Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a centrally sponsored scheme launched to
improve access, equity and quality in higher education across India. The programme
supports
universities and colleges through strategic funding for infrastructure development,
accreditation, research, governance reforms, capacity building and innovation.
In Bihar, BSHEC functions as the State Higher Education Council responsible for
planning,
monitoring and evaluating RUSA interventions. Under RUSA, the Council works to
strengthen
institutions through grants for upgrading existing universities and colleges, improving
academic standards, enhancing ICT facilities, supporting faculty development, promoting
research culture and ensuring student-centric reforms. RUSA plays a pivotal role in
aligning
Bihar’s higher education system with national priorities and global benchmarks.
The scheme operates in mission mode to achieve the gross enrolment ratio (GER) target of 32% by 2022 and 50% by 2037 as envisaged in the National Education Policy 2020. RUSA implements its objectives through a combination of central funding and state government contributions, typically in a 60:40 ratio (90:10 for special category states).
To usher transformative reforms in the state higher education system by creating a facilitating institutional structure for planning and monitoring at the state level.
To promote access to high-quality higher education for all eligible students, with a special focus on educationally backward districts and disadvantaged groups.
To improve the overall quality of state institutions by ensuring conformity to prescribed norms and standards.
To ensure academic and examination reforms in the higher education sector.
To create an enabling atmosphere for research and innovation in the higher education system.
Improve quality by ensuring conformity to norms and standards.
Usher transformative reforms in the state higher education system.
Create enabling institutional structure for planning and monitoring.
Promote autonomy and academic reforms.
Ensure adequate availability of quality faculty.
Create capacity for improved research.
Correct regional imbalances in access to higher education.
Upgradation of existing autonomous colleges to universities.
Infrastructure grants to universities and colleges.
New Model Degree Colleges (MDCs) in educationally backward districts.
Upgradation of existing degree colleges to model degree colleges.
New professional colleges in underserved districts.
Faculty recruitment support and faculty improvements.
Research, innovation, and quality improvement grants.
Equity initiatives and infrastructure for differently-abled students.
Result-based funding approach rather than input-based.
Funding based on critical appraisal of State Higher Education Plans (SHEPs).
Shared funding between Centre and State.
Institutions must meet quality benchmarks to receive funding.
Regular monitoring and evaluation through MIS.
Promotion of academic, administrative, and financial autonomy.
Headed by Union Minister of Education (Strategic Direction)
Chaired by Secretary, Higher Education (Approvals)
State-level Planning & Monitoring
Executive body for implementation
The first phase of RUSA (2013-2020) has been completed, and its components have been integrated into newer education initiatives. RUSA has significantly contributed to:
Establishment of new institutions to underserved regions
Infrastructure development in existing colleges and universities
Improvement in gross enrolment ratio in higher education
Promotion of academic and administrative reforms
Strengthening of state higher education councils
Enhanced focus on quality assurance and accreditation