Patna, Aug 13: The Bihar Cabinet has approved a proposal to enable around 300 NCTE-recognised private teacher education institutions to introduce undergraduate and skill-oriented programmes, marking a move towards expanding multidisciplinary higher education in the state.The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday.
Under the approved proposal, eligible private B.Ed institutions will be developed into multidisciplinary degree colleges and will be able to offer undergraduate courses in disciplines including Arts, Science and Commerce, along with other academic and skill-based programmes.The state government said the initiative is aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the guidelines of the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
The move is aimed at providing students with greater access to diverse academic and vocational programmes within the same institution. The government expects it to contribute to skill development, research, quality education and employment-oriented learning.The Cabinet also approved a new implementation framework for the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme for the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period, extending the programme for another five years.An allocation of Rs 950 crore has been made for the scheme in the financial year 2026-27.
The government said the initiative would help make financial assistance for higher education more accessible and reduce economic barriers faced by students.The scheme is also expected to encourage greater participation in higher education and help improve Bihar’s Gross Enrolment Ratio.In another decision focused on youth employment, the Cabinet approved the extension of the Kushal Yuva Programme from 2026-27 to 2030-31 under Saat Nischay-3.
The programme has been allocated Rs 430.08 crore and will provide training in areas such as artificial intelligence, drone technology, solar energy, networking, digital marketing, banking, telecommunications, foreign languages and entrepreneurship.The government said the programme is expected to train more than 2.57 lakh young people annually and directly generate 6,436 employment opportunities.
Officials said the training curriculum would increasingly focus on emerging technologies and sectors witnessing growing demand, while also addressing the skill requirements of existing industries and entrepreneurship.
The Cabinet decisions collectively underline the state’s focus on expanding access to higher education, strengthening financial support for students and equipping young people with skills suited to the changing employment market.
