The Union Budget 2026-27 significantly increases funding for Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) to boost STEM education. Funding for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and the mid-day meal scheme (PM POSHAN) sees only minor increases. The overall budget for school education rose by 6.35% to Rs 83,562 crore for the fiscal year 2026-27.
Atal Tinkering Labs Receive Major Funding Boost
Atal Tinkering Labs, designed for hands-on STEM learning in schools, are set to receive Rs 3,200 crore in the upcoming fiscal year. An additional Rs 500 crore is allocated for the current fiscal year. The government plans to establish 50,000 new ATLs in government schools over the next five years. These labs provide students with kits and equipment for science, robotics, and 3D printing.
Samagra Shiksha and Mid-Day Meals See Small Hikes
The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), which supports state-run and aided schools, received a 2% increase. Its outlay for 2026-27 is Rs 42,100 crore . The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), funding mid-day meals, also saw a proportional 2% hike, with an allocation of Rs 12,750 crore for 2026-27.
However, revised estimates for the current fiscal year (2025-26) show significant reductions. SSA’s revised estimate is Rs 38,000 crore , an 8% drop from its budget. PM POSHAN’s revised estimate is Rs 10,600 crore , a 15% decrease.
Central Schools and NCERT See Increased Funding
Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS) received substantial funding increases. KVS funding rose by 6.58% to Rs 10,129 crore . NVS funding increased by 13.57% to Rs 6,025 crore . The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) also saw funding increases of approximately 15% and 5% for the respective fiscal years.
STARS Programme Budget Slashed
The Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States (STARS) programme experienced a significant budget cut. Its allocation for both the current and next fiscal years is Rs 500 crore , a 60% reduction. The World Bank-assisted STARS programme, focused on improving learning outcomes, completed its five-year term in the 2024-25 academic year.
PM SHRI Programme Allocation Remains Stable
The Prime Minister School for Rising India (PM SHRI) programme maintains its Rs 7,500 crore outlay for 2026-27. However, the expenditure for the current fiscal year has been reduced to Rs 4,000 crore .
New Initiatives in Education
The budget also includes plans to establish ‘Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs’ in 15,000 secondary schools and colleges. The government is also looking to integrate Artificial Intelligence into school curricula and upgrade State Councils of Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) for teacher development.
Budget Allocation Data
Here is a breakdown of key school education allocations:
| Scheme/Institution | 2024-25 Actual | Revised 2025-26 | Budget 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan | 37,010 | 38,000 | 42,100 |
| PM POSHAN | 12,467 | 10,600 | 12,750 |
| Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan | 9,303 | 9,504 | 10,129 |
| Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti | 5,800 | 5,750 | 6,025 |
| PM SHRI/Exemplar Schools | 6,050 | 4,500 | 7,500 |
| STARS | 1,250 | 500 | 500 |
| NCERT | 510 | 623 | 682 |
| Atal Tinkering Labs | N/A | 500 | 3,200 |