[2] After a series of reforms and steps taken by BSEB such as interviewing toppers before releasing results, the pass percentage has increased considerably.
To increase the pass percentage, the pattern of examination was also changed with MCQs playing a key role in this improvement.
[citation needed] Historically, Bihar has been a major centre of learning, home to the ancient universities of Nalanda (est.
This problem is further compounded by increases in population and governance issue specially during Lalu-Rabri era but revived after Nitish kumar became Chief minister.
Improved governance has led to an economic revival in the state through increased investment in infrastructure,[3] better health care facilities, greater emphasis on education, and a reduction in crime and corruption.
[4] The craving for higher education among the general population of Bihar has led to a migration of the student community from the state.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya started by the late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi have been successful in providing quality education to the weaker sections of the society.
A recent survey by National University of Educational Planning & Administration (NUEPA) has determined that only 21% of all primary school teachers in Bihar have completed the matriculation; or 10th standard.
[7] However, Bihar Government has recently implemented a series of reforms in its Primary Education Sector which includes mandatory digitization of all state-run schools.
In 2008, Indian Institutes of Technology Patna was inaugurated with students from all over India[15] In 2008, NSIT opened its new college in Bihta, which is now emerging as an education hub.
Nalanda International University is established in 2014 with active investment from countries such as Japan, Korea, and China.
In February 2019, deputy chief minister Sushil Modi announced the Bihar government's planned to establish 11 new medical colleges at Chhapra, Purnia, Samastipur, Bengusarai, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, Jhanjharpur, Siwan, Buxar, Bhojpur, Jamui and a dental college at Rahui in Nalanda district is under construction.
Nalanda Open university[21] was established in March 1987 by Government of Bihar to impart education exclusively through distance education and later in 1995, Nalanda Open University Act[22] was passed by the legislature of Bihar and thereafter came under the authority and jurisdiction of the passed act.
With institute like Super 30, Patna has emerged as a major center for engineering and civil services coaching.
The centre aims to attract the youth of the state to improve their technical, professional, and soft skills, to meet the current requirements of the industrial job market.
[30] In Bihar, one of the most populous states of India, women's education represents a complex relationship between major advancements and setbacks.
However, the educational landscape in Bihar still faces major challenges including infrastructure disparities, socioeconomic limitations, cultural expectations, and the influence of societal standards.
During the British Raj, the colonial government and the local zamindars jointly focused on collecting taxes, which overshadowed the critical need for educational opportunities to allow for economic and social development.
[31] The choice to place revenue collection at the utmost importance ahead of comprehensive development greatly hindered access to quality education for socioeconomic opportunities.
High rates of unemployment are prevalent due to the population possessing a limited skillset as a result of an inadequate education system.
The poverty cycle is further perpetuated by large amounts of the population not meeting the requirements for higher-paying jobs due to a lack of education.
[citation needed] The low literacy rate emphasizes the necessity for improvements in the education system and socioeconomic issues.
Issues such as gender inequality in India add an extra barrier that prevents schooling for young girls.
[citation needed] Due to the prevalence of gender roles, a young girl is likely destined to be married off and thus there are often no perceived benefits of educating her.
[39] It is common for young girls approaching puberty to drop out of school to focus on preparing for getting married.
Literacy rates are higher in the central urban areas of Bihar and the lowest in the north and east regions of the state.
[citation needed] Districts in rural areas tend to have a large population of impoverished Muslim communities.
The education system in Bihar faces numerous challenges including gender disparities, limited funding, poverty, lack of resources, and socio-cultural expectations.