The BSE market capitalisation (m-cap) zoomed to Rs 1,16,38,593 crore at the end of trade.
"Markets continued to be buoyant on expectation of rate cut by RBI and positive global cues. We are seeing continuation of rally in the rate sensitive sectors led by reality, banks and FMCG which were also supported by budget related sops," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services Ltd.
The Sensex ended up 198.76 points, or 0.70 per cent, at 28,439.28, its highest closing since September 23 last year when it had closed at 28,668.22. Intra-day, it sprang to a high of 28,487.28.
Among sectoral indices, BSE realty jumped the most (up 1.90 per cent) followed by FMCG (1.28 pc), healthcare (1.27 pc) and consumer durables (1.27 pc).
As many as 272 companies hit their 52-week high level at the BSE today.
Also, 1,847 stocks advanced, while 1,065 declined and 150 remained unchanged.