The higher education system in Bihar has experienced massive expansion in the recent period, with a resolve to establish several Universities, Technical Institutes, Research Institutions and Professional / Non-professional Colleges. Digital interventions like smart classrooms & ICT labs are improving the accessibility of higher education system and improving the quality outcome. Higher Education Enrolment grew from 5.54 lakh in 2004-05 to 23.61 lakh in 2020-21 and the GER in Higher Education has increased from 8.76 in 2004-05 to 17 in 2021.The Gender Parity Index grew from 0.33 in 2004-05 to 0.91 in 2020-21, which shows increased education of girls in higher education. Universities have increased from 33 in 2018-19 to 39 in 2023-24, colleges have increased from 892 in 2018-19 to 1197 in 2023-24. Engineering colleges including polytechnic and training centers has increased from 104 in 2018-19 to 184 in 2023-24. Currently there are 11 hubs and 33 spokes, focused on emerging fields such as drone technology, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things. In second phase, 33 additional hubs will be set up. (Data on Higher Education are compiled from three sources namely, ‘Selected Education Statistics’ (1980-81 to 2006-07), ‘Statistics of Higher and Technical Education’ (2007-08 to 2009-10) and ‘All Indian Survey of Higher Education (AISHE)’ (2010-11 onwards & Bihar Economic Survey).

In 2005, only 72 regular teachers (Principals, Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors) were working in the Government Engineering Colleges run by the department. A total of 3334 teaching posts were sanctioned by the department against which appointments have been made on 1831 posts till now. The number of teachers appointed in government engineering colleges is 25 times more than in 2005. In 2005, only 84 regular teachers (Principals, Heads of Departments and Lecturers) were working in government polytechnic institutes run under the department. A total of 2245 teaching posts were sanctioned by the department against which appointments have been made on 1096 posts till now. The number of teachers appointed in government polytechnic institutes is almost 13 times more than in the year 2005.Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme (2016) has been launched to provide interest-free loans up to Rs. 4 lakhs for higher education. Saat Nischay Program – Part 1 & 2 (2016 & 2020) have been a flagship scheme of the government focusing on skill training, employment, and youth development. Library & Knowledge Centres are being expanded to promote digital education and self-learning. Under Saat Nischay, one engineering college and one polytechnic college per district has been established. Currently 38 government engineering colleges and 46 polytechnic colleges has been established in all 38 districts.