This paper examines the gap between budget allocations and actual expenditure in India’s school education sector. It analyses major government schemes, including Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, PM POSHAN, STARS and DHRUV, along with institutions such as KVS, NVS, ATL and NCERT. Using secondary data from Union Budget documents, Ministry of Education reports, Demand for Grants and other official sources, the study looks at budget trends, expenditure patterns and implementation gaps. The findings suggest that budgetary allocations alone do not determine educational outcomes, as delays in fund utilisation, administrative challenges, implementation capacity and monitoring also influence how effectively resources reach schools and students. The paper concludes by suggesting measures to improve financial management, implementation, accountability and outcome-based planning in India’s school education system.

Excerpt This study examines the persistent gap between budget allocation and actual expenditure in the Indian school education system during 2018-19 to 2023-24. Using secondary data from official government sources, the study applies trend, comparative, descriptive, percentage, ranking, and graphical analyses to assess fund utilization. The findings reveal that despite a significant increase in budget allocations, a persistent expenditure gap remains, with the COVID-19 period recording the highest gap and notable regional disparities in fund utilization. The study emphasizes the need for improved financial governance, efficient fund utilization, and stronger administrative mechanisms to support quality education and evidence-based policymaking in alignment with SDG 4 and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Public expenditure has improved educational infrastructure and welfare provisions, but student experiences reveal gaps in maintenance, teacher engagement, welfare delivery, and digital access. The study finds that effective implementation, rather than investment alone, shapes meaningful educational outcomes.