Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2025 with a strong emphasis on the expansion of educational infrastructure, including Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), medical colleges, and initiatives in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The government also pledged to promote education in Indian languages, aiming to benefit youth, farmers, women, and the economically disadvantaged.
Over the past decade, student enrolment at India’s 23 IITs has increased by 100%, and the Budget proposes funding for the construction of additional infrastructure at five IITs established after 2014, catering to 6,500 students. Furthermore, IIT Patna is set for expansion as part of the government’s commitment to higher education growth.
In the medical sector, the Union Budget outlines the addition of 10,000 new seats in medical colleges across India for the upcoming academic year, with plans to create a total of 75,000 new seats over the next five years.
To foster innovation and enhance educational opportunities, the government will establish around 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs nationwide within the next five years. Additionally, all government secondary schools will be provided with broadband connectivity.
The promotion of education in Indian languages will be advanced through the Bhartiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, particularly in rural and remote regions, helping to ensure that language does not hinder access to quality education.
Moreover, the government is planning the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence, which will collaborate globally to enhance skills required for initiatives like ‘Make in India and Make for the World’. A Centre of Excellence in AI for education will also be introduced to support three critical education sectors.
The Budget also highlights the Saksham Aganwadi and Poshan 2.0 programme, which will improve health and nutrition for over 8 crore children, 20 lakh adolescent girls, and pregnant women.
Finance Minister Sitharaman’s eighth consecutive Budget aims to drive growth and employment, especially through the enhancement of MSME investment and turnover limits, ensuring greater opportunities for the nation’s youth.
