The Union Budget 2025-26 is poised to build upon the landmark achievements of the previous fiscal year, which allocated an unprecedented Rs 1.48 lakh crore to education, skilling, and employment generation. Experts from various sectors have expressed their aspirations for the upcoming budget, emphasizing reforms, innovation, and investments aimed at enhancing India’s education landscape.
FY24-25 Highlights: Laying the Foundation
The Budget 2024-25 set a strong precedent by prioritizing education with notable allocations:
- Rs 73,498 crore for the Department of School Education and Literacy, marking a Rs 12,024 crore increase from FY23-24.
- Rs 47,619.77 crore for the Department of Higher Education, reflecting a 7.99% rise from the previous year.
- Autonomous institutions like Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) received record-high allocations of Rs 9,302 crore and Rs 5,800 crore, respectively.
- Flagship Schemes Boost: Samagra Shiksha, PM POSHAN, and PM SHRI collectively gained an additional Rs 10,846 crore, further advancing school education initiatives.
Higher education also saw significant support, with Rs 15,928 crore allocated to central universities and Rs 10,202.5 crore to IITs. Programs like the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) and Institutions of Eminence were given dedicated funding to foster inclusivity and innovation.
Experts’ Recommendations for Budget 2025-26
1. Expanding International Collaborations and Digital Integration
Rahul Subramaniam, Co-founder of Athena Education, highlighted the need for greater global partnerships and technology integration. He suggested increased financial aid for students studying abroad and initiatives to attract foreign collaborations. “Investing in digital learning and faculty development is crucial for creating a competitive education system,” he stated.
2. Addressing the Skills Gap
Viral Bhatt, Founder of Money Mantra, stressed the importance of vocational training and online education platforms to bridge the skills gap in an automation-driven job market. “Focused skilling initiatives can prepare India’s youth for global opportunities,” he remarked.
3. Enhancing Rural Digital Infrastructure
Kritika Seth, Founding Partner at The Victoriam Legalis, emphasized the urgent need for digital transformation in rural areas. She advocated for teacher training, EdTech support, and inclusive policies to improve access to quality education.
4. Operationalizing NEP 2020
Aarushi Jain, Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, urged the government to accelerate the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Initiatives like the Digital University introduced in FY22-23 require targeted funding to realize their full potential.
5. Sustainability and Financial Literacy
Alay Razvi, Managing Partner at Accord Juris, called for investments in sustainable campuses and financial education programs. He highlighted the need for equitable access to online education and greater funding for public schools to enhance infrastructure and teacher recruitment.
6. Achieving the 6% GDP Target
Pratyush Miglani, Managing Partner at MVAC Advocates & Consultants, reiterated the importance of allocating 6% of GDP to education, a long-standing recommendation. He proposed policy amendments to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in educational institutions and fast-track patent approvals to boost innovation.
What the Education Sector Expects
Experts are optimistic that the Union Budget 2025-26 will:
- Expand funding for Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, building on the Rs 255 crore allocated in FY24-25.
- Increase support for multidisciplinary education, which received Rs 200 crore last year.
- Enhance programs like the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) to address youth unemployment and skill gaps.
Building on Success
The achievements of FY24-25, including a Rs 600 crore allocation for NATS and increased investments in higher education, have set the stage for transformative changes. With focused reforms and adequate funding, the 2025-26 budget can further position India as a global education leader.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2025-26 holds the promise of elevating India’s education system to global standards. By addressing digital infrastructure gaps, fostering innovation, and operationalizing NEP 2020’s vision, the government can create an inclusive, technology-driven, and future-ready education framework.
If these recommendations are implemented, this budget could mark a turning point in shaping the nation’s educational and economic future.
