JAMMU: In a landmark move, the Union Budget 2025 has unveiled a transformative vision for India’s education sector, with a strong emphasis on upskilling, innovation, and creating job opportunities for the youth. Prateek Maheshwari, Co-Founder of PhysicsWallah (PW) and Chair of the India EdTech Consortium (IEC), has lauded the government’s initiatives, calling them a "game-changer" for the future of education in India. Key highlights include the expansion of IITs, the addition of 75,000 medical seats over five years, and the establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to foster scientific temper among students.
The budget also prioritizes regional language learning through the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme and aims to bridge the digital divide with broadband connectivity in secondary government schools. With a ₹500 crore allocation for a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education, the budget underscores the role of technology in shaping a future-ready, inclusive education ecosystem. Maheshwari emphasized the potential of public-private partnerships with edtech companies to drive the successful implementation of these initiatives, paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for India’s youth.
As the Finance Minister has announced Budget 2025, there is a significant allocation to the Education sector, keeping a focus on upskilling and job opportunities for the youth. Prateek Maheshwari, Co-Founder of PhysicsWallah (PW) and Chair of the India EdTech Consortium (IEC), has shared his reaction on this.
We welcome the Union Budget's focus on advancing the goals of NEP 2020 and addressing key education challenges. The expansion of IITs and 75,000 additional medical seats over five years is a crucial step in reducing medical student outflow to other countries, given that over 23 lakh students appear for NEET, but only 1.1 lakh seats are available. The Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme will enhance regional language learning, while 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in government schools will foster scientific temper and innovation. Broadband connectivity in secondary government schools can be a game-changer, enabling affordable, high-quality, and personalized digital learning solutions. Public-private partnerships with edtech companies can be explored as they become a bridge between policy and execution of this initiative. The recognition of AI’s role in education is commendable, with the ₹500 crore Centre for Excellence in AI for Education paving the way for smart, adaptive learning. These initiatives lay a strong foundation for a future-ready, inclusive, and tech-driven education ecosystem in India.
About Prateek Maheshwari: He is the Co-Founder of Physics Wallah (PW) and Chair of the India EdTech Consortium (IEC). Partnering with Alakh Pandey in 2020, Prateek has significantly contributed to PW’s strategic growth, including multiple acquisitions and partnerships. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT (BHU) and has over 14 years of experience in tech-based ventures. A recognized thought leader, he has spoken at major forums and received the Alumnus Award 2023 from IIT-BHU. Prateek is also involved with NGOs focused on education accessibility.
