What Experts Are Saying About India’s 2025-26 Budget? Find Out Here

India's Union Budget for 2025-26 has sparked significant discussions across sectors, with experts weighing in on its implications for the country's economic future. From fiscal policy to key initiatives aimed at boosting sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and technology, the budget promises to pave the way for growth and stability. But what do the experts think?

Let's take a closer look at the reactions,

Mr Rajat Goel, Co-Founder at Emoneeds (Mental Health Platform)

"For mental health startups, the government's move to expand medical education by increasing seats is a welcome push. Additionally, the introduction of credit guarantee cover and the new Fund of Funds is timely, especially as startup investments have declined, leaving many budding ventures in need of a lifeline. However, we recall the launch of the mental health helpline in the COVID-19 budget-and little action beyond that. There remains a critical need for expanded insurance coverage for mental health and related illnesses to address the root causes. Such a step would be both necessary and profoundly impactful." - Mr.Rajat Goel, Co-Founder at Emoneeds

Abhijit Zaveri, Founder and Director, Career Mosaic

"The Union Budget 2025 takes significant strides toward making international education more accessible and strengthening India's position as a global knowledge hub. The removal of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on education-related remittances through loans is a crucial step in easing financial constraints for students and families. This measure will not only encourage more aspirants to pursue world-class education abroad but also reinforce India's role as one of the largest contributors to global student mobility.

International universities are increasingly recognizing India as a pivotal market, both for student recruitment and institutional collaborations. As more universities seek to establish a stronger presence in India, policy measures that facilitate seamless student mobility and cross-border academic partnerships will be critical in shaping the future of higher education.

The establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling, in collaboration with global experts, is a forward-thinking initiative that aligns education with the evolving demands of the global job market. The growing interplay between education, technology, and employability underscores the need for a more integrated approach to global learning pathways. Continued collaboration between governments, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders will be essential in ensuring Indian students are not only future-ready but also positioned to lead in a rapidly changing world."

Anish Srikrishna, CEO, TimesPro

"The Education Budget 2025 marks a crucial step in building a future-ready workforce through investments in education, skill development, and research. AI Centres of Excellence, IIT expansions, and 10,000 fellowships in IITs and IISc will boost India's tech leadership and equip students with industry-ready skills.

The addition of 75,000 medical seats will address healthcare demands, while five National Centres for Excellence in Skilling, global collaborations, and 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs reinforce a forward-looking education strategy. Initiatives like the Bharatiya Bhasha Pushtak scheme further support a 'Viksit Bharat.' These measures lay the foundation for a dynamic learning ecosystem, driving innovation and global competitiveness."

Saurabh Arora, Founder & CEO, Uniersity Living

"The Union Budget 2025-26 is a transformative step toward empowering India's student community and enhancing global student mobility. The government's revisions to the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) system under the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) will significantly ease the financial burden on families. With over 1.3 million Indian students contributing more than US$60 billion in outward remittances, the increase in the TCS threshold from ₹7 lakh to ₹10 lakh is a clear recognition of the financial challenges families face. The removal of TCS on remittances funded through education loans is a welcome move, ensuring financial constraints no longer hinder access to world-class education.

This student-centric budget reinforces the government's commitment to making education more accessible, affordable, and inclusive, while solidifying India's position as a global talent hub. The expansion of IITs, 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, and the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence with ₹500 crore funding reflect a strong focus on skilling the youth. Additionally, the streamlined process for claiming TCS refunds will simplify financial planning for students and families. With these measures, higher education becomes more accessible, helping create a future-ready generation of students."

Abhishek Mohan Gupta, Founder and President of the Board of Management at Shrewsbury International School India

"The budget showcases a progressive approach, emphasizing infrastructure to enhance market liquidity and stimulate spending. The income tax exemption is a significant step forward.

The government's focus on new-age technology and innovation is evident with the establishment of Centers of Excellence in AI for education and the expansion of Atal Tinkering Labs in schools. Furthermore, the creation of dedicated centers to promote upskilling highlights the Indian government's commitment to boosting vocational training and employment opportunities for young graduates. Additionally, the launch of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme is a commendable initiative aimed at fostering inclusive and effective learning among students.

I am hopeful that the initiatives introduced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will contribute to an enriching educational environment across all educational institutes in India."

Pankaj Dhingra, CA, US CPA, Managing Partner, FinTram Global LLP

"This year's Union Budget offers a vision to simplify tax compliance while also aligning with the government's goal of nurturing an educated and skilled workforce to enhance India's global competitiveness. The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a significant step towards simplifying India's tax framework and promoting compliance. The proposal to raise the income tax exemption limit under the new regime to Rs 12 lakh will provide much-needed relief to middle-income earners, enabling them to invest more in their future.

The extended time frame to file updated returns from 2 years to 4 years is a welcome move that encourages voluntary compliance, empowering taxpayers to stay on top of their obligations. The proposals to exempt withdrawals under the National Savings Scheme (NSS) from tax and the reduction in TDS rates, along with enhanced limits for senior citizens and small taxpayers, bring a sense of fairness and inclusivity to the system.

The decision to remove TCS on remittances for education and adjust the Liberalized Remittance Scheme (LRS) threshold also reflects the government's commitment to fostering skill development and international collaboration. The extension of the startup incorporation period to 5 years speaks volumes about the support for innovation and entrepreneurship, which is crucial for India's economic growth."

Mr. Sachin Jain, Country Head, ETS India & South Asia

"The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a decisive step toward strengthening India's education and skilling ecosystem, reinforcing the country's ambition to become a global knowledge hub. The establishment of three Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, backed by a ₹500 crore allocation, signals a strategic alignment with global trends, ensuring India's workforce is prepared for an AI-driven future. Additionally, the expansion of IITs and medical colleges, with the addition of 10,000 new medical seats, demonstrates a long-term vision for creating a high-caliber talent pipeline in critical sectors.

Another highlight of the budget is the proposal to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, designed to cultivate early engagement with STEM, problem-solving, and innovation. This initiative holds immense potential in shaping a generation of forward-thinking innovators and entrepreneurs equipped to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. However, to maximize its impact, it is essential to integrate global best practices in assessment and skill benchmarking, ensuring that students develop competencies that align with international standards and workforce demands.

To truly harness India's demographic dividend, we must create an ecosystem where education, employability, and global competitiveness are seamlessly linked. We welcome the government's forward-looking approach to strengthening the skilling landscape and expanding access to high-quality education. With sustained efforts and strategic investments, we are confident that these initiatives will empower Indian students and professionals to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world."

Sripal Jain, CA, CPA, Co-Founder and Global Instructor at Simandhar Education

"The Union Budget 2025-26 is a forward-thinking roadmap that strengthens India's education and workforce ecosystem while empowering professionals with greater financial flexibility. The government's decision to raise the tax-free income slab to ₹12 lakh is a transformative move, ensuring working professionals to invest in upskilling and global certifications.

Additionally, the government's sustained emphasis on technology integration in learning and significant investments in digital infrastructure are key steps toward equipping students with future-ready skills. These initiatives align well with global trends in education and workforce development, ensuring India's workforce remains competitive in an evolving job market.

As India's prominence in finance and accounting continues to grow, there is a clear opportunity to build a globally competitive workforce. The increasing recognition of international professional qualifications highlights the importance of aligning education with industry needs, especially for those seeking alternative pathways to global careers. The government's focus on strengthening skill-based learning and expanding career opportunities will be crucial in ensuring India remains a major contributor to the global financial and accounting sectors.

While the budget's focus on digital skilling and AI-driven education provides a solid foundation for building an adaptive and innovative workforce, the next step should involve a deeper integration of application-based learning. This will enable students to harness these technologies effectively in real-world scenarios. As India moves towards becoming a global leader in education and professional skill development, we look forward to continued policy support that enhances global mobility, facilitates access to internationally recognized qualifications, and empowers students to compete on the world stage. The government's commitment to skill-driven education will be pivotal in shaping a knowledge-driven economy, and we are optimistic about the positive impact these initiatives will have in the years ahead."

Mr. Aritra Ghosal, Founder & Director, OneStep Global

"The Union Budget 2025 brings much-needed relief for Indian students aspiring to study abroad. The removal of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on remittances for education when funded through loans from specified financial institutions is a commendable step that will ease financial constraints for students and their families. This move not only enhances accessibility to global education but also aligns with India's vision of fostering international mobility and cross-border academic collaborations.

Additionally, the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence for Skilling, in collaboration with global experts, is a forward-thinking initiative that will equip Indian youth with industry-relevant skills, making them more competitive in an evolving global job market.

We welcome these progressive measures and encourage continued efforts to make international education more affordable and seamless, further strengthening India's position as a key player in the global education landscape."

Mr. Ganesh Kohli, Founder, IC3 Movement

"The Union Budget 2025-26 reflects the government's commitment to strengthening India's education landscape and equipping students with future-ready skills. Initiatives such as the establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, broadband connectivity for all government secondary schools, and expansion of infrastructure in IITs to accommodate more students are commendable steps toward ensuring greater access to quality education and fostering innovation-driven learning.

While these initiatives provide a strong foundation for student success, career guidance remains a crucial yet under-addressed area in secondary education. Structured career counseling is vital in supporting students' academic performance, mental well-being, and long-term employability. As India moves toward Viksit Bharat 2047, we must prioritize equipping educators with the necessary training and resources to guide students in making informed career choices. Teacher training and leadership development are key to ensuring that educators are prepared to handle the evolving challenges students face, including the increasing pressure of academic expectations and mental health concerns.

Furthermore, while the government's steps to increase accessibility to higher education, such as financial assistance and interest subsidies, are welcome, there is still a need to make degrees more affordable. We urge the government to focus on rationalizing student loan interest rates, including offering interest-free loans for economically weaker students, so that financial barriers do not discourage the pursuit of higher education.

We remain hopeful that career counseling and teacher training will be further integrated into mainstream education policy, ensuring that students across all socio-economic backgrounds receive the guidance, support, and mentorship they need to navigate their academic and professional journeys with confidence and resilience."

Mr. Amit Baveja, Managing Director, Burlington English India & Southeast Asia

"The Union Budget 2025 presents a timely and commendable focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, educational facilities, and learning support. The budgetary allocation for the Department of Higher Education has been set at ₹50,077.95 crores, marking an increase of ₹2,458.95 crores compared to FY 2024, reflecting the government's commitment to harnessing skilling as a key driver of development.

The announcement of five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling, developed in collaboration with global experts, reiterates the same commitment. In partnership with educational organisations and skill-development entities, these centres will provide the youth with industry-relevant skills, creating more upskilling opportunities through specialised programs, certifications, and improved employment prospects.

Additionally, the launch of the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak scheme, which aims to provide digital versions of Indian language books for schools and higher education, is a step forward in promoting regional language learning. However, complementing this with targeted support for English proficiency will further enhance formal employment opportunities for students.

The government's commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure in education is also reflected in initiatives like broadband connectivity for all government secondary schools and a significant investment in the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for education. These forward-thinking measures will modernise learning environments and expand access to education across the country.
We are excited to witness the positive impact of these initiatives as they unfold, contributing to a future-ready workforce in India."

PK Agarwal - Dean, UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Professional Education

"The Union Budget 2025-26 takes important steps toward strengthening India's position in global education and workforce readiness. The proposed removal of Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on remittances for educational purposes is a welcome relief for students aspiring to study abroad, making international education more financially accessible.

Additionally, strategic investments in higher education and research, including expanded IIT infrastructure and 10,000 PM Research Fellowships, reflect the government's commitment to fostering world-class academic institutions. However, as industries evolve rapidly, the focus must go beyond traditional skilling to upskilling and preparing students for a globally competitive workforce. Strengthening industry-academia partnerships and international collaborations will be key in ensuring that students gain global exposure, intercultural competencies, and specialized expertise in high-demand sectors.

Looking ahead, it is crucial to create structured pathways for international education, facilitate academic exchanges with leading global institutions, and expand transnational education opportunities. By aligning policies with the evolving needs of a globally interconnected workforce, India can further enhance its role in international talent mobility and solidify its position as a leader in global education."