As India prepares for the announcement of the Union Budget 2025-26, all eyes are on the government’s allocation of funds towards education and skilling. The BJP-led government, now in its first term since re-election in 2024, has an opportunity to set the tone for the next five years, addressing long-standing issues of underfunding while building on past efforts to improve accessibility. This budget is expected to be pivotal in aligning the country’s education system with the demands of a rapidly evolving global economy, as industry experts weigh in on their expectations.

Addressing Key Gaps with Higher Budgetary Allocation

Praveen Singh, CEO of Aasoka (research-based blended curriculum developers for K-12), emphasises the importance of increasing investment in education to 6% of the GDP, which is in line with the ambitions of NEP 2020. “Such investment will be crucial for enhancing public-private partnerships, expanding skilling initiatives, and creating sustainable employment opportunities that contribute to individual empowerment and national economic growth,” Singh said. He also highlighted that achieving ambitious Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) targets in higher education requires leveraging technology and online learning. However, to achieve this, policies must prioritise accessibility and the improvement of learning outcomes.

“Many educational institutions face challenges due to outdated infrastructure and limited technological resources. Addressing these gaps, along with equipping students and faculty with proper tools and training, is vital to preparing future generations for a tech-driven job market,” Singh added, calling for a clear policy roadmap that ensures effective delivery of critical learning skills.

Digital Infrastructure and Inclusive Learning: The Road Ahead

Aarul Malaviya, Founder of Zamit (an AI-driven ed-tech platform), believes that the upcoming budget should prioritise digital infrastructure and inclusive learning. “Increased allocations for technology integration in schools, tax incentives for EdTech platforms, and support for teacher training initiatives can drive innovation and accessibility. With a growing focus on future-ready skills, we anticipate measures that strengthen collaboration between industry and academia, enabling India to nurture a workforce equipped for the challenges of tomorrow,” Malaviya said.

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Echoing this sentiment, Naman Jain, Vice-Chairman of Silverline Prestige School, highlighted the need for comprehensive digital integration in K-12 education. “It is essential to dedicate funds toward improving internet access, supplying modern devices, and equipping both educators and students with necessary digital competencies. Schools can provide interactive and personalised learning experiences using technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality, ensuring equitable access to high-quality education,” Jain said. He also called for increasing the current 4% of GDP allocated to education to 6%, aligning investments with advancements in AI and technology while addressing schools’ fundamental needs.

Holistic Learning and Skill Development at the Core

Dilip Gangaramani, Founder & Managing Director of Target Learning Ventures, pointed out that holistic child development should be a key focus of this year’s budget. “Robust support in implementing play-based learning methodologies, investments in teacher training, and the establishment of specialised labs—such as robotics and astronomy labs—can empower students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Gangaramani suggested. He also stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide, particularly for marginalised communities, and ensuring access to quality education through increased government support for digital learning resources.

Naman Jain further emphasised the importance of skilling, particularly in emerging fields like AI, data science, and renewable energy. “A concentrated effort on equipping individuals with future-ready employable skills is necessary to provide hands-on experience, especially in creative industries. The government should prioritise investments in AI hubs, centres of excellence, and regulatory frameworks for the EdTech sector,” he stated.

Fostering Innovation Through Industry Collaboration

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, highlighted the need for public-private partnerships to make education more accessible and effective. “Increased financial incentives, simplified regulatory frameworks, and enhanced incubation support can stimulate technological advancements. Establishing centres of excellence and fostering interdisciplinary education can bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application,” Medury noted.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of the World University of Design, emphasised India’s potential in the creative economy. “Our animation, AR/VR, and design sectors are already demonstrating world-class capabilities. By combining our cost-effective talent pool with strategic policy support, we can transform from a service provider into a global creative powerhouse,” Gupta said.

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The Role of Fintech in Education Access

Nikunj Agarwal, CFO of Propelld (a FinTech startup specializing in education lending), highlighted the importance of improving credit accessibility for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) in the education sector. “The private education landscape plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and skill development in India. We urge policymakers to implement reforms that enable lower lending rates and promote co-lending models, thereby facilitating easier access to funds for students,” Agarwal said.

Building on Past Investments

The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated ₹1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling, representing a 7.7% increase from the previous year. Key areas included increased funds for school education, higher education, research and development, internationalisation, and foundational literacy and numeracy. Initiatives were also introduced to skill 20 lakh students over five years and provide internship opportunities for one crore youth.

The upcoming budget will need to expand on these efforts, ensuring that investments are not only increased but effectively utilised to deliver tangible outcomes. With the education sector being a critical driver of India’s future workforce, experts believe that this budget could be a game-changer, setting the nation on a path toward sustainable growth and global competitiveness.

All in all, the Union Budget 2025-26 presents an opportunity to address fundamental issues in the education sector and drive innovation through strategic investments. With experts calling for increased funding, policy reforms, and public-private collaboration, this budget could mark a significant step in shaping a future-ready India.

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The Ministry of Women and Child Development is set to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at protecting, educating, and empowering the girl child. Launched on 22 January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana, the scheme has evolved into a national movement that addresses gender discrimination and fosters societal change towards valuing and empowering girls and women.

The inaugural event on 22 January 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, was attended by Union Ministers Shri J. P. Nadda and Smt. Annpurna Devi, alongside international representatives from UNICEF, UN Women, and other global organisations. Women officers from various sectors and girl students joined the event, which featured an oath-taking ceremony and the launch of compendiums and digital initiatives such as Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti portals.

The celebrations, spanning until International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, will include rallies, cultural events, and campaigns at state and district levels. Schools, community groups, and women achievers will actively participate in activities under SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women. Nationwide media campaigns and sustainable practices such as a plantation drive will amplify the scheme’s message.

In its decade-long journey, BBBP has sparked a nationwide dialogue on gender equality, challenging societal biases and championing the rights and dignity of women. The scheme’s accomplishments include a rise in the national Sex Ratio at Birth from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24, an increase in institutional deliveries to 97.3%, and higher enrolment of girls in secondary education, now at 78%. Initiatives such as the Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav and Yashaswini Bike Expedition have further underscored the scheme’s impact.

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Through collaboration with partner ministries, the mission of this campaign is to advancing gender equality, ensuring girls become active leaders of change and shaping a more inclusive India.

Amazon’s Future Engineer Program, launched in 2021, has reached significant milestones in its mission to bridge the digital divide and promote computer science education in underserved communities. The program has successfully trained three million students and 20,000 teachers across 272 districts in India, providing education in seven Indian languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Marathi.

At the inaugural Careers of the Future Summit 2025, Amazon announced scholarships for 500 female students pursuing undergraduate degrees in computer science or related fields. Each scholarship, worth ₹2 lakhs over four years, includes additional support such as mentorship, coding boot camps, and personal laptops. These initiatives aim to address the gender gap in the tech sector and empower young women to thrive in technology-driven careers.

The summit, held in Delhi, brought together policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to discuss the integration of computer science education into school curriculums and its role in preparing students for future careers. It highlighted the importance of self-paced learning platforms and online certifications in creating equitable opportunities for students, especially in tier 2 cities.

Samir Kumar, Country Manager at Amazon India, emphasised the company’s commitment to fostering digital equity, stating, “At Amazon, we are committed to bridging India’s digital divide through education. Our Amazon Future Engineer program is offering 500 merit-based scholarships worth INR 2 lakhs each to female computer science students. We have already trained 3 million government school students and 20,000 teachers across 8 states. By empowering India’s youth with future-ready skills, we are nurturing the next generation of tech innovators. This investment in diverse, inclusive education is key to unlocking India’s potential and driving sustainable growth,”

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The program has collaborated with non-profit organisations and government bodies to implement initiatives in states such as Delhi, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. It provides students with exposure to foundational AI concepts, coding, and project-based learning. Teachers have also benefited from targeted training programs, enabling them to effectively guide students in computer science.

While Amazon’s efforts mark significant progress, experts highlight the need for broader collaborations between corporations, governments, and educational institutions to sustain these initiatives and scale them nationwide.

As India celebrates nine years of the Startup India initiative on National Startup Day, 16 January 2025, it’s evident how deeply the entrepreneurial spirit has been embedded in the nation’s fabric. From being a country of aspiring doctors and engineers to a hub for budding entrepreneurs, India has undergone a significant transformation. This shift isn’t confined to adults but is increasingly taking root in schools, where the next generation of business leaders is being nurtured.

The Entrepreneurial Wave in Schools

Startup culture has permeated classrooms, with students now creating and marketing products under professional guidance. Chemistry labs aren’t just for experiments anymore; they’ve become mini manufacturing units. Students are crafting innovative products—think handmade soaps, eco-friendly cleaning agents, and even tech gadgets—and selling them under their school’s brand. This hands-on experience in entrepreneurship is teaching them valuable lessons in problem-solving, teamwork, and financial literacy, far beyond traditional academics.

Shows like Shark Tank India have also played a crucial role in shaping young minds. These programmes, widely watched across TV and OTT platforms, have demystified entrepreneurship for students and parents alike. By showcasing real-life success stories, they’ve encouraged families to view entrepreneurship as a viable career path, on par with medicine or engineering.

Schools as Incubators of Ideas

Schools today are recognising their potential to act as incubators for future business leaders. Many are introducing entrepreneurship programmes, collaborating with startups, and organising business pitch competitions. These initiatives allow students to explore their interests and learn the intricacies of building a business—from ideation and prototyping to marketing and scaling.

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Some schools have even created dedicated innovation labs and partnered with local businesses for mentorship opportunities. These setups not only foster creativity but also give students exposure to the practical aspects of running a business. Such efforts align perfectly with the government’s Startup India initiative, which has championed innovation and inclusivity for nearly a decade.

Why This Matters for the Future

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about creating businesses; it’s about fostering a mindset. Students who grow up in this environment are better equipped to tackle real-world challenges, think creatively, and adapt to changing circumstances. These skills are invaluable, whether they eventually choose to run their own business or work within an organisation.

Moreover, promoting entrepreneurship in schools has a ripple effect. It not only prepares students for the future but also inspires communities and contributes to economic growth. Schools that actively engage in such initiatives are setting a precedent for holistic education that balances academics with life skills.

What Next?

With over 1.59 lakh startups now recognised in India, the country has become a global hub of innovation. Schools must seize this moment to integrate entrepreneurial education into their curriculums actively. By doing so, they will not only align with national objectives but also prepare students for a world that values innovation and adaptability above all.

As we celebrate National Startup Day, let’s look forward to a future where classrooms double as boardrooms and students graduate not just with degrees but with dreams ready to take flight.

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Sunbeam Suncity (School & Hostel) Varanasi has had a noteworthy year, marked by significant achievements across academics, sports, and cultural domains. Upholding the Sunbeam Group’s 52-year legacy, the school has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering holistic education, encouraging global engagement, and nurturing well-rounded individuals.

A standout event of the year was the hosting of the Round Square Conference 2024 on Sunbeam Suncity’s expansive 65-acre campus. The event brought together 210 delegates from India, Europe, and the Middle East, providing a platform for students to engage in cross-cultural dialogue and develop a broader global perspective. This conference, along with the school’s active participation in associations such as Round Square and AFS, has offered students avenues to interact and collaborate on international platforms.

In the realm of academics and the arts, the school’s students delivered notable performances, particularly at the Kanchenjunga Lit Fest 2024, where they were awarded the title of Overall Champion. Students excelled in events such as quiz competitions, creative writing, debate, and visual arts, underscoring the school’s focus on fostering intellectual exploration and creative expression.

Sports also played a significant role in the school’s accomplishments this year. Sunbeam Suncity’s teams earned commendable recognition at various events, including the CBSE Cluster Table Tennis Championship 2024, where both team and individual honours were secured.

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The school’s efforts to promote leadership and global awareness, combined with its consistent success in academic, creative, and athletic pursuits, highlight its dedication to preparing students for future challenges. Through a blend of tradition and innovation, Sunbeam Suncity continues to provide an educational environment that prioritises comprehensive growth and achievement.

The US PowerSchool data breach has once again spotlighted the vulnerabilities of the education sector to cyberattacks. As reported by Caitlynn Peetz for Education Week, the breach potentially exposed the personal data of millions of students and teachers, raising significant concerns about digital security in schools.

The K-12 operations platform PowerSchool, serving over 60 million students across 18,000 institutions globally, experienced a significant data breach on 28th December 2024. Hackers accessed sensitive information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, grades, and medical details of students and educators. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in systems managing critical educational data, sparking concerns about privacy and cybersecurity in the education sector.

The Growing Threat in India

India is facing a surge in cyberattacks, with the education sector emerging as one of the most targeted. A report by Check Point Software Technologies reveals that Indian educational institutions experience an average of 8,195 weekly attacks, significantly higher than the global average of 3,355. Sensitive data, including students’ personal, academic, and financial records, makes these institutions lucrative targets for cybercriminals.

Weak cybersecurity measures and the growing reliance on digital tools post-pandemic have further exacerbated vulnerabilities. Generative AI and sophisticated phishing techniques have increased the frequency and severity of these attacks, exposing institutions to risks ranging from financial loss to reputational damage.

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Consequences of a Data Breach

The consequences of a data breach in the education sector are far-reaching and can be devastating:

• Identity Theft: Personal information, once leaked, can lead to identity theft, affecting students and their families.
• Financial Fraud: Misuse of sensitive financial data can result in fraudulent transactions.
• Disruption to Learning: Cyberattacks often paralyse institutional operations, forcing schools to shut down for days or weeks.
• Erosion of Trust: Breaches undermine confidence in institutions, leading to reputational damage that can take years to repair.

Why the Education Sector is Vulnerable

Educational institutions store vast amounts of sensitive data but often lack robust cybersecurity frameworks. Their reliance on online platforms, coupled with limited budgets for IT infrastructure, makes them easy targets for cybercriminals. In India, post-COVID-19 adoption of online learning platforms has only increased exposure to data breaches.

Lessons from the PowerSchool Breach

The PowerSchool breach occurred due to compromised credentials, highlighting the importance of basic cybersecurity practices. The company has since implemented stronger password policies and multi-factor authentication. However, this incident underscores the need for a proactive approach to prevent such attacks in the first place.

Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks

To prevent 2025 from becoming the year of rampant cyberattacks on education, a multi-pronged approach is essential:

1. Training and Awareness: Teachers, staff, and students must be educated about phishing and other cyber threats.
2. Strong Password Practices: Implementing multi-factor authentication and avoiding password reuse are critical steps.
3. Regular Audits: Conducting cybersecurity audits can help identify vulnerabilities and address them proactively.
4. Data Encryption: Sensitive data should be encrypted to minimise the impact of breaches.
5. Collaboration with Experts: Partnering with cybersecurity firms can provide institutions with the latest tools and strategies to combat threats.
6. Government Support: Leveraging grants and policies to strengthen IT infrastructure in schools is imperative.

The alarming frequency of cyberattacks in both the US and India signals a pressing need for educational institutions to prioritise cybersecurity. As experts have advocated for integrating sports, humanities, AI, or STEM into education, a similar emphasis on digital safety could create a holistic approach to modern learning.

The data of students and educators is priceless. Safeguarding it is not just a technological challenge but a moral imperative to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of educational institutions worldwide.

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Creating a nation of sports champions requires a fundamental shift in how India balances education and athletics. Former Indian football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia and Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra have called for a more sports-integrated education system to nurture talent and elevate India’s global athletic standing.

Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue, Bhutia emphasised the urgent need for collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. “Every child is trained to become a doctor or an engineer, but we need a more sports-friendly curriculum. Only then will India produce world champions,” Bhutia said. He suggested making sports a major subject in schools to build an ecosystem that values athletic achievement alongside academics.

Echoing similar sentiments, Neeraj Chopra highlighted the success of student-athletes in the United States, where schools and universities play a critical role in producing Olympic-level athletes. “If schools and universities in India adopt a similar approach, we will see a big rise in sports,” Chopra told Lallantop. He stressed that with proper management, balancing sports and education is achievable, citing American athletes as examples.

Both athletes pointed to the need for systemic changes in policy and mindset. Bhutia called for sports and education ministries to collaborate closely, while Chopra advocated for schools and universities to integrate competitive sports programs.

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The calls from Bhutia and Chopra align with India’s growing focus on youth development under initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. For India to become a sporting powerhouse, the nation must prioritise infrastructure, policy reforms, and a cultural shift that places equal importance on athletic and academic excellence.

Sunbeam School Sarnath has marked a year of significant achievements, reflecting its commitment to innovation, talent, and holistic development. Among its accomplishments, the school secured 1st place in the Disaster Management category at the CBSE Regional Science Exhibition 2024, held at DPS Gomtinagar, Lucknow. This win has qualified its students for the National Finals, showcasing their capability to address real-world issues through science.

The school also hosted the district-level National School Band Competition 2024, where over 13 teams participated. Sunbeam School Sarnath’s Brass Band emerged victorious, earning first place and advancing to the National Finals. The event highlighted the dedication and teamwork of young performers.

In sports, the school’s U-11 Aerobics Team won a gold medal at the Inter School Gymnastics Aerobics Competition, held at Panini Kanya Mahavidyalay and organised by the Varanasi District Gymnastics Association.

Additionally, the school was honoured with the Institution of Happiness Award at the Institution of Happiness Conclave in Bangalore. This achievement was backed by the school’s emphasis on mental well-being and fostering an inclusive educational environment that prioritises emotional health alongside academic growth.

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