Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday, 1 February 2026, lauded the Union Budget 2026–27, describing it as a “Yuva Shakti–driven Budget” that places human capital development at the heart of India’s growth strategy. Calling it a Budget for Viksit Bharat, he said it provides a clear blueprint for education-led employment creation, innovation, and inclusive development.
Education Budget Sees Robust Growth
The Union Minister informed that the total allocation for the Ministry of Education has reached ₹1,39,289.48 crore, marking an 8.27% increase over the Budgetary Estimates (BE) of 2025–26. He said this enhanced outlay reflects the Government’s firm belief that education, skilling, and innovation are the most powerful levers for sustainable national growth.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Shri Pradhan said the Budget is futuristic, inclusive, employment-oriented, and designed to benefit every section of society—especially the poor, middle class, and youth.
A Budget Inspired by the Three Kartavyas
Shri Pradhan highlighted that the Union Budget 2026–27 is inspired by the three national Kartavyas:
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Accelerating and sustaining economic growth
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Fulfilling aspirations and building capacities of all citizens
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Ensuring access to resources, opportunities, and amenities for every family and community
He said this approach will spur all-round growth, strengthen MSMEs, boost tourism and healthcare, invigorate education and skilling ecosystems, and transform Tier-II and Tier-III cities into new growth centres, ensuring that growth translates into tangible benefits for over 140 crore citizens.
Five University Townships Along Industrial Corridors
A major structural reform announced in the Budget is the proposal to set up five University Townships near major industrial and logistics corridors. These integrated academic zones will host multiple universities, colleges, research institutions, skill centres, and residential complexes, creating vibrant knowledge ecosystems closely aligned with industry and employment opportunities.
Girls’ Education and STEM Participation
Highlighting India’s strong performance in female participation in STEM education, Shri Pradhan said the Government will further encourage girls’ enrolment by establishing one girls’ hostel in every district. These hostels will be developed through Viability Gap Funding and capital support, aimed at improving access, safety, and retention of girls in higher education—particularly in STEM disciplines.
Education to Employment and Enterprise: Services Sector Focus
The Budget proposes the creation of a high-powered ‘Education to Employment and Enterprise’ Standing Committee, with a special focus on the services sector, the core driver of Viksit Bharat. The Committee will assess the impact of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, on jobs and skills, recommend curriculum reforms, embed AI learning from the school level, and strengthen SCERTs for advanced teacher training.
AVGC Content Creator Labs for the Digital Economy
Shri Pradhan welcomed the establishment of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges. The initiative aims to support two million professionals by 2030, positioning India as a global hub for the rapidly expanding AVGC sector.
Budget Highlights: Higher Education
Overall Allocation
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Total allocation (FY 2026–27): ₹55,727.22 crore
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Increase over FY 2025–26: ₹5,649.27 crore (11.28%)
Allocations to Major Autonomous Bodies
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Central Universities: ₹17,440 crore (+4.49%)
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UGC: ₹3,709 crore (+11.18%)
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IITs: ₹12,123 crore (+6.82%)
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NITs: ₹6,260 crore (+10.07%)
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Deemed Universities: ₹650 crore (+7.62%)
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IIMs: ₹292 crore (+15.92%)
Major Schemes (Higher Education)
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PM-One Nation One Subscription (PM-ONOS): ₹2,200 crore
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PM Research Chair (new): ₹200 crore
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Centres of Excellence in AI for Education (new): ₹100 crore
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World Class Institutions: ₹900 crore (+89.43%)
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MERITE: ₹300 crore
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AI Centres of Excellence: ₹250 crore
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PM-USHA: ₹1,850 crore
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PM-USP: ₹1,560 crore
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NATS: ₹1,250 crore
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PM Research Fellowship: ₹600 crore
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National Mission on Education through ICT: ₹650 crore
Budget Highlights: School Education & Literacy
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Total allocation (FY 2026–27): ₹83,562 crore — highest ever
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Increase over BE 2025–26: ₹4,990 crore (6.35%)
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Increase over RE 2025–26: ₹12,995 crore (18.42%)
Key Institutions
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Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS): ₹10,129.41 crore
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Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS): ₹6,025 crore
Flagship Schemes
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Samagra Shiksha: +₹850.02 crore over BE 2025–26
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PM-POSHAN: +₹250 crore over BE 2025–26
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PM-SHRI: +₹3,000 crore (+66.67%) over RE 2025–26
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Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL): ₹3,200 crore (new flagship initiative)
Conclusion
Union Budget 2026–27 marks a transformational moment for India’s education ecosystem, firmly positioning youth, skills, innovation, and human capital as the foundation of national development. With record allocations, structural reforms like university townships, strong support for girls’ education and STEM, and a clear education-to-employment focus, the Budget powerfully advances the vision of Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, ensuring that India’s demographic dividend becomes its greatest economic strength.
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Source: PIB
