While the Union Budget 2026 focuses on growth, skills, and competitiveness, school education is still largely measured by access, more classrooms, higher enrolment, and broader coverage. Education experts argue that the real test now is learning outcomes, teacher quality, and institutional depth.
According to The Times of India, Shiv Nadar School CEO Arti Dawar emphasizes that sustained investment in teacher development, modern teaching methods, industry exposure, and equitable technology access is crucial to translate the NEP 2020’s policy goals into real classroom impact.
Beyond Enrollment: Quality and Institutional Capacity
Every budget brings promises of growth and skilling, but in education, discussion often centers on access rather than quality. NEP 2020 highlighted this gap by prioritizing learning outcomes, pedagogy, assessment reforms, and teacher capacity.
However, policy alone cannot implement change. The next phase of education reform requires consistent, predictable public investment to bridge the gap between policy ambition and classroom reality.
Early Industry Exposure Shapes Employability
One major gap in India’s education-to-employment pipeline is the late introduction of workplace exposure. Dawar argues that employability starts long before college, and the Budget should encourage early integration of industry partnerships and skill-based training.
“Structured internship programs, mentorship initiatives, and technology-driven solutions will prepare students for future workforce demands,” she notes. Such partnerships also support gross enrolment ratio targets and national economic competitiveness.
Digital Equity: Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide
While digital learning expanded rapidly during the pandemic, access remains unequal, creating new gaps between connected and disconnected schools. Dawar stresses that the Budget must focus on digital equity:
- Universal access to devices
- Reliable internet connectivity
- High-quality, locally relevant digital content
Without careful investment, technology could increase exclusion rather than inclusion. Budgetary focus on digital equity ensures that students across regions benefit equally from modern learning tools.
Future Skills Must Be Built Early
With automation and generative AI transforming industries, experts warn against treating future skills as optional. Dawar emphasizes that critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving must start early in schooling. She also notes that curriculum reform and industry-aligned learning frameworks can prepare students for rapidly changing skill demands.
Teachers: The Most Important Multiplier
Across all reforms, one fact remains clear: no education reform succeeds without empowered teachers. Dawar stresses that Budget allocations must prioritize teacher training and professional development.
“Every trained educator impacts thousands of students over their career, making teacher development the highest-return investment for NEP 2020’s vision,” she says. She calls for continuous, structured programs covering digital pedagogy, competency-based teaching, and emerging technologies.
