New Delhi With just hours to go before India’s Union Budget 2026 is unveiled in Parliament, the official documents are sealed, the Finance Minister’s speech is locked in, and the markets are holding their breath. But as always on Budget Day, the silence of the early morning has been filled with speculation.
From whispers of a new wealth tax to talk of crypto regulation, a four-day work week, and tax relief for salaried employees, social media and WhatsApp groups are buzzing with so-called “midnight leaks.” The question is simple: what’s credible, and what’s pure pre-Budget hype?
Here’s a reality check on the 11 biggest last-minute Budget rumors—and what is actually likely to emerge when the Finance Minister rises to speak later this morning.
1. A “Prosperity Tax” on the Super-Rich?
The rumor: A one-time 2% tax on net wealth above ₹50 crore.
Reality: A full-scale wealth tax is highly unlikely. Analysts expect tighter capital-gains rules for luxury assets—such as high-end real estate or private aircraft—rather than a blunt wealth levy.
2. Crypto Gets Full Regulatory Approval?
The rumor: Crypto to be formally recognized as a regulated asset class.
Reality: Don’t expect a green light. The government is more likely to stick with a cautious middle path—classifying crypto as a digital asset with strict KYC norms and continued taxation, not legal-tender status.
3. Petrol and Diesel Under GST?
The rumor: Fuel prices to fall overnight as petrol and diesel are brought under GST.
Reality: Politically risky and fiscally complex. If mentioned at all, it would likely be a phased pilot in Union Territories—not a nationwide rollout.
4. A Big Home Loan Boost for the Middle Class?
The rumor: Home loan interest deduction raised to ₹5 lakh.
Reality: Any relief will likely be targeted. A modest increase for first-time buyers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities is more plausible than a blanket hike.
5. Tax Incentives for a Four-Day Work Week?
The rumor: Companies adopting a four-day work week get tax breaks.
Reality: Direct incentives are unlikely. However, flexibility may be encouraged indirectly through productivity-linked schemes for tech and R&D firms.
6. Major Push for Ayurveda and Yoga
The rumor: A 10-year tax holiday for Ayush medicine manufacturers.
Reality: This one has traction. A dedicated Ayush research fund and production incentives align closely with the government’s “Heal in India” strategy.
7. Tourist Visas Paid via UPI?
The rumor: Instant visas using UPI, plus tax-free shopping for tourists.
Reality: UPI-based visa payments are very likely. Tax-free shopping, if announced, will probably be limited to handicrafts and traditional products.
8. Life Insurance for Every College Student?
The rumor: A ₹5 lakh government-funded insurance cover for all students.
Reality: The scope may be narrower, likely focused on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in government institutions.
9. Angel Tax Finally Abolished?
The rumor: Complete removal of angel tax for startups.
Reality: Total removal is unlikely, but major simplification is expected—higher exemption limits and faster approvals for DPIIT-registered startups.
10. A Dedicated SpaceTech Budget?
The rumor: India’s first major budget allocation for private space startups.
Reality: This is one of the strongest possibilities. Industry watchers expect a new fund to support satellite manufacturing and launch services.
11. A Silent Win for Salaried Employees?
The rumor: Standard deduction doubled to ₹1,00,000.
Reality: This is the most credible rumor of the night and could be a quiet but meaningful relief for the salaried middle class.
What Should Investors and Citizens Do Now?
Market experts advise caution. Last-minute “budget stock tips” circulating online are often speculative and unreliable. The real impact of the Budget unfolds over weeks—not in the first few minutes after the speech.
For now, the smartest move may be the simplest one: wait, watch the official announcement, and separate policy substance from pre-Budget noise.
By late morning, the rumors will fade—and the real numbers will speak for themselves.