With artificial intelligence and digital transformation at the core, Union Budget 2025-26 has unveiled a visionary blueprint for India’s education and skilling landscape. Establishing Centres of Excellence in AI with an allocation of an astonishing Rs 500 crore marks a seismic shift in how education will be delivered and consumed. It is not just about textbooks and classrooms anymore; it’s about preparing a generation for a world where technology reigns supreme.
Budget 2025-26 ensures digital transformation with an emphasis on skills that matter in 21st century
Budget is a clarion call by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to try and bridge this gap between old education and rapidly changing global jobs. The IITs will be expanded upon, medical colleges will be doubled, and the government will go ahead with setting up five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling. As many as 6,500 seats in IITs will be added while 10,000 PM Research Fellowships speak of the importance of nurturing that tech-savvy, research-driven talent pool.
But the real game-changer lies in the integration of generative AI into the education ecosystem. This move isn’t just about keeping pace with global trends—it’s about positioning India as a leader in AI-driven education. As Rahul Subramaniam of Athena Education aptly put it, this budget is a “forward-thinking roadmap” that ensures students are equipped with skills that matter in the 21st century.
Less financial burdens on students studying abroad
It has also alleviated the financial burdens that Indian students have faced when studying abroad. With a review of the TCS under LRS, the government has removed some of the burdens that had fallen on families to not deter global education opportunities. Saurabh Arora of University Living described it as a “transformational step” because it acknowledges the great contribution that Indian students have been making towards global education.
Ramani Dathi, TeamLease HCM highlighted the focus of the budget on workforce readiness and initiatives like the National Digital Skill Development Mission and AI-driven platforms. These would eventually lead to effective manpower availability in an economy ruled by the AI.
Essentially, Budget 2025 isn’t just another budgetary affair—it’s more like a promise in boldness. It enables Indian youth, replete with new-age capabilities, to join the global scenario and compete globally free from the constraints of financial barriers. The new world of learning has arrived-innovative digital and inclusive knowledge and transformation at your fingertips.
Also, see: “Force multiplier” and “people’s budget”: PM Modi names Budget 2025