Union Budget 2025: Transforming Education with AI and Infrastructure Investments
The Union Budget 2025 emphasizes strengthening AI research and educational infrastructure, with plans to expand seats in IITs and medical colleges.
Key Points:
- Budget Allocation: Over Rs. 1.28 lakh crore allocated, split between higher education (Rs. 50,067 crore) and school education (Rs. 78,572 crore).
- Digital Textbooks: Launch of digital textbooks in Indian languages under the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme.
- AI Center: Rs. 500 crore dedicated to a new Centre of Excellence in AI for educational advancements.
- IIT Expansion: Addition of five new IITs creating 6,500 seats over five years.
- Medical Seats: Introduction of 10,000 new medical seats in 2025, aiming for 75,000 more in five years.
- Skill Institutes: Establishment of five National Institutes of Excellence for advanced skill training.
- Research Funding: Rs. 20,000 crore allocated for private sector-driven R&D.
- Research Fellowships: 10,000 PM Research Fellowships announced for technological research at IITs and IISc.
Highlights of Budget 2025
Budget Allocation
- Total: Exceeds Rs. 1.28 lakh crore, with Rs. 50,067 crore for higher education and Rs. 78,572 crore for school education.
1. Artificial Intelligence
- Investment: Rs. 500 crore allocated for establishing a Centre of Excellence in AI, focusing on education.
- Purpose: To boost AI research and industry-centric AI training and certifications.
2. Technical Education
- Expansion: Five new IITs in Jammu, Bhilai, Dharwad, Palakkad, and Tirupati, introducing 6,500 additional seats over the next five years.
- Enrollment Growth: Enrollment in IITs has doubled over the last decade, from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh.
- Facility Upgrades: IIT Patna to receive infrastructure enhancements.
3. Medical Education
- New Seats: 10,000 new medical seats to be introduced in 2025, with a goal of adding 75,000 seats in five years.
- Past Growth: Over the last decade, medical seats have increased by 130%.
4. Skill Development
- National Institutes of Excellence: Five new institutes announced for advanced skill training, aimed at equipping youth for “Make for India, Make for the World” manufacturing.
- Atal Tinkering Labs: 50,000 labs to be established in schools to promote innovation and scientific thinking over the next five years.
5. Innovation and Research Funding
- Private Sector R&D: Allocation of Rs 20,000 crore to foster private sector-driven research, development, and innovation.
- Technological Research Fellowships: Provision of 10,000 fellowships under the PM Research Fellowship scheme for research in IITs and IISc.
6. Language and Digital Education Initiatives
- Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme: Introduction of digital textbooks in Indian languages to enhance accessibility and support linguistic diversity under the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak program.
Conclusion
The Union Budget 2025 prioritizes advancements in AI, medical education, and technical infrastructure, reflecting a robust commitment to enhancing India’s educational landscape and preparing a skilled workforce for the future.
Last Updated on February 3, 2025
Reviewed by
Prachi Singh | VP - Academics
Prachi Singh is a highly accomplished educationist with over 16 years of experience in the EdTech industry. Currently, she plays a pivotal role at Extramarks, leading content strategy and curriculum development initiatives that shape the future of education...read more.
