https://educationtoday.co/blog/blog-details?id=2821&url=Union-Budget-2025-26-A-Comprehensive-Boost-for-Education-in-India *Union Budget 2025-26: A Comprehensive Boost for Education in India* In the Union Budget 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a significant increase in education sector funding, focusing on expanding infrastructure, improving quality, and fostering scientific innovation. With an allocation of Rs 1.28 lakh crore for education, this year’s budget positively changes both higher and school education. Key Highlights of the Education Budget: 1. Increased Seat Availability in Medical and IITs The government continues its push to expand higher education opportunities, particularly in medical education. Finance Minister Sitharaman announced the addition of 10,000 new seats in medical colleges and hospitals in the coming year, with a target of 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. This expansion will help address the growing demand for medical professionals in India. Additionally, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) will see enhanced infrastructure to accommodate more students, particularly in the five IITs established after 2014. These IITs—located in Palakkad, Dharwad, Jammu, Bhilai, and Tirupati—will add thousands of new seats in a phased manner. This is part of the government’s broader goal to increase the total student intake across 23 IITs, which has doubled from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh over the past decade. 2. 10,000 Fellowships for Research in Technology To promote research and innovation, the government has also announced the creation of 10,000 fellowships for technology research at IITs and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) over the next five years. This initiative is part of a broader push to support cutting-edge research and strengthen India’s technology and scientific innovation leadership. 3. Expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs One of the budget's most exciting announcements is the plan to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs over the next five years. These labs will aim to cultivate a scientific temper among young minds by providing hands-on experiences in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). They will be equipped with modern tools like 3D printers, robotics kits, and artificial intelligence resources to foster creativity and innovation in students from classes 6 to 12. 4. Broadband Connectivity for Schools and Healthcare Centres The government is also investing in digital infrastructure, with plans to provide broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools and primary healthcare centers. This will bridge the digital divide and ensure that even remote areas can access quality education and healthcare services. 5. Support for Indian Languages and Artificial Intelligence Education Another important initiative is the launch of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme, which will digitize Indian language books for schools and higher education institutions. This will promote the use of local languages and improve access to learning materials. Additionally, the government is investing Rs 500 crore in a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help foster AI-based education and research across Indian institutions. Budget Allocations for Education: The total allocation for education in the Union Budget 2025-26 is Rs 1.28 lakh crore, a significant increase from the previous year’s revised estimate of Rs 1.14 lakh crore. This funding will be divided between higher education and school education, with the latter receiving Rs 78,572 crore and the former Rs 50,067 crore. Several key educational bodies have seen an increase in funding, including the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). However, the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) saw a decrease in its allocation by Rs 137 crore. At the same time, the funds for world-class institutions were reduced by more than 50%, from Rs 1000 crore to Rs 475 crore. Support for NEP 2020: The Union Budget continues to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals, which aim for a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030. The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights that India’s school education system currently serves 24.8 crore students across 14.72 lakh schools. The survey also reports a steady decline in school dropout rates, which is a positive sign of progress in achieving the objectives of NEP 2020. The budget’s focus on improving school infrastructure, including better sanitation and ICT facilities, will further support the NEP’s objectives. Government initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and schemes like DIKSHA, STARS, and PM SHRI continue to drive improvements in school education across India. Conclusion: The Union Budget 2025-26 has outlined significant steps toward strengthening India’s education sector. From increasing the number of medical and IIT seats to fostering a scientific mindset through Atal Tinkering Labs, the government ensures that India’s education system remains competitive and inclusive. With a continued focus on digital infrastructure, AI, and rsearch fellowships, this budget signals a forward-thinking approach to shaping the future of India’s education and innovation landscape. *For more details visit* https://youtu.be/6gEwnv7J2Iw https://www.theenn.com/video-42678f62a.html