Excitement builds in New Delhi as the countdown to the 2026-27 Union Budget begins. Education leaders are pitching ambitious reforms to supercharge higher education quality and research, aiming to transform India into a world-class knowledge and innovation hub.
At the forefront: boosting seat capacities in top-tier IITs and IIMs to handle rising enrollments. Infrastructure overhaul in state private and deemed universities is non-negotiable, with a push for compulsory 10% CSR infusions from corporate giants.
This influx could fast-track adoption of cutting-edge facilities—think AI-powered learning systems, high-tech labs, interactive smart rooms, and vast digital repositories. These upgrades promise to level the playing field for millions.
‘Investment in education is investment in the future,’ asserts a sector veteran. Yet, India’s 4-5% GDP allocation pales against the 10% in leading nations. Leveraging the young population demands bolder fiscal commitments.
Eliminating digital divides through skill-centric education is key to India’s international prowess and enduring growth. Watch for Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s February 1 budget speech at 11 AM—a historic Sunday slot unseen since the millennium.