Gandhinagar: The Government of Gujarat has unveiled an ambitious and multi-layered roadmap for boosting the state’s education ecosystem in the 2026-27 Budget, announcing significant allocations for new facilities, courses and setting up of institutes. The proposals span school, higher, and technical education, with a strong focus on infrastructure modernization, innovation, inclusivity and cultural preservation.

New Institute at Gujarat University to Focus on Heritage and Hospitality

In a major step toward preserving Gujarat’s cultural legacy while aligning education with emerging industry needs, the state government has made a provision for the construction of the Institute of Hospitality, Heritage Management, Archaeology & Lifelong Learning at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad.

An allocation of ₹10.86 crore has been provisioned for the institute’s construction. The facility aims to create a specialized academic hub integrating heritage management and archaeology with hospitality and lifelong learning programmes, equipping students with industry-relevant skills in Gujarat’s expanding tourism and cultural sectors.

Higher Education: Infrastructure, Excellence and Student Welfare

The budget earmarks substantial funds for strengthening government colleges:

₹46 crore for repair and maintenance of college infrastructure.

₹40 crore for development of sports infrastructure and equipment.

₹50 crore to upgrade the top 25 NAAC-graded government colleges into “Model Colleges.”

₹42.51 crore for the newly introduced Kaushalya Sahay Yojana.

₹34 crore for IT equipment under the K.K. Shastri Higher Education Transformation Fund.

₹4.69 crore for mental health counsellors under the Youth Mental Health Programme.

Additionally, the government has proposed the establishment of a “Pragati Multilingual Lab” in government colleges to enhance students’ linguistic capabilities.

Furthermore, ₹20 crore has been provisioned as a one-time Corpus Fund for the Sardar Patel Institute of Economic and Social Research, Ahmedabad.

School Education: Major Infra Boost and Inclusivity

For primary and secondary education, the state has announced:

₹210 crore for construction, renovation and repair of secondary and higher secondary schools, including Model Day and RMSA schools.

₹45.23 crore to increase sanitation assistance in government primary schools.

₹60.54 crore for transportation and escort facilities for Divyang (differently-abled) students.

₹7.77 crore for Sensory Parks to support therapy for Divyang students.

₹6.32 crore for creation of Physical Training (PT) teacher posts in primary schools.

₹14 crore for increased transportation costs under the School Transportation Scheme.

₹34.65 crore for installation of solar panel facilities at school hostels.

The PM POSHAN scheme will also receive infrastructure support, with ₹20.19 crore allocated for utensils in centralized kitchens and ₹13.41 crore for food grain storage containers.

Startup Ecosystem and Technical Education

The budget underscores Gujarat’s startup ambitions:

₹30 crore for a startup loan and financing mechanism under the i-Hub (Gujarat Student Startup and Innovation Hub).

₹20 crore for operation of regional i-Hub centres.

₹2.50 crore for internship stipends to make students industry-ready.

₹43.62 crore for IT infrastructure, including software, in polytechnics and engineering colleges.

Proposal for a NABL Multi-Parameter Calibration Laboratory at the Government Polytechnic in Ahmedabad.

Other First-Time Announcements

New Courses and Academic Innovations

Launch of a B.Com. in FinTech at Shree K.K. Shastri Government Commerce College in Ahmedabad.

Establishment of a Micro Credential Hub for Learners at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University.

Procurement of laboratory equipment for science colleges and fire safety equipment for government colleges through the Transformation Fund.

New Institutions

A Government Technical Institute specializing in Marine Engineering and Technology in Gir-Somnath district.

A new Government Arts, Commerce and Science College at Gadhshisha in Mandvi, Kachchh.

Establishment of a new Government Polytechnic in Anjar.

Administrative and Recruitment Reforms

New administrative setups for Taluka Primary Education Officers in 15 newly created talukas.

Creation of a dedicated establishment at the Directorate of Schools to manage recruitment for non-government granted secondary and higher secondary schools.

Administrative staffing for the Gujarat Sanskrit Board and granted Sanskrit Pathshalas.

Sports, Youth and Cultural Services

₹10 crore for Inter-University Sports Competitions.

₹1.03 crore for buses to transport NCC cadets during training and camps.

For the first time, procurement of 0.77” air rifles and air pistols for NCC cadet training.

Assignment to the Gujarat Vishwakosh Trust in Ahmedabad to prepare a comprehensive subject-wise encyclopedia.

Welfare and Safety

Provision for maintenance of fire safety systems across government colleges.

Funding for ration costs for trainees at the B. M. Institute of Mental Health in Ahmedabad.

Construction of hostels for girl students pursuing STEM courses in government institutions.

DeshGujarat