India’s Education Sector Set for Digital and Skilling Transformation

The Union Budget 2024-25 has earmarked ₹1.48 lakh crore for education, skilling, and employment, signaling a significant shift towards integrating digital learning and enhancing employability. This allocation supports initiatives aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on practical training, technical education, and teacher capacity building.​

Key Initiatives Announced:

• Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI): A ₹500 crore investment to establish a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education aims to foster industry-academia collaboration, developing scalable solutions to enhance learning outcomes.

• National Digital University: The establishment of a National Digital University will provide accessible, flexible, and inclusive higher education opportunities, leveraging technology to reach a broader student base.​

• Atal Tinkering Labs Expansion: Plans to set up 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools over the next five years will promote hands-on learning in STEM fields, nurturing creativity and innovation among students.​

• Broadband Connectivity for Schools: Under the BharatNet project, broadband connectivity will be extended to all government secondary schools, bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to quality education.​

• National Centres of Excellence for Skilling: Five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be established with global expertise and partnerships to equip youth with industry-relevant skills, supporting the 'Make for India, Make for the World' initiative

Looking Ahead:

The forthcoming Budget 2025-26 is anticipated to build upon these initiatives, with a focus on internationalization in education, research and development, and enhancing teaching infrastructure. Increased allocations are expected for the Study in India Scholarship program and the involvement of international faculty at state universities through the GIAN scheme. Additionally, support for academic collaboration between institutions specializing in Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) is likely to be strengthened.​

These measures aim to position India as a global education hub, fostering a future-ready, inclusive, and innovative education system.

#trending #latest