Education Sector Allocated Rs77 Billion In Development Budget For FY2026-27
The federal government has earmarked Rs77 billion for the education sector in the proposed Budget 2026-27, with the majority of funds directed toward ongoing development projects rather than new initiatives. Budget documents reveal that allocations have been made for higher education, digital learning, technical education and skill development programmes, while only a handful of new projects have been included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
According to details obtained from budget documents, the total education sector development allocation stands at Rs77 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. Of this amount, Rs41.19 billion has been allocated to the Higher Education Commission (HEC), while Rs36 billion has been proposed for projects under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
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The allocation reflects the government’s strategy of prioritising the completion of existing projects rather than launching a large number of new schemes. Officials say this approach is aimed at ensuring that ongoing educational infrastructure and development programmes are completed on schedule and deliver intended benefits.
A significant portion of the higher education budget will be utilised for projects already in progress. The Higher Education Commission is expected to spend approximately Rs41 billion on 135 ongoing development schemes across the country. These projects include infrastructure expansion, academic development, research facilities and capacity-building initiatives at public universities and higher education institutions.
In contrast, funding for new higher education projects remains limited. Only three new HEC projects have been included in the PSDP, with a combined allocation of Rs300 million. Among these projects are the establishment of a university in Upper Chitral and the provision of transport facilities for Nusrat Bhutto University in Sukkur.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has also received funding for two new projects. A total of Rs1.2 billion has been allocated, with Rs600 million earmarked for digital learning initiatives and another Rs600 million reserved for the implementation of the Matriculation Tech project. These programmes are intended to strengthen technology-based learning and modernise educational delivery systems.
Beyond the new schemes, the ministry will spend approximately Rs34.8 billion on 31 ongoing projects already under implementation. These include infrastructure development, educational reforms and programmes designed to improve access to quality education.
One of the major initiatives included in the budget is the expansion of the Danish Schools network. The government plans to establish new Danish schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral and Sindh. An allocation of Rs4.60 billion has been proposed for these schools during the next financial year, reflecting efforts to improve educational opportunities in underserved and remote regions.
Skill development and youth empowerment programmes have also received substantial funding. The Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme has been allocated Rs3.29 billion to enhance vocational training and employment opportunities for young people. In addition, Rs2.61 billion has been earmarked for broader skill development initiatives aimed at equipping the workforce with industry-relevant skills.
The government has also proposed an allocation of Rs3 billion for the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund, which supports students through scholarships and educational assistance programmes.
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