The government has allocated Rs211.17 billion to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for the upcoming fiscal year 2025–26, as announced by Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel while presenting the national budget to the joint session of Parliament on Wednesday.

The budget includes a notable Rs10.19 billion for the school midday meal programme aimed at improving nutrition and school attendance, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The minister said the government would also launch an incentive programme to encourage the consolidation of schools, particularly where resources are spread thin. Each district will have one model school receiving Rs2.5 million in grant support as part of this initiative.

In line with modern educational goals, the budget outlines plans to make the national education system more technology-friendly. This includes promoting the use of digital tools and platforms for teaching and learning.

Scholarship programmes for students from marginalised communities such as Dalits and Musahars will continue, with added emphasis on ensuring inclusion. The government also announced that scholarships in medical education would prioritise students from disadvantaged and remote regions.

In addition, universities will be funded based on assessed need, with non-compliant institutions facing cuts in government subsidies.

This year’s education budget marks a modest increase from the Rs 203.66 billion allocated to the sector in the current fiscal year.