'Vinay Swamy, Country Head, Pearson India:'
"As we advance India's vision of lifelong learning, the education and skilling agenda must evolve to prioritize outcomes, adaptability, and employability in an AI-driven world. This Budget must focus on three critical pillars. First, accelerate education funding toward NEP 2020's 6% of GDP target with dedicated allocations for AI-ready infrastructure and teacher training. Second, scale skilling through expanded funding for micro-credentialing and industry-linked certifications with formal recognition for employability. Third, rationalize GST and introduce fiscal incentives for digital education services to ensure equitable access across India's diverse landscape. These measures will be instrumental in building an AI-fluent, future-ready workforce that can drive India's growth story forward."
Mr. Ajitesh Korupolu, Founder & CEO, ASBL-
"As a new‑age infrastructure and real‑estate developer, we expect Budget 2026 to keep its focus firmly on connectivity, liveability and sustainability. Continued investment in city‑level infrastructure—roads, metro corridors, civic assets and water management that directly shapes the quality of life in our micro‑markets and supports integrated township development.
A predictable policy environment, especially around land approvals, taxation and single‑window clearances, will help developers plan long‑term and bring better‑designed, future‑ready communities to market. We also hope for incentives that bridge infrastructure and housing, such as stamp duty relief in smart city zones and support for green building certifications.
Budget 2026 is an opportunity to create synergies between infrastructure spending and real estate demand. By prioritising transit-oriented development and sustainable urban planning, the government can unlock private investment in live-work-play ecosystems that create jobs, drive consumption and build inclusive cities. ASBL is committed to delivering projects that embody these principles."
Mr. Karteesh Reddy, CEO, GHR Infra-
For premium and lifestyle focused developments, real estate & infrastructure is the real value multiplier. From our perspective, Budget 2026 is an opportunity to reinforce investments in high quality transport links, social infrastructure and green standards that elevate living experiences.
A stronger push for sustainable building practices and energy efficient designs would encourage developers like GHR Infra to accelerate adoption of low carbon materials, smart home tech and water conservation without compromising on comfort, luxury or aesthetics. We also expect continued support for peripheral corridors where premium housing meets growing connectivity.
This Budget can set the tone for next generation urbanisation, where infrastructure and real estate work in tandem. Measures like viability gap funding for metro extensions and tax benefits for energy efficient buildings will create a virtuous cycle of premium supply, rising aspirations and economic multipliers. GHR Infra looks forward to contributing to this vision.
Mr. Sharat V, Designated Partner, GHR Lakshmi Urbanblocks Infra LLP (representing Urbanblocks Realty).
"As a developer of integrated, sustainable urban ecosystems, we see Budget 2026 as a pivotal moment to bridge infrastructure investment with next‑generation city‑building. Continued capex on transit corridors, green public spaces and digital urban infrastructure will create the perfect foundation for mixed‑use developments that blend live, work and leisure seamlessly.
We expect policy support for transit‑oriented development, green building incentives and single‑window clearances that reduce friction and accelerate delivery. Incentives for low‑carbon construction, water recycling and energy‑efficient design will enable projects like Cascades Neopolis to set new benchmarks in sustainable urban living.
This Budget has the chance to unlock private capital for smart cities and growth hubs by aligning infra spend with real estate demand. Clear signals on land monetisation, ESG financing and urban renewal will drive inclusive, resilient communities that power India's urban future. Cascades Neopolis is positioned to deliver on this vision with innovation and execution."
Chetan Jain, Cofounder & Managing Director, Inspira Enterprise
"As India's digital economy continues to contribute significantly to national GDP, the 2026 budget should prioritize investments in cyber resilience to strengthen the country's global competitiveness in digital trust and security. With national and economic security increasingly dependent on innovative, resilient, and AI-driven solutions, the government must also allocate resources to accelerate AI-based cybersecurity R&D. In parallel, strong public-private partnerships will be critical to educate citizens and enterprises, and to improve overall cyber resilience and preparedness."
Prof. M. A. Venkataramanan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, FLAME University:
"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. 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."
Budget Expectation Quote by Jeel Gandhi, CEO, Under25:
"With over 65% of India's population under 35, the upcoming Union Budget is a pivotal moment for the country's youth. It presents a critical opportunity to allocate dedicated funds and provide incentives that support early-stage funding, seed capital access, and enable start-ups for young entrepreneurs. We expect a long-term vision of positioning India as a global hub for young talent, where these dedicated allocations will help reduce entry barriers and give a boost to youth-led innovation.
Being one of the youngest nations in the world, there is immense potential. But this potential needs preparation. Most fresh graduates in India face the same challenge – a degree in hand but limited skills in the real world. Supporting structured, paid internships and industry-academia collaboration can significantly ease young Indian's transition from education to employment. This is essential to leverage India's demographic dividend for economic growth.
Another area that needs consideration is affordable internet and digital infrastructure, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This will ensure equal access to opportunities, especially in the creator economy. Lastly, we also expect a stronger focus on Gen-Z-ready skills across digital, creative, communication, AI, and other new-age tech to build employability that sustains in the long run."
Here is the Budget Expectation Quote By Niyati Handa, Co-founders & Director of Eklavya School:
"Looking ahead at Budget 2026, there is a bigger expectation that India's education agenda will be recalibrated. The focus should move beyond enrollment numbers to learning outcomes, strengthening critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and teaching excellence that shape young minds.
A substantive increase in the budget for school education is essential, especially at the foundational level. Investments to upgrade teacher training, curriculum modernisation, and age-appropriate learning frameworks have to take place holistically to develop solid academic and cognitive roots for future-ready learners. Likewise, I believe that bridging the urban–rural education gap should remain one of the top priorities. When monetary assistance is enabled in scaling digital and hybrid learning models, it can significantly expand access to quality education in Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural regions, ensuring that geography does not limit potential.
Teacher capacity building also deserves sharper focus. Continuous upskilling of educators with evolving student requirements, new pedagogies, and even interdisciplinary approaches will be key to sustaining educational reform. Additionally, certain policies can also be employed that reinforce merit-based pathways for students through scholarships and need-based financial support. This, in turn, will ensure that deserving students are empowered to pursue their aspirations without financial constraints.
A strong case also exists for closely aligning education with career outcomes, emerging professions and real-world problem-solving. We expect budgetary support for learning to become more relevant and make a difference.
Ultimately, Budget 2026 must envision education as a long-term strategic investment: one that powers India's knowledge economy, drives innovation, advances the research ecosystem, and solidifies the nation's global competitiveness over the years to come."
