71 newly constructed govt degree colleges to start classes for 2025-26 academic session
: In a first, as many as 71 newly constructed
are set to begin academic operations simultaneously on July 1 for academic session 2025 – 26. This initiative is the first of its kind in the state and is being hailed as a major milestone by the
department.
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A key highlight of these new colleges is the full implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Along with two colleges in Prayagraj and one in Kaushambi, other districts include Agra and Jhansi (nine colleges each), Lucknow (12), Bareilly (13), Meerut (10) and Gorakhpur (four). In all, 1,562 posts have received in-principal approval for direct recruitment, including 1,065 appointments of assistant professor.
According to officials, more than 40 of these colleges were already formally handed over to the Directorate of Higher Education by implementing agencies. Efforts are now underway to ensure all necessary resources—such as furniture, lab equipment, and infrastructure—are in place ahead of the academic launch.Director of higher education, Amit Bhardwaj, confirmed the move, stating, "Under the Chief Minister's directive, 71 new govt degree colleges will commence operations in the 2025–26 session. The process of appointing teaching and non-teaching staff is in the final stages, and all necessary preparations are being made." In total, 1,562 posts received in-principle approval for direct recruitment, including 1,065 assistant professor positions. Formal appointment orders are expected soon. Meanwhile, classes will be conducted by deputing faculty from existing institutions until permanent staff are in place. Unlike many of the 172 existing govt degree colleges in the state, which typically offer only one or two academic streams, these new institutions will offer courses across all three major streams: science, commerce, and arts. Officials emphasised that this interdisciplinary approach will allow students, such as those studying science, to explore subjects like Sanskrit, in line with NEP's vision.Among the new institutions, two are located in Prayagraj—one women's college in Parasinpur Sikandra (Phulpur block) and another in the Meja block. Additionally, one college is under construction in Sirathu tehsil of Kaushambi district. Other districts witnessing significant expansion include Agra and Jhansi (nine colleges), Lucknow (12), Bareilly (13), Meerut (10), and Gorakhpur (four). Initially considered for a public-private partnership (PPP) model, the state govt eventually decided to operate these colleges directly.
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