About BNMU

About Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University (BNMU)

Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University (B. N. Mandal University), located near the district headquarters at Laloo-nagar, Madhepura, Bihar, is a prominent State University founded on January 10, 1992. Named after the esteemed socialist leader, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal, the university has been a cornerstone of higher education in the region, serving as a beacon of learning and academic excellence.

Location and Connectivity

Situated near the junction of National Highways NH-106 and NH-107, B. N. Mandal University is easily accessible. The nearest airport is located in Darbhanga, approximately 100 km away. Madhepura, along with nearby places like Singheswar and Mahishi, holds significant religious importance in Hindu mythology, making it a renowned pilgrimage site. The university's territorial jurisdiction extends over three districts: Madhepura, Saharsa, and Supaul, and it borders Nepal, attracting a substantial number of students from the neighboring country.

Historical Significance and Development

Since its inception, B. N. Mandal University has significantly contributed to the educational landscape of the Kosi and Purnea divisions of Bihar. In 2018, Purnea University was carved out from B. N. Mandal University to cater to the educational needs of the Purnea division. Currently, B. N. Mandal University serves a population of approximately 6 million people in these rural districts of Bihar. The university is recognized under sections 12(B) and 2(f) of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). It has received grants under both the XIth and XIIth plans from the UGC and is in the process of obtaining accreditation from NAAC in 2023.

Campus and Facilities

B. N. Mandal University is spread over nearly 100 acres of picturesque landscape, featuring a sprawling green campus. The university comprises three main campuses:

• South Campus: Located near the district headquarters at Laloo Nagar, Madhepura, spanning 20 acres. This campus houses the Faculty of Education and the Department of Library and Information Science, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

• North Campus: Located at Jajhat Sabaila, Singeshwar, Madhepura, on 70 acres of land. This campus is the hub for most academic departments and is fully equipped with modern facilities, including smart classrooms, interactive displays, free Wi-Fi, and advanced laboratories.

• West Campus: Situated at the Manohar Lal Tekriwal (MLT) College premises in Saharsa, this campus accommodates several postgraduate departments.

Academic Programs and Research

The university offers a wide range of programs through its constituent and affiliated colleges, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs. It also conducts various vocational and technical courses in science, commerce, and social science. Currently, there are five faculties comprising 20 university departments, 14 constituent colleges (with two additional colleges sanctioned in Simri Bakhtiyarpur, Saharsa, and Triveniganj, Supaul), 17 affiliated colleges, two law colleges, 13 teacher training colleges, two pharmacy colleges, and two medical institutes.

All academic programs at B. N. Mandal University follow the latest curriculum based on the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) pattern as recommended by the UGC and the Bihar Higher Education Council. The Ph.D. programs adhere to the latest UGC regulations, and research is published in reputed journals. The university fosters a robust research culture, collaborating with other universities, national institutes, NGOs, and industries. Many departments have received funding from UGC, BARC, DST, and other agencies for research projects, and several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with various organizations and industries. The university also conducts skill development programs to provide vocational training to students and research scholars.

Governance and Administration

B. N. Mandal University is governed by the Senate and Syndicate, which serve as the executive bodies responsible for managing the university's revenue, property, and administrative affairs. In addition to the University-level Academic and Financial Council, each department has its own Departmental Council (DC) and Departmental Research Council (DRC). The university's financial expenditure is supported by both the UGC and the Bihar State Higher Education Council (BSHEC). The faculty and staff comprise a mix of regular and contractual members, with ongoing recruitment of teaching and administrative staff by the state council.

Commitment to Excellence

B. N. Mandal University is dedicated to providing high-quality education to a diverse student body, primarily from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. The university's commitment to academic excellence and social responsibility continues to make it a vital institution for higher education in Bihar.