Bihar plans to launch Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree courses in senior secondary schools across 213 blocks lacking colleges. Classes are scheduled to start by July 2026 . This expansion aims to improve higher education access, particularly for girls, under the Saat Nischay-3 program. The state plans degree colleges in all 534 blocks, with initial phases utilizing existing school infrastructure.
Concerns Over Infrastructure and Staffing
The initiative faces significant challenges regarding teacher availability and physical space. School teachers, unaware of official notifications, express worries about overcrowding. Many schools lack adequate rooms and science laboratories required for undergraduate programs.
One teacher cited the example of Barauli block, where schools are under-resourced. “Some schools have land and space, but many do not,” a teacher stated. “In several upgraded plus-two schools, there is only one lab. At least eight rooms are required in a school up to Class 12, apart from separate labs for science subjects.”
Faculty shortages are a primary concern for higher education. “There are few teachers. How will they deal with that in three or four months? The government has not said anything,” commented Vineet Lal, an assistant professor of political science. He anticipates the rollout may prioritize humanities courses due to lower infrastructure demands.
Universities already grapple with vacant positions. Existing colleges rely on visiting faculty. Recruiting professors for new institutions without addressing current vacancies presents a significant hurdle.
Implementation Challenges
Teachers report a severe shortage of science educators in higher secondary sections. “There are schools where students are admitted in science in Classes 11 and 12 but there is not a single teacher to teach science,” one teacher said. This situation leads to underutilization of facilities like Atal Tinkering Labs, with instruments lying unused due to a lack of trained staff.
Student Bala Jee expressed skepticism about the project’s feasibility. “Schools and colleges do not have basic facilities. They announce things just for the sake of announcing,” he said. He pointed to the delayed implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), noting a lack of available textbooks and closed college libraries.
Basic amenities like sanitation staff are also lacking in many schools. “Most schools do not have sweepers or cleaners. These are basic things that need attention before expanding degree courses,” Jee added.
The government describes the use of school facilities as an “interim measure” while permanent campuses are developed. The plan is to offer BA and BSc degrees, beginning in July 2026.