- By Ritesh Kumar
- Sat, 01 Feb 2025 01:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Education Budget 2025: The Union Budget 2025 outlines a promising future for India's education sector, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, skill development, and innovation. Through strategic initiatives like the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs, National Centres of Excellence, and investments in AI and digital education, the budget paves the way for creating a skilled, future-ready workforce. The government’s commitment to developing education technology, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusivity will significantly impact India’s educational landscape, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. Here, you can find the reactions of industry leaders in the education sector.
Rajeev Tiwari, Co-Founder of STEMROBO Technologies for ATL Education Sector, hailed the Union Budget 2025 for its comprehensive vision aimed at digital infrastructure, skill development, and innovation. He highlighted the expansion of broadband connectivity to all government secondary schools, calling it a crucial step to bridge the digital divide and ensure equal learning opportunities for students across India. Tiwari also emphasised the establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) over the next five years, which he believes will nurture creativity, hands-on learning, and future-ready skills among students. Furthermore, the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, which aims to make digital books in Indian languages accessible, was lauded for its potential to promote education in rural areas while preserving linguistic heritage.
Tiwari also focused on the Rs 500 crore investment in AI research and the creation of five Centers of Excellence for Skilling, ensuring that India's workforce will be globally competitive. These efforts, according to him, will foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, propelling India's leadership in a technology-driven world.
Dr Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune, pointed out that the establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools will mark a transformative leap in fostering creativity and practical learning. She emphasised that these labs will bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, empowering students to explore their interests and develop problem-solving skills. Dr Tambe also underscored the importance of broadband integration in classrooms, which would enable educators to expand teaching methodologies and offer equal learning opportunities, especially in remote and underserved areas.
Prof. Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor, Centurion University, Odisha, expressed optimism about the government's focus on skill development for the second consecutive year. She welcomed the announcement of new National Centres for Skilling and saw it as a step toward creating an industry-ready workforce that strengthens India’s global positioning. Prof Pattanayak also emphasised the need for policies that promote skill-integrated higher education, especially in tier-2 cities, to ensure that India stays competitive in the global education sector. The expansion of medical education with 10,000 new seats next year and a further 70,000 seats in the next five years was another move she praised.
Varun Satia, Founder & CEO of Kraftshala, highlighted the establishment of Centers of Excellence in AI for education and the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs as vital steps toward fostering innovation and practical skills. He called for connecting these skilling programs with mainstream higher education, advocating for industry-approved short-term courses alongside traditional degrees to better prepare students with job-ready skills. Satia emphasised that while AI has great potential in education, its benefits will only be realised with effective mentorship and hands-on learning.
Sukanta Parida, Admission and Marketing Director, Centurion University, Odisha, echoed the sentiments of his peers, lauding the Union Budget’s focus on developing educational technology. He noted the significance of broadband connectivity to government-run secondary schools in closing the digital gap. Parida also welcomed the establishment of National Centres of Excellence and the introduction of the Digital Language Book "Bhasa Pustak," which will help promote regional languages. He further commended the growth in IIT enrollment and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, predicting that it would drive innovation and research in the tech sector.
Raj Singhal, Co-Founder & CEO of Footprints Childcare, appreciated the government's significant investment in AI and education. He praised the establishment of Centres of Excellence in AI for education, which will enhance learning outcomes and foster innovation. Singhal also acknowledged the reforms in personal income tax structure aimed at stimulating economic growth and increasing disposable income, which he believes will contribute to overall economic progress.
Kanwal Jeet Jawa, President of DESDS (DJIME), welcomed the announcement of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, aligning it with DJIME's mission of imparting Japanese manufacturing excellence. He expressed confidence that these initiatives, coupled with the expansion of IIT infrastructure and the ₹500 crore Centre of Excellence for AI in Education, will strengthen India’s position as a global player in manufacturing and technical education.
Dipesh Kaura, Country Director - India & SAARC, Securonix, acknowledged the Union Budget’s emphasis on AI but urged the government to also prioritise cybersecurity in the context of digital advancements. He stressed the importance of embedding cybersecurity awareness and skills development within AI-related programs to ensure that future professionals can navigate the complexities of secure AI implementation.
Prof Mahadeo Jaiswal, Director, IIM Sambalpur, said, "The Budget 2025 is visionary in enhancing India's higher education, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship as pillars of an inclusive, equitable, innovation-led economy. In this budget, Rs 500 crore for AI Centres of Excellence and the establishment of five national skilling centres have been put as strong commitments of the government. By providing and integrating AI into the education and skill development sectors, it ensures that students will be ready to meet emerging opportunities in all the sectors.
Additionally, the initiative to set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs under the Budget 2025 is a transformative step towards fostering innovation and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This will enable students to develop critical problem-solving skills, preparing a future-ready workforce in line with India's digital and technological aspirations.
IIMs, including IIM Sambalpur are working towards the vision by developing specialised STEM-based programs such as MBA in Business Analytics, AI in learning methodology, and Women Empowerment programs that help bridge technology and management so that students become leaders in the world of data-driven decision-making, Fintech, and AI-powered industries. I believe that by integrating STEM with management education, IIMs are preparing students for high-impact careers while driving India's goal of becoming a global innovation powerhouse."
Also Read: Education Budget 2025: Check Major Announcements For Education Sector
Dr. PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University said, "With a focus on establishing 5 National Institutes for skilling, the Union Budget sets the foundation for improved employability. As a dedicated institution in India's health management sector, we believe the announcement for Centre of Excellence for AI in Education will shape healthcare management professionals who are parallel with global advancements in the Indian healthcare landscape. This will cater to the mushrooming demand for skill-based education, digital learning capabilities, micro credentialing, and global partnerships. The launch of New Fund of Funds with expanded scope along with fresh fund of 10,000 crore rupees will reshape the Indian start-up ecosystem and pave the way for an employment- provider society."
Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur said, Budget 2025 marks a pivotal moment for India's entrepreneurial and skilling ecosystem, setting the stage for a 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' With a fresh Rs 10,000 crore fund-of-funds for startups and a transformative scheme empowering 5 lakh SC/ST women entrepreneurs, the government is not just fueling innovation but also fostering inclusivity. These initiatives, coupled with enhanced lending ceilings for education and policies to attract global talent, will create a robust foundation for a future-ready workforce. By prioritizing skilling, entrepreneurship, and equitable access to opportunities, at IIM Raipur, we are 'Building Business Owners,' innovators, and skilled professionals who contribute to India's vision of becoming a global economic powerhouse. This is not just a budget for growth—it's a blueprint for a self-reliant, inclusive, and prosperous India by 2047.
Dr Prabina Rajib, Director, Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) Greater Noida, “highlighted that the Union Budget 2025 aims to drive transformative reforms across six domains, envisioning a Viksit Bharat with quality education, and affordable, comprehensive healthcare. She emphasised the budget's focus on inclusive growth and its potential to position India as a global leader in technology through investments in AI, cloud computing, 5G, and cybersecurity. The establishment of three AI Centres of Excellence, backed by Rs 500 crore, will advance research, innovation, and skill development, while increased funding for educational infrastructure will prepare a future-ready workforce. Additionally, micro-enterprises (up to Rs 1 crore investment, Rs 5 crore turnover) will benefit from doubled credit guarantees to Rs 10 crore, enabling Rs 1.5 lakh crore in additional credit over five years, alongside customised credit cards, while small and medium enterprises see expanded investment and turnover thresholds. This budget aligns with Atal Incubation Centre (AIC BIMTECH) mission to transform India’s startup ecosystem by providing unparalleled support and resources to entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and building a sustainable, thriving startup community for a better future.”
Dr PR Sodani, President, IIHMR University said, "With a focus on establishing 5 National Institutes for skilling, the Union Budget sets the foundation for improved employability. As a dedicated institution in India's health management sector, we believe the announcement for Centre of Excellence for AI in Education will shape healthcare management professionals who are parallel with global advancements in the Indian healthcare landscape. This will cater to the mushrooming demand for skill-based education, digital learning capabilities, micro credentialing, and global partnerships. The launch of New Fund of Funds with expanded scope along with fresh fund of 10,000 crore rupees will reshape the Indian start-up ecosystem and pave the way for an employment- provider society."
Prof Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur said, Budget 2025 marks a pivotal moment for India's entrepreneurial and skilling ecosystem, setting the stage for a 'Viksit Bharat 2047.' With a fresh Rs 10,000 crore fund-of-funds for startups and a transformative scheme empowering 5 lakh SC/ST women entrepreneurs, the government is not just fueling innovation but also fostering inclusivity. These initiatives, coupled with enhanced lending ceilings for education and policies to attract global talent, will create a robust foundation for a future-ready workforce.
Prateek Maheshwari, Co-Founder of PhysicsWallah (PW) & Chair of Indian Edtech Consortium (IEC), welcomed the budget’s focus on NEP 2020 and critical education challenges. "The expansion of IITs and 75,000 additional medical seats over five years is a crucial step in reducing medical student outflow to other countries, given that over 23 lakh students appear for NEET but only 1.1 lakh seats are available. The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme will enhance regional language learning, while 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools will foster scientific temper and innovation. Broadband connectivity in secondary government schools can be a game-changer, enabling affordable, high-quality, and personalized digital learning solutions," he said.
Kanak Gupta, Director of Schools, MR Jaipuria Group, highlighted the budget’s role in making India a technological hub. "With 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, broadband connectivity in government schools, and a ₹500 crore Centre of Excellence for AI in Education, the budget paves the way for India to emerge as a leader in global education and technology. The focus on skilling and providing digital Indian language books for schools and higher education reflects inclusivity and acknowledges India’s diverse linguistic landscape," he noted.
Nipun Goenka, Managing Director, GD Goenka Group, emphasised the role of the budget in fostering innovation and accessibility. "The establishment of National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, the expansion of IITs, and the Centre of Excellence for AI in Education reflect an investment in future-ready competencies. The addition of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and broadband connectivity in government schools ensures every child—regardless of background—has the opportunity to contribute to the nation's growth," he said.
Anushika Jain, Founder and CEO of GlobalShala and Globally Recruit, called the budget a turning point for India's education sector. "The establishment of the National Centres of Excellence for Skilling and the promotion of global skilling partnerships will empower the youth with industry-relevant skills, enhancing their employability on a global scale. The Centre of Excellence for AI in Education represents a significant step forward in integrating artificial intelligence into learning," she stated.
Kunal Vasudeva, Co-founder & Managing Director, Indian School of Hospitality, emphasised the need for strong execution. "The Union Budget 2025-26 sets the right direction with AI-driven education, research fellowships, deep-tech funding, and global skilling partnerships. However, policy is always a work in progress—the real test is execution. India must adopt a 10X mindset in implementation, institutional accountability, and adaptability," he said.
Prof. Indranil Manna, Vice Chancellor, BIT Mesra, Ranchi, expressed optimism about the budget’s impact on technical education and research. "The Centre of Excellence for AI in Education with an outlay of ₹500 crore will drive innovation and cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the expansion of IITs, allowing for 6,500 additional seats, will strengthen India's technical education ecosystem. While the focus on public institutions is commendable, a greater push for private educational institutions would have given an additional boost to the sector," he remarked.