With the Union Budget for 2025-26 set to be announced on February 1, 2025, stakeholders from the education and skilling sectors are looking to the government for significant investments that align with the aspirations outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. A critical theme in the upcoming budget is fostering the digital transformation of education, promoting skill development, and ensuring greater accessibility for all, particularly in rural areas. Industry leaders from K12 Techno Services, Masai School, and Simplilearn have shared their insights on what they hope the budget will focus on to bolster India’s education system and prepare its workforce for a rapidly evolving global economy.
Jai Decosta, CEO at K12 Techno Services: Prioritizing Investments in Education
Jai Decosta, CEO of K12 Techno Services, expressed optimism for a significant boost in the education sector’s funding, following the ₹1.48 lakh crore allocation for FY24-25. As the country strives toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat,” Decosta emphasizes the necessity of increased financial support for education to meet the growing demands of the sector.
“To accelerate the digital transformation of education, it is vital that the budget increases funding for digital learning initiatives and enhances IT infrastructure in schools. Supporting new technologies like AI and robotics will enable personalized learning experiences, while increased investment in vocational training and employability-focused skills will better prepare students for the workforce,” Decosta said.
He highlighted that the continued focus on integrating technology into classrooms will be crucial in enhancing digital literacy and creating a more dynamic, tech-savvy education system. Decosta’s vision for the budget involves a holistic approach that addresses both academic learning and practical skill acquisition, which will be essential for India’s youth in a rapidly changing global environment.
Veerasundar V., Global CFO, Simplilearn: Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaborations
Veerasundar V., Global CFO of Simplilearn, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaborations between industry and academia. He called for the alignment of educational programs with market demands, especially in high-growth sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“For the 2025-2026 budget, we expect a focus on hybrid learning to make education more accessible, especially for students in rural areas. Investment in skilling programs for emerging fields like AI and IoT is crucial for preparing India’s workforce for the modern economy. The government should also foster female entrepreneurship through targeted training and financial support, along with addressing the gaps in upskilling the Gen Z workforce,” said Veerasundar.
He also advocated for incentivizing businesses to invest in skill development, fostering global certifications, and supporting practical, hands-on learning experiences. Veerasundar noted that with Gen Z’s projected spending power to surpass $2 trillion by 2035, affordable education loans and experiential learning programs will be key to unlocking the full potential of this generation in the global economy.
Prateek Shukla, Co-founder & CEO, Masai School: Empowering India’s Youth with Skills for the Future
Prateek Shukla, Co-founder and CEO of Masai School, outlined a bold vision for the future of education in India. He suggested that the government increase its education spending to 6% of GDP, a move that could enable large-scale skilling initiatives and strengthen public-private partnerships essential for achieving the country’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) targets.
“To truly empower India’s youth, the Union Budget must focus on digital and inclusive learning, ensuring that quality education reaches even the remotest parts of the country through investments in high-speed internet, affordable devices, and digital infrastructure,” Shukla said. “The government should also encourage outcome-based learning through tax incentives and funding for job-oriented education models that address the growing employability gap.”
Shukla also highlighted the importance of promoting industry-academia collaborations, apprenticeships, and work-integrated learning programs. These initiatives, he believes, will bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that India’s youth are equipped with the skills needed for a global job market that demands both technical expertise and practical experience.
A Unified Call for a Future-Ready Education System
As India looks ahead to the 2025-26 Union Budget, the collective voice from K12 Techno Services, Simplilearn, and Masai School is clear: the government must prioritize education and skilling initiatives that address the needs of a fast-changing global landscape. Investments in digital infrastructure, hybrid learning models, and vocational training are essential to prepare India’s youth for the workforce of tomorrow.
Moreover, an emphasis on public-private partnerships, industry collaborations, and outcome-based education will ensure that educational institutions are better aligned with the needs of industry, fostering a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable and future-ready.
With these targeted measures, the Union Budget 2025-26 has the potential to empower millions of young people across the country, setting India on a path to becoming a leader in global innovation and workforce development.
