The Union government has stated that the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) will be extended until March 31, 2026, to encourage state-run Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to improve their overall educational standards.

RUSA, which was introduced in 2013, was critical in enhancing the educational ecosystem at state institutes. The scheme’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) increased from 19.4 percent in 2013 to 25.2 percent in 2018, according to an independent performance review done by IIT Bombay in 2017. In state government HEIs, the teacher-to-student ratio also expanded significantly.

Vivek Kumar Mishra, nodal officer of RUSA at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida informed that the extension of the RUSA plan through March 31, 2026, is an affirmative step, which will offer funding to state institutes. This will aid in the expansion of facilities, lab maintenance, and the acquisition of high-quality lab equipment.

The money is split into three sections: construction, maintenance, and new equipment purchases. He believes new campuses must be developed, and institutes that are short on funds must use the funds for better maintenance.