As India approaches its upcoming Union Budget, the education sector is setting its sights on key reforms and increased investments aimed at strengthening its foundation for future growth. With the government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and infrastructure, key stakeholders have outlined their expectations, focusing on targets, industry collaboration, and technology-driven solutions.
Arti Dawar, Deputy CEO of Shiv Nadar School, highlighted the importance of a robust education system capable of meeting the ambitious targets outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP). “Given the NEPs targeting a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035 in higher education, including vocational education, and the increased focus on Education 4.0, the education sector continues to aim for a 6% GDP allocation to education,” Dawar said.
With the goal of enhancing the quality of education and preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market, Dawar further emphasised the need for the government to encourage greater collaboration between educational institutions and industries. “We expect the government to increase collaboration with industry on internships, skill-based training, and investments in technology-driven solutions,” she added, stressing that such partnerships would bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world job requirements.
Arti Dawar, Deputy CEO of Shiv Nadar School.
The emphasis on technology is aligned with the growing demand for Education 4.0, which integrates the latest digital tools and innovative pedagogies into the learning environment. Stakeholders anticipate that the government will support investments in technology-driven initiatives to improve both teaching and learning outcomes.
Another critical development expected from the upcoming budget is the continued support for meritorious students. “The introduction of the PM Vidyalakshmi scheme to provide financial support to meritorious students would improve access to education and help achieve GER targets,” said Dawar, referring to the scheme that aims to make education more accessible for students from diverse economic backgrounds. By facilitating financial assistance, the scheme is poised to empower students and encourage higher enrolment in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Furthermore, there is a growing call for streamlining processes to foster innovation within educational institutions. Dawar suggested the establishment of a “fast-track process for patent applications and grants for educational institutions,” a move that would enable schools and universities to better protect intellectual property and spur research and development in the sector.
As the government gears up for its budgetary announcements, all eyes are on the education sector to see how these pre-budget expectations will be realised. The continued focus on increasing enrolment, enhancing access, and promoting industry-academia collaboration is seen as crucial for driving India’s education sector towards global standards.
