Patna University (PU), Patna, is a state public university set up by the Government of Bihar in 1917. The university is approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has a B+ grade from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

In NIRF 2024, Patna University was listed in the 51 to 100 band for State Public Universities in India. It was also the only state university from Bihar included in this NIRF category.

The main campus is spread across 181.58 acres on Ashok Raj Path in central Patna. It includes 31 teaching departments, 3 institutes, and 10 constituent colleges. The university also has 13 affiliated colleges in the Patna region.

Patna University offers courses in arts, science, commerce, management, education, and law:

  • Humanities and Social Sciences: BA and BA (Hons) are available in more than 20 subjects such as English, Hindi, History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and Sanskrit
  • Sciences: B.Sc (Hons) is offered in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Geology, and Statistics. Students can also choose B.Sc (Computer Applications) for applied computing
  • Commerce and Management: B.Com (Hons), BBA (3 years), and MBA (2 years) are offered, with MBA specialisations in Finance, Marketing, and Human Resource
  • Professional programmes: Students can apply for B.Ed (2 years), LLB (3 years), and M.Lib (1 year)
  • Postgraduate programmes: MA, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Ed, and LLM are offered in 30-plus subjects
  • Research: Ph.D. is available in 25-plus disciplines across all faculties
  • Diploma programmes: The university offers Advanced Diploma courses in Insurance and Risk Management, Fashion and Textile Designing, and Human Resource Management

The total fee for the 3-year BA programme is INR 12,280. Under the 4-year NEP structure, BA (Hons) and B.Sc (Hons) cost INR 16,290. The full 2-year MBA fee is INR 1,08,000.

Students can apply for National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes, the Bihar Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana for female students, and merit scholarships offered by the university.

Campus placement is mainly linked to the MBA and BBA programmes at Patna University. MBA students are hired by banks, FMCG firms, and corporate services companies. Many BA, B.Sc, B.Com, and MA students prepare for BPSC, UPSC, SSC, and banking exams after graduation.

Admission Update: Patna University admissions for the 2026-27 academic session are in the counselling and document verification stage. Applications for most UG and PG courses closed in July 2026. Most admissions are based on CUET UG and CUET PG scores.

Patna University Admission Dates 2026

For the 2026-27 session, most UG admissions at Patna University use CUET UG scores, while most PG admissions use CUET PG scores. B.Ed and M.Ed admissions depend on university-level entrance tests, and MBA applicants need a valid MAT or CMAT score.

EventDate
Counselling and Document Verification for all programmesAugust to October 2026
Programme Commencement for all programmesOctober to November 2026

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

The accepted entrance exam and admission basis for each course group in the 2026-27 cycle are given below.

ProgrammeExam AcceptedAdmission Basis
BA, B.Sc, B.Com (Hons)CUET UGCUET merit rank
BBACUET UG or university merit testScore-based merit
B.Sc (Computer Applications)CUET UG or university merit testScore-based merit
B.EdBEET (Patna University entrance)BEET merit rank
MBAMAT or CMATExam score + GD-PI
MA, M.Sc, M.ComCUET PGCUET PG merit rank
M.EdMEET (Patna University entrance)MEET merit rank
Ph.D.UGC-NET or PU Research Entrance TestNET score and interview

Patna University Courses and Fees

Patna University runs more than 175 programmes through nine faculties. Since it is a government-funded university, its fees remain low compared with many other institutions in Bihar. Total programme fees start at INR 3,870 for M.Ed and go up to INR 1,08,000 for MBA.

CourseDurationEligibilityFee
BA (General)3 years10+2, any streamINR 12,280
BA (Hons)4 years10+2, CUET UGINR 16,290
B.Sc (Hons)4 years10+2 with PCM or PCB, CUET UGINR 16,290
B.Com (Hons)4 years10+2 with Commerce, CUET UGINR 16,290
BBA3 years10+2, any streamINR 75,000
B.Sc (Computer Applications)3 years10+2 with PCMINR 54,000
B.Ed2 yearsGraduation with 50%, BEETINR 39,000
MBA (Finance, Marketing, HR)2 yearsGraduation with 50%, MAT or CMATINR 1,08,000
MA (Humanities subjects)2 yearsGraduation in relevant subject, CUET PGINR 11,240
M.Sc (Science subjects)2 yearsB.Sc in relevant subject, CUET PGINR 11,240 to 40,520
M.Com2 yearsB.Com, CUET PGINR 11,240
M.Ed2 yearsB.Ed with 55%, MEETINR 3,870
Ph.D.3 years minimumPG with 55%, NET or PU Research EntranceINR 13,000

Subject to revision. Kindly check with the official sources to confirm

Among the M.Sc options, Biotechnology and Botany have the highest fee of INR 40,520. M.Sc Geology, Mathematics, and Microbiology cost INR 11,240 for the full 2-year course.

Patna University Admission Process

Patna University follows different admission routes for different course groups. Since 2022, UG admissions have been linked to CUET UG. For most PG courses, selection is through CUET PG, after which the university sets subject-wise cutoffs.

BA, B.Sc, and B.Com (Hons) Admission

Students applying for the 4-year BA (Hons), B.Sc (Hons), or B.Com (Hons) programmes must have passed 10+2 from a recognised board. The university prepares subject-wise merit lists using CUET UG scores. For popular subjects such as BA (English Hons) and B.Sc (Mathematics Hons), the General Category cutoff usually lies between the 75th and 85th CUET UG percentile. Students who choose the non-Hons track or do not meet the Hons cutoff may take admission to the 3-year BA General programme.

BBA and B.Sc (Computer Applications) Admission

Admission to BBA and B.Sc (Computer Applications) is based on CUET UG scores or a university-level entrance test, depending on the admission year. Students from any stream can apply after passing 10+2. BBA has limited seats and usually receives more applications than seats, so the CUET UG score becomes important for selection.

MBA Admission

The MBA is a 2-year course with Finance, Marketing, and Human Resource specialisations. Applicants need a graduation degree with at least 50% marks and a valid MAT or CMAT score. Selection also includes Group Discussion and Personal Interview rounds. For the General Category, the CMAT cutoff at Patna University usually falls between 150 and 200 marks.

B.Ed and M.Ed Admission

For B.Ed admission, students need graduation with at least 50% marks and a valid BEET score. BEET means B.Ed Entrance Test, conducted by Patna University. Final admission is given according to BEET merit rank and subject group preference. For M.Ed, applicants need B.Ed with 55% and a valid MEET score.

PG Admission (MA, M.Sc, M.Com, M.Lib)

Most postgraduate courses use CUET PG scores for admission. Students must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 45% marks. M.Sc applicants must have studied the relevant science subject in B.Sc. For M.Lib, the base qualification is a BA or B.Sc pass degree.

Ph.D. Admission

Ph.D. applicants must have a postgraduate degree with at least 55% marks. Students with UGC-NET or CSIR-NET can go directly to the interview stage. Other applicants must qualify the Patna University Research Entrance Test and then appear for a departmental interview. Research topics and guide availability are finalised during the interview.

Patna University Placements and Career Outcomes

Patna University’s formal placement activity is mainly handled through the Department of Business Administration. MBA and BBA students get opportunities in banking, financial services, FMCG, retail, and corporate HR roles. Axis Bank, State Bank of India, Reliance Industries, and Tata Consultancy Services have recruited MBA students in recent placement seasons.

For BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MA, and M.Sc students, government exam preparation is a common career route. Many students appear for BPSC, UPSC, SSC, and banking exams such as IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, and RBI. Several M.Sc graduates also qualify for CSIR-UGC NET-JRF fellowships and continue with doctoral research at IITs, IISc, and central universities.

B.Ed graduates usually appear for BTET and CTET for teaching posts under the Bihar School Examination Board. LLB graduates register with the Bar Council of Bihar and may appear for the Bihar Judicial Service examination to enter the judiciary.

ProgrammePrimary Career PathwaysKey Examinations or Recruiters
MBABanking, FMCG, corporate HR, and finance rolesAxis Bank, SBI, Reliance Industries, TCS
BBASales, retail, operations, and corporate rolesCampus placements via department cell
BA and MA (Humanities)Civil services, administrative services, and teachingBPSC, UPSC, SSC CGL, UGC-NET
B.Sc and M.Sc (Sciences)Research, government services, and school teachingCSIR-NET, BPSC, IBPS, BTET
B.Ed and M.EdSchool and higher education teachingBTET, CTET, Bihar Teacher Recruitment
LLBAdvocacy, judiciary, and government law servicesBihar Judicial Service Exam, Bar Council of Bihar
Note: Patna University does not release NIRF-style placement data. The table shows the commonly followed career routes across its programme groups. Students who want formal campus placement with verified salary data should compare the Patna University MBA with private management institutes before taking a final decision.

Patna University Rankings

Patna University is listed in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) under the State Public University category. In 2024, it was the only Bihar state university included in this NIRF State University ranking band.

Ranking BodyCategory2024 Rank
NIRFState Public Universities51 to 100 Band

The university has a NAAC B+ accreditation. Its teaching, research, infrastructure, and governance were assessed for this grade. Research work in humanities and natural sciences also adds to the university’s NIRF score.

Patna University Scholarships

Patna University students can apply for scholarships from the central government, the Bihar state government, and the university. Most government scholarships are filled through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or the Bihar state scholarship portal, and the annual deadlines usually fall in October.

ScholarshipEligibilityCoverage
NSP Post-Matric Scholarship (SC and ST)SC or ST category. Family income below INR 2.5 Lakhs per annumTuition fee and maintenance allowance as per NSP norms
NSP Post-Matric Scholarship (OBC)OBC category. Family income below INR 1.5 Lakhs per annumMaintenance allowance as per NSP norms
Bihar Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan YojanaFemale students of Bihar domicile enrolled in a degree programmeINR 25,000 lump sum on graduation completion
Bihar EBC ScholarshipExtremely Backward Class students. Family income below INR 1.5 Lakhs per annumMaintenance allowance via NSP portal
UGC-NET JRF FellowshipPG graduates qualifying UGC-NET in the JRF bandINR 37,000 per month for the first two years of research
CSIR-JRF FellowshipM.Sc graduates qualifying CSIR-NET in the JRF band (science subjects)INR 37,000 per month for the first two years of research

Patna University Campus and Infrastructure

Patna University’s main campus covers 181.58 acres on Ashok Raj Path in central Patna, near the Ganga river front. Since 1917, the campus has worked as an academic and cultural centre. It has old heritage buildings as well as newer faculty blocks.

The central library has books, journals, manuscripts, and archival material for different subjects. Science departments have separate labs for chemistry, physics, biotechnology, geology, and zoology. The university also has a natural history museum, which is among the oldest on any university campus in eastern India.

Hostel facilities are available separately for male and female students on the main campus. Students also use sports grounds, NCC and NSS units, and the student union building for co-curricular activities. The university’s 10 constituent colleges are located across Patna city, and each college has its own campus and departments.

Patna University vs Magadh University vs Ranchi University

Students from Bihar and Jharkhand often compare Patna University with Magadh University in Bodh Gaya and Ranchi University in Ranchi. All three are state government universities with UG and PG courses in humanities, science, and commerce at government-rate fees. The choice usually depends on location, NIRF status, and the range of programmes.

ParameterPatna UniversityMagadh University (Bodh Gaya)Ranchi University (Ranchi)
Established191719621960
LocationPatna, BiharBodh Gaya, BiharRanchi, Jharkhand
NIRF 2024 (State University)51 to 100 BandNot rankedNot ranked
NAAC GradeB+BB+
Campus Area181.58 acresUrban campus, Bodh Gaya2,200 acres (Morabadi)
Constituent and Affiliated Colleges10 constituent + 13 affiliated200-plus affiliated colleges40-plus affiliated colleges
Admission BasisCUET UG and CUET PG, BEET, MEET, MAT or CMATCUET UG and CUET PGCUET UG and CUET PG, JAC counselling

Patna University stands ahead of the other two in NIRF recognition and graduate research infrastructure. Magadh University has a much larger affiliated college network in South Bihar and is a common choice for students from Gaya, Nalanda, and Nawada. Ranchi University has the largest campus and serves as the main university option for many students from Jharkhand.

Patna University FAQs

Ques. Who established Patna University, and in which year?

Ans. The Government of Bihar established Patna University in 1917. It is among the oldest state universities in eastern India, is recognised by the UGC, and holds a NAAC B+ grade.

Ques. What rank did Patna University get in NIRF 2024?

Ans. In NIRF 2024, Patna University was placed in the 51 to 100 band for the State Public University category. It was the only state university from Bihar in this NIRF band.

Ques. Which entrance scores are used for Patna University admission?

Ans. CUET UG scores are used for UG Hons admissions, while most PG courses use CUET PG scores. B.Ed admission needs BEET, M.Ed admission needs MEET, and MBA admission needs a valid MAT or CMAT score followed by GD-PI. The university accepts online applications between April and July each year.

Ques. How much does the MBA cost at Patna University?

Ans. The total fee for the 2-year MBA at Patna University is INR 1,08,000. This full programme fee is the same for Finance, Marketing, and Human Resource specialisations.

Ques. Are hostels available at Patna University?

Ans. Yes, Patna University has separate hostels for male and female students on the main campus. Hostel allotment depends on seat availability and is handled by the university’s residential administration. Students should apply for hostel accommodation during admission.

Ques. What do students usually do after graduating from Patna University?

Ans. MBA and BBA students get placement opportunities in banking, FMCG, and corporate services through the department placement cell. Many BA, B.Sc, B.Com, MA, and M.Sc students prepare for BPSC, UPSC, SSC, and IBPS banking exams. M.Sc students also qualify for CSIR-NET JRF fellowships and move into doctoral research. B.Ed graduates commonly enter teaching through BTET and CTET.

Ques. How does Patna University compare with Magadh University?

Ans. Patna University has a NAAC B+ grade and appears in the NIRF 51 to 100 State University band. Magadh University has a NAAC B grade and is not currently listed in the NIRF rankings. Patna University has a focused model with 10 constituent colleges and stronger research infrastructure, while Magadh University covers 200-plus affiliated colleges across South Bihar. The better option depends on the course, preferred location, and career aim.

Ques. Which scholarships can Patna University students apply for?

Ans. Students may apply for NSP Post-Matric Scholarships for SC, ST, and OBC categories, the Bihar Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana that gives INR 25,000 to female graduates, and the Bihar EBC Scholarship. Research scholars can apply for UGC-NET JRF or CSIR-JRF fellowships of INR 37,000 per month. Applications are submitted through the National Scholarship Portal or the Bihar state scholarship portal.