Education Budget 2026 Expectation: As India prepares for the Union Budget 2026-27, education leaders across schools, universities, research institutions, and the skilling ecosystem are calling for a decisive shift – from incremental funding to outcome-driven investment. Renu Singh, Director Principal, Amity International School, Noida, said the upcoming Budget should prioritise academic inputs in school education over infrastructure alone. Treating education as a strategic export would enable Indian institutions to extend India’s education and skills footprint globally while advancing national interest. A dedicated ‘Fund for Promotion of Innovation in Higher Education Institutions’ can complement existing ANRF support,” he says. Greater financial support and scholarship options will enable students to access global education irrespective of their economic background,” Kumar says.