The Telangana government has set aside ₹24,174 crore for education in its 2025-26 budget. This is a 13.5% increase from the previous year, showing the government’s commitment to improving the education sector. However, many educators feel that this amount is still not enough to meet the growing needs of students and schools. The education budget makes up 7.9% of the total ₹3,04,965 crore budget for the state.
A Slow Growth in Education Spending
On 19 March 2025, Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu presented the budget in the Assembly. He highlighted the importance of education, calling it “a guiding light for the secure future of children from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.” Despite the increase in education funding, the sector’s budget growth has not matched the overall rise in Telangana’s financial spending.
Since 2014-15, Telangana’s total budget has grown by 203%, from ₹1,00,637.96 crore to ₹3,04,965 crore in 2025-26. However, education spending has only increased by 126% during the same period, from ₹10,200.33 crore to ₹24,174 crore. This slower growth in education funding has raised concerns about whether the government is giving enough importance to the sector.
Poor Infrastructure in Government Schools
The Finance Minister admitted that Telangana’s government schools are struggling to keep up with global education standards. He noted that while education worldwide has advanced significantly, many government schools in the state “continue to lag behind by decades.”
One of the biggest problems is poor infrastructure. Out of 1,023 government residential schools in Telangana, 662 do not have their own buildings. Many gurukuls, which serve students from marginalised backgrounds, function in temporary buildings with inadequate facilities. Basic amenities like proper toilets are still lacking in many schools, making it difficult for students to study in a comfortable environment.
The Way Forward
Although the increased budget is a positive step, education experts believe that more investment is needed. They argue that better school buildings, improved teacher training, and student welfare programs are essential to bring Telangana’s schools closer to global standards. If the government does not focus on these areas, state-run schools may continue to struggle. The coming years will show whether Telangana can turn its financial promises into real improvements in the education sector.
