Patna: All government schools in Bihar — from primary to plus-two institutions — will now function under a uniform timetable, the state education department has announced. The standardised schedule will also apply to Sanskrit schools and madrasas.
According to the new model timetable, issued with the signature of Sajjan R, Director of Secondary Education, all institutions will operate from 9:30am to 4pm. The school day will begin with an assembly at 9:30am, followed by eight academic periods running from 10am to 4pm. Lunch will be held between 12pm and 12:40pm.
The assembly will include prayer, the singing of Bihari songs and general knowledge or news-reading sessions. Teachers have been instructed to check students’ uniforms, grooming and hygiene during this time. Loudspeakers will be mandatory for the national anthem before dismissal.
The timetable sets out eight teaching “bells”:
- 10:00–10:40am
- 10:40–11:20am
- 11:20am–12:00pm
- 12:40–1:20pm
- 1:20–2:00pm
- 2:00–2:40pm
- 2:40–3:20pm
- 3:20–4:00pm
Officials say the structure is intended to bring consistency to government schools and ensure classroom hours are fully utilised.
The model schedule also mandates at least one period each day for co-curricular activities such as sports, music, dance or painting. These slots will be staggered so that not all classes engage in the same activity at the same time.
The education department said the uniform timetable is aimed at improving discipline, attendance and the overall learning environment across government-run institutions.
