The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated ₹128,650 crore for education and innovation, marking a 6.22% increase from the previous year. The budget focuses on school and higher education, research, AI-driven initiatives, and skill development to strengthen India’s education sector.
The Department of School Education and Literacy has received ₹78,572 crore, the highest-ever allocation, while the Department of Higher Education has been granted ₹50,077.95 crore, a 5.16% increase from last year.
Key Announcements for School Education
- 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to be set up over five years to boost innovation.
- Broadband expansion under BharatNet to cover all government secondary schools within three years.
- Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme to introduce digital books in Indian languages for schools and higher education.
Higher Education & Research Initiatives
- Additional infrastructure for IITs established post-2014, creating capacity for 6,500 more students.
- 10,000 fellowships for technological research under the PM Research Fellowship Scheme at IITs and IISc.
- A ₹20,000 crore fund for private-sector-driven research, development, and innovation.
- ₹500 crore Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education, supporting AI-driven advancements in learning.
Skill Development & Knowledge Sharing
- Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, focusing on the manufacturing sector under the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ vision.
- National Digital Repository of Indian Knowledge Systems to be launched for knowledge preservation.
- Gyan Bharatam Mission to conserve over 1 crore manuscripts of Indian heritage.
Industry Response & Future Roadmap
Experts have welcomed these initiatives, highlighting their potential to foster innovation, digital transformation, and a future-ready workforce. Mohan Subrahmanya, Country Leader- India, Insight Enterprises, stated:
“The ₹500 crore Centre of Excellence in AI for education, along with 10,000 tech research fellowships at IITs and IISc, will drive innovation and talent development, reinforcing India’s position as a global tech hub.”
The implementation of these measures will take place over the next five years, with key initiatives beginning in 2025. The Union Budget 2025-26 is a strategic step towards India’s long-term education and innovation goals, aligning with the vision for a knowledge-driven economy by 2047.
