Education Budget 2025: What Are Experts From The Sector Saying? – News18

Last Updated:February 01, 2025, 14:58 IST

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: 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.

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.

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“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.”