Delhi’s education budget hikes by 17%, includes 175 new computer labs and startup support

The recently elected BJP government in Delhi presented an ambitious budget plan for the education sector on March 25, which included a significant ₹19,291 crore allocation for the next fiscal year.

Compared to the previous year's allotment, this represents a notable increase of more than 17%.

This announcement, part of the 2025–2026 budget outlay totaling ₹1 lakh crore (a remarkable 31.5% increase over the previous fiscal year), highlights the government's commitment to improving the educational system.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also oversees the finance department, introduced a number of groundbreaking plans aimed at enhancing Delhi's educational infrastructure.

One of the government's top priorities is the establishment of new CM Shri schools, which will follow the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and implement the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSC) 2023.

A total of ₹100 crore has been allocated for this initiative, which will fund the creation of 60 new schools across the city.

These schools are designed to offer a modern, comprehensive educational experience, marking a significant shift in Delhi's educational approach.

Gupta also unveiled a major project to develop an education center in Narela, with ₹500 crore allocated for its construction.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has already granted 160 acres of land to the Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW) to expand its campus as part of this project.

In support of the expansion of Delhi's higher education system, 1,270 flats have been allocated to four prestigious universities: Dr BR Ambedkar University Delhi (DPRSU), Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University (DSEU), and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU).

These flats will provide the infrastructure needed to expand and establish new campuses in Narela.

One of the budget's key features is its emphasis on digital learning. CM Gupta announced that ₹7.5 crore will be allocated to provide 1,200 Class 10 students with free laptops.

This initiative aims to ensure all students have access to the resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

In addition, 100 new language labs will be created in honor of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, offering courses in languages such as French, German, English, Spanish, and more.

This project, aimed at enhancing multilingual skills among students, has a total budget of ₹21 crore.

The Delhi government is also launching a new initiative called the "New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Vision," which is designed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

To support young entrepreneurs, several startup support centers will be established throughout the city, with ₹20 crore allocated for this purpose.

Additionally, ₹50 crore has been committed to building 175 new computer labs and smart classrooms across Delhi’s schools, further modernizing educational facilities.

The budget also places a strong emphasis on technical education, allocating ₹230 crore to institutions such as Delhi Technological University, Delhi Silk Entrepreneur University, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, and Industrial Training Institutes.

A total of ₹886 crore has been set aside for training and technical education programs, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.

Gupta also announced the launch of the "Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Vidya Shakti Mission," which will provide expert tutoring to students preparing for exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT, CA, and CUET, with ₹21 crore earmarked for this initiative.

Another new program, "Rashtraneeti," will educate students from Kindergarten to Class 12 about governance, democracy, active citizenship, and policymaking.

Furthermore, the government is introducing the "Science of Living" curriculum for all grade levels.

To further strengthen technical education, ₹20.65 crore has been allocated for the redevelopment of ITI Pusa and the construction of a new ITI campus in Shahdara.

In line with the State Incubation Policy, eleven startup incubation centers will be set up to promote youth entrepreneurship, with ₹2.43 crore proposed for this initiative.

These centers aim to empower young entrepreneurs to become job creators rather than job seekers.