ANNEXURE-I

The Ministry of Education reports that central allocation for the Department of Higher Education rose from Rs 34,006.39 crore in 2021‑22 to Rs 50,747.66 crore in 2025‑26. Under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) – re‑branded as PM‑USHA – an outlay of Rs 12,926.10 crore has been approved for 2023‑24 to 2025‑26 to fund underserved districts, with funds released to states based on utilization performance. The scheme prioritises focus districts identified on low enrolment and social indicators and supports infrastructure, online learning, smart classrooms and research facilities. The 2025‑26 budget also approved Rs 11,828.79 crore for research parks at five new IITs, and the 2026‑27 budget proposes five university townships and a girls’ hostel in every district.