Kerala Budget 2026: Free degree education for arts, science students
Kerala just made a big move—students in government and government-aided arts and science colleges in the state will get their degree education for free.
Announced by Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal in the new ₹2 trillion budget, this step is part of a wider push to support young people and families.
The budget also boosts funding for social pensions and women's safety schemes.
Why does it matter?
Free degrees mean students won't have to stress about tuition fees, making higher education way more accessible—especially if money's tight at home.
Plus, the budget gives frontline workers like ASHA and Anganwadi staff a pay bump and adds insurance for schoolkids.
There's also fresh investment in public transport and rural jobs, aiming to create more opportunities across Kerala even with tight finances.
For students and young workers, this could open doors that were out of reach before.