India’s rapidly growing creator and digital media economy took center stage in the Union Budget 2026, as Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at aligning education with emerging creative and digital industries. The announcements are designed to prepare students for future-ready careers in storytelling, advanced media, and high-growth digital sectors.
Creator Labs Across Schools and Colleges
Under the new proposal, the Mumbai-based Indian Institute of Creative Technologies will support the establishment of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges across the country. The move is expected to introduce students to creative and technical skills at an early stage, helping them build globally competitive digital capabilities.
The initiative is also closely linked to strengthening India’s “Orange Economy”, which includes creative industries such as media, entertainment, and digital storytelling.
Focus on Storytelling and Digital Skills
In her budget address, Sitharaman emphasized the importance of nurturing creativity, storytelling, and advanced media skills alongside formal education. The government aims to develop a skilled workforce for fast-growing sectors such as animation, gaming, and visual effects, which are expected to play a significant role in India’s digital future.
Increased Investment in the AVGC Sector
The Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹250 crore for AVGC talent development, marking a strong push toward building a robust creative workforce. In addition, funding for the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR (NCoE AVGC-XR) has been doubled to ₹35 crore, up from ₹17 crore in the previous fiscal year.
Demand for 2 Million Professionals by 2030
Sitharaman noted that India’s AVGC sector is emerging as a global growth industry and is expected to require nearly 2 million professionals by 2030. The projection highlights the expanding opportunities for creators, digital artists, and media professionals in the coming decade.
Support for Indian Cinema
According to the budget documents, an allocation of ₹344.55 crore has been made for the promotion and preservation of Indian cinema through film festivals, new film productions, and documentary projects. An additional ₹344.55 crore has been earmarked to provide national and international platforms for showcasing Indian films and creative content.
Positioning India as a Global Digital Content Hub
Overall, the announcements in Budget 2026 signal a strategic effort to position India as a global hub for high-value digital content and creative talent. By introducing creator labs at the school and college level, the government aims to bridge the gap between education and the creative economy, opening new pathways for students in storytelling, technology, and digital innovation.
