Financial year and assessment year. Financial year (FY) runs from April 1 to March 31 of the next year; assessment year (AY) is the year following the FY. Tax on income earned in an FY is paid during the AY.
It all begins with the finance minister‘s speech in the Lok Sabha. The Budget is then tabled in parliament. Discussions on the economy and broad Budget measures take place without voting. The parliament then breaks for a three-week recess. Parliamentary Standing Committees give reports on ministries‘ estimates or demands for grants.
The exercise to make the Budget is a long-drawn one. It juggles political pressures, economy‘s priorities and utmost secrecy. Budget work begins in August with a circular to ministries and departments. They reply with details of funds they need.