Patna: Bihar is preparing to overhaul vocational education in its universities and colleges by introducing industry-oriented courses, mandatory internships and skill-based training, with academic models from the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other leading institutions serving as the blueprint.
The initiative follows the implementation of revised undergraduate and postgraduate curricula aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, as well as the introduction of a uniform fee structure for higher education institutions from the current academic session.
Government Shifts Focus To Job-Oriented Education
The Bihar government and higher education authorities are now turning their attention to modernising vocational education to better equip students for an evolving global job market.
According to officials, the objective is to design courses that combine academic learning with practical skills and industry exposure, improving graduates’ employability.
An expert committee has been constituted under the direction of Governor and Chancellor Lt. Gen. (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain to examine course structures offered by national institutions, including the IIMs and other leading professional universities.
Expert Panel Studying National Models
Deepak Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor, said the process of revamping vocational education has begun following the rollout of NEP-based general degree programmes.
He said the expert committee is reviewing curricula from premier institutions to develop modern, industry-relevant programmes suited to the needs of students in Bihar.
Officials expect the new vocational courses to be finalised and introduced during the current academic session.
Mandatory Skill Training And Internships
The proposed reforms include making skill development, practical training and internships compulsory components of higher education.
The government intends for students to gain hands-on experience in industries and other institutions alongside classroom learning, with the aim of improving employment prospects after graduation.
The initiative builds on earlier decisions taken by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) encouraging universities to integrate skill-based education into mainstream academic programmes.
New Courses Under Consideration
Among the programmes proposed for introduction at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are:
- Blended Master of Business Administration (BMBA)
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Digital Science and Business Management
- Integrated Programme in Management (IPM)
- Data Science and Business Studies
- IT and Management Studies
According to officials, these courses are intended to prepare students for careers in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, management and data-driven industries.
Infrastructure And Skill Framework To Be Strengthened
The government is also planning to strengthen infrastructure in constituent colleges to support the new programmes.
Officials said institutions may be recognised as awarding bodies for skill development programmes, while new curricula will be aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
Officials claimed that the reforms are expected to integrate vocational education more closely with industry requirements while expanding opportunities for Bihar’s youth in both domestic and international job markets.
