Education and Health in Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Education in Bihar

• Bihar has a rich history of leading in education and research, dating back to ancient times when renowned universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila, and Odantapuri were established. These institutions attracted students from various countries who came to study subjects such as philosophy, astronomy, religious studies, mathematics, and sciences.
• In the medieval period, the traditional system of institutional education began in Bihar, offering education to all classes of society based on their interests. Persian was the primary medium of education, although some institutions taught in Sanskrit. During this time, Azimabad (now Patna) became a significant center for Persian education.
• The introduction of Western education in Bihar started in 1835 when Lord Macaulay announced financial support from the British Government for institutions providing English or Western education. This led to the establishment of various schools across Bihar, including in Purnea, Bihar Sharif, and Bhagalpur.
• The 19th century also saw advancements in women’s education in Bihar. A modern girls’ school was founded in 1866 by Bengali individuals, followed by the establishment of a girls’ school in Patna by Chief Justice Girish Chandra Ghosh and Mackindle, the Principal of Patna College.

Present Scenario

• As per the Census 2011, Bihar's overall literacy rate was 61.8%, with 71.2% literacy among males and 51.5% among females.
• The state has made significant progress in improving its literacy rates, with districts like Rohtas achieving the highest literacy rate of 73.37%, while Purnea recorded the lowest at 52.49%.
• Government Initiatives : The Bihar government has implemented various programs to enhance education, such as the Bihar Education Project and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, aimed at increasing enrollment and retention rates in schools.
• Health Infrastructure : There has been a noticeable improvement in health infrastructure, with the establishment of new hospitals, clinics, and health centers across the state. The government is also focusing on upgrading existing facilities and ensuring better access to healthcare services, especially in rural areas.
• Health Programs : The state has launched several health initiatives, including immunization drives, maternal and child health programs, and awareness campaigns about diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. These programs aim to improve overall health indicators and provide better healthcare to the population.
• Literacy Campaigns : To further boost literacy, the government and various NGOs are conducting literacy campaigns targeting specific groups, including women and marginalized communities. These campaigns focus on adult education and skill development to enhance employability and self-sufficiency.
• Technological Integration : The integration of technology in education and health sectors is being encouraged. Smart classrooms, online learning platforms, and telemedicine services are being promoted to enhance the quality and accessibility of education and healthcare.

Historical Background of Education in Bihar

• Patna College, founded in 1863, holds the distinction of being the oldest college in Bihar. BN College, initially established as a high school by Bisheshwar Singh in 1883, was elevated to a second-grade college in 1889. 
• BNR Teacher Training College was set up in 1909 by Sayyed Nawab Rizwi. The establishment of Patna University on October 1, 1917, significantly boosted higher education in Bihar.

Primary and Elementary Education in Bihar

• Pre-1976 Structure: Before 1976, primary schools in Bihar had different administrative structures based on their location:
• Urban Areas: Primary schools were managed by the Municipal Corporation, Municipality, and notified areas.
• Rural Areas: Schools were under the District Council of Primary Schools.
• Current Structure: Most elementary schools in Bihar are governed by the Bihar State Secondary Education Board. Inter-level colleges and schools fall under the Bihar Intermediate Education Council.

Examinations:

• Elementary Schools: Examinations are conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board.
• Inter-Level Colleges: Examinations are overseen by the Bihar Intermediate Education Council.

School Distribution: According to the Economic Survey of 2018-19:

• Highest Number of Schools: East Champaran (3486), Patna (3366), and Muzaffarpur (3359).
• Lowest Number of Schools: Sheohar (417), Arwal (526), and Sheikhpura (581).
• Number of Schools: Bihar has 42,825 primary schools and 30,156 upper primary schools.
• Conversion of Schools: In 2013-14, the State Government initiated the conversion of elementary schools into higher secondary schools.

Women's Empowerment Initiatives

• Meena Manch: This initiative was established in Bihar to empower women and girls.
• Hunar Project: Launched in 2008-09 by the Bihar Education Project Council in collaboration with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), this project aims to provide vocational education to minority girls. Each trained girl receives ₹2,500 for toolkits under the tool scheme.

Educational Institutions and Programs

• Simultala Residential School: Inspired by the Netarhat Residential School in Jharkhand, this school was established in Jamui district on August 9, 2010, to provide quality education to students.
• Saakshar Bharat Programme: Initially launched in 2010 in Begusarai, Khagaria, and Bhojpur districts, this programme aimed at promoting literacy was expanded to the entire state of Bihar in 2011.
• Distance Education Programme: To encourage school education, the Bihar Board of Open Schooling and Examination (BBOSE) was set up in February 2011.

Financial Support for Students

• Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme: Launched in 2016, this scheme provides a loan of ₹4 lakh to poor students who have completed their +12 level and wish to pursue higher studies.
• Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana: Introduced in April 2018, this scheme covers all expenses for a girl child's education from birth to graduation.

Higher Education in Bihar

• Bihar is home to several graduate and post-graduate universities and colleges, including Patna University, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Muzaffarpur, and Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University. 
• These institutions offer a range of higher education opportunities to students in the state.

Patna University

• Established on October 1, 1917, Patna University is the oldest and most prestigious university in Bihar.
• Originally part of the University of Calcutta, it became an independent university during the British Raj.

Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University

• Founded on January 2, 1952, as Bihar University, it was renamed in 1992 to honor Babasaheb Ambedkar.
• The university was initially divided into three separate universities in 1960, including Ranchi University, Bhagalpur University, and Bihar University in Muzaffarpur.
• Further divisions led to the establishment of Magadh University in 1962 and Jai Prakash University in 1973.

Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University

• Established on July 12, 1960, in Bhagalpur district, the university is named after the revolutionary Tilka Manjhi.
• It is recognized as a premier institution for higher education in Bihar, offering various undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Nalanda Open University

• Nalanda Open University was set up in Patna, Bihar, in March 1987, following an ordinance by the Bihar government.
• In 1995, the Bihar Legislature passed the Nalanda Open University Act, which replaced the ordinance and brought the university under the new law.
• The university is named after the ancient Nalanda University and is the only institution in Bihar dedicated to distance education.

Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU)

• Established in 2010 and located in Patna, Bihar, AKU was created by the Bihar government to develop and manage educational infrastructure for technical, medical, management, and professional education in the state.
• The university aims to enhance professional education standards in Bihar by improving course offerings, infrastructure, and faculty quality.

Other Major Universities in Bihar

Technical Education in Bihar

The State Board of Technical Education was established in Bihar on May 31, 1955, in Patna. Here are some important technical institutions in Bihar:

National Institute of Technology (NIT)

• Originally known as the Bihar School of Engineering and Bihar College of Engineering, it was renamed the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in 2004 by the Central Government.
• Located in Patna, NIT is primarily a residential institute offering undergraduate programs in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineering, and Architecture.
• The institute also offers postgraduate programs in Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)

• Established in Patna in 2008 by the Central Government, IIT Patna is located 25 km from the city.
• The institute offers programs in Electrical, Mechanical, and Computer Science Engineering.
• IIT Patna was the first among the new IITs to start a Ph.D. program and the first in the IIT system to offer a M.Tech program in Nanotechnology.

Important Colleges and Educational Centres in Bihar

Fine Arts University/College

• Government College of Arts and Craft, Patna
• Faculty of Fine Arts and Craft University, Patna

Engineering Colleges

• Darbhanga College of Engineering, Darbhanga
• Gaya College of Engineering, Gaya
• Nalanda College of Engineering, Chandi (Nalanda)
• Muzaffarpur Institute of Technology, Muzaffarpur
• Bhagalpur College of Engineering, Bhagalpur

Educational Institutions for Special Groups in Bihar

• Madarsa Islamic Shamshulhuda
• Xaviers Fine Safety Academy, SK Puri
• Deaf and Dumb Vidyalaya
• Patna Blind School
• Kadammkuna, Patna
• Balika Vidyapeeth
• Lakhisarai
• Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir
• Bihar Rashtriya Bhasha Parishad
• Painting and Statue Art School
• Research Institute of Prakrit, Jainology and Ahimsa
• Vaishali

Research Institutes in Bihar

• Rajendra Memorial Medical Research Institute, Agamkua, Patna
• Bihar Research Institute
• Dr. AN Sinha Research Institute
• TB Demonstration and Training Center
• Central Fuel Research Institute
• Krishi Anusandhan Kendra
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences
• Fruit Research Institute, Sabour, Bhagalpur
• Darbhanga Research Institute
• Litchi Research Institute
• Pulses Research Centre, Mokama

Important Libraries in Bihar

Important Education Research Institutes in Bihar

Polytechnic Colleges in Bihar

In the state of Bihar, polytechnic colleges provide technical education and vocational training in various specialized fields. These institutions play a crucial role in fostering self-employment among the youth. Here is a list of polytechnic colleges and engineering schools in Bihar where students can pursue Diploma Engineering: