The Union Budget 2025 has garnered significant attention for its bold initiatives aimed at transforming India’s education and skill development sectors. With a strong focus on integrating artificial intelligence, enhancing digital learning, and expanding vocational training, industry leaders across education, healthcare, and edutainment sectors have expressed optimism about the future. Experts highlight the potential of these measures to equip the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. Here’s how education sector is reacting to the budget’s provisions.
Amit Kapur, Managing Director, Vedatya
Education is at a turning point, and artificial intelligence is the force that will shape its future. The way we learn, teach, and apply knowledge is evolving faster than ever, and the Union Budget has taken a decisive step toward integrating AI into education. The ₹500 crore investment in a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education is not just about adopting new technology; it’s about reimagining how learning can be made more personalised, inclusive, and industry-aligned.
At Vedatya Institute, we believe AI should not replace human intelligence but enhance it. The challenge now lies in execution, ensuring AI is embedded thoughtfully into curriculum design, faculty training, and skill development. For India to truly lead in this space, academia, industry, and policymakers must collaborate to turn this vision into reality, equipping students with the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.
Sowjanya Kanuri, Director – ACT For Education
In the context of today’s rapidly evolving employment landscape, it is encouraging to see the Union Budget’s emphasis on initiatives that focus on equipping youth to be future-ready at all levels. Investments in building foundational skills through the Atal Tinkering Labs in schools as well as the Centres of Excellence in both AI for education and skilling will also help identify best practices that we need to incorporate into our education systems
Arun Prakash M, Founder and CEO of GUVI Geek Networks believes the government’s emphasis on AI and upskilling will have a long-term favourable impact on Indian talents. ‘The growing emphasis on AI has been addressed well in the Union Government by inviting investments in AI for drug discovery. As India looks to advance its capabilities in AI, upskilling in relevant tech education will be imperative. The government’s decision to add broadband connections in government secondary schools to integrate digital learning, while also helping learners to understand the subjects better in their respective languages is commendable. Furthermore, the establishment of 5 national centres of excellence for upskilling to supplement Make for India and Make for the World will have long-term favourable implications on the future of millions of Indian talents, helping them to become critical contributors of the country’s bid to become a developed nation by 2047.’
Saju Bhaskar Founder & President at Texila American University
The Union Budget 2025-26 brings encouraging news for education and healthcare, two pillars that define our mission at Texila American University. The government’s push for Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence is a welcome step toward integrating AI into learning, opening new possibilities for students and researchers alike. The addition of 10,000 medical seats is another significant move, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Equally important is the focus on expanding broadband connectivity in schools and healthcare centers, ensuring better access to education and medical services across the country. Furthermore, the removal of TCS on education loans up to ₹10 lakh will ease the financial burden on families investing in higher education, including those considering international institutions like TAU. At TAU, we believe in empowering students with quality education and practical knowledge, and these initiatives reinforce that vision. We look forward to playing our part in shaping the future of learning and healthcare in this evolving landscape.
Tarandeep Singh Sekhon, Chief Business Officer, KidZania India.
The Union Budget 2025 marks a transformative step forward for the education and edutainment sector, reinforcing the importance of experiential learning, skill development, and digital education. The government’s increased allocation for education, focus on vocational training, and push for interactive learning platforms align seamlessly with KidZania India’s mission to empower children through immersive role-playing experiences. By fostering public-private partnerships, enhancing early childhood education, and promoting digital learning, this budget creates immense opportunities to make learning more engaging, inclusive, and future-ready.
