Patna: The Bihar government has announced a series of major initiatives aimed at transforming the state’s education system, expanding access to higher education and improving the quality of teaching and examinations.
The measures include facilitating the establishment of private universities, reviving Vikramshila University, setting up a dedicated Teacher Training University and Women’s University, launching a PhD fellowship for female students, promoting AI-based education and exploring campuses of leading national institutions in Bihar.
The government has also announced committees to recommend reforms in recruitment and competitive examinations and to address concerns related to the appointment of assistant professors.
Private universities to be established in Bihar
One of the key decisions is the Private Universities Amendment Bill, 2026, which aims to make it easier to establish private universities in the state. The move is intended to provide more higher education opportunities within Bihar and reduce the number of students leaving the state for education.
Five universities are proposed under the initiative:
- Himalayan University: Originally established in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, in 2013, the UGC-recognised university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, PhD, BTech, MTech, BBA and B.Ed programmes, among others. Its Bihar campus is proposed in Patna.
- Shanja University: A university is proposed in Madhubani, with courses including MBBS, nursing and B.Ed.
- B.G. University: The university is proposed to be established in Siwan.
- S.A. University: The university is being established by S.A. Foundation in Ashok Nagar, Nawada.
- Seetiyog University: The university is proposed at Jasoia Mor in Aurangabad through the Seetiyog Institute of Technology. It is expected to offer programmes in engineering, management, journalism, agriculture and other technical fields.
Vikramshila University to be revived
The government has decided to revive the historic Vikramshila University in Bhagalpur’s Kahalgaon, along the lines of efforts to restore the stature of Nalanda University.
Vikramshila was a major centre of Buddhist learning, particularly associated with the Vajrayana tradition, and was established during the reign of Pala ruler Dharmapala.
The historic university site now lies in ruins. The government has approved 220 acres of land for the proposed revival of Vikramshila University.
Dedicated Teacher Training University
With around seven lakh government teachers in Bihar, the state plans to establish a dedicated Teacher Training University.
The institution will focus on regular training, capacity building and modern teaching methods, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-based teaching tools.
Women’s University planned
The government will also establish a dedicated Women’s University to improve access to higher education for women.
The proposed institution will admit only female students. The vice-chancellor, professors, teachers and administrative officials will also be women, according to the plan.
Rs 55 crore PhD fellowship for female students
The government has announced the Mukhyamantri Balika PhD Fellowship Scheme to encourage women to pursue doctoral studies and research.
Under the scheme, 1,000 selected female students will receive financial assistance every year. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 10,000 per month for four years, amounting to around Rs 4.8 lakh per student over the full period.
The scheme will have a proposed budget of Rs 55 crore.
AI and digital education to get a boost
The Bihar government has also entered into an agreement with Google to promote the use of modern technology in education.
The initiative is expected to support AI-based learning from school education through higher education. Teachers will receive training in AI and modern digital tools, while AI labs will be established in selected schools.
Bihar may get a BHU campus
Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari has announced that the state government will hold discussions with the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) administration and the Central government regarding the establishment of a BHU campus in Bihar.
If the proposal is approved, the Bihar government has indicated that it is prepared to provide land and other necessary facilities.
A BHU campus could expand opportunities for students in areas such as research, engineering, medicine and social sciences without requiring them to leave the state.
NSD campus proposed in Bihar
The government has also received in-principle support for establishing a campus of the National School of Drama (NSD) in Bihar.
The proposed campus would provide national-level training in theatre and acting and could create opportunities for Bihar’s young artists in theatre and the film industry. The initiative is also expected to improve access to scholarships and professional platforms for aspiring artists.
Three committees announced for education reforms
The government has announced three committees to address key issues affecting examinations, student grievances and faculty recruitment.
Examination Reform Committee
A committee has been formed to recommend reforms in the system of government recruitment and competitive examinations following allegations of irregularities in examinations conducted by various commissions.
The committee is headed by Patna High Court judge Harish Kumar.
It will examine measures to prevent paper leaks and strengthen transparency and security in examinations. Its areas of consideration include question paper printing and distribution, digital monitoring, biometric verification and the development of standard operating procedures for agencies such as the BPSC, BSSC and BCECEB.
Special assistance camps for students
The government has also decided to organise special assistance camps to identify and resolve students’ problems related to education.
The camps will provide students with an opportunity to raise their concerns, submit suggestions and contribute to the formulation of policies aimed at improving the education system.
Committee on assistant professor recruitment
A high-level committee has been constituted to recommend changes to the recruitment process for assistant professors in universities.
The decision follows student protests over assistant professor recruitment.
The committee will examine issues including age limits, eligibility criteria, the format of examinations and interviews, the relative weightage of different selection parameters, guest lecturer-related issues and other aspects of the recruitment process.
The government expects the combined measures to expand higher education opportunities within Bihar while improving teacher training, research, digital learning, examination systems and faculty recruitment.
