Discussions around the Union Budget 2026 have intensified nationwide ahead of its presentation on February 1, 2026. Although the date falls on a Sunday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the budget in Parliament in line with established practice. Expectations are particularly focused on the education sector.
The Union Budget 2026 is expected to align closely with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make the education system more inclusive, skill-oriented, and future-ready. The policy places emphasis on improving education quality through modern infrastructure, trained teachers, and wider use of technology.
According to sector experts, sustained and adequate government investment is essential to achieve the intended reforms in education. Any increase in budgetary allocation for the sector is expected to support the country’s talent pool and future workforce.
Market participants and education sector stakeholders anticipate a possible increase in education-related allocations in the upcoming budget. Higher funding could strengthen schools, colleges, and higher education institutions, support infrastructure development, and facilitate expansion of digital education and research initiatives. Ongoing development programmes may also receive additional financial support.
Speaking to the media, Shishir Jaipuria, Chairman of the Jaipuria Group of Educational Institutions, said that achieving the objectives of NEP 2020 requires appropriate and adequate budgetary allocation. He stated that education forms the foundation for developing the country’s talent, which in turn supports other sectors of the economy.
Jaipuria said expectations from the budget are particularly high with regard to professional development of teachers. He said training, skill upgradation, and career development for teachers are critical to ensuring quality education.
He further said that Budget 2026 may introduce new national-level programmes for vocational and skill-based education, supported by structured funding. He noted that reforms implemented by the CBSE to strengthen mandatory skill courses introduced for Classes 6 to 8 could receive additional support through the budget, enabling students to access employment-oriented education from an early stage.
Artificial intelligence and edtech are also expected to receive attention in Budget 2026. Experts said that promoting AI and digital tools at the school level could contribute to a more modern and competitive education system.
