By Deepak Verma, CEO, English Helper

“Last year’s budget in India reinforced the government’s commitment to transforming education, allocating ₹1.28 trillion and launching initiatives such as the Centre of Excellence in AI for Education with a ₹500 crore outlay. Large-scale programmes like Atal Tinkering Labs, now operational in over 10,000 schools and engaging over 1.1 crore students in hands-on STEM and computational learning, highlight the scale of India’s education push. Initiatives such as YUVA AI for All further strengthen this momentum by democratising foundational AI literacy among students and youth. Investments in digital infrastructure, school innovation labs, and teacher training are laying a strong foundation for technology-driven learning.

Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to build on these gains. AI-enabled platforms can personalise learning, boosting English proficiency, critical thinking, and digital skills, especially for underserved students. Expanding access to affordable quality education, coupled with fiscal support, measurable outcomes, and teacher upskilling, will make learning more equitable and effective.

By focusing on innovation, accessibility, and skill development, Budget 2026 can equip India’s learners with the competencies to thrive in a global knowledge economy, turning education into a driver of opportunity, growth, and empowerment.”