As the Union Budget 2025-26 approaches, leaders across education, retail, technology, and startups are voicing their expectations for policies that address critical challenges and foster growth. From skilling initiatives to digital infrastructure, the budget holds the potential to shape India's economic and social landscape, aligning industries with the nation's evolving aspirations. Here’s what key industry leaders are anticipating from this year’s budget.

Rohan Bhargava, Co-Founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro

"As we approach the Union Budget 2025-26, there is a strong need for measures that address the evolving dynamics of India’s retail sector, which witnessed a 7% surge during the recent festive season, with food and grocery leading at 14%. Retailers are eagerly looking forward to the faster implementation of the National Retail Policy, which can provide a structured framework to support growth. Additionally, initiatives such as low-interest financing and targeted tax breaks could ease operational challenges, especially for MSMEs. Promoting technology adoption in retail is equally crucial to help traditional players compete effectively with the growing quick commerce segment. A budget with these measures can unlock significant potential, driving sustained growth and innovation in the retail ecosystem."

Swati Bhargava, Co-Founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro

"As the e-commerce sector continues to shape India's digital economy, the Union Budget 2025-26 presents an opportunity to address key areas that can drive its next phase of growth. Clearer regulations around inventory norms, marketplace roles, and consumer protection are essential for creating a stable and predictable business environment. Additionally, expanding digital infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, can unlock untapped markets and boost rural economies by bringing more consumers and businesses online. Promoting digital payments is equally critical, as it enhances financial inclusion, streamlines transactions, and fosters transparency across the ecosystem. We expect that budget 2025 prioritizes these aspects which can strengthen the e-commerce industry's foundation and accelerate its contribution to India’s economic progress."Neeti Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Digital“The retail sector is looking to the government for targeted reforms that can drive consumption and economic resilience. Key measures such as low-interest financing, tax relief, and an accelerated rollout of the National Retail Policy are expected to address structural gaps and enhance ease of doing business. These changes will foster growth and formalisation within the sector, while boosting consumer sentiment. Additionally, extending MSME benefits to retail and wholesale traders, alongside recognizing the F&B retail sector as an essential service, will be pivotal in supporting broader economic objectives and strengthening sectoral growth."

Varun Tangri, Founder & CEO, QueueBusterThe Indian retail sector demonstrated robust growth in 2024, surging by 7% during the festive season, driven primarily by a 14% uptick in the food & grocery segment, according to the Retailers Association of India (RAI). With this momentum, industry stakeholders are calling on the government to use the Union Budget FY25-26 as a pivotal tool to address longstanding structural challenges, boost consumer spending, and enhance the ease of doing business.Key expectations from the 2025 Budget include:

· Faster Implementation of National Retail Policy: Retailers are eagerly anticipating swift action on the policy to streamline operations and offer a uniform framework for businesses across India.

· Low-interest Financing & Tax Breaks: Ensuring access to affordable financing and tax incentives will enable retailers to invest in technology and expand operations efficiently.

· Digital Transformation in Retail: With the increasing convergence of retail and technology, the budget should emphasize incentives for adopting innovative retail technologies, such as QueueBuster-style solutions, which enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency.

By addressing these issues, the government can unlock the full potential of India's retail and technology sectors, ensuring sustained growth and competitiveness in the global market.

Neeti Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Digital

"The IT sector has high pre-budget expectations centered on policies that drive innovation, growth, and job creation. Industry leaders anticipate incentives for adopting emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and blockchain, alongside tax relief for R&D investments. Strengthened support for skilling programs, particularly in AI and cybersecurity, is crucial to bridging talent gaps. Expanding digital infrastructure, promoting startups, and incentivizing global delivery models could position India as a tech innovation hub. The sector also seeks clarity on data privacy regulations and tax structures, ensuring ease of business and competitiveness. A tech-forward budget could catalyze the sector's role in economic growth."

"As we look to the Union Budget 2025-26, the IT industry anticipates measures to further strengthen India's digital infrastructure, particularly through tax concessions for the data centre sector. Given the critical role data centres play in enabling digital services and advancing the 'Digital India' vision, such incentives will not only attract foreign investments but also generate employment and fuel a new growth trajectory for the sector. These reforms will position India as a global leader in digital infrastructure, driving innovation and economic progress."

Rohan Bhargava, Co-Founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro

"As we approach Budget 2025, it is important for the government to focus on increasing investment in research and development for emerging technologies such as AI, 5G, and semiconductors. This will not only foster innovation but also attract top talent to India. Additionally, skilling initiatives focused on digital technologies will act as an important bridge to prepare our workforce for the future of work and address the rising demand for skilled professionals. A strong data protection framework will further play a vital role in building consumer trust and enabling responsible data usage, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation in the digital economy."

Swati Bhargava, Co-Founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro

"As we approach Budget 2025, We are anticipating that the government will continue its support for the startup ecosystem through measures like extending tax benefits, including the carry-forward of losses and tax exemptions. This will not only boost innovation but also create employment opportunities. Targeted support for deep-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy will be crucial in positioning India as a global innovation hub."

Sreenivas Tirdhala, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, isprout“In this post-pandemic era, we have seen significant growth in the co-working space due to organizations opting for working spaces that are economical, flexible and well advanced in terms of infrastructure. The segment supports entrepreneurs, SME’s, MSME’s and other organizations across cities where people are looking for cost effective yet employee friendly spaces.As we look forward to the budget 2025, we expect the government to reduce the tax such as the TDS rate, stamp duty, and registration fees for the lease deed so that the industry can grow and expand. With favorable tax policies, organizations will be able to contribute substantially towards the growth of the industry and nation.”

Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, Recyclekaro

"As India moves towards a more sustainable future, the Union Budget 2025 is a key moment to boost the country's renewable energy and electric mobility sectors. We hope to see strong policy support and tax incentives that encourage innovation in clean energy solutions like solar, wind, and energy storage, while also prioritizing the growth of domestic manufacturing for green technologies. Simplifying regulations, alongside increased funding for renewable energy R&D and grid integration, can help India maintain its position as a global leader in sustainable energy.

Additionally, as the EV market rapidly grows, the budget must address critical needs in the EV battery and recycling sectors. Policies that promote the development of advanced battery manufacturing, establish robust recycling networks, and support circular economy initiatives are crucial for a self-sufficient and sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem. Strengthening research and encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors in the battery supply chain will not only reduce our reliance on imports but also pave the way for India to become a global leader in clean innovation".

Rohit Gajbhiye, Founder and MD of LEO1

As Budget 2025 approaches, the Edu-Fintech industry stands optimistic about progressive measures to enhance financial accessibility and innovation in education. Addressing affordability through interest-free or subsidized schemes, digital financial solutions, and tax incentives for education-related expenses can empower students and institutions alike. Policies encouraging partnerships between fintech players and educational institutions will accelerate the adoption of technology-driven financial systems, bridging funding gaps and improving cash flow management.

Prof Supriya Pattanayak, Vice Chancellor, Centurion University, Odisha

The previous budget had put adequate focus on enhancing higher education and skill development in India. The Skill India for instance was reported to have already trained more than 1.4 crore youth while upskilling and reskilling over 54 lakh others. The budget also mentioned about setting up new higher educational institutions, including IITs, IIITs, IIMs, AIIMS etc. We expect the coming budget to lay further emphasis on upgrading skill education across existing universities and institutions. A dedicated budget allocation to facilitate increased industry-academia partnership is the need of the hour. While it will encourage more institutions to integrate action & experiential learning in their education delivery model, it will enable the creation of valuable industry-ready workforce, which would be well acquainted with the requirements and challenges of respective industries by the time the curriculum is completed.Education is a fundamental pillar of nation building and thus, we expect the Union Budget to announce the highest ever allocation for the education sector, especially in the wake of India’s young population.

Er Koneru Lakshman Havish, Vice President, KL Deemed to Be University

The government must focus more on vocational skills to prepare people for real-world jobs. Vocational education is not just an option anymore; it is essential for helping students gain future-ready skills and improving employability. By creating special funds for industry-academia collaboration, programs like research internships and technology partnerships can grow. These will help students learn practical skills and make education more relevant to job market needs.

To achieve the goal of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education, we must invest in infrastructure and resources. This means building more classrooms, upgrading facilities, and including vocational education as a core part of the system. Recruiting and training teachers should also be a priority to ensure better education quality.

India can also improve its global standing in education by collaborating with international universities and encouraging private and EdTech partnerships. This will help attract more foreign students and strengthen the education system.

An increase in the education budget is a strong and positive step. However, we must ensure that the money is used effectively. The focus should be on building infrastructure and investing in teachers and students. A skilled workforce, inclusive education system, and global competitiveness are the key to making India a leader in education and development in the 21st century."

Devyani Jaipuria, Pro Vice-Chairperson DPS Gurgaon

To make significant budgetary allocations, investing in education is essential to meet the evolving needs of students, educators and the broader society. Education is the cornerstone of national progress and this budget presents a unique opportunity to build a world-class, inclusive system. We must prioritize academic excellence and the holistic development of every child by addressing infrastructure challenges, improving teacher training, and integrating technology. Investing in STEM and skill-oriented programs, such as micro-credentials, is vital to equip students with the expertise needed to succeed in a digital world. By fostering innovation and critical thinking, we can ensure that our students are prepared to thrive in an increasingly globalized economy. The time to act is now—education will shape the future of India.

Ajay Singh, Principal, The Scindia School, Gwalior

As we await the Union Budget for 2025, I believe the education sector is at a pivotal moment. To empower our children to succeed in an increasingly dynamic world, it is essential to prioritize investments in education. I urge the government to allocate a larger share of GDP to education, increase funding for STEM initiatives, enhance digital learning infrastructure and promote skill-based education. By simplifying regulatory processes and encouraging international collaborations, we can create a world-class education system that equips our students to excel on the global stage. Furthermore, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking in our schools will be crucial to developing the leaders of tomorrow. I also hope the budget will address the need for equitable access to quality education, ensuring no child is left behind. I look forward to a budget that lays the foundation for a brighter future for our children.

Raj Singhal, Co-founder & CEO of Footprints Childcare

As one of the leading players in early childhood education, we hope the upcoming budget places a strong emphasis on increased funding for preschool infrastructure and accessibility, particularly in underserved areas. Early childhood education is the foundation of a nation’s future workforce, and targeted investments in this sector can unlock immense potential for long-term economic growth.

Given the rising costs of education and the impact of declining household spending, we urge the government to introduce measures such as subsidies, tax benefits, and initiatives to make quality education more affordable for families across socio-economic strata. Furthermore, integrating early childhood education into the Skill India Mission would be a game-changer. By aligning educator training and child development programs with skills development, the government can ensure that teachers are equipped with modern pedagogical tools, creating a ripple effect that benefits children during their most formative years. Such a move would not only elevate the preschool sector but also enable it to contribute significantly to India’s long-term skill development goals.

Piyush Kumar, Regional Director – South Asia, Canada, Latin America & Mauritius, IDP Education

"Education is the foundation of a developed economy, and we hope the government’s investment in education—especially foreign education—aligns with India’s growth aspirations. Over the years, remarkable strides have been made to boost literacy and enrolment, and we anticipate an extended focus on foreign education to build a globally competitive workforce.

As student aspirations for higher education soar, including from smaller towns, the demand for studying at top global universities continues to rise. To support this, the Union Budget 2025 could introduce policies that ease financial barriers—facilitating affordable education loans, reducing remittance fees, and expanding scholarships. These measures will not only empower students but also cultivate a skilled workforce, driving India’s development forward."

Tr Chaitanya Dev Singh, National President, Round Table India

With the Union Budget 2025 just around the corner, we anticipate a higher budget allocation towards school infrastructure development, especially at the grassroots level, and an emphasis on education via the Right to Education (RTI) Act.

In the Union Budget 2024, the allocation for Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) was ₹37,500 crores, and the Department of School Education was allocated ₹73,008 crores. These investments have already begun to enhance the quality of education by offering students supportive learning environments, access to modern educational tools and an overall push to improve the basic infrastructure.

By further expanding the budget allocation in 2025, we can enhance school infrastructure and physical education, ensuring that all students have access to a quality learning environment. Additionally, we can expedite technology integration and digital education, bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all students, irrespective of their socio-economic background, have equal opportunities to thrive.

A higher budget allocation towards infrastructure and technology adoption will also facilitate the accomplishment of the objectives of NEP 2020 and position India as the Vishwa Guru of the world.

Nipun Goenka, Managing Director, GD Goenka Group

'One of the most pressing expectations from the Union Budget 2025 is a substantial increase in the allocation for the education sector, enabling the government to address long-standing challenges. Reducing or eliminating GST on educational services and digital learning tools is another key demand.

The move would make education more affordable, ensuring quality education is accessible to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The government is also expected to offer tax relief for corporate grants to educational institutions, thereby encouraging collaborations to improve infrastructure and research initiatives.

Additionally, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) are likely to be prioritized in the upcoming budget to address infrastructure gaps and resource constraints in disadvantaged areas, fostering holistic growth. To achieve the objectives out in the National Education Policy (NEP), the budget is expected to prioritize expanding access to education in underserved regions, enhancing digital infrastructure, and advancing research in educational technology and pedagogy.

CA Bikram Agarwal, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Seth Anandram Jaipuria Group of Educational

The education sector anticipates a major rise in budgetary allocation to reach the ideal of 6% of GDP. There is an expectation for the budget to support the expansion of digital learning platforms and hybrid learning models, to provide flexibility to students and make education more accessible. There is also a strong demand for investments in higher education institutions, particularly in research and development (R&D). Funding should be allowed through foreign investments and foreign currency loans and foreign donations to educational institutions with specific directions.

I would also like to see a reform in an important area. The services of educational institutions are exempt from GST, but whenever they procure something or avail services from a vendor, they are required to pay GST to the service provider, except for some services. The reverse charge mechanism is also applicable on educational institutions under the GST laws, which creates numerous legal requirements on institutions. The government should address this issue and provide relief to educational institutions for compliance with GST laws.

Kunal Vasudeva, Co-founder & Managing Director of the Indian School of Hospitality

The upcoming Union Budget is expected to prioritize the modernization and inclusivity of India’s education sector, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and India’s aspirations to become a global knowledge hub.

One key focus area could be digital education. The digital divide has widened post-pandemic, especially in rural and underserved areas. The government will likely allocate substantial resources to bridge this gap by improving internet connectivity, providing devices, and investing in digital tools for schools and colleges. Expanding access to platforms like DIKSHA and strengthening the digital learning ecosystem will be critical.

Another area of emphasis could be skill development and vocational training. Programs designed to enhance employability for youth, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, may see increased funding. This aligns with India’s push toward industrial growth, especially in high-demand sectors like IT, hospitality, and green energy.

Additionally, higher education may be boosted through incentives for international collaborations, research funding, and promoting India as a global education destination. Scholarships for economically weaker students and support for private institutions driving excellence might also feature. The budget will likely focus on accessibility, employability, and global competitiveness, reflecting a roadmap for bridging economic and educational disparities across India.

Dr Prabhat Pankaj, Economist, Happiness Expert, TEDx Speaker Director, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Jaipur

As far as the education sector is concerned, India needs improvements both in terms of quality and quantity. On the quality side, filling the service delivery gap, fixing accountability and improving the overall teaching and learning ecosystem for improved learning outcomes are imperative. While on the quantity side, improving gross enrolment ratio, higher allocation of funding to education, scholarships for increasing STEM enrolment especially for girls, and teachers training are highly desirable. The 2025 budget is expected to focus on digital inclusiveness and AI tools to facilitate practical learning, with a special focus on enhancing access in rural areas. The budget is also likely to facilitate the continuation of NEP implementation with an emphasis on holistic development of students. Following the NEP framework, the budget is likely to increase allocation on skill building missions and vocational education. Holistic development is likely to stay at the center of budgetary allocation.

The private sector has a significant role to play in education and through this budget, the government is expected to announce private-public-partnership in employability and skill building drive. Unfortunately, private sector institutions, particularly in higher education, are still deprived of the research grants from government bodies such as ICSSR, UGC and many other government grants. This is unfair, given the huge contributions of private sector in education. I hope some window will be opened in the 2025 budget.

Preethi Rajeev Nair, Principal - CBSE, Lancers Army School

The importance of Education is the need of an hour for any country's development, if India could also increase public spending on education up to 6% of GDP ( As per the Kothari Commission -1966 ) this would help us to meet the growing need of sectors like digitalisation, teachers' training programmes, and sophisticated infrastructure as well as improve the quality of education services.

Recently, NEP 2020 has also strongly supported all the stakeholders' expectations for an increase in education funding.

As sectors like Research and Development are the backbones of a country's growth, it's preferable to give equal emphasis to both Elementary and Higher education if we could put more expenditures, at least 5.2% to 5.5 % of GDP in the 2025-26 Budget, this could help develop human capital and boost social progress along with economic growth of our nation.

Vinay Maheshwari, Executive Director, Mohan Babu University

"As India strives to position itself as a global knowledge hub, the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26 presents a critical opportunity to address the pressing needs of the higher education sector. The focus must be on fostering research and innovation, enhancing graduate employability, and bridging the gap between academia and industry.​ Increasing the allocation for higher education is essential to upgrade infrastructure, promote research and development in emerging areas like artificial intelligence. To tackle the growing skill gap, the government should incentivize collaborations between universities and industries to align curriculum with market demands.

Additionally, corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions should be encouraged further in the higher education sector, ensuring increased funding for academic excellence and skill development programs. Removing taxation on the purchase of research equipment will significantly boost research productivity and innovation.

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) must be made more inclusive by extending its benefits to private institutions, recognizing their vital role in driving research and innovation.

Equally important is the need to ensure equitable access to quality education. Expanding scholarships, strengthening public institutions in rural and underserved regions, and leveraging technology for inclusive learning can drive transformative change."

Jyotee Naair, Founder of CareerVversity

According to her, the educational industry should prioritise international relationships with worldwide universities for a variety of programs. More scholarship measures, including decreased interest rates on school loans and STEM course subsidies, must be implemented. Skill development projects might focus on globally recognised vocational qualifications, and the government can provide assistance to returnees in finding jobs. Streamlined visa and application support could be implemented through government-backed platforms, streamlining processes and facilitating post-study employment options.

Investments in digital learning platforms and research funding could help Indian students gain access to worldwide courses while also encouraging innovation. Regional education hubs with top-tier infrastructure may entice international students and faculty. Centralised databases for tracking educational trends, as well as specialised grievance channels for Indian students studying abroad, could be developed. These policies seek to increase access, affordability, and opportunities for Indian students while presenting India as a global education leader.

Pravesh Dudani, Founder and Chancellor Medhavi Skills University

"India’s education landscape stands at a critical juncture. The Budget 2025 should not only bridge existing funding gaps but also propel us into the future by integrating next-generation technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics into mainstream curricula. By substantially increasing public spending on education and fostering robust industry-academia partnerships, we can build a globally competitive, job-ready workforce—one that will drive inclusive growth and bolster India’s standing as a leading knowledge economy."

Kuldip Sarma, Pro-Chancellor and Co-Founder, Medhavi Skills University

"The Union Budget should address the challenges of educational loans to make education more accessible and affordable for students, especially those from weaker economic backgrounds. Despite the considerable allocation to the education sector, more investment should be considered to meet workforce requirements as per global standards. This also includes funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research, digital learning, and industry-focused skills like AI and IoT. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and subsidies for international students can further improve India's educational ecosystem, with the aim of making it a global education hub in the coming years."

Abhay G Chebbi, Pro-Chancellor, Alliance University

"India's aspiration to become a global leader in education, sports, and innovation hinges on a transformative Union Budget. Key priorities include substantial investments in university-level sporting infrastructure to prepare for the Youth Olympics 2030 and Olympics 2036. This will not only enhance India's ability to host these prestigious events but also nurture a culture of fitness and athletic excellence among youth, promoting holistic development by integrating sports with academics.

Augmented funding through the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is equally essential for establishing Centers of Excellence in advanced fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Aerospace, and Innovation. These centers will act as hubs for cutting-edge research, foster start-up ecosystems, and strengthen India’s global standing in technology and innovation. Moreover, providing targeted incentives for universities to establish Distinguished Skill Universities is crucial. These institutions will address critical skill gaps by equipping students with industry-relevant expertise, driving employment opportunities, and boosting India's competitiveness in the global economy. A visionary budget prioritizing these transformative initiatives will serve as a cornerstone for India's emergence as a global economic, educational, and sporting powerhouse in the 21st century."

Dr. B. Priestly Shan, Vice-Chancellor, Alliance University

"As the Union Budget 2025 approaches, we expect a renewed emphasis on higher education and research, building on the ₹1.25 lakh crore allocation in 2024. While school education saw notable investments, including the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyaan and PM Internship Scheme, higher education faced a 61% cut in UGC funding. With public education spending at just 3.5% of GDP—far below the Kothari Commission's recommended 6%—efficient and innovative use of funds is essential. For 2025, the focus must be on strengthening university infrastructure, fostering academia-industry collaboration through work-linked degrees, and addressing faculty shortages. Expanding access to higher education for the 71% of age-eligible individuals currently unenrolled is equally critical. Upgrading ITIs with modern curricula and advancing digital transformation across education levels are also vital to aligning skills with industry needs.

A visionary budget should empower institutions to bridge skill gaps, boost employability, and drive India's knowledge economy, while robust anti-bribery systems ensure transparency and fairness in the education sector."

Professor Sarang Deo, Deputy Dean, Faculty & Research and Executive Director, Max Institute of Healthcare Management, ISB

The focus on healthcare infrastructure delivery is certainly becoming more prevalent in the Union Budget. While broadband connectivity in primary health centres in rural areas will pave the way for the expansion of telemedicine, it will also create more opportunities for online training of healthcare workers, as well as, transfer of real-time data and analytics.

By increasing the number of medical seats, the government is also looking to address the need for building the human workforce, i.e., more doctors in the country to reduce the rural vs. urban disparity. To strengthen the primary and preventive care system, rather than further crowding the speciality clinical services, it is important to create policies that will encourage new doctors to become general practitioners, family practitioners, etc. Additionally, to combat this shortage, the healthcare industry must also learn about the best practices from other emerging economies that rely far more on ancillary health workers/paramedics, etc.

The setting up of Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals is much needed due to the rising cancer burden in the country. These physical centres should be linked with strong referral systems supported by technology to ensure high-quality care to patients. A bigger need is to scale up cancer screening and diagnosis, the lack of which is resulting in patients being diagnosed at late stages with poor predicted outcome.