The Union Budget 2025 has been met with optimism from the education and edtech sectors, particularly for its focus on artificial intelligence (AI), skill development, and public-private partnerships. Mayank Kumar, Co-Founder of upGrad, praised the government’s efforts in laying down a strong foundation for the future of India’s workforce and technological advancement.
“This year’s budgetary allocations provide a strategic push toward AI infrastructure and talent acceleration within the nation. Setting up new Centers of Excellence for skilling and AI, encouraging more global skilling partnerships, and adding new IIT and MBBS seats are really high-power moves, which I believe will enhance our talent development mechanism, producing a steady pipeline for careers of tomorrow,” Kumar said.
The budget outlines significant investments in AI research centers and Centers of Excellence for skilling, which aim to integrate advanced technologies into education while fostering a future-ready workforce. Additionally, the allocation of 75,000 new medical seats and the establishment of new IITs reflect a comprehensive strategy to address both healthcare and technology sectors, essential pillars for India’s long-term growth.
Kumar emphasized that India’s demographic potential is one of its greatest assets. “We are rich in people resources, and these are the right steps to realize our demographic potential,” he noted. He also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating holistic national growth, leveraging contributions from every state in the country.
“With a more tiered learning approach that will come into play, we are ensuring our youth engages with the right pedagogy from the very beginning—foundational to acquiring core and advanced skills,” Kumar said. He believes that this educational framework will help expand India’s exportable intellectual capital, positioning the country as a leader in global talent markets.
Kumar concluded by expressing confidence in India’s trajectory: “This truly is the time for India to leap and lead.” The combination of strategic education reforms, AI infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration sets the stage for India to emerge as a global hub for technology and skilled talent in the coming years.
