Patna: Bihar is preparing a major upgrade of technical education, with the government planning to combine foreign-language training, emerging technology courses, stronger research funding and industry-oriented skill development.
Students enrolled in the state’s 38 government engineering colleges and 46 polytechnic institutes are set to receive training in German, French and Japanese. The initiative is aimed at improving their access to employment and further education opportunities abroad.
Research Fund May Increase 10 Times
The government has prepared a proposal to increase the research fund available to government engineering colleges and polytechnic institutions from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 30 lakh.
The proposal will be sent to the Cabinet after receiving approval from the Finance Department.
Science, Technology and Technical Education Minister Sheela Kumari announced the proposed changes after a review meeting with principals of polytechnic institutes on Saturday.
The higher research allocation is expected to provide institutions with greater scope to undertake projects in emerging areas and strengthen research infrastructure.
AI, Robotics And Semiconductors In Focus
The state plans to expand research and training in artificial intelligence, data science, GIS, robotics, semiconductors and green energy.
A detailed action plan has been prepared for the 2026-27 academic session, covering research, infrastructure development and new courses.
The focus is on aligning technical education with emerging technologies and the changing requirements of industry.
Foreign Languages To Support Global Opportunities
The planned German, French and Japanese language courses are intended to give students an additional skill alongside their technical qualifications.
The government wants students from engineering and polytechnic institutions to be better prepared for international employment opportunities and exposure to global industries.
Students will also be provided with exposure visits, giving them opportunities to learn about developments in technology, education and industry.
98% Admission Target Achieved
The department said engineering colleges and polytechnic institutions achieved around 98% of their targeted admissions in the current academic session.
Quality accreditation is also being expanded. Twenty programmes across 11 government polytechnic institutes have already received accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).
The NBA assessment process is currently underway for 42 programmes across 32 polytechnic institutions.
The exercise is aimed at improving academic standards and strengthening the quality and recognition of technical programmes.
Google And Microsoft Partnerships Planned
The government is also preparing to sign MoUs with Google and Microsoft to strengthen the capabilities of teachers in technical institutions.
Teachers are expected to receive AI-focused training, while Microsoft’s support will be used for developing AI-based courses.
The proposed collaborations are intended to increase the use of modern technology in classrooms and help faculty members build expertise in emerging fields.
Two Specialised Universities In The Pipeline
Bihar has completed the process for establishing two specialised universities.
The proposed institutions are the Shaheed Jubba Sahni Architectural and Civil University in Muzaffarpur and the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University of Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science in Bhagalpur.
The universities are expected to expand opportunities for specialised education in architecture, civil engineering, artificial intelligence and computer science.
New Planetariums Proposed
The state has also sent proposals to the Centre for establishing planetariums in Purnia, Motihari and Jamui.
Other areas receiving attention include remote sensing, biotechnology, nanotechnology and space policy.
These initiatives are part of the state’s broader effort to strengthen scientific and technological capabilities.
Hostel Support For Students
The government also plans to address accommodation shortages in polytechnic institutions.
Where hostels are unavailable, authorities will arrange accommodation by renting suitable buildings for students.
The department is also preparing to recruit young professionals through BELTRON to strengthen human resources in technical institutions.
Focus On Better Placements
The department said Madhubani Polytechnic achieved 100% placement for its students.
The government now plans to improve placement performance at other institutions through a mission-mode approach.
The wider technical education strategy is aimed at connecting students with better employment prospects, international opportunities and emerging technology sectors.
With foreign-language training, a proposed 10-fold increase in research funding, AI-focused education and industry-linked faculty development, Bihar is seeking to make its technical education system more closely aligned with the demands of a rapidly changing global job market.
