Intermediate students are protesting outside the JDU office in Patna against the Bihar government’s decision to discontinue plus two classes in colleges starting April 1.
Expressing their concerns, a student named Sonam stated to ANI that they have been instructed to continue their intermediate education in schools instead of universities, causing significant challenges and potential waste of an academic year.
“We have been told to continue our Intermediate education in schools and not University. We are facing a lot of problems. Our one academic year would go to waste,” Sonam said.
She also questioned the implementation timing, suggesting that the new rule should apply to students opting for it after their Class 10 exams, rather than affecting those already admitted.
“We should implement the new rule for those students who want to avail it now after taking their Class 10th exams. Why should it apply to us when we have already taken admission?” she added.
Another student highlighted financial concerns, noting that they had already paid fees and could face losses.
“It can happen from next session. We are facing a lot of problems and we have also paid fees,” one of the protesting students said.
In February, the Bihar government announced the discontinuation of plus two (intermediate) classes in colleges affiliated with various universities in the state, effective from the academic session starting in April this year.
The decision aims to centralize intermediate education (in all three streams — arts, science, and commerce) to be imparted only in higher secondary schools, following the earlier discontinuation of such courses in Patna University and recommendations from the UGC and Administrative Reforms Commission.