Bihar to Launch 213 New Degree Colleges from July 2026 to Boost Rural Higher Education Access

In a major push to expand higher education access and improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), the Bihar government will roll out 213 new degree colleges from the 2026–27 academic session under the ‘Unnat Shiksha, Ujjwal Bhavishya’ initiative. The move, part of the broader Saat Nishchay-3 programme, is aimed at bringing college education closer to students in underserved and rural blocks—particularly benefiting girls who often face mobility and access barriers.

According to state higher education director Navin Kumar Agrawal, the first phase will see colleges established in 213 blocks that currently lack any constituent or affiliated degree institutions. “The long-term vision is to ensure that each of Bihar’s 534 blocks has access to a degree college,” he said, highlighting the state’s strategy to decentralise higher education.

Key districts identified for the rollout include Patna, Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Rohtas, and Saran. To fast-track implementation, the government has identified 208 existing buildings—mostly higher secondary schools—to host these colleges initially, with district magistrates overseeing infrastructure readiness.

Academic sessions are set to begin in July 2026, with courses initially offered in six core arts subjects: Hindi, English, Sociology, Political Science, Economics, and History. Since permanent faculty recruitment through the Bihar State University Service Commission may take time, teachers from nearby colleges will be temporarily deputed to ensure classes commence on schedule.

Alongside expansion, the state is also focusing on quality enhancement. A total of 55 established institutions will be upgraded into Centres of Excellence, aimed at promoting employment-oriented education and strengthening academic standards.

The initiative marks a significant step toward bridging educational gaps in Bihar, particularly in rural regions where access to higher education has historically remained limited. By combining infrastructure expansion with academic upgrades, the state aims to create a more inclusive and future-ready education ecosystem.