The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 laid the foundation for India’s educational transformation by introducing progressive frameworks. Building on this, the Union Budget 2025 is expected to focus on digital learning, technical education, skilling, and capacity building for teachers, with significant allocations to enhance India’s education system.
Union Budget 2024-25 Highlights in Education
Last year’s budget allocated ₹1.48 lakh crore for education, skilling, and employment. Key highlights included:
- Schemes: Increased funding for initiatives like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, PM-POSHAN, PM-SHRI, STARS, and NATS.
- New Initiatives: Launch of the PM Internship Scheme, Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, and National Digital University to promote practical training and digital education.
These measures underscored the government’s commitment to integrating technology and skill development into education.
Expected Focus Areas for Budget 2025
1. Digital Learning and Infrastructure
To promote online education and bridge the digital divide, the budget may prioritize:
- Digital Infrastructure: Enhanced funding for the National Knowledge Network (NKN) to improve connectivity in remote areas.
- EdTech Development: Incentives for creating online learning resources and integrating innovative technologies like AI and VR.
- Vernacular Content: Support for translating educational materials into regional languages, making learning accessible to diverse groups.
2. Skilling and Vocational Education
The government aims to equip students with job-ready skills through:
- PM Internship Scheme: Increased funding to achieve the goal of training 1 crore youth by 2028-29.
- NATS Expansion: Support for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes.
- Skill-Based Courses: Development of vocational courses for K-12 students to improve future preparedness.
3. Research and Development
To foster innovation, Budget 2025 may emphasize:
- Centres of Excellence: Increased funding for research in emerging technologies such as AI, ML, and wafer manufacturing.
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Multidisciplinary research funding through university-led models.
- PhD Support: Enhanced financial incentives for researchers and expansion of the PM’s Research Fellowship Scheme.
Strengthening Higher Education
Institutes of Eminence (IoE):
With only 12 institutions granted IoE status out of a target of 20, increased budgetary allocations could help create more globally competitive institutions.
Teaching in Regional Languages:
The success of initiatives like MBBS programs in Hindi may lead to more courses in regional languages, supported by specialized curriculum teams under the AICTE’s Anuvadini AI program.
Teacher Training and Development:
Improving foundational literacy and numeracy will remain a priority, with expected allocations for:
- NISHTHA Programme: Teacher training to improve learning outcomes and support NEP implementation.
- Centralized Training System: Creation of a framework to standardize teacher training across central and state levels.
- Incentives for Female Teachers: Addressing the low number of female educators in STEM fields through targeted schemes.
Promoting India as a Global Education Hub
The budget is likely to align with the government’s vision of establishing India as a Global Education Hub by:
- Increasing allocations for the Study in India Scholarship to attract international students.
- Expanding the GIAN scheme to involve international faculty in state universities.
- Encouraging public-private partnerships to build world-class hostels for international students.
Focus on Grassroots Education
PM-USHA and RUSA:
Enhanced funding for these initiatives will address disparities in college density between southern and eastern states, boosting female enrolment ratios.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE):
Allocations for ECCE will support skill-based learning from a young age, ensuring better student preparedness for the future.
Conclusion
Budget 2025 is poised to bring a transformative shift to India’s education sector by prioritizing digital learning, skilling, and research. By addressing regional disparities, strengthening teacher training, and fostering global collaborations, the government aims to build an inclusive, future-ready education system.
