To enhance learning and increase job prospects for the youth of India, the Union Budget 2025 proposed the introduction of broadband in schools, AI in education, new skilling centres, and an expansion of medical and IIT seats.
During her presentation of the Union Budget 2025 today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled important initiatives designed to enhance education, skills development, and job opportunities for young people. Alongside an increase in IIT seats, there was a significant drive for AI in education.
Ranging from digital learning in regional languages to the broadening of medical and technical education, here is a detailed account of what the budget provides for students and those looking for work:
As part of the BharatNet initiative, all government-run secondary schools will be provided with broadband, thereby improving students’ digital access.
50,000 ATAL TINKERING LABS WITHIN SCHOOLS
To foster innovation and practical learning, a total of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be established in government schools over the next five years.
BHARATIYA BHASHA PUSTAK EDUCATION SCHEME
The Bharatiya Bhasha Scheme will offer digital editions of Indian language books for schools and institutions of higher education. This is intended to facilitate students’ learning by providing study resources in their regional languages.
NATIONAL SKILLING CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE
In partnership with global experts, five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling will be set up. These centres will develop curriculums that are pertinent to the industry, provide training for educators, and establish skill certification frameworks in order to ready students for global job markets.
ADDITIONAL IIT SEATS
Over the last ten years, the student population in IITs has increased twofold, now amounting to 1.35 lakh. In order to meet the increasing demand, extra infrastructure will be constructed in five IITs set up after 2014, providing space for an additional 6,500 students. There will also be an expansion of hostels and infrastructure at IIT Patna.
AI IN EDUCATION
With an investment of Rs 500 crore, a new Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education will be set up. This initiative builds on the AI centres launched last year in agriculture, healthcare, and smart cities.
EXTENSION OF MEDICAL EDUCATION
Over the last decade, the number of medical education seats has risen by 130%, contributing an additional 1.1 lakh undergraduate and postgraduate positions. This year, 10,000 extra seats will be introduced in medical colleges and hospitals to sustain this momentum, aiding the objective of 75,000 new seats over the next five years.
TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS
The PM Research Fellowship scheme aims to provide 10,000 fellowships over the next five years for technological research at IITs and IISc, with increased financial support to foster innovation and research in India.
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