Bihar Forms Panel to Overhaul Exam System, Announces 24/7 Student Support
The Bihar government has constituted a five-member expert committee to recommend comprehensive reforms in the state's examination system, according to a notification issued by the General Administration Department on August 23. The panel, which will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or a serving or retired High Court judge, has been tasked with reviewing the existing framework and suggesting measures to strengthen transparency, efficiency and credibility in examinations across the state.
The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within three months. Its mandate covers a broad range of examinations, including secondary and higher secondary exams, university tests, professional and technical exams, entrance and eligibility tests, as well as recruitment and competitive examinations.
Scope of Review
According to the notification, the committee will examine the entire examination process—from registration and question paper preparation to evaluation, declaration of results, grievance redressal and record keeping. It will focus on preventing question paper leaks, impersonation, cheating, tampering with answer sheets, manipulation of results and security breaches involving exam data.
The panel will also review question paper-setting procedures, including multi-level setting, moderation, appointment of trained paper setters and standardisation of difficulty levels. It will recommend a clear chain-of-custody mechanism to track question papers and answer sheets at every stage.
In addition, the committee will evaluate the use of digital technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity tools. Considered measures include end-to-end digital tracking, tamper-proof packaging, encrypted transmission, multi-factor authentication, biometric verification, geo-tagging, geo-fencing, CCTV surveillance and cybersecurity audits.
The government has asked the committee to review existing laws and suggest amendments where necessary. It may also recommend a state-level examination calendar with fixed timelines for advertisements, applications, admit cards, exams, answer keys, evaluation and results. The notification stresses that reforms should not create difficulties for students from rural areas, economically weaker sections, socially disadvantaged groups or those with limited digital access.
The committee can seek views from various bodies, and its consultations and correspondence will remain confidential. The General Administration Department will provide secretarial, logistical and technical support. The notification has been sent to major examination and recruitment bodies, including the Bihar School Examination Board and the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC).
'Vidya Sahi' Programme Launched
In a separate development, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced the launch of the 24×7 Interactive Learning Support programme "Vidya Sahi" across 700 model schools in all 38 districts of Bihar. The initiative will provide nearly three lakh students with academic assistance whenever required. Students in Classes 9 and 10, along with science students in Classes 11 and 12, will receive live tutor support and digital study materials.
These resources are designed to help students prepare for Bihar Board examinations as well as national-level entrance tests such as JEE and NEET. "The answer to their question and the teacher's support is with them," Choudhary said while outlining the government's objective.
The Chief Minister also reassured that eligible students can access education loans of up to ₹4 lakh for higher education under the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, emphasising that financial constraints would not be a barrier to education. The latest announcements build on Bihar's broader push to expand structured academic support and improve access to competitive exam preparation, particularly for students with limited access to specialised coaching.