What are Other Major Highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26? is a key topic under Economy for UPSC Civil Services Examination. Key points include: Union Budget 2025-26 increased direct tax exemption to ₹12 lakh (general) and ₹12.75 lakh (salaried with deductions).. New progressive income tax slabs introduced, ranging from Nil to 30%.. Aims to boost disposable income, stimulate consumption, and support the middle class.. Understanding this topic is essential for both UPSC Prelims and Mains preparation.
What are Other Major Highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26? is a Medium-level topic in UPSC Economy. It is tested in both Prelims (factual MCQs) and Mains (analytical answer writing). Previous year UPSC questions have frequently covered aspects of What are Other Major Highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26?, making it essential for comprehensive IAS preparation.
To prepare What are Other Major Highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26? for UPSC: (1) Study the comprehensive notes covering all key concepts on Vaidra. (2) Practice previous year questions on this topic. (3) Connect it with current affairs using daily updates. (4) Revise using key takeaways and mind maps available for Economy. (5) Write practice answers linking What are Other Major Highlights of the Union Budget 2025-26? to related GS Paper topics.

The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced significant changes to the direct tax regime, aiming to provide relief to taxpayers and simplify the taxation structure. These reforms are crucial for understanding the government's fiscal policy direction.
A key highlight is the revision of the income tax exemption limit. This move is designed to boost disposable income, especially for the middle-income group, thereby stimulating consumption and economic activity.
Under the new proposals, individuals with an annual income of up to ₹12 lakh will be exempt from paying any income tax. This is a substantial increase from previous thresholds, offering considerable relief.
For salaried taxpayers, specifically, this exemption limit is further extended. With permissible deductions, salaried individuals can enjoy no income tax liability for incomes up to ₹12.75 lakh annually.
Key Exemption Limits:
The budget also outlined a revised structure for income tax slabs, which dictates the percentage of tax applicable at different income levels. This new structure aims for a progressive taxation system while ensuring ease of compliance.
Income Tax Slabs (Union Budget 2025-26):
| Income (in ₹) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| ₹0 - ₹4 lakh | Nil |
| ₹4 - ₹8 lakh | 5% |
| ₹8 - ₹12 lakh | 10% |
| ₹12 - ₹16 lakh | 15% |
| ₹16 - ₹20 lakh | 20% |
| ₹20 - ₹24 lakh | 25% |
| Above ₹24 lakh | 30% |
UPSC Insight: Understanding the direct tax reforms is vital for GS Paper 3 (Economy). Questions may focus on the impact on consumption, government revenue, or comparison with previous tax regimes. Be prepared to analyze the rationale behind such changes.


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