Experts urge focus on quality, skills, and infrastructure ahead of Union Budget 2026

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, education experts are calling on the government to prioritize improving the quality of education, strengthening infrastructure, and equipping students with future-ready skills, rather than focusing solely on expanding enrollment.

India has the world’s second-largest education system, with nearly 40% of the population under 25 years of age.

In the previous budget, the education sector received ₹1.28 lakh crore, an increase of 6.22%, including ₹50,077.95 crore allocated specifically to higher education.

According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the number of higher education institutions in India grew 13.8% over the past eight years, while the Gross Enrollment Ratio rose from 23.7% to 28.4%, reflecting a steady expansion of the higher education system.