Union Budget 2026: A Pivotal Moment for Quality Education in India

With the Union Budget 2026 nearing, experts call for a shift from expanding enrolment to improving education quality, infrastructure, and skills. Despite having the second-largest education system, India must prioritize digital transformation and employability to prepare for a knowledge-driven future, aligning with emerging technologies and the National Education Policy.

As the Union Budget 2026 approaches, education specialists are urging the government to prioritize enhancing education quality over merely expanding enrolment. With India's young demographic and a rapidly growing higher education system, experts emphasize the need to bolster infrastructure and future-ready skills.

India boasts the world's second-largest education system, with a substantial portion of its population under 25 years of age. The recent budget allocated Rs 1.28 lakh crore to education, marking a 6.22% increase, with a notable Rs 50,077.95 crore directed toward higher education.

The Economic Survey 2024-25 indicated a 13.8% rise in higher education institutions over eight years. Despite the increased Gross Enrolment Ratio, experts highlight the lagging infrastructure such as labs and hostels. Calls for reform focus on improving research capabilities and employability, aligning curricula with emerging tech like AI and machine learning, in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020.

(With inputs from agencies.)