Patna: The rapid growth of educational technology has transformed the way people learn. Online classes, digital resources and flexible study options have become increasingly popular among young learners. However, in Bihar, distance education has recently undergone a major shift following changes in national regulations.For decades, distance education centres attached to universities such as Patna University, B R Ambedkar Bihar University, L N Mithila University, Jai Prakash University and Magadh University provided opportunities to thousands of students who could not pursue conventional campus-based education. Many working professionals, women, rural students and those facing financial constraints relied on these institutions to continue their studies and improve their career prospects.
However, recent University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines permit only universities accredited with an A grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to operate distance education centres. As a result, admissions to distance education programmes run by these Bihar universities have come to a halt.
The closure of these centres has created a gap, but it has not ended opportunities for flexible learning. Two institutions — Nalanda Open University (NOU) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) — continue to play a crucial role in expanding access to higher education across the state.
Since its establishment in 1991, the Patna regional centre of IGNOU has emerged as one of the most important centres of open and distance learning in Bihar. Along with regional centres at Darbhanga, Saharsa and Bhagalpur, it serves a large number of learners every year. The university offers more than 300 programmes, ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate degrees to diploma and certificate courses.
Popular programmes include BA, BSc and BCom at the undergraduate level, and MBA, MCA, MSc and MA courses at the postgraduate level. IGNOU also reaches groups that are often left out of mainstream education, including prisoners, people living in remote areas, persons with disabilities, military personnel and members of marginalised communities.
Nalanda Open University, one of the country’s oldest state open universities, continues to provide another important avenue for higher education. The university is preparing to begin admissions for the 2026-27 academic session across a wide range of programmes, including postgraduate, undergraduate, professional, diploma and certificate courses.
According to vice-chancellor Ravindra Kumar, the university is also introducing postgraduate courses in English and Maithili in response to growing student demand. Kumar said the institution maintains a regular academic calendar, with examinations and results being conducted on schedule.
NOU is also considering opening a branch office in Patna to make its services more accessible. Some university examinations may also be conducted in the state capital in future.
At a time when higher education is becoming increasingly flexible and technology-driven, institutions such as IGNOU and NOU are ensuring that learning remains accessible to those who cannot follow the traditional path. Their continued expansion underlines an important reality – education need not be confined to the classroom to change lives.
