Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) welcomes the Union Budget 2025-26, which reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to skilling, employment, and innovation, particularly in the automotive and EV sectors. This budget prioritizes future-ready workforce development, ensuring India’s leadership in clean technology and advanced mobility solutions. A major highlight is the establishment of five National Centers of Excellence, leveraging global partnerships to enhance skilling and R&D. The ₹20,000 crore allocation for innovation will accelerate advancements in electric mobility, connected vehicles, and ADAS, benefiting both OEMs and component manufacturers. Additionally, ₹10,000 crore under the National Manufacturing Mission will strengthen clean tech manufacturing, supporting EV battery and solar panel production.
Skilling initiatives have received a major boost with:
- 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs fostering hands-on learning and innovation.
- PM Research Fellowships, offering 10,000 scholarships over five years, driving cutting-edge research in mobility and automation.
- Expanding five IITs and adding 6,500 seats to enhance access to technical education.
- 10,000 new medical seats this year (75,000 over five years) to support healthcare workforce development.
- ₹500 crore AI Centre of Excellence, integrating AI-driven mobility solutions into skilling and education.
Additionally, the Academic Bank of Credits’ budget has increased to ₹16 crore, streamlining digital learning pathways for skill enhancement. Broadband connectivity in all government secondary schools and new science centers will further bridge the digital divide and enhance skill-building opportunities. Union Budget 2024 places a strong emphasis on education and skilling, recognizing them as the foundation for India’s economic growth, particularly in new technologies and the mobility sector. By prioritizing skill development and research, the government is ensuring that India’s workforce is prepared for the demands of an evolving global economy. ASDC remains committed to aligning skilling programs with industry demands, ensuring a robust talent pipeline for automotive manufacturing, EVs, and emerging mobility solutions. This budget is a major step toward job creation, global competitiveness, and India’s leadership in sustainable mobility.