Government Prioritizes Youth Skills Over IITs and IIMs

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 on Feb 1, 2026, emphasizing youth empowerment (Yuva Shakti), women in STEM, skilling reforms and technology engagement. The Budget notably omitted major, broad-based allocations or expansion plans for IITs and IIMs compared with 2025, and announced initiatives like content-creator labs, new Ayurveda institutes, and measures to boost job creation.