Details of Scottish public spending plans for next year will be published on December 16.
The Scottish Government normally publishes its draft budget in September.
The 2016/17 proposals have been delayed until after the UK Government's spending review, due on November 25.
The Scottish Government said the timing of the draft budget publication would allow the longest possible opportunity for parliamentary scrutiny, and ensure an approved Scottish Budget is in place for the start of the next financial year.
Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "In response to the later than usual UK spending review publication date and despite the continued uncertainty around our financial settlement, I have today written to the Finance Committee to seek their agreement that the Scottish Government publish the draft budget on December 16, 2015.
"This approach will give the Scottish Government and our partners as much time as possible after the UK spending review on November 25 to develop proposals for a bold, ambitious budget for the future.
"I am determined that measures brought forward in my budget will demonstrate the Scottish Government's commitment to do everything within our power and means to protect the most vulnerable from the UK Government's austerity approach.
"We have been clear as a Government that we will tackle inequality through economic growth, and my budget will advance that vision."
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