UGC, BITS And Cambridge South Asia Response To Union Budget 2025-26
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the union budget 2025-26 on February 1, 2025, in the Parliament. In the education sector, some new announcements are made and also some existing schemes are furthered. The budget announcements are both welcomed and questioned. Here are the responses of leading Indian educational institutions regarding the budget 2025-26.
Describing the budget as a forward-thinking vision for higher education with a special focus on skill development, innovation, and inclusivity, UGC Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar said,”The substantial increase in the budget allocation for higher education, from Rs. 46,482.35 crore in 2024-25 to Rs. 50,077.95 crore in 2025-26, represents a significant 7.74% rise”.
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“This increased investment will enable us to further enhance the quality of education, support research, and innovation, and expand access to higher learning opportunities for all”, he added.
Arun Rajamani, MD Cambridge University Press and Assessment, South Asia said, “We welcome the Budget as it has laid special emphasis on the role of education in our journey towards a viksit Bharat. We congratulate the FM for focussing on building a strong talent pool of young workforce which comes with an increased allocation towards education, employment, and skill development. Skill development is a critical cog in the wheel that will help us achieve our economic aspirations”.
“Establishing 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in schools marks a transformative leap towards making learners future-ready with creativity and innovation at the heart of it”, he added.
“The allocation of Rs 10,000 Cr is proposed for the Urban Challenge Fund in the financial year 2025-26 and this aims at supporting cities to be growth hubs and can be a boost for edtech companies to solve challenges. Additionally, the introduction of Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, coupled with improved broadband connectivity will be pivotal to bridging the digital divide in rural areas and making learning more inclusive. Investing in higher education infrastructure along with the introduction of Centres of Excellence in AI for Education will help address the growing need for technically skilled professionals in the GenAI era. Lastly, improved access to student loans is another great initiative”, the Cambridge MD said.
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Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, Group Vice Chancellor, BITS Pilani while sharing his response said, “The Budget 2025-26 demonstrates Government’s growing commitment to higher education and R&D, with key allocations for expanding IIT infrastructure, setting up AI Centres of Excellence, and increasing medical education seats. The focus on skilling through National Centres of Excellence and the Deep Tech Fund of Funds will drive innovation and prepare youth for global opportunities. Initiatives to scale up the PM Research Fellowship is a welcome step. These steps align with the vision of fostering a knowledge-driven economy for the future.”
