UP Budget 2026 Proposes Major Hike in Education Spending with Focus on Vocational Training
The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled its budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, presenting a substantial increase in allocations for education and youth-oriented initiatives. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna presented the budget in the state Assembly on Wednesday, highlighting a strong commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure and opportunities across the state.
Significant Funding Increases Across Education Sectors
The budget outlines notable rises in funding for various educational levels. Vocational education receives the most dramatic boost, with an allocation of Rs 3,349 crore—an impressive 88% increase from the previous year. This substantial hike underscores the government's emphasis on skill development and practical training to prepare students for the workforce.
Technical education also sees a significant rise, with Rs 2,365 crore allocated, marking a 72% increase. Higher education funding will grow by 7% to reach Rs 6,591 crore, while secondary education receives Rs 22,167 crore, representing a 15% increase. Basic education commands the largest share of the education budget at Rs 77,622 crore, reflecting the state's focus on foundational learning.
New Educational Initiatives and Infrastructure Development
Finance Minister Khanna announced several new educational projects as part of the budget. The government plans to establish two Chief Minister Model Composite Schools in each of Uttar Pradesh's 75 districts. Additionally, one Chief Minister Abhyudaya School will be developed per district to provide quality education and support to students.
The budget also earmarks specific funds for student support programs. Rs 400 crore has been allocated for the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooty Scheme, which provides scooters to meritorious girl students to facilitate their education. Another Rs 40 crore is designated for the Chief Minister's Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, designed to connect students with industries for practical, hands-on training experiences.
Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation Focus
Beyond direct education funding, the budget emphasizes broader youth empowerment and employment generation. The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission has trained approximately 9.25 lakh youths over the past five years, with 4.22 lakh placed in reputable companies. The Chief Minister Abhyudaya Yojana provides free coaching to over 23,000 aspirants at 163 centers across the state.
Other youth-focused initiatives include:
- The Chief Minister Fellowship Programme, which engages youth in policy-making across 108 aspirational blocks
- The Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana, which has distributed nearly 50 lakh tablets and smartphones to students
- Provision of sports kits to 90,000 local youth groups to promote physical activity and community engagement
Recruitment Drives and Employment Schemes
The budget highlights ongoing recruitment efforts across various sectors. Since 2017, over 2.19 lakh police personnel have been hired, with training currently underway for 60,244 new constables. In the education sector, Mission Rozgar has resulted in the appointment of 8,966 candidates in government secondary schools, while aided schools have seen 34,074 teacher selections since 2017.
The Chief Minister Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan aims to establish one lakh new micro-enterprises annually through collateral-free, interest-free loans to young entrepreneurs. This initiative seeks to foster self-employment and economic independence among the state's youth.
Record Performance in Rural Employment Scheme
The state reported exceptional performance under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during 2025-26. Uttar Pradesh generated 20.19 crore person-days of employment, surpassing its target and benefiting over 47 lakh families across the state. This achievement demonstrates the government's commitment to rural development and livelihood security.
Government Response and Future Vision
State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyaya described the budget as "a powerful roadmap toward achieving a developed Uttar Pradesh by 2047." Minister Rajni Tiwari called it a historic step for modern infrastructure and innovation in education, emphasizing the transformative potential of the increased investments.
The comprehensive budget reflects the Uttar Pradesh government's multi-faceted approach to education reform, skill development, and youth empowerment, positioning these areas as central to the state's growth strategy for the coming years.
