Year Ender 2025: What the Union Budget had for education this year
The question confronting policymakers at the start of 2025 was no longer whether India needed to invest in education, but how decisively it could do so. A young population, a tightening global job market, and rapid technological change had converged into a single policy challenge: Could India’s education system scale up without diluting quality? The Union Budget 2025 attempted to answer that question with an unmistakable assertion of intent.Presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Budget treated education not as a welfare line item but as strategic national infrastructure. With the Ministry of Education receiving ₹1,28,650 crore, a 6.22 percent increase over the previous year, the government laid out a year-defining framework that connected classrooms, campuses, laboratories, and industry in one continuum.
Schools to get internet access
All government secondary schools will get broadband under the BharatNet project. Students in rural and remote areas will be able to use online classes, digital books, and learning apps. This will help them keep up with students in bigger cities. It will not only assist them with academics but also broaden their employability criteria.
Hands-on learning with Atal Tinkering labs
The government will set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools over five years. These labs will let students learn science, technology, coding, and robotics in a practical way. Many students will get their first chance to try hands-on experiments.
Digital Indian Language books
The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme will provide digital textbooks in Indian languages. Students will understand lessons better. It will help those who struggle with English.
More money for school education
School education got its highest-ever budget. Programs like Samagra Shiksha, PM-POSHAN, and PM-SHRI will get more funds. This means better classrooms, more nutritious meals, and improved learning facilities for students.
IITs expanding to admit more students
Five IITs set up after 2014 will get new buildings and hostels. About 6,500 more students will be able to join. IIT Patna will also get bigger and better infrastructure. This will improve student life and learning conditions.
Research fellowships for young scientists
The PM Research Fellowship scheme will support 10,000 students at IITs and IISc Bengaluru. It will give them financial help to focus on research. Students will have more opportunities to work on advanced projects in India instead of going abroad.
More medical seats
The government will add 10,000 medical seats next year. This will give more students a chance to become doctors. It will also help increase the number of trained healthcare professionals in the country.
Skill centres for better job opportunities
Five National Centres of Excellence in Skilling will train students in vocational courses. They will get international-standard training and certificates. This will help them get jobs in manufacturing and other industries.
AI centre of excellence
A new AI Centre of Excellence in Education will be set up with ₹500 crore. It will use AI to improve teaching and learning. Students could get personalised help and better learning tools.
Preserving India’s knowledge
The Gyan Bharatam Mission will collect and preserve over one crore manuscripts. A national digital library will give students and researchers easy access. This will help them study India’s rich heritage.
Impact on students
The Budget is designed to benefit students in many ways. Better access to schools, more practical learning, more seats in colleges, and new skill opportunities will help students succeed. The focus is on improving learning today and preparing students for the future.
