Union Budget 2025: Major Boost For Education With 10,000 New Medical Seats, IIT Expansion, AI Gets ₹500 Crore

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while delivering the Union Budget 2025 on Saturday, announced a significant boost for the education sector.

The government plans to add 10,000 new seats to medical colleges across India next year, with an ambitious goal of creating 75,000 additional seats over the next five years.

Major Developments for IITs

Sitharaman also brought encouraging news for the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). She noted that the number of IIT students has doubled over the past decade. To accommodate this expansion, the government will develop additional infrastructure for five IITs established after 2014, thereby increasing capacity by 6,500 students.

Emphasis on Upskilling and Global Collaboration

As part of the government's vision to equip India's youth for international opportunities, Sitharaman announced the establishment of five National Centres of Excellence. These centres will focus on upskilling, leveraging global expertise and partnerships to train students for the 'Make in India, Make for the World' initiative.

₹500 Crore for AI in Education

In a key move to integrate technology with education, Sitharaman unveiled plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Education, with an initial investment of ₹500 crore.

Budget Presentation Amid Protests

Delivering her 8th consecutive budget-setting a record-Sitharaman began her speech shortly after 11 am.

However, the session was briefly disrupted as MPs from Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party protested, demanding a debate on the Maha Kumbh stampede. The MPs staged a symbolic walkout but returned soon after.

Sitharaman proceeded with the budget presentation, outlining key areas of focus, including agricultural development, rural progress, inclusive growth, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), employment-driven growth, investment in human capital, energy security, and export promotion.

"Our economy is the fastest-growing among major global economies. The development track record of the past 10 years and structural reforms have attracted international attention. Confidence in India's potential has increased, and the next five years offer a unique opportunity to achieve 'sabka vikas' through balanced regional growth," Sitharaman stated.