Patliputra University Greenlights Major Academic Reforms and New Programmes
In a significant development for higher education in Bihar, the academic council of Patliputra University (PPU) convened on Thursday and approved a series of pivotal academic and administrative decisions. These measures are designed to expand career-oriented education, enhance academic standards, and strengthen transparency across the university and its constituent colleges.
New Courses and Student-Centric Focus
The meeting, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Upendra Prasad Singh, concluded with a strong consensus on prioritizing student-centric policies and bolstering institutional capacity for the university's sustained growth. A key outcome was the approval for introducing new undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses, set to commence from the upcoming academic sessions.
PPU Registrar Abu Bakar emphasized that these proposed programmes are strategically crafted to align academic offerings with evolving career landscapes. "The introduction of new self-financed courses will benefit students from diverse backgrounds, with special attention to empowering girl students," Bakar stated. "Expanding access to relevant and career-oriented education will help young women pursue higher studies with greater independence and build sustainable livelihoods."
Examination Pattern Overhaul and Research Reforms
In another major decision, the academic council approved a significant change in the examination pattern under the four-year Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) programme. Starting from the next academic session, examinations for Ability Enhancement Courses (AEC), Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC), and Value-Added Courses (VAC) will be conducted using objective-type questions on Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets.
To further ensure transparency and fairness in academic pursuits, the council has mandated videography of PhD viva voce examinations for all research scholars. Additionally, a Research Advisory Council (RAC) will be established specifically for foreign students interested in pursuing research programmes at the university.
Leadership and Implementation
Vice-Chancellor Upendra Prasad Singh underscored the necessity for continuous academic innovation and efficient administration to meet the expectations of students and stakeholders. He urged council members to collaborate collectively to ensure the timely implementation of all approved decisions.
The meeting saw participation from key university figures, including:
- Dean of Students’ Welfare Rajiv Ranjan
- Coordinator of the College Development Council Shiv Kumar Yadav
- TPS College Principal Tapan Kumar Shandaliya
- A N College Principal Rekha Kumari
- College of Commerce, Arts and Science Principal Khalid Ahmad
- Arun Kumar, Imtiyaz Hassan, Chhaya Singh, Ritanshu Mala, Kamal Prasad, among others
Upcoming Semester Exams and Admissions
In related academic updates, Patliputra University has announced the datesheet for the Degree Semester VI examinations, scheduled from April 27 to May 2. The exams will be conducted in two sittings daily: from 10 AM to 1 PM for arts stream students and from 2 PM to 5 PM for science and commerce stream students.
PPU Examination Controller Manoj Kumar confirmed that the university administration has directed heads of colleges across Patna and Nalanda districts to make necessary arrangements for smooth exam conduct. "Adequate infrastructure, timely distribution of question papers, and strict adherence to examination protocols have been emphasized," Kumar noted. Observers will be deployed at each examination centre to monitor proceedings and prevent irregularities, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Simultaneously, the university is gearing up for the admission process for Degree Part I (regular course), planning to admit approximately 1.5 lakh students. The admission portal is expected to open in the last week of April.
Registrar Abu Bakar assured that comprehensive steps have been taken to ensure both the examination process and the admission drive are conducted smoothly, minimizing inconvenience to students and maintaining the integrity of academic operations at Patliputra University.
