Pre-budget Expectations 2025: Education Sector

Dr Rohan Dutta, Associate Professor, Anant School For Climate Action

“As India strives to achieve its climate action goals and transition towards a sustainable future, the Union Budget 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity to prioritise climate education in alignment with the visions of the National Education Policy 2020 and the National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. I expect increased budgetary allocations to incorporate climate literacy at all levels of education, from primary schools to higher institutions. This must include curriculum redesigns focused on sustainability, renewable energy, conservation and practical skill-building programmes for green jobs. Investments in teacher training and digital resources can enhance the reach and effectiveness of climate education, especially in rural and underserved areas. Collaboration with industries and research institutions can foster innovation hubs within educational institutions, promoting climate solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges.”

Dr Partha Chatterjee, Dean – Academics and Professor, Economics, Shiv Nadar University, Delhi NCR

“India has one of the largest populations of young people. Almost 40 per cent of the population is less than 25 or at an age where they could be in education. To educate this large number, several steps need to be taken. This is critical if India has to achieve a developed economy status by the time the demographic transition is over. It is obvious that the education and research budget has to go up – right now at 2.9 per cent of GDP there is a lot of room for this funding to grow. Over the last few budgets skilling was prioritised. However, it is not clear what that investment in skilling has delivered. If India is unable to build a solid education system, mere skilling will not help.”

Prof (Dr) Anand Achari, Principal, VES College of Architecture

“As we approach Budget 2025, the education sector looks forward to continued emphasis on advancing higher education, building on the progress made last year. One important focus is enhancing digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where over 60 per cent of the population still lacks reliable internet access. This gap is limiting the reach and potential of online education and without addressing it, we risk leaving a significant portion of the population behind. In addition, strengthening skill-based training programs and encouraging closer collaboration between educational institutions and industries is vital to ensure that our curricula are aligned with the needs of today’s job market. This will better equip students with the skills they need, while also boosting their employability. We are also hopeful that the budget will include policies to encourage international collaborations, which will enhance the global competitiveness of Indian education and attract more international students.”

Dr Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice Chancellor, Symbiosis International (Deemed University)

“The 2025-26 Budget must prioritise measures to empower private higher education institutions (HEIs) in India, ensuring enhanced quality, accessibility and innovation. These recommendations align with India’s goal of becoming a global education hub by 2047.

Global collaborations and Partnerships should be supported through financial incentives to foster tie-ups with top global universities, enabling student exchange, joint research and faculty development. This will enhance global exposure and improve academic standards. Expanding private HEIs to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities should also be incentivized with land grants and tax benefits to decentralise quality education, promote regional development and curb urban migration.”

Vinay Maheshwari, Executive Director, Mohan Babu University

“As India strives to position itself as a global knowledge hub, the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 presents a critical opportunity to address the pressing needs of the higher education sector. The focus must be on fostering research & innovation, enhancing graduate employability and bridging the gap between academia & industry. Increasing the allocation for higher education is essential to upgrade infrastructure, promote research and development in emerging areas like artificial intelligence. To tackle the growing skill gap, the government should incentivise collaborations between universities and industries to align curriculum with market demands.”

Devyani Jaipuria, Pro Vice Chairperson, DPS Gurgaon, DPS Jaipur & DPS International, Chairperson, Dharav High School and Director Healthcare & CSR (Under RJ Corp)

“To make significant budgetary allocations, investing in education is essential to meet the evolving needs of students, educators and the broader society. Education is the cornerstone of national progress and this budget presents a unique opportunity to build a world-class, inclusive system. We must prioritise academic excellence and the holistic development of every child by addressing infrastructure challenges, improving teacher training and integrating technology. Investing in STEM and skill-oriented programmes, such as micro-credentials, is vital to equip students with the expertise needed to succeed in a digital world. By fostering innovation and critical thinking, we can ensure that our students are prepared to thrive in an increasingly globalised economy. The time to act is now — education will shape the future of India.”

AK Srikanth, CEO, KLAY Preschools and Daycare

 

Looking ahead to the 2025 Union Budget, there is a strong expectation for transformative initiatives in education focusing on holistic development and future-readiness. Key priorities include early childhood education, skill-based learning and integrating technology into curriculums to bridge the gap between traditional education and modern demands. We are optimistic that increased budget allocations will support teacher training, inclusive learning environments and affordable access to quality education in both urban and rural areas. These investments are crucial for building a resilient, empowered generation and aligning with India’s vision for global leadership and sustainable growth.”

Girish Kr Sachdev, Member – Board of Management, DPS Indirapuram

“As the nation looks forward to the Union Budget 2025, the education sector holds high hopes for substantial reforms and increased investment. Education is the cornerstone of a progressive and equitable society and we expect the government to allocate greater resources to strengthen the infrastructure of schools, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.

The integration of technology in education needs more focus, with dedicated funds for digital infrastructure, online learning tools and teacher training programmes. This will not only bridge the digital divide but also ensure that students across the country have access to quality education.”

Ajay Singh, Principal, The Scindia School, Gwalior

“As we await the Union Budget for 2025, I believe the education sector is at a pivotal moment. To empower our children to succeed in an increasingly dynamic world, it is essential to prioritise investments in education. I urge the government to allocate a larger share of GDP to education, increase funding for STEM initiatives, enhance digital learning infrastructure and promote skill-based education. By simplifying regulatory processes and encouraging international collaborations, we can create a world-class education system that equips our students to excel on the global stage. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking in our schools will be crucial to developing the leaders of tomorrow. I also hope the budget will address the need for equitable access to quality education, ensuring no child is left behind. I look forward to a budget that lays the foundation for a brighter future for our children.”

Dr Maithili Tambe, CEO, The Academy School (TAS), Pune

“Allocating 6 per cent of the total budget to education is not merely a figure; it represents a commitment to building a knowledgeable and skilled workforce that can drive innovation and sustainable growth in the country. This level of investment could significantly enhance the quality of education, ensuring access to modern teaching resources, training for educators and improved infrastructure for schools, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Adequate funding can foster vocational training programs that equip students with practical skills aligned with industry needs, thereby reducing unemployment and empowering the youth. In an era where knowledge is power, an education sector robustly supported through budgetary allocations can truly transform lives and drive progress across the nation.”

This article was originally published in BW Education, Femina, Insight Convey and Outlook Business.