Union Budget 2025: Centre increases education expenditure by 6.65% to Rs 1,28,650 crore; key takeaways here

Education Budget 2025: The Centre has allocated Rs 1,28,650.05 crore for the education sector this time, reflecting a 6.65 percent increase from the previous year. On Saturday, while presenting the Union Budget 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasised India's growth trajectory, calling the next five years a crucial opportunity to achieve inclusive development.

The financial allocations for various institutions have seen notable changes, with IITs receiving Rs 11,349 crore, up from Rs 10,467 crore last year, and IIMs getting Rs 251 crore, an increase from Rs 227 crore. However, IISERs face a funding cut of Rs 137 crore, and the budget for World Class Institutions has been slashed by over 50 per cent, from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 475 crore.

Education budget 2025: Focus on higher education and schooling

The Ministry of Education has been allocated over Rs 1.28 lakh crore, an increase from the revised estimate of Rs 1.14 lakh crore for 2024-25. Of this, Rs 50,067 crore is designated for higher education, while school education has received Rs 78,572 crore.

- Infrastructure expansion at IITs: Additional infrastructure will be created at five IITs, facilitating education for 6,500 more students. IIT Patna will also see an expansion ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

- Medical education boost: 10,000 new medical seats will be added this year, contributing to the goal of 75,000 additional seats over the next five years.

- Research and AI initiatives: 10,000 fellowships for technology research will be offered at IITs and IISc. Additionally, a Centre of Excellence in AI for education will be set up with an outlay of Rs 500 crore.

- Skill development: Five National Centres for Excellence in Skilling, with global expertise, will be established. 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools to encourage scientific innovation.

- Digital education: The 'Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak' scheme will provide Indian language books in digital format for schools and higher education.

- Connectivity enhancement: Broadband will be provided to all government secondary schools and primary healthcare centres in rural areas.

What was allocated in last year's budget?

In Union Budget 2024, the government allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore to the education sector, highlighting the Centre's focus on employment and skill development.