What are the key demands for India's education sector in Budget 2026?

Experts demand a focus on education quality, infrastructure upgrades, and future-ready skills over just increasing enrollment numbers.

Why is infrastructure development a concern for Indian higher education?

Infrastructure like labs and student facilities has not kept pace with the rapid rise in student enrollment numbers.

What new skills should Indian students learn according to education experts?

Students need to develop skills in areas like generative AI, machine learning, and align with National Education Policy 2020 objectives.

Home / Business and Economy / Budget 2026: India's Education Overhaul Needed Now

Budget 2026: India's Education Overhaul Needed Now

12 Jan

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Summary

Experts urge prioritizing quality, facilities, and future skills over enrollment expansion.
India's higher education sees growth but infrastructure lags behind student numbers.
Digital transformation, AI, and research capacity are crucial for upcoming budget.

Budget 2026: India's Education Overhaul Needed Now

As the Union Budget 2026 nears, Indian education experts are advocating for a significant policy reorientation. The focus is shifting from merely expanding student enrollment to enhancing the quality of education, upgrading facilities, and cultivating skills essential for the future. This call is particularly relevant given India's large youth population and its rapidly growing higher education sector.

While the number of higher education institutions has grown by 13.8% over eight years, experts point out that infrastructure development, including labs and student amenities, has not matched the increasing number of students. This disparity highlights a critical need for increased public investment in the education sector to strengthen human capital and institutional capacity.