The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, presented the Budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Thursday. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna outlined an expenditure plan of Rs 8.08 lakh crore, with a strong emphasis on education, infrastructure development, and job creation. The budget aims to fulfil electoral promises while catering to various societal segments, including students, women, farmers, and the underprivileged.
A significant highlight of the budget is the allocation of 13% of the total expenditure to the education sector. This commitment underscores the state’s dedication to enhancing educational infrastructure, expanding higher education, and fostering skill development among youth.
To promote higher education among girls, the government has introduced the Rani Laxmibai Scooty Yojana, under which eligible female students will receive scooters. A budgetary provision of Rs 400 crore has been earmarked for this initiative, aiming to improve accessibility to education for young women across the state.
A cornerstone of the education budget is the creation of 92,000 new jobs, encompassing positions for teachers, administrative staff, and professionals in public sector undertakings (PSUs). The government is also investing in skill development programs to enhance employability among the youth in both urban and rural areas.
Recognising the importance of vocational training, the budget provides for the establishment of seven new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and five new polytechnic colleges. Additionally, the Vishwakarma Skill Institute will expand its operations to train students in emerging sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. A Center for Advanced Skill Development will also be established to prepare students for high-demand industries.
The state government has allocated Rs 30,000 crore for educational infrastructure enhancement. This funding will be utilised for the construction of new classrooms, digital laboratories, and sports facilities. Furthermore, 5,000 schools will receive digital classrooms, and new sports complexes will be built to encourage physical education and holistic student development.
To expand higher education opportunities, the government will establish 10 new universities and 15 new colleges, with a particular focus on promoting women’s education and rural accessibility. Special attention will be given to the establishment of Agriculture and Science Institutes, aligning education with the state’s economic needs. Additionally, a scholarship program will be launched to support girls pursuing technical education.
To bridge educational disparities, the budget introduces several measures for marginalised communities. These include scholarships, free textbooks, and financial assistance for students from economically weaker sections. Furthermore, the state will deploy mobile learning units and digital platforms to enhance educational accessibility in rural areas.
Recognising the importance of sports in education, the budget includes funding for new sports academies across multiple districts. The government also plans to establish specialised coaching centres for cricket, badminton, and football while implementing a Sports Quota in higher education institutions to support student-athletes.
To align with global educational advancements, the government is investing in e-learning platforms and digital laboratories. Innovation hubs will be established in major cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi, and Agra to foster research and creativity among students.
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On a national scale, the education budget for 2025-26 has been increased to Rs 50,077.95 crore, up from Rs 47,619.77 crore in the previous year. The national budget includes provisions such as:
- Rs 2,160 crore for student financial aid
- Rs 681 crore for Digital India e-learning expansion
- Rs 327 crore for research and innovation
- Rs 11,349 crore for Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Rs 3,335.97 crore for the University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Rs 5,473.87 crore for National Institutes of Technology (NITs)
The Uttar Pradesh Budget 2025-26 lays a strong foundation for educational and employment growth in the state. By creating 92,000 new jobs, expanding technical and vocational education, and enhancing educational infrastructure, the budget ensures that students receive quality education while gaining relevant skills for the evolving job market. The initiatives in this budget reflect the government’s commitment to empowering youth, promoting gender equality in education, and strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s educational framework. As the state advances towards digital transformation and skill-oriented education, these initiatives promise to shape a brighter future for its students and workforce.
