Patna: The state govt has embarked on a major overhaul of higher education system, focusing on wider access, flexible learning, employability, digital education, research and inclusion in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.The state’s reform agenda came under the national spotlight at a two-day consultation on “Implementation of NEP 2020 – Strengthening State Systems through ABC, MEME, RPL & Inclusion” held at the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, on Aug 20 and 21.Representing Bihar, State Higher Education Council’s vice-chairman N K Agrawal outlined a series of initiatives aimed at reshaping the state’s higher education landscape. He highlighted efforts to operationalise the academic bank of credits (ABC), multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) and recognition of prior learning (RPL) — key components of the NEP’s push for greater flexibility and student mobility.A major thrust is the apprenticeship embedded degree programme (AEDP), under which students will combine classroom learning with workplace training and practical experience. The initiative aims to bridge the widening gap between academic qualifications and the skills demanded by employers.In a significant expansion of access, Agrawal said 211 new govt degree colleges had been established across Bihar, particularly in areas where students earlier had to travel long distances for higher education.The expansion is expected to benefit rural students with girls likely to gain substantially from institutions being brought closer to their communities.But the state’s reform pitch goes beyond simply adding colleges. Quality improvement, equal opportunity, inclusion, digital learning, research, innovation and employment-oriented education are being positioned as key priorities.Agrawal stressed that expansion must not be measured merely by the number of institutions created. The real challenge, he said, is to ensure every student receives accessible, inclusive, quality education aligned with future needs.He said the exchange of experiences and best practices among states would help accelerate NEP implementation with Bihar seeking to emerge as a significant contributor to the transformation of India’s higher education system.
