Thursday’s Economic Survey 2025-26 tabling by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed sweeping educational progress, fortifying India’s human capital base. The nation’s school ecosystem—1.47 million units, 246.9 million pupils, 10.1 million teachers—ranks among the world’s foremost.
Steady GER climbs support NEP targets: 90.9% primary, 90.3% upper primary, 78.7% secondary, 58.4% higher secondary. Higher ed explodes with 70,018 HEIs versus 51,534 in 2014-15; enrolment at 44.6 million. Expanded top-tier setups include 23 IITs, 21 IIMs, 20 AIIMS, international extensions.
Digital leaps like ABC for 2,660 HEIs and 46 million IDs facilitate mobility. NEP-driven flexibilities in 153 universities, foreign collaborations for dual credentials, and 15 inbound campuses promise world-class access. Amid rising literacy and vocational push, skilling gaps loom large—0.97% youth trained—demanding school-led interventions to cut dropouts, match market skills, especially services.
Flagship drives: PM SHRI rollout, ECCE fortification across 300,000 sites, localized aids via Jadui Pitara and language schemes. A lifecycle strategy via NEP’s 15-year structure integrates early literacy, numeracy, secondary access, vocational-digital training.
Industry-linked ‘Professor of Practice’ elevates teaching. Sitharaman’s vision: relevant, equitable education fueling employment and growth.