The Union Budget 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the Indian education sector, addressing the aspirations of students, educators, and institutions striving for global excellence. With a focus on increasing funding, fostering international collaborations, and advancing technology-driven education, this budget is poised to transform learning experiences nationwide. Leaders from diverse domains emphasize the importance of aligning policies with initiatives like NEP 2020, Skill India, and digital infrastructure development to bridge educational gaps and enhance accessibility. By investing in research, teacher training, early childhood education, and skill development, the government can empower India’s youth, positioning the country as a global knowledge hub while shaping a future-ready workforce.
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According to Mr. Waseem Javed, Founder & CEO, EduVib

The Union Budget 2025 presents an opportunity to acknowledge the growing aspirations of Indian students aiming to pursue education abroad. With over 13.35 lakh Indian students studying overseas in 2024, the importance of creating a supportive and streamlined ecosystem for international education is evident.
A focus on simplifying processes and making financial support more accessible could greatly benefit students and their families, enabling Indian talent to excel on a global platform.
As a study-abroad consultancy, we remain dedicated to empowering students through technology, personalized guidance, and robust global partnerships. Initiatives that foster international education opportunities will further strengthen India’s role in global education mobility, creating pathways for students to achieve their academic and career goals.
According to Ms. Sujatha Kshirsagar, President, Career Launcher

The Union Budget 2025 presents a unique opportunity to strengthen India’s education ecosystem, especially in areas critical to building a globally competitive workforce.
For starters, Indian budget must aim to touch 5 percent in order to help leapfrog towards Amritkaal goals. Last year’s historic allocation for education showcased a positive intent, and we hope this year’s budget further raises the bar.
We urge the government to prioritize increased funding for STEM research and innovation, as well as introduce targeted subsidies for international students studying in India, which would position the country as a global education hub. Additionally, with education being a concurrent subject, we hope to see enhanced collaboration between the Centre and State Governments to ensure efficient utilization of resources and equitable access to quality education across regions.
For skills training and coaching institutions that empower students preparing for careers, exams and study-abroad programs, supportive policies and grants in digital education and skill development would greatly accelerate our mission. A budget that focuses on holistic educational growth and technological advancement will be pivotal in preparing Indian students to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.
According to Dr Lakshmi Mohan, Pro Vice Chancellor of ITM Skills University and Director of ITM Business School, Navi Mumbai

As we look ahead to the upcoming budget, we are hopeful for increased support in areas that will help strengthen our education system, such as research, innovation, and skill development. By focusing on building stronger connections between industry and academics, our students will have more chances to gain practical experience and improve their job prospects. We also expect investments in better infrastructure and sustainability, helping us create a modern, eco-friendly campus. These efforts will enhance the quality of education at ITM and prepare our students to succeed in emerging fields, contributing to India’s growth in the global economy.
According to Er. Koneru Satyanrayana, Chancellor, KL Deemed to Be University

The expectations from Budget 2025 for higher education focus on major improvements. There is a strong push to strengthen the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with more funding for curriculum updates, faculty training, and promoting the Indian Knowledge System. Increasing partnerships between colleges and industries is a priority, helping students gain skills needed in the job market. The budget should also increase financial aid and use technology to ensure fair access to education for all, especially in rural areas. More investments in infrastructure, including more seats and better facilities, will help achieve the target of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER). The budget is expected to focus on hiring more teachers, supporting global partnerships, and improving India’s position in international education.
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According to Mr. Ashish Munjal, Co-Founder & CEO, Sunstone

The last year’s budget saw a 7.99% increase, reaching Rs 47,620 crore. The allocation for Central Universities rose by 29%, while NITs and IIEST received a 5% boost. In addition to increased funding for higher education, the budget introduced initiatives such as education loans, an updated skill loan scheme, and a youth internship program.
We hope that the Budget 2025 prioritises accountable education by enhancing access, quality, and skill development. Key focus areas include increasing funding for educational infrastructure, improving teacher training, and updating curricula to align with industry needs. Support for digital education and policies promoting equitable learning opportunities for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are essential. Additionally, fostering industry-academia collaboration through fiscal incentives for skill development programs can bridge employability gaps.
Investments in R&D within higher education and technological advancements for student skilling and training will enhance sector potential. This approach will position India as a global knowledge hub, empowering students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a rapidly evolving global economy.
According to Prof. Dr. Vikas Dhawan Director General, IMS Noida

This year’s budget promises to bring significant reform in the sector of education. Higher education spending will help in the modernization of amenities for students, expose them to various digital learning technologies, and develop new skills through the usage of new technologies. The total outlay for Department of Higher Education for the 2024-25 financial year is ₹47,619.77 crore, or 7.99% growth over the last year.
On the other hand, higher education’s provision for 2024-25 is forecasted to be 17% below the revised estimates for 2023-24. The allocation of the University Grants Commission also declined by 61%.
We expect that the government must also introduce special programs to promote teacher training and research initiatives. Moreover, policies need to be introduced for the affordability of higher education in rural areas and smaller cities. Considering ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ initiatives, it is very important to have a dedicated budgetary allocation for skill development; it would create better opportunities of employment for the youth.
The AISHE 2021-22 provided by the Ministry of Education has revealed that the number of students enrolled in higher education institutions has touched 4.33 crore with impressive growth over the years. If these key aspects are made in the budget, the education sector of the country would touch a new height and pave the way for brighter future scenarios for students.
According to Mr. Anish Shah, Chief Financial Officer, Zee Learn Limited
In the coming year, the education sector in India is poised for significant growth and development, driven by the implementation of NEP 2020 and the increasing adoption of online and digital education. NEP stresses the importance of foundational literacy and numeracy, hence there will be more impetus. A substantial increase in the education budget is essential to address educational institutions’ scarcity of human resources. Collaboration between educational institutions and edtech entities can extend digital education to the masses, offering programs, upskilling courses, and employment opportunities. The use of AI in education is expected to transform the learning experience, making it more personalized, interactive, and effective. Therefore, it’s essential to harness the potential of AI to improve student outcomes, enhance the teaching experience, and prepare students for success in an AI-driven world.
According to Mr. Raj Singhal, Co-founder & CEO of Footprints Childcare

As one of the leading players in early childhood education, we hope the upcoming budget places a strong emphasis on increased funding for preschool infrastructure and accessibility, particularly in underserved areas. Early childhood education is the foundation of a nation’s future workforce, and targeted investments in this sector can unlock immense potential for long-term economic growth.
Given the rising costs of education and the impact of declining household spending, we urge the government to introduce measures such as subsidies, tax benefits, and initiatives to make quality education more affordable for families across socio-economic strata. Furthermore, integrating early childhood education into the Skill India Mission would be a game-changer. By aligning educator training and child development programs with skills development, the government can ensure that teachers are equipped with modern pedagogical tools, creating a ripple effect that benefits children during their most formative years. Such a move would not only elevate the preschool sector but also enable it to contribute significantly to India’s long-term skill development goals.
According to Dr. Ajay Kela, President & CEO, Wadhwani Foundation

With the Union Budget approaching, we look forward to the government’s continued emphasis on strengthening skill development initiatives tailored for the digital age. By fostering partnerships between academia and industry, enhancing access to apprenticeship programs, and leveraging AI-enabled learning platforms, we can empower the youth with innovative skills essential for a future-ready and innovation-driven workforce. Strategic investments in skilling hold the power to unlock India’s demographic dividend and accelerate the growth of a robust, knowledge-based economy.”
As the growing role of technology in shaping the education sector in India has taken a major leap, the 2025 Union Budget must address key areas that will transform the learning eco-system across the country. It is important to allocate higher budget for education sector alongwith improving rural digital infrastructure, expand faster and affordable internet access, and provide faculty training, so that every learner , regardless of location, can benefit from the vast offerings of digital education. The potential of AI in creating personalized learning experiences can help bridge educational and skill gaps, and continued investment in AI tools will help towards this.
According to Mr. Tom Joseph, Co-Founder, USDC Global

The Budget should also make regulations simpler for EdTech startups to encourage collaborations between academia and industry, and support incubation centers that promote innovation. Supporting partnerships in AI, particularly for language learning, by bringing together AI developers, educators, and institutions to create advanced tools, broaden accessibility, enhance personalization, and promote global communication and linguistic diversity, will strengthen a trusted and inclusive digital education ecosystem with an emphasis on data privacy. By addressing these areas, we can unlock the potential of learners across India and equip them with the skills and knowledge essential for the future.
Tax Front – We appeal to the government to lower the GST rate on educational products and services from 18 percent to 5 percent. This will help build a solid base for the learners, especially those from remote locations and underprivileged communities.
On acquiring students from Overseas – Indian edtech companies face challenges such as regulatory restrictions (FEMA permissions, strict visa regulations, accreditation requirements, and challenges in meeting international curriculum standards, difficulties in adapting content for various international markets), and currency fluctuations. The government can help by introducing simpler cross-border regulations, and resolve this challenging issues. We hope that this will be taken into account that will help Indian edtechs thrive on international platforms, and encourage foreign students to enroll.
Foreign University campus in India – We expect the upcoming Union Budget to introduce policies that encourage foreign universities to establish their campuses in India to meet NEP 2020 vision. This would not only boost the quality of higher education but also provide students with global learning opportunities. The presence of international institutions could promote innovation within the Indian education sector and create new avenues for collaboration between Edtech companies and universities. For Edtech firms, this expansion will present both opportunities to scale and challenges in staying ahead in competition. As the demand for advanced online learning tools and platforms rises, Edtech companies will need to adapt and offer state-of-the-art solutions to cater to a more diverse student base
According to Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University

Education is that crucial fulcrum which will further our Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Some of the anticipated policies include education for girls and women, equal access and opportunities, and the discussion around technological interventions. Current data indicates women participation in India Inc at 36 percent.
A major anticipation is nourishment for entrepreneurs, and ways to leverage Artifical Intelligence. In the education domain, countries such as Singapore and US have already commenced their AI journeys. Budget discussions could be an avenue to discuss policies on how to improve investments in the sector. Additionally, initiatives such as facilitation of global learning experiences, integration of sports, other co-curricular activities, and overall development of students should also be looked into.
According to Mr. Dilip Gangaramani, Founder & Managing Director, Target Learning Ventures, formerly known as Target Publications Pvt. Ltd

We are eager for a budget that champions holistic child development. We request for robust support in implementing play-based learning methodologies across schools, especially for young learners, accompanied by access to quality learning materials. Equally vital are substantial investments in teacher training programs, equipping educators to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge edtech tools for digital literacy into classrooms. Fostering innovation through the establishment of specialized labs—such as robotics and astronomy—will empower students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills essential for thriving in the 21st century. Addressing the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to quality education, especially for marginalized communities and students with special needs, must remain a top priority. As digital education gains prominence, we expect increased government support for developing digital learning resources, promoting innovative pedagogical approaches, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem for educational technology. This comprehensive vision will not only prepare students for the future but also strengthen the foundation of education in a rapidly evolving world.
According to Dr. Bhupendra Bahadur Tiwari, Professor and Director, SOEC, CMR University, Bengaluru

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 innovation, enhancing employability, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. Increasing the allocation for higher education is essential to upgrade infrastructure, support digital learning, and promote research and development in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and climate studies. To tackle the growing skill gap, the government should consider incentivizing collaborations between universities and industries to align curriculum with market demands. Equally important is the need to ensure equitable access to quality education. Expanding scholarships, strengthening public institutions in rural and underserved regions, and leveraging technology for inclusive learning can drive transformative change.
According to Mr. AK Srikanth, CEO of Klay

Looking ahead to the 2025 Union Budget, there is a growing expectation for transformative initiatives in the education sector that focus on holistic development and future-readiness. Emphasizing early childhood education, skill-based learning, and the seamless integration of technology into curriculums can bridge the gap between traditional education and the demands of a rapidly evolving world. We are optimistic that the government’s increased budget allocation for the education sector will fund essential initiatives such as teacher training, the development of inclusive learning environments, and the provision of affordable access to quality education across both urban and rural areas. Such investments are crucial for building a resilient and empowered generation. We are hopeful that these policies, once implemented, will reflect a long-term vision aligning with India’s aspirations for global leadership and sustainable growth.
According to Mr. Sagar Kaushik, Associate Director, Growth Propelld

There is an urgent need for strong support for fintech solutions focused on education fee financing within the private education sector. Implementing policy reforms, offering lower or subsidized lending rates from public sector banks (PSBs), and promoting co-lending models could greatly diminish non-performing assets (NPAs) in the domestic higher education financing landscape. By collaborating, PSBs and innovative fintech platforms can effectively address the shortcomings of traditional lending practices through advanced technologies, leading to more efficient and expedited loan disbursal processes.
According to Mr. Thomas Dal, Dean, Strate School of Design

As we await the forthcoming 2025 Budget, the design sector anticipates exciting developments to further fuel creativity and innovation. As the design industry has historically been a major contributor to economic growth, we expect governments to continue to support it, particularly in the area of digital infrastructure and technology-driven solutions.
As demand for innovative design solutions worldwide grows, we hope the budget focuses on investments that strengthen design education and create opportunities for international collaborations. Investment in a holistic and interdisciplinary approach through institutions that promote cross-disciplinary learning will be fundamental in creating future-ready designers who can meet the challenges of an ever-evolving market. Such policies not only would channel the best of design thinking into tech and business domains but also unlock the full potential of creative industries at large, enabling enhanced innovation and competitiveness in a wide range of industries.”
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According to Dr. Srinivasan K, Director, MBA ESG

As we look ahead to the 2025 budget, we are optimistic about the future of higher education and its role in preparing students for an evolving workforce. We hope the government will give more priority to policies that support industry-aligned curricula and infuse emerging technologies into the way students learn.
MBA ESG operates on the benefits of scholarship funding and global alliances and focuses on enhancing and making quality education accessible to all. India needs to double down on its private institutions, especially those that offer specialized MBA courses to enhance its standing as a global hub for business education. Overall, preparing graduates with skills that are in demand in the changing marketplace will definitely better align education services with the needs of the economy of the future, thus giving students a competitive edge in tomorrow’s job market.”
According to Mr. Varun satia, Founder & CEO, Kraftshala

As we look ahead to the Union Budget 2025, it is essential that we move beyond incremental measures and take transformative steps to bridge the widening gap between education, skilling, and employability. While last year’s focus on employment-linked skilling schemes and financial support for education loans was encouraging, the true challenge lies in driving systemic change that integrates skilling into the DNA of higher education. We urge the government to strengthen the Model Skilling Loan Scheme, ensuring it includes targeted funding for industry-aligned, short-term certifications that enhance employability in dynamic sectors like marketing, technology, and digital innovation. Additionally, the salary eligibility cap for employment incentives should be revised upwards to reflect the rising aspirations and realities of India’s knowledge economy. Educational institutions must be incentivized—and held accountable—to embed experiential learning, internships, and mentorships as a core part of their programmes. The burden of making students workforce-ready cannot rest solely on companies. At the same time, investments in AI hubs, EdTech regulatory frameworks, and a nationwide push toward digital-first classrooms are non-negotiable if we want to future-proof our workforce. We hope this budget delivers not just on numbers but also on systems and accountability. India’s youth need more than degrees; they need a cohesive ecosystem that empowers them to become industry leaders from day one.
According to Mr. Venkatesh L.S., Founder & CEO, Scora Lab

As India’s development story continues, quality education and employment are pivotal to sustaining this momentum. The maturing startup ecosystem is fuelling edtech growth, which is expected to touch $29bn, up from the $7.5bn it is today. Budget 2025 should prioritise fostering innovation while ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to all segments of society through policy interventions and concrete action plans that will evidently drive speedy startup and SME funding scenarios. Given the scenario, strategic investments towards digital infrastructure, modern learning platforms, and comprehensive skill-building initiatives will be essential to bridging the gap between urban, semi-urban, and rural landscapes. Quality credentialing processes will be vital to assessing the workforce and their skills, in alignment with the demands of an ever-evolving job market. Furthermore, reinforcing the nation’s ecosystems through streamlined regulations and a focus on nurturing talent pools will enable new-age entrepreneurs to accelerate the nation’s economic growth by ensuring a reliable supply of quality human resources. I’m hopeful that the upcoming budget can help elevate India’s global standing as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and as an efficient supplier of efficient talent globally.
According to Mrs. Ritika Gupta, CEO, Aaera Consultants

We hope for a roadmap that empowers Indian students and enhances their global educational aspirations. Aligning with NEP 2020, increasing education expenditure by 6% of GDP is essential to bridge infrastructure gaps and promote skill development.
Investments in digital infrastructure and edtech are essential to modernize learning and bridge the rural-urban divide. Introducing tax benefits on education loans and subsidizing overseas education counseling services could be transformative.
More scholarships streamlined remittance procedures, and lower GST on education loans will help families and give more students access to international study-abroad opportunities.
Studying abroad has immense potential to contribute to India’s socio-economic growth. We are optimistic that Budget 2025 will reflect the aspirations of millions of Indian students and empower them to excel on international platforms.
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