As India looks ahead to Union Budget 2026, Nirvaan Birla, Managing Director of Birla Open Minds Education Ltd., has outlined key expectations for the education sector that could help transform India into a global talent powerhouse. In his pre-budget statement, Birla highlighted the critical role of teacher empowerment and digital learning in shaping the future workforce and turning the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 into a reality.
Birla believes that the upcoming budget presents a unique opportunity to accelerate the country’s educational reforms and enhance its global standing. “The upcoming budget is a golden opportunity to fuel India’s journey toward becoming a global talent powerhouse. By deepening the focus on teacher empowerment, we can turn the vision of the National Education Policy into a reality,” he said. He stressed that empowering educators is essential to the country’s educational success, enabling them to better equip students for the future.
Further underscoring the importance of preparing the next generation for the demands of the digital age, Mr. Birla noted that the future belongs to nations that invest in their learners today. “The future belongs to a nation that invests in its learners today, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive in a digital-first world,” he added.
With significant momentum behind initiatives like digital learning, AI readiness, and skills-embedded education, Birla expressed optimism for the upcoming budget. “As we head into Budget 2026, there’s a lot to feel positive about. The intent around digital learning, AI readiness, skills-embedded education and innovation is clear there, and with over 2 lakh recognised startups, the capacity to execute also exists,” he noted. He pointed to India’s growing startup ecosystem as a powerful enabler for driving these initiatives forward and making meaningful progress in educational reforms.
Birla’s call for a stronger focus on digital tools, AI, and skills development is a timely reminder of the need to equip India’s youth with the competencies required to excel in an increasingly digital world.
