Mansukh Mandaviya launched ‘My Bharat Budget Quest 2026’ to engage youth with the Union Budget.

New Delhi, February 2, 2026: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday launched ‘My Bharat Budget Quest 2026,’ a nationwide youth-centric initiative aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of the Union Budget 2026-27 among young citizens.

The initiative seeks to make budgetary provisions more accessible, relevant, and citizen-centric by connecting the Union Budget with the daily lives of people through active youth participation.

It will engage young individuals from colleges, institutions, and coaching centres across the country through a structured and participatory framework.

Two-phase national competition announced by Mansukh Mandaviya:

Announcing the program, the Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the competition will begin on February 3, 2026, on the ‘My Bharat’ platform.

It will start with a national-level online quiz based on the Union Budget 2026, open to all youth registered on the My Bharat portal.

The last date for participation is February 17.

Top-performing participants from each state and Union territory will advance to the second phase, which will run from February 17 to March 3, 2026.

This phase will feature an essay writing competition, with participants choosing from eight topics related to the Union Budget, aligned with the vision of a developed India.

Through their essays, young people will share their ideas, perspectives, and policy suggestions.

Youth voices reflected in budget-making:

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the government’s commitment to youth engagement, stating, “In this year’s budget speech, the Finance Minister appreciated the innovative ideas shared by the youth during the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD), and mentioned that some of these ideas have been incorporated into the Union Budget 2026-27.

With ‘My Bharat Budget Quest 2026,’ we want to carry forward this spirit and once again give importance to the voices of the youth.

The submitted essays will be evaluated between March 3 and March 10, 2026, with the state-wise and Union Territory-wise merit lists to be announced on March 10, 2026.

Winners from across the country will later get the opportunity to interact virtually with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the vision of the ‘Developed India Budget,’ reinforcing the government’s emphasis on informed youth participation in national economic discourse and development priorities.

Also Read: Union Budget 2026-27 gives a major push to the sports sector; Khelo India Mission announced.

EOM.