Execution Remains the Key on Union Budget 

However, according to experts, the implementation process must be effective. This will ensure that the time taken for the release of funds and the coordination between the central and state governments do not hamper the effectiveness of the announced initiatives in the Union Budget 2026.

External factors, such as {{Global Economic Trends / Commodity Prices / Interest Rates}}, could also affect the sector’s performance in FY27.