Bhopal/New Delhi
02/02/2026
The Union Budget 2026-27, presented yesterday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, allocated a record ₹1.39 lakh crore to the Education Ministry, marking an 8.27% increase to drive AI, skilling, and infrastructure. Key initiatives focus on setting up 15,000 AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics)content labs, five university townships, and a girls’ hostel in every district.
(ddnews)
Key Highlights of Education Budget 2026-27:
Total Allocation: ₹1,39,289.48 crore for the Ministry of Education.
School Education: A record allocation of ₹83,562 crore for the Department of School Education and Literacy, focusing on NEP(National Education Policy) 2020, AI-enabled learning, and Atal Tinkering Labs.
Higher Education: Increased funding of ₹55,724.54 crore, with a push for 5 new university townships near industrial corridors to boost industry-academia ties.
Digital & Creative Skills: Establishment of Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) content creation labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges.
Inclusivity & Infrastructure: A new initiative to build a girls’ hostel in every district to enhance STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) participation.
AI and Tech: A ₹500-crore AI Centre of Excellence for Education, emphasizing AI-enabled learning and infrastructure.
Healthcare Education: Further expansion with 10,000 new medical seats planned.
(India Today)
The budget emphasizes strengthening the “creative economy” pipeline and improving employability through digital skills and infrastructure upgrades.
