The Union Budget 2025-26, presented by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, outlines a comprehensive vision to nurture innovation, strengthen education, and boost research and development in India. With a strong focus on equipping the country’s youth with skills and knowledge for the future, the Budget introduces several initiatives aimed at transforming India into a global hub for technology and innovation.
One of the key highlights of the Budget is the proposal to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in Government schools over the next five years. These labs, which are part of the Atal Innovation Mission, aim to cultivate a spirit of curiosity, encourage hands-on learning, and develop a scientific temper among young students. By providing access to modern tools and technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D printing, these labs will help students gain practical experience and problem-solving skills, ensuring that innovation becomes an integral part of the education system from an early age.
In a significant push for digital inclusion, the Budget also proposes broadband connectivity for all Government secondary schools and primary health centres in rural areas under the BharatNet project. This initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide by enabling students in remote areas to access high-quality digital learning resources and participate in online educational programs. Furthermore, better internet connectivity in primary health centres will enhance telemedicine facilities, making healthcare more accessible in rural regions. The government’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure aligns with its broader vision of Digital India, where technology is leveraged to empower every citizen.
Higher education also receives a major boost in the Union Budget, particularly in premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Over the past decade, the number of students in the 23 IITs has doubled from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh, reflecting the increasing demand for top-tier technical education in India. To accommodate this growing demand, the Budget proposes additional infrastructure in five IITs established after 2014, which will facilitate education for 6,500 more students. Additionally, hostel and academic facilities at IIT Patna will be expanded, ensuring a better learning environment for students. These measures reaffirm the government’s commitment to providing world-class technical education and strengthening India’s position as a global leader in science and technology.
To make education more inclusive and accessible, the Finance Minister has also proposed the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, which aims to provide digital books in Indian languages for school and higher education. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of learning in one’s mother tongue or regional language. By offering high-quality educational resources in multiple Indian languages, the government hopes to enhance learning outcomes and break linguistic barriers that often hinder students from non-English-speaking backgrounds.
In an effort to prepare India’s workforce for the future, the Budget has announced the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling. These centres will operate with global expertise and partnerships, ensuring that training programs align with the evolving needs of industries. The focus areas will include curriculum design, training of trainers, a skills certification framework, and periodic reviews to keep the training relevant. This initiative supports the government’s vision of “Make for India, Make for the World,” equipping Indian youth with skills that are globally competitive and positioning India as a preferred destination for advanced manufacturing and technology-driven industries.
Recognizing the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in education, the Budget proposes to set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education with a total outlay of Rs 500 crore. This centre will focus on developing AI-driven personalized learning solutions, intelligent tutoring systems, and advanced assessment methods that can enhance the quality of education. By integrating AI into the education system, the government aims to create a more adaptive, efficient, and inclusive learning environment, helping students grasp complex subjects more effectively.
A major push has also been given to research and development, with the government allocating Rs 20,000 crore for private sector-driven innovation. This investment is expected to encourage private companies to invest in cutting-edge research, foster collaborations between industry and academia, and support startups working in deep-tech fields such as quantum computing, space technology, and biotechnology. Additionally, under the PM Research Fellowship scheme, 10,000 fellowships will be provided over the next five years for technological research in IITs and IISc. The financial support under this scheme will be enhanced to attract and retain the best minds in research, ensuring that India continues to make significant advancements in science and technology.
Overall, the Union Budget 2025-26 lays out a well-structured roadmap for fostering innovation, strengthening education, and driving research and development in India. With initiatives such as the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs, broadband connectivity for schools, enhanced infrastructure in IITs, digital books in Indian languages, advanced skilling centres, AI integration in education, and a substantial push for private-sector-led research, the government is making strategic investments in the country’s future. If these initiatives are effectively implemented, they have the potential to transform India into a knowledge-driven economy, empower its youth with globally relevant skills, and solidify its position as a leader in education, innovation, and technological advancements.
