Patna: Bihar is set to witness a major expansion of its higher education network with the launch of 211 new government degree colleges across the state’s blocks from July 1, under the fourth component of the government’s Saat Nishchay-3 (2025-30) programme.
The colleges will begin functioning with the start of the 2026-30 academic session, marking one of the largest higher education infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the state in recent years.
Preparations for the rollout were reviewed on Tuesday during a high-level meeting jointly chaired by Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor Deepak Kumar Singh.
The meeting, held via video conference, was attended by divisional commissioners, district magistrates, vice-chancellors and senior officials from the Higher Education Department.
More Than 57,000 Applications Received
Officials informed the meeting that 57,421 applications have already been received for admissions to the new colleges.
Among the six subjects being introduced in the first phase, Hindi and History have attracted the highest number of applicants, with 25,790 and 17,105 applications respectively.
Munger University recorded the largest share of applications among participating universities, receiving 31,218 applications.
All 211 institutions will operate under the name “Rajkiya Degree Mahavidyalaya” followed by the name of the respective block.
Initially, teaching will be offered in six core disciplines: Hindi, English, Economics, History, Political Science and Sociology.
Funding Approved For Infrastructure And Operations
The state government has sanctioned funds to ensure the smooth functioning of the colleges before the academic session begins.
According to officials, each college will receive Rs 30 lakh through the respective universities for furniture, equipment, stationery and other academic requirements.
An additional Rs 20 lakh per college has been sanctioned through district administrations for renovation and infrastructure improvements at the temporary campuses, which will initially operate from selected school premises.
The list of schools identified to host the colleges has already been finalised and shared with the government.
Chief Secretary Issues Strict Deadlines
During the review meeting, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit directed district administrations to ensure that all facilities are in place before June 30.
He said there would be no compromise on student amenities or the quality of infrastructure being developed.
Districts have been instructed to ensure the availability of electricity, drinking water, toilets, drainage systems, blackboards, desks, computers and water coolers by the end of June.
Special measures have also been ordered in areas vulnerable to flooding or waterlogging.
Each college will be placed under the supervision of an officer of Additional District Magistrate rank, while district-level procurement and implementation committees will be established to expedite local decision-making.
District magistrates have been directed to hold review meetings with principals by June 5 and ensure the deployment of security personnel by June 15 until permanent arrangements are made.
Pink Bus Expansion And Welcome Programme
The state government also plans to organise a “Pravesh Utsav” in all colleges on the first day of the academic session to welcome new students.
In a move aimed at improving access and safety for female students, the government will simultaneously expand its Pink Bus service from July 1.
Officials said the transport initiative is intended to encourage greater participation of women in higher education.
Permanent Campuses Planned
Alongside the temporary arrangements, district administrations have been directed to identify land for permanent campuses.
The government has stipulated a minimum requirement of 2.5 acres in urban areas and five acres in rural locations. The land must be free from disputes and encroachments and should have all-weather road connectivity.
Officials said colleges may be named after individuals or institutions that donate land for their permanent campuses.
The Chief Secretary is scheduled to chair another statewide review meeting on June 30 to assess preparedness and ensure that all colleges are ready to begin classes on schedule.
