The Haryana government presented its annual Budget for 2026-27, with a clear emphasis on strengthening education, expanding artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, enhancing infrastructure and boosting research and skill development across the state. The total budget outlay stands at ₹2,23,658.17 crore, marking a 10.28 % increase over the revised estimates of the previous fiscal year.
Key Highlights
- Haryana boosts education allocation, unveils AI college and expands digital, research infrastructure statewide.
- Budget prioritises AI training, ICT labs, and higher education quality enhancement across Haryana.
Education Gets a Major Boost
The budget increased allocations across all levels of education. Elementary education received ₹10,855.48 crore, a 9.79 % rise, while secondary education was allotted ₹7,862.41 crore (up 11.98 %). Higher education saw ₹4,197.38 crore in funding, up 6.06 % from the prior year.
In a significant policy push, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the launch of an autonomous AI and Digital College — a first-of-its-kind institution where teaching, evaluation and personalised learning would be driven by AI systems. If successful, 10 more such colleges could be launched in the next academic year.
To foster innovation and research, the budget also proposed a ₹10 crore Higher Education Quality and Research Excellence Fund aimed at upgrading systems and laboratories in colleges and universities.
AI, Skill Development and Technology Integration
Under the Haryana AI Mission, an AI Sandbox has been established to identify use cases in agriculture, health, education and environmental services. An Innovation Challenge is planned for May 2026 to select top AI solutions for implementation by November.
The government reiterated its commitment to skill building, with plans to train 1 lakh youth in AI and related technologies, a move aimed at preparing the workforce for future job markets.
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Infrastructure and Support for Schools
Beyond AI, the budget includes ₹50 crore for upgrading ICT labs in over 1,065 government schools, and mandates playground development funds of ₹1 lakh each for 3,328 schools. Free education plus school supplies will be provided to 88,434 Bal Vatika-3 students across 8,600 primary schools.
Government’s Vision: Inclusive Growth and Future Readiness
Addressing the assembly, CM Saini described the budget as a visionary roadmap aimed at empowering students, youth, farmers and entrepreneurs, while aligning with Haryana’s long-term goal to become a $1 trillion economy by 2047. “We are equipping our young minds with skills for tomorrow, especially in AI and tech-driven sectors,” he said.
The budget’s blend of enhanced education spending, AI adoption, infrastructure investment and research funding reflects a broader shift toward a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy for Haryana.
