Bihar to Launch Minority Residential Schools Offering Free Education and Housing
Patna : The Bihar government has announced free education along with residential facilities for minority students through two new state-run Minority Residential Schools to be established in Kishanganj and Darbhanga.
The initiative, approved by Nitish Kumar, is part of the state’s minority welfare programme and aims to improve access to secondary and senior secondary education for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Free Schooling and Hostel Facilities
Under the scheme, students admitted to these schools will receive free education along with free hostel accommodation and basic residential facilities. The residential model has been designed to provide a safe and structured environment that supports academic learning, health, discipline, and overall development. According to officials, the move is expected to help improve enrolment and reduce drop-out rates, particularly at the Class 9 and Class 11 levels.
Admissions for 2025–26 Academic Session
Admissions for the two Minority Residential Schools will begin this month for the 2025–26 academic session. Applications will remain open until December 30.
The schools will offer admissions only to Class 9 and Class 11 students in the Arts and Science streams.
Eligible Minority Communities
As per the Minority Welfare Department, students belonging to the Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, Jain, and Parsi communities will be eligible to apply. In addition to free tuition, selected students will receive free accommodation and access to essential facilities within the school campus.
Application Process and Seat Reservation
Applications can be submitted through both online and offline modes, ensuring that students from remote or low-connectivity areas are not excluded.
Seat allocation has been structured to promote inclusion:
- 75 per cent seats are reserved for students from rural areas
- 50 per cent of total seats are reserved for girls
- Existing reservation norms applicable to Bihar government educational institutions will also apply
Age Criteria and Preference
Age limits have been clearly specified:
- Applicants for Class 9 should not be more than 16 years old
- Applicants for Class 11 should be 18 years or below
- Preference will be given to students currently studying in recognised schools at the corresponding levels.
Broader Plan for Minority Education
Officials said the Kishanganj and Darbhanga schools are part of a larger effort to strengthen minority education infrastructure in Bihar. The two institutions are expected to cater to students from nearby districts as well.
The Minority Welfare Department added that further expansion of such residential schools may be considered based on response and demand.
With the application deadline approaching, eligible students and parents have been advised to apply early. Detailed guidelines and application forms are available through the department.
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