Union Budget 2025: What The Budget Means For India's Education System

Over the years there has been a gradual increase in the budget allocation for education and higher education in India.
Ellamae O'Reilly · 2 months ago · 2 minutes read


Investing in Education: India's Blueprint for a Skilled Future

Allocations and Trends

India's education sector saw a significant allocation of Rs 1.48 lakh crore in the 2024 Budget. The highest allocation, Rs 73,498 crore, went to the Department of School Education and Literacy. Notably, India has consistently allocated over 4% of its GDP to education since 2015-2024, while developed nations like the US, Canada, Japan, and Germany allocate 5%, 5.5%, 3.6%, and 4.8% respectively.

Expert Quote: "The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) is a key focus area for the government, particularly in digital education and skill development. The budget is expected to allocate increased funding towards these initiatives, which are crucial for modernising India's educational landscape."

- Poshak Agrawal, Co-founder, Athena Education

Areas for Enhanced Allocation

Experts argue that the education sector deserves priority in the Budget, as quality education empowers citizens and fosters a skilled workforce. Areas identified for increased allocation include:

  • Digital Infrastructure: Investments in online learning, technology, and resources to enhance educational experiences.
  • Teacher Training: Significant funding for programs that improve pedagogical skills and technology integration.
  • Skill Development Programs: Emphasis on initiatives aligned with industry needs to equip graduates with relevant job skills.

Empowering Educators

Expert Quote: "To empower educators, the budget must allocate adequate resources for teacher training and capacity-building programs, focusing on professional development workshops, advanced certifications, and the integration of innovative pedagogical tools."

- Sumit Kumar, Chief Strategy Officer, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship

Long-Term Goals

The Union Budget is expected to align with the ambitious goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These include:

  • Prioritizing digital education and skill development.
  • Investing heavily in teacher training and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Achieving a 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035.

By prioritizing education, India aims to create a skilled workforce, foster innovation, and enhance the nation's economic prosperity.