Union Budget 2025: 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, 6,500 New IIT Seats, 10,000 MBBS Seats and More Announced for Education

Major Boost for Schools, IITs, and Skilling Initiatives in Budget 2025: Government Unveils Ambitious Plans for Digital Learning, Research, and Medical Education Expansion

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2025-26 today, marking her eighth budget presentation. Among the key highlights were significant allocations and initiatives aimed at strengthening education, skilling, and research in India.

Boost to School Education and Digital Learning

In a major step towards enhancing innovation at the school level, the government announced the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs in 50,000 government schools over the next five years. This initiative aims to foster curiosity, scientific temper, and innovation among students.

To bridge the digital divide, the Finance Minister also announced broadband connectivity for secondary schools, ensuring students in remote and rural areas have access to online learning resources and digital infrastructure.

Under the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, the government will provide Indian language books in digital form for school and higher education, promoting multilingual learning and accessibility.

Expansion of Higher Education and Research

The budget included a major push towards strengthening the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Additional infrastructure will be developed in five IITs established after 2014, while overall capacity in IITs has doubled in the last decade. The number of seats in IITs has increased from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh in ten years. This year, 6,500 additional seats will be introduced across IITs established after 2014, with IIT Patna receiving special expansion support.

To further research in Artificial Intelligence, the government announced an additional allocation of Rs 500 crore for a new Centre of Excellence (CoE) in AI for education. This builds on last year’s announcement of three AI Centres of Excellence.

The Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF) received a boost with 10,000 new fellowships for technological research at IITs and IISERs over the next five years. This initiative aims to encourage cutting-edge research and innovation.

Skill Development and Medical Education

The Finance Minister introduced plans for five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling with Global Expertise under the ‘Make for India, Make for the World’ initiative. These centres will serve as hubs for advanced skill development and international collaboration.

In the field of medical education, the government highlighted a 130% increase in MBBS seats over the last ten years. This year, 10,000 new MBBS seats will be added, with a long-term goal of expanding medical capacity by 75,000 seats over the next five years.

Additionally, the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management will be set up in Bihar, further strengthening food technology and agri-business education in the country.

The Union Budget 2025-26 places a strong emphasis on education, skilling, and research, with large-scale initiatives across schools, higher education, and medical institutions. These measures aim to equip India’s youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to national and global advancements.

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