The Union Budget 2025 has introduced key measures to enhance digital education, strengthen school infrastructure, and foster innovation among students. The government’s focus on bridging the digital divide and expanding Atal Tinkering Labs aims to create an equitable learning environment for students across the country.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Education
A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to improving digital learning, particularly in rural areas. With broadband connectivity being extended to all government secondary schools, students will gain better access to digital resources, enabling learning in their native languages.
Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, LEAD Group.
Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder of LEAD Group, welcomed the initiative, stating, “It’s heartening to see that 61% of the total education budget has been allocated to school education — a rare and commendable step towards strengthening foundational learning. The budget takes important strides in bridging the digital divide by prioritising broadband in rural areas, ensuring access to digital education for all.”
Shweta Sastri, Managing Director of Canadian International School, Bengaluru, also emphasised the significance of digital accessibility. “The Bharat Net project aimed at expanding broadband connectivity to all government secondary and primary schools will play a critical role in improving access to quality education and academic excellence, particularly in rural areas, ensuring equal access for all.”
Encouraging Innovation Through Atal Tinkering Labs
To promote hands-on learning, the government has announced the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) to 50,000 schools.
Dr Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS).
These labs will provide students with practical exposure to robotics, electronics, and sustainable technologies, nurturing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School (TAS), Pune, described the move as a transformative step. “Establishing 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs marks a transformative leap toward fostering creativity, innovation, and practical learning among students across India. These labs will provide students with hands-on experience in critical areas such as robotics, electronics, and sustainable technologies, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.”
Sowjanya Kanuri, Director – ACT For Education.
Sowjanya Kanuri, Director of ACT For Education, highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, stating, “Investments in building foundational skills through the Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, as well as the Centres of Excellence in both AI for education and skilling, will help identify best practices that we need to incorporate into our education systems.”
Strengthening Higher Education and STEM Opportunities
Beyond school education, the budget also focuses on expanding higher education opportunities, particularly in STEM fields. Increased infrastructure funding and additional seats in IITs and medical institutes aim to provide a larger pool of students with access to world-class education.
Shweta Sastri commented on the long-term benefits of these initiatives: “The increased infrastructure funding and allocation of additional seats in IITs and medical institutes will further strengthen STEM education, providing greater opportunities for students and ensuring access to world-class institutions for a larger pool of talented youth.”
Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bengaluru.
“These efforts will enhance the quality of education and prepare students to succeed in emerging fields, contributing to India’s growth in the global economy,” she added.
The reduction in education loan interest rates is another critical step toward making higher education more accessible. As the government continues to prioritise digital education, innovation, and skill development, these budgetary measures are expected to shape the future of learning in India.
