Cycles, laptops, smart classes: Inside Delhi's Rs 19,000 crore student-first budget
The Delhi government announced a major push for education in its 2026–27 Budget allocating Rs 19,148 crore to the sector. From infrastructure upgrades to student incentives, the plan aims to expand access and modernise learning.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on March 24 presented the 2026–27 Budget, placing strong emphasis on education through higher allocations, infrastructure expansion, and student-focused welfare schemes.
The education sector has been allocated Rs 19,148 crore, the highest among all sectors, marking a significant commitment to strengthening public education in the capital. The overall Budget stands at Rs 1.03 lakh crore, a 3.7% increase from last year.
The Budget outlined a mix of incentives and structural reforms aimed at improving both access and quality.
From free bicycles for schoolgirls to digital upgrades in classrooms, the government signalled a shift towards inclusive and technology-driven education.
Alongside direct student benefits, the plan also included long-term investments such as new school buildings, expansion of existing infrastructure, and an integrated education hub, reflecting a broader vision for the city’s academic ecosystem.
EXPANDING ACCESS AND STUDENT SUPPORT
One of the key announcements focused on improving access to education for girls.
Around 1.30 lakh Class 9 girl students in Delhi government schools will receive free bicycles, with Rs 90 crore allocated for the scheme. The move is expected to reduce dropouts and make commuting to schools easier.
The government also announced incentives for academic performance. Meritorious students of Classes 10 and 12 will be given laptops, with Rs 10 crore set aside, aiming to bridge the digital divide and support continued learning in a technology-driven environment.
DIGITAL PUSH AND CLASSROOM UPGRADES
A major portion of the Budget has been directed towards modernising classrooms. As many as 8,777 classrooms will be equipped with smart boards, backed by an allocation of Rs 150 crore for smart classes.
This digital push is expected to enhance teaching methods, enable interactive learning, and align government schools with contemporary education standards.
NEW SCHOOLS AND HIGHER EDUCATION EXPANSION
In a major infrastructure push, Rs 200 crore has been allocated for new school buildings and Rs 275 crore for expansion of existing schools, signalling a continued focus on capacity building.
The Budget also earmarked Rs 720 crore for technical education, highlighting a push towards skill-based learning and employability.
Additionally, an integrated education city is set to come up in Narela. The project aims to bring together institutions, innovation hubs, and research facilities, creating a comprehensive academic ecosystem.
The government also spoke about developing a startup policy, incubation framework, and innovation-driven culture within the education sector, alongside new policies around emerging areas like semiconductors and drones.
BROADER SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL LINKAGES
While the primary focus remained on education, the Budget also included allocations that indirectly support students and families.
Measures such as free bus travel for women and transgender persons, along with welfare schemes like LPG support and targeted funding for SC, ST, and OBC communities, are expected to ease financial pressure and improve educational participation.
With a combination of direct benefits, infrastructure expansion, digital upgrades, and skill-focused investments, the Delhi Budget 2026–27 presents a multi-layered approach to strengthening education and future readiness in the capital.