As India gears up for the presentation of the Union Budget 2025, education stakeholders are vocalising their hopes for a forward-looking allocation that addresses critical gaps and capitalises on emerging opportunities. Industry leaders and educators have emphasised the need for increased funding and policy initiatives that align with global standards and integrate advanced technologies into learning frameworks.
“India’s education landscape stands at a critical juncture. The Budget 2025 should not only bridge existing funding gaps but also propel us into the future by integrating next-generation technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics into mainstream curricula,” remarked Mr. Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor of Medhavi Skills University. Highlighting the importance of preparing a future-ready workforce, he added, “By substantially increasing public spending on education and fostering robust industry-academia partnerships, we can build a globally competitive, job-ready workforce—one that will drive inclusive growth and bolster India’s standing as a leading knowledge economy.”

The call for increased public spending resonates across the sector, particularly in addressing challenges faced by students from economically weaker sections. Mr. Kuldip Sarma, Pro-Chancellor and Co-Founder of Medhavi Skills University, pointed out the hurdles associated with educational loans and accessibility. “The Union Budget should address the challenges of educational loans to make education more accessible and affordable for students, especially those from weaker economic backgrounds,” he said. Stressing the need for additional investment, he continued, “Despite the considerable allocation to the education sector, more investment should be considered to meet workforce requirements as per global standards. This also includes funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research, digital learning, and industry-focused skills like AI and IoT.”
The education sector has also voiced its support for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and subsidies for international students to enhance India’s standing as a global education hub. “Such initiatives can create a thriving ecosystem that attracts talent worldwide while equipping domestic students with the skills necessary for a competitive global market,” Mr. Sarma added.

Expectations for the Union Budget 2025 extend beyond infrastructure and loans to address critical areas such as digital transformation, STEM research funding, and industry collaboration. By aligning policy measures with these priorities, the government has an opportunity to foster an education system that not only meets domestic demands but also positions India as a leader in global education and innovation.
As the countdown to the Budget begins, all eyes are on the Finance Minister to deliver on these aspirations, ensuring a brighter and more inclusive future for India’s education sector.