What is the story about?
A frequency analysis of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Union Budget 2026 speech shows that the government’s priorities this year were strongly centred on India, tax reforms, sectoral growth and manufacturing.
The word "India" was used the most, appearing 58 times in the Budget speech. This was followed closely by "tax", which was mentioned 55 times, underlining the focus on taxation, tax policy and compliance-related measures.
Key themes highlighted in the Budget speech
After India and tax, the next most frequently used terms point to a strong emphasis on sectoral support and economic expansion.
"Support" appeared 35 times, reflecting repeated references to government backing for industries, states and key groups.
"'Sector" was mentioned 32 times, indicating a targeted approach across different parts of the economy.
"Manufacture" featured 27 times, reinforcing the push for domestic manufacturing and industrial growth.
Words such as “global”, “government”, “scheme” and “develop” were each used 25 times, showing the Budget’s focus on policy-driven development and India’s global economic positioning.
Also Read: Defence budget rises to ₹7.85 lakh crore, capex hits ₹2.31 lakh crore
Focus on services, technology and customs
The speech also placed notable attention on services and technology:
"Service" and "technology" were mentioned 24 times each.
"Custom" and "duty" appeared 21 times each, highlighting changes linked to customs duties and trade-related measures.
Economic terms like economy (18), export (17), growth (16), and finance (16) further underline the emphasis on economic momentum and trade.
Infrastructure, investment and jobs
Lower-frequency words still reveal important priorities:
"Infrastructure" and "invest" were mentioned 15 times each.
"Skill" and "state" appeared 14 times each.
"Capital" was used 13 times, while "farmer" and "investment" appeared 12 times each.
"Employment" was mentioned 11 times, indicating continued attention to job creation.
The analysis groups different forms of the same root word — for example, “tax” includes taxation and taxpayer — and is not a comprehensive list of every word used.
Overall, the word frequency reflects a Budget focused on tax policy, manufacturing, sector-based support, economic growth and development, with steady attention to infrastructure, investment and employment.
Also Read: Budget 2026: India's Gender Budget crosses ₹5 lakh crore-mark for the first time
The word "India" was used the most, appearing 58 times in the Budget speech. This was followed closely by "tax", which was mentioned 55 times, underlining the focus on taxation, tax policy and compliance-related measures.
Key themes highlighted in the Budget speech
After India and tax, the next most frequently used terms point to a strong emphasis on sectoral support and economic expansion.
"Support" appeared 35 times, reflecting repeated references to government backing for industries, states and key groups.
"'Sector" was mentioned 32 times, indicating a targeted approach across different parts of the economy.
"Manufacture" featured 27 times, reinforcing the push for domestic manufacturing and industrial growth.
Words such as “global”, “government”, “scheme” and “develop” were each used 25 times, showing the Budget’s focus on policy-driven development and India’s global economic positioning.
Also Read: Defence budget rises to ₹7.85 lakh crore, capex hits ₹2.31 lakh crore
Focus on services, technology and customs
The speech also placed notable attention on services and technology:
"Service" and "technology" were mentioned 24 times each.
"Custom" and "duty" appeared 21 times each, highlighting changes linked to customs duties and trade-related measures.
Economic terms like economy (18), export (17), growth (16), and finance (16) further underline the emphasis on economic momentum and trade.
Infrastructure, investment and jobs
Lower-frequency words still reveal important priorities:
"Infrastructure" and "invest" were mentioned 15 times each.
"Skill" and "state" appeared 14 times each.
"Capital" was used 13 times, while "farmer" and "investment" appeared 12 times each.
"Employment" was mentioned 11 times, indicating continued attention to job creation.
The analysis groups different forms of the same root word — for example, “tax” includes taxation and taxpayer — and is not a comprehensive list of every word used.
Overall, the word frequency reflects a Budget focused on tax policy, manufacturing, sector-based support, economic growth and development, with steady attention to infrastructure, investment and employment.
Also Read: Budget 2026: India's Gender Budget crosses ₹5 lakh crore-mark for the first time
