Budget 2026 Expectations Highlights: Education sector seeks push for future-ready universities, AI-led learning and industry ties

Parliament Budget Session Live Updates: The first phase of Budget session of the Parliament begins today. It will go on till February 13 with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget speech being a key highlight. The Economic Survey will be presented on January 29, offering a glimpse into the government’s priorities for the fiscal year 2026-27.

Budget session of the Parliament is set to begin today with an official address by President Droupadi Murmu to both houses. 

The parliament session takes place in two phases: January 28-February 13 and March 9-April 2.  

A key highlight of the Budget session is the Finance Minister's speech on February 1 announcing the country's fiscal roadmap for FY2026-27. This year will be FM Nirmala Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Union Budget, the longest by any finance minister. It also marks the third full Budget under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

Even though the Budget speech falls on Sunday this year, markets will remain open. All eyes are on sector allocations, income tax updates, and measures to boost exports. The Economic Survey, releasing on January 29, will give early signals into government priorities.

Key Dates:

• January 29 (Thursday): The government will release the Economic Survey, an annual report that sums up trends and performance in the past year and outlines priorities for the coming year.
• February 1, (Sunday): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the Budget speech at 11 am.
• January 28 (Wednesday) - April 2 (Thursday): The Budget session of the Parliament will take place in two phases.

Education sector seeks push for future-ready universities, AI-led learning and industry ties, says Prof. M. A. Venkataramanan

Prof. M. A. Venkataramanan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, FLAME University, said, “Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, the education sector expects support for building future-ready universities. We need to invest more in India-centric research and development, interdisciplinary learning, and integration of AI in everyday teaching to enhance critical thinking, deeper inquiry, and real-world problem-solving.”

He added, “The Budget must also strengthen pedagogical innovations and experiential learning helping students to apply knowledge in industry, policy, and society. Greater industry–academia collaborations, through structured career pathways, will be key to improving job-readiness of our students. At a time when several Indian students are reconsidering overseas education, we must use this opportunity to build globally benchmarked institutions at home: ones that nurture ethical, adaptable, and global leaders of tomorrow.”

This article has valuable insights of Prof. M. A. Venkataramanan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, FLAME University.