By Mr. Abhishek Arora, CEO, TimesPro

“India’s growth story now hinges on turning demographic scale into real capability. Last year’s education allocation was about Rs 1.27 lakh crore (Rs 1,28,650 crore); the upcoming Budget should rise sharply, with more outcomes-led investment in higher education and vocational skilling.

Today, India needs faster execution of learning infrastructure through modern classrooms, both physical and phygital — well-equipped laboratories and high-quality vernacular digital learning content that genuinely closes the regional and linguistic divide.

As NEP 2020 targets 50% GER in higher education by 2035, access alone may not be enough and employability must go hand in hand with it. This requires industry-aligned curricula, micro-credentials, apprenticeships and job-linked skilling delivered through credible public–private partnerships, including edtech providers.

To accelerate adoption at scale, the government may also consider tax incentives for creating and distributing regional-language vocational content delivered live or on-demand. The proposed Rs. 500 crore Centre of Excellence in AI for Education is a welcome step that should be further strengthened through an annual, co-developed fund with the edtech industry to drive advanced research in AI and allied technologies such as blockchain, robotics and automation.

Finally, while recent GST rationalisation on essential learning materials has eased household burdens, India now needs a clear, supportive GST framework for job-linked digital skilling and lifelong learning. This could include time-bound tax breaks that also cover upskilling for experienced professionals and employability-linked programmes, which would significantly widen adoption, enhance quality and build a future-ready workforce. 

These measures will widen adoption, strengthen quality and ensure industry-ready graduates and next-generation leaders are equipped to carry the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, as India builds itself into a true global skills capital.”