Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026 gives ₹80,997 crore to basic education, the biggest share in the state budget. Vocational and skill development spending has increased by 88 percent. Technical education sees a 72 percent rise, while secondary and higher education also receive solid hikes. The focus is clear, make students employable and future ready.
Why Basic Education Gets the Lion’s Share
The largest allocation goes to strengthening primary and upper primary schools. ₹80,997.16 crore is proposed to improve infrastructure, learning quality, and student facilities. The state wants better classrooms, safer buildings, and stronger foundations for young learners.
There is ₹650 crore for free uniforms, shoes, school bags, and stationery for students from Classes 1 to 8. This ensures no child drops out due to money issues. It sounds simple, but small support changes attendance.
Model schools are planned in every district. Two Chief Minister Model Composite Schools per district are proposed. That means 150 modern schools across 75 districts. Digital classrooms, updated labs, better spaces. The shift feels serious this time.
Secondary Education and Dream Skill Labs
Secondary education receives ₹22,167 crore. Within that, ₹150 crore is set aside for Dream Skill lab clusters in government secondary schools. These labs will train students in robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and new technology fields.
Each district will have one Dream Skill lab. The idea is practical learning, not just theory. Officials say students must be employable, not only degree holders.
There is ₹520 crore for government secondary schools’ facilities and ₹10 crore for aided non-government schools. Scholarships worth ₹20 crore are proposed for Sanskrit school students.
An ₹89 crore scheme will provide cashless medical facilities to teachers in non-government secondary schools. That support also matters, teachers feel secure, they perform better.
Higher Education Gets a Steady Push
Higher education sees a 7 percent increase. Around ₹6,591 crore has been allocated. One big highlight is ₹400 crore for the Rani Lakshmi Bai Scooty Scheme. Meritorious girls will receive scooties, helping them continue studies without travel barriers.
New universities are planned in Mirzapur, Moradabad, Balrampur, Shahjahanpur, and Bhadohi. Separate funds have been proposed for each. Expansion looks wide, not limited to one region.
₹14.50 crore is proposed for a Student Mental Health and Welfare Policy. That feels timely. Academic pressure is real, students need support beyond books.
Technical Education Sees Sharp Rise
Technical education allocation jumps by 72 percent. Around ₹714 crore is proposed for Centres of Excellence and upgrades in government polytechnics. Smart classrooms are being expanded. 251 are already functional, more are coming.
₹254 crore will go towards infrastructure upgrades. Another ₹50 crore is meant for new government polytechnics. This shows a push toward hands-on technical training.
Skill Development Gets 88% Hike
The biggest percentage jump is in vocational education and skill development. The allocation rises by 88 percent to about ₹3,349 crore. That is not a small jump.
The state runs 286 government ITIs with over 1.9 lakh seats. There are also nearly 3,000 private ITIs with over 4.5 lakh seats. With Tata Technologies’ support, many institutes are being upgraded in phases.
₹1,000 crore is proposed under the Skill Development Mission. ₹836 crore goes to the Artisan Training Scheme. ₹500 crore is set aside for Project Praveen. Apprenticeship schemes also receive funding.
The message of this budget is direct. Education must lead to jobs. Infrastructure alone is not enough. Skills, training, and real-world readiness matter more now. Uttar Pradesh seems to be betting big on that idea.