Patna: The Bihar Higher Education Department has mandated that all government and private universities, along with their affiliated colleges, publicly share detailed information on their official websites. This includes faculty profiles, courses offered, fee structures, admission procedures, academic and examination calendars, and institutional regulations. The move follows University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines designed to protect students from misleading or incomplete information.
Strict compliance with UGC standards is now compulsory. Institutions failing to adhere to these rules may face financial penalties or even the withdrawal of their affiliation. Officials said the initiative aims to provide students with accurate information, ensure courses are completed on time, and prevent universities and colleges from charging fees beyond the prescribed limits.
Under the National Education Policy 2020, the UGC had already urged all states to ensure transparency in higher education institutions. Bihar has now acted decisively, requiring universities and colleges to publish their statutes, annual budgets, audited accounts, and details of UGC grants online. Governing bodies, their members, and decision-making processes must also be made public, along with the profiles of key officials, teaching staff qualifications, and departmental structures.
Institutions are further required to share information on research, consultancy, MoUs, incubation centers, startup initiatives, student organisations, and extracurricular activities including NCC, NSS, sports, and hostels. Details on grievance redressal mechanisms, anti-ragging committees, equity measures, facilities for differently-abled students, and alumni associations must also be available. Admission prospectuses, course-wise fee structures, and refund policies are required to be clear and accessible.
The Higher Education Department stated that these measures will enhance transparency, build student confidence, and foster a more accountable and efficient higher education system in Bihar.
