Jan 31, 2025
As FM Nirmala Sitharaman presents her 8th consecutive budget, the education sector looks back at key milestones—from digital learning to ‘Study in India. With the 2025 union budget on the horizon, here is a look at the major reforms she has introduced in this sector so far.
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With an allocation of ₹94,854 crore, the budget placed a strong emphasis on positioning India as a global education hub. The ‘Study in India’ initiative aimed to attract international students and strengthen India’s presence in the global education market.
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A 5% increase in the education budget underscored the government’s focus on job-readiness and skill development. The vision for a ‘Developed India 2030’ led to investments in vocational training and real-world industry exposure for students.
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With the implementation of NEP 2020, the budget prioritised education infrastructure, promising 1,500 new schools and an enhanced digital learning ecosystem. Investments aimed to modernise classrooms and align Indian education with global standards.
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The Covid-19 pandemic brought severe disruptions to education, particularly in rural areas. To address learning losses, the budget introduced ‘One Class, One TV Channel’, a digital initiative to ensure continuity in education for students without internet access.
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The 2023 budget placed a strong emphasis on medical education, funding new nursing colleges and research programmes. It also expanded Eklavya Model Residential Schools to improve access to education for tribal students.
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As the final budget of the outgoing government, the 2024 budget focused on continuity rather than major reforms. It reaffirmed commitments to expanding medical colleges and aligned educational initiatives with Viksit Bharat 2047, India’s long-term development vision.
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Various reforms have been made in the education sector over the years. All these initiatives have had a cumulative effect on how India’s learners have evolved.
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With a new government in place, the education sector anticipates transformative reforms. Key expectations include GST reductions on education-related services. And bridging skill gaps through enhanced vocational training and Investment in digital infrastructure.
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