From the historic Patna University and Nalanda University to institutions such as IIT Patna, NIT Patna, IIM Bodh Gaya and IIIT Bhagalpur, students in Bihar have access to higher education across engineering, management, law, agriculture, medicine, humanities, science, commerce, Sanskrit and other disciplines.
This complete guide to universities in Bihar explains the major universities and higher-education institutions in the state, their locations, categories, academic focus and the factors students should consider before choosing an institution.
Important: University status, recognition, programmes, admissions and institutional details can change. Students should verify the latest information directly with the concerned university and the relevant regulatory authority before applying.
Quick Overview of Universities in Bihar
Bihar's higher-education system includes several categories of institutions:
State universities
Central universities
State private universities
Deemed-to-be universities
Agricultural universities
Sanskrit universities
Open and distance-learning universities
Institutes of National Importance
Centrally funded technical institutions
Medical and management institutions
The Ministry of Education's higher-education data identifies a wide range of universities and major institutions operating in Bihar, including Patna University, Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patliputra University, Purnea University, Munger University, Magadh University, Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University and several others.
For a broader national reference, see our List of Universities in India.
Major Types of Universities in Bihar
Before choosing a university, it is useful to understand the different categories.
State Universities in Bihar
State universities are established or governed under laws enacted by the Bihar government. They typically serve students from Bihar and affiliated colleges located in different districts.
Examples include:
Patna University
Aryabhatta Knowledge University
Patliputra University
Magadh University
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University
Lalit Narayan Mithila University
Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University
Veer Kunwar Singh University
Jai Prakash University
Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University
Munger University
Purnea University
Bihar Agricultural University
Bihar Animal Sciences University
The UGC's published information and Ministry of Education datasets identify many of these institutions as universities in Bihar.
Central Universities in Bihar
Bihar has several important central universities. The Ministry of Education/UGC identifies the following central universities in the state:
Central University of South Bihar
Mahatma Gandhi Central University
Nalanda University
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
The UGC's consolidated central-university information lists these institutions under Bihar.
Private Universities in Bihar
Bihar also has private universities offering programmes in areas such as engineering, management, science, commerce, law and other professional disciplines.
Examples appearing in Government of India higher-education datasets include:
Amity University Patna
Al-Karim University
K.K. University
Gopal Narayan Singh University
Mata Gujri University
Sandip University
Dr. C.V. Raman University
Because private-university status and regulatory information can change, students should check the latest UGC information and the university's official website before admission. Government datasets identify several of these institutions among Bihar's higher-education institutions.
List of Important Universities in Bihar
The following list covers major universities and university-level institutions that are relevant to students searching for higher education in Bihar.
1. Patna University
Location: Patna, Bihar
Type: State University
Patna University is one of the oldest universities in Bihar and has played an important role in the development of higher education in the state.
The university offers education across traditional and modern disciplines through its departments and affiliated/associated institutions.
Students searching for:
Patna University courses
Patna University admission
Patna University colleges
Patna University undergraduate courses
Patna University postgraduate courses
should consult the university's latest admission notifications and academic regulations.
2. Aryabhatta Knowledge University
Location: Patna, Bihar
Type: State University
Aryabhatta Knowledge University, commonly known as AKU, focuses particularly on professional and technical education.
Its academic ecosystem includes areas such as:
Engineering
Technology
Management
Pharmacy
Education
Health sciences
Other professional programmes
The Ministry of Education's AISHE data lists Aryabhatta Knowledge University among Bihar's universities.
3. Patliputra University
Location: Patna, Bihar
Type: State University
Patliputra University is a major university serving students and colleges in and around Patna and adjoining regions.
It is particularly relevant for students looking for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in:
Arts
Science
Commerce
Education
Social sciences
Other conventional disciplines
Government higher-education data identifies Patliputra University as a university in Bihar.
4. Magadh University
Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Type: State University
Magadh University is located in the historic Bodh Gaya region and has a significant academic presence in southern Bihar.
The university's academic areas include humanities, social sciences, science, commerce and other disciplines.
Students interested in studying in the Gaya and Bodh Gaya region may consider Magadh University and its affiliated institutions.
5. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University
Location: Muzaffarpur, Bihar
Type: State University
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, commonly known as BRABU, is a major university serving northern Bihar.
It has a large network of affiliated colleges and provides programmes in conventional higher-education disciplines.
UGC records identify BRABU as a Bihar university, while Ministry of Education data also lists it among the state's higher-education institutions.
6. Lalit Narayan Mithila University
Location: Darbhanga, Bihar
Type: State University
Lalit Narayan Mithila University, commonly abbreviated as LNMU, is an important university in the Mithila region.
It serves students through programmes in areas such as:
Arts
Science
Commerce
Education
Social sciences
Humanities
Other postgraduate and professional areas
The Ministry of Education lists LNMU among Bihar's universities.
7. Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University
Location: Bhagalpur, Bihar
Type: State University
Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, formerly known as Bhagalpur University, is an important higher-education institution in eastern Bihar.
The university serves students through its departments and affiliated colleges.
8. Veer Kunwar Singh University
Location: Ara, Bihar
Type: State University
Veer Kunwar Singh University is located in Ara and serves the Bhojpur region.
The university offers programmes across conventional higher-education disciplines and has an extensive affiliated-college network.
UGC records list Veer Kunwar Singh University among Bihar's universities.
9. Jai Prakash University
Location: Chhapra, Bihar
Type: State University
Jai Prakash University is located in Chhapra and serves students in the Saran region.
Its academic offerings cover traditional undergraduate and postgraduate disciplines.
10. Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University
Location: Madhepura, Bihar
Type: State University
Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University serves the academic needs of the Kosi region of Bihar.
The university offers programmes in various conventional disciplines through its departments and affiliated colleges.
11. Munger University
Location: Munger, Bihar
Type: State University
Munger University is one of Bihar's newer state universities and serves students from the Munger region.
The Ministry of Education's higher-education data includes Munger University among Bihar's universities.
12. Purnea University
Location: Purnea, Bihar
Type: State University
Purnea University serves the Purnea and surrounding regions of northeastern Bihar.
It offers higher education across multiple conventional academic disciplines.
Central Universities in Bihar
Central universities are established through Acts of Parliament and are part of India's central higher-education system.
13. Central University of South Bihar
Location: Gaya, Bihar
Type: Central University
The Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) is a major central university serving southern Bihar.
The UGC's consolidated list of central universities identifies CUSB in Bihar, with its campus located in the Gaya district.
The university offers programmes in areas including:
Science
Social sciences
Humanities
Education
Law
Vocational and professional disciplines
Students looking for a central university in Bihar should include CUSB in their research.
14. Mahatma Gandhi Central University
Location: Motihari, East Champaran, Bihar
Type: Central University
Mahatma Gandhi Central University is located in Motihari in East Champaran.
It is one of Bihar's central universities and provides undergraduate, postgraduate and research opportunities in multiple disciplines.
The Ministry of Education identifies Mahatma Gandhi Central University among Bihar's central higher-education institutions.
15. Nalanda University
Location: Rajgir, Nalanda, Bihar
Type: Central University
Nalanda University is an internationally oriented institution located near the historic Nalanda region.
The university's location connects modern higher education with the historical legacy of ancient Nalanda.
The UGC lists Nalanda University among Bihar's central universities.
16. Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Location: Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar
Type: Central Agricultural University
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University is a specialised agricultural university located at Pusa in Samastipur district.
It is particularly relevant for students interested in:
Agriculture
Agricultural sciences
Horticulture
Animal sciences
Agricultural technology
Food and allied areas
The UGC's central-university information identifies the institution in Bihar.
Agricultural Universities in Bihar
Agriculture is an important part of Bihar's economy, making agricultural education particularly significant.
Bihar Agricultural University
Location: Sabour, Bhagalpur
Bihar Agricultural University focuses on agricultural education, research and extension.
The Ministry of Education lists Bihar Agriculture University among Bihar's universities.
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Located at Pusa, Samastipur, this institution provides specialised education and research in agriculture and allied fields.
Bihar Animal Sciences University
Bihar Animal Sciences University is focused on animal sciences and related academic and research areas.
It appears in Government of India higher-education datasets for Bihar.
Sanskrit and Language Universities in Bihar
Bihar also has specialised institutions serving traditional language, Sanskrit and related academic disciplines.
Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University
Location: Darbhanga, Bihar
Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University is a specialised university focusing on Sanskrit and related traditional disciplines.
The UGC identifies it among Bihar's universities.
Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University
Location: Patna, Bihar
This university specialises in Arabic, Persian and related areas while also providing broader academic programmes.
Government higher-education datasets list the university in Bihar.
Open and Distance Learning Universities in Bihar
Students who cannot attend conventional full-time programmes may consider open and distance-learning options.
Nalanda Open University
Location: Patna, Bihar
Nalanda Open University is an important institution for open and distance learning in Bihar.
It is particularly relevant for students who need greater flexibility because of employment, family responsibilities or geographical constraints.
Before enrolling, students should check the current recognition and programme approval status for the specific course and academic session.
Major Institutes of National Importance in Bihar
Not every major higher-education institution is technically a university. Bihar also has nationally important institutions that students frequently include in searches for "best universities in Bihar" or "top colleges in Bihar."
IIT Patna
Location: Patna, Bihar
Category: Indian Institute of Technology / Institute of National Importance
IIT Patna is a major engineering, technology and research institution.
The Ministry of Education lists IIT Patna among India's IITs and identifies it as an institution under the higher-education system.
Major academic areas include:
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil and infrastructure-related disciplines
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Data and computational areas
Research programmes
Students searching specifically for engineering colleges in Bihar, IIT Patna courses, or IIT Patna admission should distinguish IIT Patna from conventional state universities.
NIT Patna
Location: Patna, Bihar
Category: National Institute of Technology / Institute of National Importance
NIT Patna is one of India's National Institutes of Technology.
The Ministry of Education lists NIT Patna at Patna, Bihar, and includes it in the national NIT system.
It is particularly relevant for students interested in:
Engineering
Technology
Architecture
Computer applications
Research
Postgraduate technical education
Indian Institute of Information Technology Bhagalpur
Location: Bhagalpur, Bihar
Category: IIIT
IIIT Bhagalpur focuses primarily on information technology and related engineering and research disciplines.
Government higher-education data identifies IIIT Bhagalpur among Bihar's major higher-education institutions.
Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya
Location: Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Category: IIM
IIM Bodh Gaya is a management-focused national institution.
Students interested in:
Management
Business administration
Finance
Marketing
Human resources
Business analytics
Entrepreneurship
may consider IIM Bodh Gaya alongside other management institutions in India.
Government higher-education data identifies IIM Bodh Gaya among Bihar's major institutions.
AIIMS Patna
Location: Patna, Bihar
Category: Medical institution
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna is an important medical education and healthcare institution in Bihar.
It is particularly relevant for students researching:
MBBS
Medical education
Postgraduate medical programmes
Medical research
Healthcare education
The Ministry of Education's AISHE data identifies AIIMS Patna among Bihar's higher-education institutions.
Universities in Bihar by City
Students often search for universities based on location rather than university type.
Universities in Patna
Important institutions in and around Patna include:
Patna University
Aryabhatta Knowledge University
Patliputra University
Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University
IIT Patna
NIT Patna
AIIMS Patna
Other public and private higher-education institutions
Universities in Gaya and Bodh Gaya
Major institutions include:
Magadh University
Central University of South Bihar
IIM Bodh Gaya
Universities in Darbhanga
Major institutions include:
Lalit Narayan Mithila University
Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University
Universities in Bhagalpur
Important institutions include:
Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University
Bihar Agricultural University
IIIT Bhagalpur
Universities in Muzaffarpur
The major university is:
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University
Universities in Samastipur
Important institutions include:
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Other colleges affiliated with universities serving the region
Universities in Purnea
Purnea University
Universities in Munger
Munger University
Universities in Ara
Veer Kunwar Singh University
Universities in Chhapra
Jai Prakash University
Universities in Madhepura
Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University
How to Choose a University in Bihar
Choosing a university should involve more than looking at its name or location.
1. Check University Recognition
Before applying, verify the institution's current status and recognition.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is an important source for checking university information. UGC also maintains information about colleges and universities under its regulatory framework.
2. Check the Specific Course
A university may have recognition as an institution while individual programmes can have additional regulatory requirements.
For professional courses, students should check the applicable regulator and programme-specific approval.
3. Compare Curriculum
Look at:
Course structure
Subjects
Practical training
Laboratory facilities
Research opportunities
Internships
Industry exposure
Electives
Project requirements
4. Consider Location
Location affects:
Living expenses
Hostel availability
Transportation
Internship opportunities
Access to industries
Student lifestyle
Patna, for example, provides a different academic and employment environment from smaller university towns.
5. Check Admission Requirements
Admission methods vary significantly.
Depending on the programme, admission may involve:
University entrance examinations
National entrance examinations
Merit-based admission
Counselling
Interviews
Portfolio assessment
Other programme-specific criteria
Always check the latest admission notification.
Popular Courses to Study in Bihar
Universities and major institutions in Bihar offer programmes across numerous academic fields.
Engineering and Technology
Popular options include:
B.Tech
M.Tech
BCA
MCA
Computer Science
Information Technology
Electronics
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Institutions such as IIT Patna, NIT Patna and IIIT Bhagalpur are particularly relevant to students researching technical education.
Management
Students can explore:
BBA
MBA
PGDM
Business analytics
Finance
Marketing
Human resources
Entrepreneurship
IIM Bodh Gaya is one of Bihar's prominent management institutions.
Law
Students interested in legal education can explore institutions such as Chanakya National Law University and other recognised law colleges.
Agriculture
Agricultural education is available through specialised institutions such as:
Bihar Agricultural University
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Medical Education
Medical aspirants can explore institutions such as:
AIIMS Patna
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences
Medical colleges affiliated with recognised universities
Arts, Science and Commerce
Traditional universities in Bihar provide undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in:
English
Hindi
History
Economics
Political Science
Sociology
Psychology
Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Zoology
Botany
Commerce
Admission to Universities in Bihar
The admission process depends on the institution and course.
A typical admission process may include:
Identify the university and programme.
Check eligibility criteria.
Check entrance-examination requirements.
Complete the online application.
Upload required documents.
Pay the application fee.
Attend the entrance examination if applicable.
Check merit/counselling results.
Complete document verification.
Pay the admission fee.
Complete university registration.
Students should not rely on old admission dates because university calendars can change from one academic year to another.
Documents Commonly Required for University Admission
Depending on the course, applicants may need:
Class 10 certificate
Class 12 certificate
Transfer certificate
Migration certificate
Graduation marksheets
Degree certificate
Entrance examination scorecard
Passport-size photographs
Government-issued identity document
Caste certificate, where applicable
Income certificate, where applicable
Disability certificate, where applicable
Domicile/residence certificate, where applicable
The exact document list should always be confirmed from the latest admission notification.
Universities in Bihar: Government vs Private
| Feature | Government Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment | Government legislation or central legislation | Private university legislation |
| Fees | Often comparatively lower for many programmes | Can be higher depending on programme |
| Admission | Merit/entrance/counselling depending on course | University-specific or national entrance routes |
| Course range | Often broad | Often focused on selected disciplines |
| Affiliated colleges | Common for many state universities | Structure varies |
| Recognition | Must meet applicable statutory requirements | Must meet applicable statutory requirements |
| Best for | Depends on course, budget and academic goals | Depends on course, budget and institutional facilities |
The appropriate choice depends on the student's programme, budget, admission route and career objectives rather than university category alone.
Universities in Bihar for Different Career Goals
For Engineering
Consider institutions such as:
IIT Patna
NIT Patna
IIIT Bhagalpur
Aryabhatta Knowledge University ecosystem
Other recognised engineering institutions
For Management
Students may explore:
IIM Bodh Gaya
Management departments of state universities
Recognised private institutions
For Agriculture
Relevant institutions include:
Bihar Agricultural University
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
For Law
Students can investigate:
Chanakya National Law University
Recognised law colleges affiliated with universities
For General Degree Courses
Students can explore:
Patna University
Patliputra University
Magadh University
BRABU
LNMU
TMBU
Veer Kunwar Singh University
Jai Prakash University
Purnea University
Munger University
Bihar University Examination Results
After admission, students frequently search for university examination results, semester results, entrance results and other academic updates.
For Bihar-related examination information, you can also visit our Bihar Examination Results page.
Students should verify results through the concerned university's official result portal wherever possible.
Universities in Bihar and Nearby States
Students living in Bihar may also consider universities in neighbouring states, depending on their course and location preferences.
You can explore our guides to:
For students comparing higher-education opportunities across India, see the main List of Universities in India.
Frequently Asked Questions About Universities in Bihar
How many universities are there in Bihar?
Bihar has a large and evolving higher-education ecosystem comprising state universities, central universities, private universities, specialised universities and other higher-education institutions. The exact number can change as new institutions are established or classifications change, so students should consult the latest UGC and government records for a current count.
Which is the oldest university in Bihar?
Patna University was established in 1917 and is one of the historic universities of Bihar. UGC records identify Patna University among Bihar's universities.
Which are the central universities in Bihar?
The UGC's consolidated central-university information identifies four central universities in Bihar:
Central University of South Bihar
Mahatma Gandhi Central University
Nalanda University
Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University
Which are the major engineering institutes in Bihar?
Major nationally recognised technical institutions include:
IIT Patna
NIT Patna
IIIT Bhagalpur
The Ministry of Education identifies IIT Patna and NIT Patna within India's national technical-education system, while IIIT Bhagalpur appears in government higher-education data.
Which university is in Bodh Gaya?
Magadh University is located in Bodh Gaya. IIM Bodh Gaya is also located in the region, while Central University of South Bihar is located in Gaya district.
Which universities are located in Darbhanga?
Major universities include:
Lalit Narayan Mithila University
Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University
Which universities are located in Patna?
Important higher-education institutions include:
Patna University
Aryabhatta Knowledge University
Patliputra University
Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic and Persian University
IIT Patna
NIT Patna
AIIMS Patna
Is Nalanda University a central university?
Yes. Nalanda University is included among Bihar's central universities in the UGC's consolidated central-university information.
Is IIT Patna a university?
IIT Patna is not a conventional state university. It is an Indian Institute of Technology and an Institute of National Importance. The Ministry of Education lists IIT Patna among India's IITs.
Is NIT Patna a university?
NIT Patna is a National Institute of Technology and an Institute of National Importance rather than a conventional state university. The Ministry of Education lists NIT Patna in its national NIT system.
How can I verify whether a university is recognised?
Students should check the latest information published by the University Grants Commission and the relevant statutory/regulatory authority before taking admission. UGC maintains university and college information through its official systems.
Final Thoughts
Bihar offers a diverse higher-education ecosystem ranging from historic state universities to specialised agricultural institutions, central universities and nationally important technical and management institutes.
The state's higher-education landscape includes Patna University, Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patliputra University, Magadh University, BRABU, LNMU, TMBU, Central University of South Bihar, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Nalanda University, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, IIT Patna, NIT Patna, IIIT Bhagalpur and IIM Bodh Gaya, among many other institutions.
When selecting a university, students should compare the specific course, recognition, admission process, curriculum, fees, infrastructure, location, internships, research opportunities and career objectives rather than relying solely on a university's name.
For students researching higher education across India, continue exploring our complete list of universities in India and state-wise university guides.
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