For a future-ready workforce, the Union Budget 2025 unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday put the focus on education, skilling, and technological innovation, with a big push for artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education.
The Finance Minister announced plans for the establishment of five national Centres of Excellence for AI in Education, developed through global partnerships. The move aligns with the government’s vision to integrate AI into academic and research institutions, particularly the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), to foster innovation and technological advancements.
Additionally, the Centre will invest in infrastructure expansion for five IITs established after 2014, allowing for the accommodation of 6,500 more students. IIT Patna is set for further expansion to support its growing academic and research ecosystem, Sitharaman said.
EXPANDING MEDICAL EDUCATION
Medical education will also receive a shot in the arm. Sitharaman announced that 10,000 additional seats will be added in medical colleges and hospitals across the country in the coming year.
This is part of the Narendra Modi government’s broader plan to increase medical seats by 75,000 over the next five years, building on the 130 per cent rise in medical seats over the past decade, which saw an addition of 1.1 lakh undergraduate and postgraduate seats.
BOOST TO DIGITAL LEARNING
The Budget also focused on improving school education, particularly in government institutions. Sitharaman said that over the next five years, 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be established in government schools “to encourage scientific temper and innovation” among students.
To enhance digital accessibility, broadband connectivity will be extended to all government secondary and primary schools, ensuring better access to online learning resources, the Finance Minister said.
INVESTMENT IN SKILLING
Terming investment in people as a key driver of growth, the Finance Minister said a comprehensive multi-sectoral rural prosperity and resilience program will be launched in partnership with state governments to create new employment opportunities and enhance skill development in rural areas.
In Budget 2024, the government allocated Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skill development, with provisions for student loans up to Rs 10 lakh for those pursuing higher education at domestic institutions.