The Bihar government on Wednesday approved a proposal to convert around 300 private B.Ed institutions recognised by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) into multidisciplinary degree colleges.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The Higher Education Department’s proposal is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and NCTE guidelines. “In accordance with the National Education Policy, 2020 and the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), the cabinet has approved the proposal to develop standalone private teacher education institutions (B.Ed) into multidisciplinary degree colleges,” it said.
Under the new framework, eligible teacher education institutions will be permitted to offer undergraduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce and other disciplines, along with vocational and skill-oriented programmes. The move is aimed at creating broader academic opportunities for students while promoting quality education, research, skill development and employability, reported PTI.
Choudhary said the initiative would allow students to pursue degree and vocational courses across multiple disciplines on the same campus, giving a boost to higher education and career-oriented learning in the state.
The Cabinet also approved the continuation and strengthening of the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme for the 2026-31 period. The programme, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education, has been extended for another five years, covering the financial years 2026-27 through 2030-31.
A budgetary allocation of Rs 950 crore has been earmarked for the scheme in 2026-27. The government expects the extended programme to improve access to higher education, increase enrolment and reduce financial barriers for students seeking further studies.
The Cabinet further approved the extension of the Kushal Yuva Programme until 2031 under the Saat Nischay-3 initiative. The programme will operate from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an approved allocation of Rs 430.08 crore.
Through the scheme, young people will receive training in emerging and industry-relevant areas, including Artificial Intelligence, drone technology, solar energy, networking, digital marketing, banking, telecommunications, foreign languages and entrepreneurship.
The programme is expected to generate 6,436 direct employment opportunities and provide training to more than 2.57 lakh young people every year.
The government said the expansion of the programme would help Bihar’s workforce adapt to changing employment trends driven by artificial intelligence, digital technologies and other emerging sectors. Training will focus on fields with strong job demand, new technologies, entrepreneurial opportunities and growing requirements within existing industries.
