- By Ritesh Kumar
- Sat, 01 Feb 2025 12:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Education Budget 2025: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is presenting her record eighth Union Budget in Parliament amidst high expectations for tax relief. In her first full budget for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term, she has achieved the distinction of being the only finance minister to present the Union Budget for eight consecutive years.
Key announcements for the education sector include an increase in capacity at IITs, more MBBS seats, and the launch of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme. In a move ahead of the Bihar elections, FM Sitharaman announced the expansion of the Indian Institute of Patna. She also highlighted that the total number of students in IITs has increased by up to 100% over the past five years and that additional infrastructure will be developed in newly established IITs.
In the healthcare sector, she announced that 10,000 additional seats will be added to medical colleges next year, with a total of 75,000 seats being added over the past five years.
FM also announces 10,000 fellowships for technological research in IITs and IISc, with increased financial support.
The government will also launch the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, aiming to enhance students' understanding of regional and local Indian languages. Furthermore, under the Bharat Net project, broadband connectivity will be provided to all government secondary schools and primary healthcare centers in rural areas.
The Union Budget 2025-26 will introduce reforms in six key areas: taxation, urban development, mining, the financial sector, power, and the regulatory framework.
To advance artificial intelligence in education, 52 Centres of Excellence in AI will be established with an outlay of Rs 500 crore. FM Sitharaman also reiterated that a "Viksit Bharat" will focus on zero poverty, quality education, and affordable, comprehensive healthcare.
Moreover, 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools over the next five years to foster curiosity, innovation, and scientific temper among young minds.
