Last Updated:
Experts have praised the Education Budget 2025 for its significant focus on expanding education, research, and skills development, driving India towards innovation.
Education Budget 2025: Know what experts said about the budget. (Image: Getty)
Education Budget 2025: In her 8th consecutive Union Budget 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined several significant measures for the education sector. Among the highlights are the expansion of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which were set up over the last decade, and the addition of 10,000 new medical college seats in the coming year.
The Union Budget 2025 has allocated a total of Rs 1.28 lakh crore to the Ministry of Education. This includes a Rs 50,077.95 crore allocation for higher education and Rs 78,572.10 crore for school education, marking a strong commitment to improving both sectors.
Following these announcements, experts from India’s top educational institutions have shared their views on the budget’s impact on education, research, and innovation.
IIT Madras Director, Prof Kamakoti lauded this year’s education budget and said some great announcements have been made for the Indian Institutes of Technology. “The expansion of the third-generation IITs is important. it is a massive step. Every region has to grow. We have to provide quality education across all regions specifically with the IIT brand. These IITs will benefit quite significantly from the new budget announcement,” he said.
He further added that India needs entrepreneurs, and needs to nourish innovation. “The establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs is a major step, and is going to be a great game changer for our country,” he added. He also mentioned that the PMRS was an important part of the budget. “There is an amount of uncertainty when it comes to research. It is just exploration. We are expecting youth to give at least five years of their time trying to work on a research problem. So this a big commitment,” he added.
Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director of IIM Sambalpur, called the Union Budget 2025 a visionary step, noting its strong focus on higher education, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
He said, “The Budget 2025 is visionary in enhancing India’s higher education, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship as pillars of an inclusive, equitable, innovation-led economy.” He also welcomed the Rs 500 crore allocation for Centres of Excellence and the creation of five national skilling centres, which will integrate new technologies into education and training.
Jaiswal added, “By providing and integrating AI into education and skill development sectors, it ensures that students will be ready to meet emerging opportunities in all sectors.” He also praised the initiative to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, calling it a game-changer for encouraging innovation and hands-on learning in STEM fields. IIMs are preparing students for high-impact careers while driving India’s goal of becoming a global innovation powerhouse.”
Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, described Budget 2025 as a turning point for India’s entrepreneurial and skill-building environment.
He stated, “Budget 2025 marks a pivotal moment for India’s entrepreneurial and skilling ecosystem, setting the stage for a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.'”
Kakani highlighted the Rs 10,000 crore fund for startups and the new initiative to support 5 lakh SC/ST women entrepreneurs. These initiatives, along with higher education funding and policies to attract global talent, will lay a solid foundation for a workforce ready for the future.
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at the British Council, praised the government’s focus on education and skills development, especially with the creation of five National Centres of Excellence for skill-building.
ALSO READ: Education Budget 2025: New 10,000 Seats In Medical, 5000 In IITs, Key Announcements You Must Know
“The Union Budget 2025-26 reaffirms the Indian Government’s commitment to education and skills development, laying a strong foundation for the nation’s youth and future workforce,” she said.
Barrett also applauded the Rs 500 crore for a Centre of Excellence in Education and the expansion of IIT infrastructure, calling them crucial steps for improving India’s technical and digital capabilities.
She further highlighted the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme, noting, “We commend the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme that will provide digital access to Indian language books.”
The decision to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education reflects a forward-thinking approach to education and economic development, aiming to create a workforce equipped for the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven future, says Arti Dawar, Deputy CEO, Shiv Nadar School. “As automation and AI transform industries, traditional skills are becoming obsolete, making continuous upskilling essential,” she added.
Dawar also said that the digitisation of books in various Indian languages is of utmost importance as it will help preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage. “Overall, the Education Budget 2025 is a step in the right direction. However, sustained efforts and continued investments will be essential to ensure that India’s education system remains equipped to meet future challenges,” she stated.
