PPU to establish 16 new degree colleges

Patna: Patliputra University (PPU) plans to establish 16 new degree colleges at the block level across Patna and Nalanda districts to expand access to higher education in rural areas. The initiative aims to make higher education more accessible for rural boys and girls, who often face difficulties travelling to cities to pursue their academic aspirations.

According to the PPU VC Upendra Prasad Singh, while nine of the proposed colleges will be opened in Nalanda district, seven will be set up in Patna district. “The decision has been taken in line with guidelines issued by the state govt to strengthen higher education infrastructure in underserved areas,” he said.


Under the plan, the new colleges will offer teaching in 16 subjects. “However, in the first phase beginning from the next academic session in July 2026, classes will start in six core subjects such as history, political science, sociology, Hindi, English and economics,” the VC said.

PPU dean of students’ welfare (DSW) Rajeev Ranjan said the university estimates that each college will require one principal, 32 teachers and 12 non-teaching staff to run these institutions. “In the initial phase, however, the teaching requirement will be met through guest faculty appointments until permanent staff is recruited,” he said, adding that the colleges will initially function from the existing Intermediate school buildings at the block level to ensure that academic activities can begin without delay.

According to sources, the state govt is also planning a large recruitment drive in the higher education sector and is expected to appoint around 7,000 assistant professors and nearly 2,000 non-teaching staff in the coming years. These appointments are likely to support the expansion of universities and colleges across the state.

In addition, PPU currently has 26 constituent colleges and 55 affiliated BEd colleges spread across Patna and Nalanda districts. “The new block-level colleges will significantly improve the gross enrolment ratio in higher education and open new opportunities for students from rural backgrounds,” PPU registrar Abu Bakar said, adding that the university is also working out a plan to introduce degree-level vocational courses in these proposed colleges.