Patna: Classes for the 2026-30 undergraduate session have begun at 16 newly opened Rajkiya Degree Colleges in Patna and Nalanda districts, but academic activities are being hampered by a shortage of teachers due to delays in faculty appointments. The colleges, functioning under Patliputra University (PPU), are currently being run with only a principal and one teacher deputed from existing institutions.
At present, each college is functioning with only a principal and a teacher deputed from existing PPU colleges. The limited staff is struggling to conduct classes for students admitted to the first batch of these institutions.
Sources said the state govt has allowed the colleges to operate from existing school buildings until permanent infrastructure is developed. In keeping with govt guidelines, classes are currently being offered only in six arts subjects: Hindi, English, History, Political Science, Sociology and Economics.
PPU registrar Abu Bakar said 729 students have enrolled in the newly opened colleges. Athmalgola Degree College recorded the highest admission count at 82, followed by Khusrupur (75), Ghoshwari (74), Nagarnausa (66), Noorsarai (63) and Maner (59). Katrisarai Degree College registered the lowest enrolment, with only 10 students.
The shortage of teachers has emerged as a major hurdle to the smooth functioning of these colleges. To address the gap, the state govt has decided to appoint teachers on a contractual basis until regular faculty members are recruited through the Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC). “Each department will have at least two teachers, taking the total faculty requirement in each college to 12,” Bakar said.
He added that once permanent faculty members are appointed, the colleges are expected to expand their academic offerings and introduce additional subjects. The teachers currently deputed from PPU colleges will then be withdrawn.
