Budget 2026: Ayurveda, Yoga get big boost as global interest grows

Ayurveda and Yoga received a major push in the Union Budget as global interest in traditional wellness systems continues to grow.

Presenting her ninth consecutive Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to train 1.5 lakh caregivers for wellness and yoga services. The government also proposed setting up three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda to strengthen education and research in the field.

In addition, the Budget outlines the establishment of 10 new allied health disciplines, including optometry, anaesthesia, applied psychology and behavioural health. The aim is to train one lakh Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) over the next five years.

Boost for Health, Education and Research

The Finance Minister also proposed three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs) and the upgrading of seven existing institutes. To strengthen medical research, the government plans to create a network of 1,000 accredited Indian clinical trials.

The Budget also includes plans to establish seven new institutes for Ayurveda and a new institute of design in the Northeast, aimed at boosting regional development.

Overall, the Budget places strong emphasis on wellness, healthcare skills, education and research, aligning India’s traditional strengths with growing global demand.