Patna: The Bihar government is planning to expand free JEE and NEET coaching to all 155 model schools across the state, while introducing several other measures aimed at improving education, skill development and employment opportunities for students and young people.
The government has taken around 10 major decisions related to education reforms in recent days, including changes in examination systems, expanded model schools, extended online learning support, AI and drone training for youth, and the extension of the Student Credit Card scheme.
The moves come amid growing student-related protests in Bihar and demonstrations in other parts of the country. The government is also facing demands from students, researchers and job aspirants over recruitment examinations, vacancies and transparency in competitive examinations.
Free JEE and NEET coaching to expand
The government launched the Bihar School Live Classes programme along with free JEE and NEET coaching at 10 model schools in Patna in July.
The programme is now proposed to be expanded to all 155 model schools in the state, providing students with access to preparation for major competitive examinations without having to depend entirely on private coaching.
A separate plan is also expected to be prepared within a month to provide skill-based training to students from Classes 6 to 12.
10 major education-related decisions
1. State-level committee for school reforms
A state-level committee is being constituted to develop schools as Centres of Excellence and improve the quality of education.
2. Examination reforms and use of AI
A special committee is being formed to make board and competitive examinations more transparent. The government also plans to explore the use of artificial intelligence and modern technology to assess students’ capabilities.
3. Online learning support until 11 pm
From August 15, online learning and student support services will reportedly remain available until 11 pm, giving students access to academic assistance beyond regular school hours.
4. Student Welfare Directorate
The government plans to establish a Student Welfare Directorate to improve coordination among various student-focused schemes and initiatives.
5. Direct interaction camps
Special camps will be organised where elected representatives and government officials will visit schools and directly listen to students’ problems, suggestions and concerns.
6. Expansion of model schools
The government plans to increase the number of model schools in Bihar to 1,001.
It has also decided to start degree colleges in 211 blocks from July 15, 2026, with the stated objective of improving access to higher education in rural areas, particularly for female students.
7. AI, drone and other skill training
Under Saat Nischay-3, the government has extended the Kushal Yuva Programme from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
An allocation of Rs 430.08 crore has been approved for the programme. Young people will receive training in areas including AI, drone technology, solar technology, networking, digital marketing, banking, telecommunications, foreign languages and entrepreneurship.
According to the government, the programme is expected to create 6,436 employment opportunities and provide training to more than 2.57 lakh young people every year.
8. Free JEE and NEET coaching in model schools
The free JEE and NEET coaching programme, initially launched at 10 model schools in Patna, will be expanded to all 155 model schools.
The move is aimed at providing students with access to competitive-examination preparation through the state education system.
9. Changes proposed in BSSC examination system
The government is also looking to improve the functioning of the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC) amid longstanding concerns raised by candidates over examination transparency.
Issues raised by candidates have included questions over the availability of answer keys, scorecards, marks, question papers and OMR sheets, as well as allegations related to examination paper leaks.
The government has appointed retired officer Shobha Ahotkar as the new permanent chairperson of the BSSC. The administration is expected to introduce changes in the commission’s functioning under her leadership.
10. Student Credit Card scheme extended
The government has extended the Student Credit Card scheme for another five years. According to the details provided, around 4.15 lakh students have benefited from the scheme so far.
The government has approved Rs 950 crore for its continuation.
Are Bihar students heading towards a bigger movement?
Despite the government’s education initiatives, student groups continue to raise several demands.
At Gardani Bagh in Patna, members of the All PhD Holders and Research Scholars Association of Bihar have been protesting for more than a week. Some protesters are also observing a hunger strike.
Association coordinator Kumud Patel alleged that the government was not paying adequate attention to the concerns of research scholars. He said changes in the rules governing the recruitment of assistant professors had created concerns among candidates.
The protest site has banners calling for a larger movement and demanding accountability from recruitment bodies including the BPSC, BSSC and BPSSC.
Student leaders say preparations are also underway for a larger agitation.
Students raise recruitment demands
Student leader Dilip said protesters are preparing a strategy for a larger movement and listed several demands, including:
- Early release of advertisements for all vacant posts under TRE-4 through a single examination.
- Announcement of examination dates for BSSC Inter-Level and CGL-4 examinations.
- Announcement of the AEDO examination date.
- Early recruitment of librarians.
- Greater transparency in the recruitment of sub-inspectors.
The continuing protests indicate that while the Bihar government has announced a series of education and skill-development measures, concerns over recruitment examinations, vacancies and transparency remain unresolved.
The government’s latest initiatives could provide students with greater academic and career support, but whether they will ease discontent among job aspirants and student groups remains to be seen.
