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Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) is a public state university established by the Government of Bihar through the Aryabhatta Knowledge University Act, 2008, with formal establishment on 19 March 2010. The university is named after Aryabhatta, the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer. AKU serves as the principal affiliating university for professional and technical education across Bihar, covering engineering, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, management, education, and allied health sciences. The university is recognised by the UGC and is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
AKU affiliates over 280 colleges across Bihar, including 37 government-aided institutions. Its network is the primary pathway for professional education for hundreds of thousands of students in the state. The oldest affiliated institution is Bihar College of Engineering (BCE), Patna, established in 1900, one of the oldest engineering colleges in India. Other government engineering colleges affiliated to AKU include GEC Nalanda and GEC Vaishali. Private engineering and management colleges across Bihar also affiliate with AKU.
The AKU main campus is at Gyan Parisar, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar 800001. The campus directly houses specialised schools including the Centre for Geographical Studies, Centre for River Studies, School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, School of Astronomy, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the Patliputra School of Economics.
- B.Tech across 9 engineering branches at AKU-affiliated government and private colleges in Bihar
- MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHUMS in medical and allied health sciences at AKU-affiliated medical colleges
- B.Pharm (4 years) and B.Sc Nursing (4 years) through affiliated pharmacy and nursing colleges
- BBA, MBA, and allied management programmes through AKU-affiliated management institutions
- B.Ed, M.Ed through affiliated education colleges across Bihar
- MCA, BCA through affiliated IT/computer application colleges
- M.Tech (2 years) in 10+ specialisations through AKU-affiliated engineering colleges
- Specialised PG programmes directly at AKU schools: M.Sc in Remote Sensing and GIS, River Science and Management, Nanoscience and Technology, Space Science, and Journalism and Mass Communication
- PhD in Engineering, Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Management, Sciences, and allied subjects
B.Tech fees at AKU-affiliated government engineering colleges total INR 3.72 Lakhs for the full 4 years. MBBS fees at state government medical colleges are among the lowest in India. MBA at AKU-affiliated colleges totals INR 1.34 Lakhs for 2 years. B.Sc Nursing at affiliated private nursing colleges is INR 8 Lakhs for 4 years.
Government scholarship schemes including Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana and post-matric SC/ST/OBC scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal are available to eligible AKU-affiliated students.
AKU Admission Dates 2026
AKU-affiliated college admissions for the 2026-27 session follow multiple entrance examination routes depending on the programme. B.Tech admissions go through BCECE UGEAC (JEE Main based). MBBS and BDS admissions follow NEET UG. MBA and allied PG management programmes follow a separate AKU PG admission schedule. Medical PG (MD/MS) follows NEET PG state quota counselling.
| Programme | Entrance Exam | Key 2026 Events | Status (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Government Colleges) | BCECE UGEAC / JEE Main | Counselling from June 10, 2026 | Ongoing (final rounds) |
| MBBS / BDS (State Quota) | NEET UG 2026 | State quota counselling, July to October 2026 | Ongoing |
| BAMS / BHUMS | NEET UG 2026 | AYUSH state quota counselling, July 2026 onwards | Ongoing |
| MBA (AKU-affiliated) | BCECE PE / CAT / MAT / Group Discussion and Interview | AKU PG portal, deadline August 31, 2026 | Concluded |
| MCA (AKU-affiliated) | BCECE / Direct admission | AKU PG portal, deadline August 31, 2026 | Concluded |
| B.Ed (AKU-affiliated) | BCECE CET for B.Ed | State-level counselling, July 2026 onwards | Ongoing |
| PhD (Direct AKU schools) | AKU Research Aptitude Test (PAT-2026) | AKU portal, 2026 cycle | Ongoing |
Candidates seeking admission to B.Tech at AKU-affiliated government engineering colleges must register through the BCECE Board portal and participate in UGEAC centralised counselling. JEE Main rank is the basis for merit-list preparation. Reservation norms follow Bihar government reservation policy (BC, BC-W, EBC, SC, ST, EWS categories).
AKU Courses and Fees
AKU affiliates programmes across engineering, medical, management, pharmacy, nursing, education, and sciences. Fees listed below are the total fee for the full course duration at AKU-affiliated government colleges as per the AKU fee structure. Fees at private affiliated colleges may differ and are regulated by the Bihar state fee regulatory committee.
| Course | Duration | Total Fees (Govt. Affiliated) | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (Civil, CS, EE, ECE, IT, Mechanical, Instrumentation, Leather Tech) | 4 years | INR 3.72 Lakhs | BCECE UGEAC / JEE Main |
| MBBS | 5 years | INR 1.16 Lakhs | NEET UG |
| BDS | 5 years | INR 1.16 Lakhs | NEET UG |
| BAMS (Ayurveda) | 5 years | INR 0.41 Lakhs | NEET UG |
| B.Arch | 5 years | INR 4.65 Lakhs | NATA / JEE Paper 2 |
| B.Pharm | 4 years | INR 3.92 Lakhs | BCECE / Direct |
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 years | INR 8 Lakhs (private nursing colleges) | NEET / Direct |
| BBA | 3 years | INR 2.28 Lakhs | Merit / Direct |
| BCA | 3 years | INR 2.04 Lakhs | Merit / Direct |
| B.Ed | 2 years | INR 1.00 Lakhs | BCECE CET for B.Ed |
| MBA | 2 years | INR 1.34 Lakhs | BCECE PE / CAT / MAT |
| MCA | 2 years | INR 2.90 Lakhs | BCECE / Direct |
| M.Tech (various specialisations) | 2 years | INR 0.60 Lakhs | GATE / Direct |
| MD/MS/M.Ch (Medical PG) | 3 years | INR 0.70 Lakhs | NEET PG |
| PhD | 3 years minimum | INR 1.29 Lakhs | PAT (AKU Research Test) |
B.Tech at AKU-affiliated government colleges is among the most affordable engineering education routes in India at INR 3.72 Lakhs total (under INR 1 Lakh/year). MBBS and BDS at state government medical colleges are highly subsidised. M.Tech at affiliated government engineering colleges is exceptionally low at INR 0.60 Lakhs for 2 years. Private affiliated colleges charge higher fees under the state fee regulatory framework.
AKU Admission Process
B.Tech Admission
B.Tech admission at AKU-affiliated government engineering colleges (including Bihar College of Engineering Patna, GEC Nalanda, GEC Vaishali, and others) is through BCECE UGEAC centralised counselling. The counselling is based on JEE Main rank. Bihar-domicile candidates participate in UGEAC. Non-Bihar candidates may apply to private AKU-affiliated colleges directly. Minimum eligibility: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, 45% aggregate.
Bihar government reservation policy applies to all government-quota seats: BC (12%), BC Women (3%), EBC (18%), SC (16%), ST (1%), EWS (10%). Merit list is prepared UGEAC-wise. Candidates must exercise preferences through the BCECE Board portal and confirm allotment by paying the admission fee online. Multiple rounds of allotment run through the counselling season (June to October).
For private AKU-affiliated engineering colleges, management quota admission is handled directly by the institutions. A valid JEE Main or BCECE rank is typically required. KCET/COMEDK routes do not apply in Bihar.
MBBS and Medical Admission
MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and BHUMS admissions at AKU-affiliated medical colleges follow NEET UG. Bihar state quota counselling is conducted by the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB). NEET PG state quota for MD/MS/M.Ch seats at AKU-affiliated medical colleges is processed through Bihar PGMAC counselling.
MBA and PG Management
MBA admission at AKU-affiliated management colleges accepts BCECE PE (Post-Graduate Entrance Examination), CAT, MAT, or CMAT scores, followed by a group discussion and personal interview round. Direct admission with graduation merit is also available at some private affiliated institutions. The AKU PG admission portal (adms.akubihar.ac.in) handles registration. The admission deadline for MBA in 2026 was 31 August 2026.
Specialised School Admissions at AKU Campus
For direct AKU-campus programmes (M.Sc in Remote Sensing and GIS, River Science, Nanoscience, Space Science, Journalism), admissions are through the AKU portal with written test or merit-based selection. PhD admissions are through PAT (Patliputra Aptitude Test / AKU’s research aptitude test), conducted annually.
AKU Career Outcomes
Aryabhatta Knowledge University is an affiliating body and does not maintain a centralised placement cell. Career outcomes depend on the specific affiliated institution attended. Among AKU-affiliated colleges, placements vary significantly by institution and branch.
Bihar College of Engineering (BCE), Patna, the oldest and most prestigious AKU-affiliated engineering college, has a recognised placement record for government engineering college graduates. B.Tech graduates from government AKU-affiliated colleges typically pursue placements through the campus process or GATE for M.Tech and PSU roles. GATE qualified graduates from AKU-affiliated colleges are eligible for PSU recruitment and M.Tech at NITs and IITs.
MBBS graduates from AKU-affiliated government medical colleges pursue residency at government hospitals, NEET PG for post-graduation, or government service through state-level healthcare recruitment. The Bihar government recruitment through BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) is a major employment route for graduates across engineering, education, and management streams affiliated with AKU.
MBA graduates from AKU-affiliated management colleges enter roles in financial services, government sector, retail banking, and small enterprise management primarily within Bihar and the eastern India region. Starting salaries for MBA graduates from state-affiliated Bihar colleges typically range from INR 3 to 6 LPA depending on the institution and specialisation.
AKU Scholarships
Students enrolled at AKU-affiliated colleges are eligible for Bihar government scholarship schemes and central government scholarship programmes. Scholarships are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and the Bihar state scholarship portal.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana (MKUY) | Female students, Bihar domicile, graduation level | INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000 (graduation incentive) |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students, Bihar domicile, family income below INR 2.50 Lakhs | Full tuition fee + maintenance allowance |
| Post-Matric Scholarship (BC/EBC/OBC) | BC/EBC/OBC students, Bihar domicile, family income below applicable limit | Partial tuition fee support |
| EWS / NSP Central Sector Scheme | Top 20% in Class 12, family income up to INR 4.5 Lakhs | As per government notification |
| PMSSS (PM Special Scholarship Scheme) | Students from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh | Annual scholarship as per scheme norms |
| Merit-cum-Means Scholarship | Minority community students, as per national minority scholarship scheme | As per government notification |
The Bihar state scholarship portal (scholarship.bihar.gov.in) is the primary gateway for state scheme applications. NSP (scholarships.gov.in) handles central schemes. Deadlines are announced by the Bihar government each academic year. Students should apply simultaneously to both portals where eligible.
AKU Campus and Infrastructure
Aryabhatta Knowledge University’s main campus is at Gyan Parisar, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar 800001. The campus directly houses the university’s specialised research and teaching schools. The main campus is in central Patna, well connected by road and rail to Patna Junction and Patna Airport.
The specialised schools on the AKU campus include:
- Centre for Geographical Studies: M.Sc programmes in Remote Sensing and GIS, River Science and Management, Space Science
- Centre for River Studies: Research on river ecology, water resources, and Basin management (Ganga focus)
- School of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology: M.Sc and M.Tech in Nano Sciences and Technology, PhD research
- School of Astronomy: Space science and astrophysics programmes
- Centre for Journalism and Mass Communication: MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, PG Diploma in digital journalism, film making, and photography
- Patliputra School of Economics: MA Economics, BBE (Bachelor in Business Economics)
The AKU campus has a central administrative block, seminar halls, a library, and research laboratories. Its location in Mithapur, Patna makes it easily accessible from across Bihar via the Patna railway network. The university does not maintain a separate residential campus. Affiliated colleges across Bihar have their own hostels and facilities.
AKU vs Patna University vs LNMU
Students choosing higher education in Bihar often compare Aryabhatta Knowledge University with Patna University and Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU), two of Bihar’s most established affiliating universities. All three are Bihar state universities recognised by UGC.
| Parameter | Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) | Patna University | LNMU, Darbhanga |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2010 | 1917 | 1972 |
| Primary Focus | Professional education (Engineering, Medical, Management, Pharmacy) | General arts, science, commerce, some professional | General arts, science, commerce, education |
| Affiliated Colleges | 280+ | Constituent and affiliated colleges in Patna | 300+ colleges in Mithila region |
| Admission Route | BCECE UGEAC, NEET, CAT/MAT, AKU PG Portal | Centralised Patna University admission | LNMU centralised admission |
| UGC Recognition | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Flagship Programme | B.Tech (government engineering colleges) | BA, B.Sc, B.Com | BA, B.Sc, B.Com |
AKU’s mandate is explicitly professional education (engineering, medical, management, pharmacy) across Bihar. Patna University, established in 1917, is one of India’s older universities and has strong arts and science faculties. LNMU serves the Mithila and Tirhut regions of Bihar. Students targeting engineering, medicine, or management education typically affiliate through AKU-affiliated institutions, while arts, science, and commerce students attend Patna University or LNMU-affiliated colleges.
AKU FAQs
Ques. What is Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU)?
Ans. Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) is a public state university established by the Government of Bihar in 2010 under the AKU Act, 2008. It is the principal affiliating university for professional education in Bihar, covering engineering, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, management, and education. It is recognised by UGC and is a member of the AIU. The main campus is at Gyan Parisar, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar 800001.
Ques. How many colleges are affiliated to AKU?
Ans. Aryabhatta Knowledge University affiliates over 280 colleges across Bihar, including 37 government-aided institutions. These include government engineering colleges (like Bihar College of Engineering, Patna), government medical colleges, private engineering and management colleges, pharmacy colleges, nursing colleges, and education colleges across the state.
Ques. What is the admission process for B.Tech at AKU-affiliated colleges?
Ans. B.Tech admission at AKU-affiliated government engineering colleges is through BCECE UGEAC centralised counselling, based on JEE Main rank. Candidates register on the BCECE Board portal and participate in online counselling to get allotted to government engineering colleges. Bihar domicile is required for state quota seats. For private AKU-affiliated engineering colleges, direct management quota admission with JEE Main/BCECE rank is also available.
Ques. What are the B.Tech fees at AKU-affiliated colleges?
Ans. B.Tech fees at AKU-affiliated government engineering colleges total INR 3.72 Lakhs for 4 years (under INR 1 Lakh per year), making them among the most affordable engineering programmes in India. Fees at private AKU-affiliated colleges are higher and are regulated by the Bihar state fee committee. SC/ST students are eligible for post-matric scholarship that covers full tuition fees.
Ques. Is AKU NAAC accredited?
Ans. Aryabhatta Knowledge University as an institution does not hold a NAAC grade at the university level. Individual affiliated colleges may hold their own NAAC grades. AKU is recognised by UGC and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). For NAAC grade, prospective students should check the specific affiliated college they are considering for admission.
Ques. What scholarships are available for AKU students?
Ans. Students at AKU-affiliated colleges are eligible for Bihar government schemes including Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojana (for female graduates), post-matric scholarships for SC/ST/BC/EBC students through the Bihar scholarship portal, and central government schemes through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP). SC/ST students with family income below INR 2.50 Lakhs are eligible for full tuition fee coverage under the state post-matric scheme.
Ques. What is the best engineering college affiliated to AKU?
Ans. Bihar College of Engineering (BCE), Patna, established in 1900, is the oldest and most prestigious AKU-affiliated engineering college. It is a government engineering college with a long history of engineering education in Bihar. Admissions to BCE are through BCECE UGEAC counselling based on JEE Main rank. Other government engineering colleges affiliated to AKU include GEC Nalanda and Government Engineering College Vaishali.
Ques. What PG programmes does AKU offer directly on campus?
Ans. AKU’s main campus at Mithapur, Patna directly runs M.Sc programmes in Remote Sensing and GIS, River Science and Management, Nanoscience and Technology, Space Science, and Journalism and Mass Communication through its specialised schools. The Patliputra School of Economics offers MA in Economics and BBE. PhD research is also conducted on campus across multiple disciplines through the PAT (research aptitude test) admission route.
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Admissions for many programs at AKU had online application deadlines earlier in 2025, with general UG/PG forms due around 5 August 2025. For B.Ed, the CET BEd 2025 exam was held on 25 June 2025, with results and counselling completed in July 2025. You can contact the university/affiliated college to check for spot admissions or vacant seats.
AKU B Pharma is offered as 4 Years Full Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for B Pharma is 10+2. The total fees for AKU B Pharma in 2025 is INR 3.92 Lakhs for the complete course duration.
AKU B Pharma is offered as 4 Years Full Time program. The minimum eligibility criteria for B Pharma is 10+2. The total fees for AKU B Pharma in 2025 is INR 3.92 Lakhs for the complete course duration. Admission to all the B.Pharm course will be made in the Autumn Semester of each session at the First Year level through the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board (BCECEB), Patna the counseling for which is done by the Central Counseling of the BCECEB, Patna. Candidates can apply online for the BCECEB.
A person should be 10+2 pass in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. A person should be medically fit. Candidates can apply online for the BCECEB. Online application form has to fill on University official website.
The total tuition fee for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program at Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna, is approximately INR 4 Lakhs for the complete 54-month course duration. This breaks down to an annual tuition fee of INR 1 Lakh per year across the four academic years.
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna, has not yet announced the specific admission dates for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) program for the 2025 academic session. The admisisons are expected to open in July 2025.
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs, but for medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and other allied health sciences, NEET is mandatory.
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU), Patna, releases application forms for Ph.D. admissions in various disciplines, including Education, during the academic session. For the 2025-26 academic year, the application process is expected to commence in July 2025, with the last date for submission on August 5, 2025
You can check here for the List of B.Sc (Nursing) Colleges in India Based on 2024 Ranking
The university itself does not directly offer an MBBS program; instead, it oversees and regulates the curriculum and examinations for its affiliated institutions. Specific placement statistics for MBBS graduates from AKU-affiliated colleges are not available online. You can contact the college for the detailed information about the course and the placement records of the affiliated colleges offering the MBBS courses.
The fee for the BEd course is INR 1.5 Lakhs at the Aryabhatta Knowledge University. Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any course from this board or any other recognized board. B.Ed is a versatile degree that opens doors to various roles in education. The demand for skilled educators continues to rise with the growth of educational institutions and the increasing emphasis on quality education.
Candidate must have passed post-graduation in the relevant stream from the recognized University. You can register or download the brochure for the detailed information about the course.
A person should be 10+2 pass in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. A person should be medically fit. Online application form has to fill on University official website.
The fee for the courses is mentioned below:
Ph.D
M.Tech
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) offers modern facilities, including advanced medical equipment, computer labs, sports amenities, a cafeteria, hostel accommodation, dedicated laboratories, and access to hospital services.
Online application form has to fill on University official website. The online filled application form (Printed /downloaded) must be sent with the Demand Draft (DD) of Rs. 1,000/- (Rupees One Thousand Only) and Rs. 500/- (Rupees Five Hundred Only) for SC/ST candidates only, issued from any nationalized bank, in favour of “AKU, REGISTRATION AND EXAMINATION FUND” payable at Patna.
AKU Patna offers various courses with different fee structures. Click on the below link to get the course wise fee structures of AKU Patna.
Link: AKU Patna Courses Fees
You must have done 10 +2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. For admission to BSc in Nursing courses, the marks obtained by the candidates in their previous qualifying examinations are considered for preparation of the final merit list.
Is university approved by PCI
Yes, PCI (Pharmacy Council of India) has given its approval to Aryabhatta Knowledge University. UGC (University Grants Comission) has also approved this university.
Candidate must have passed post graduation in the relevant stream from the recognized University. The applications will be screened and the selected applicants will be called for Pre-Ph.D. Registration Test (PRT) conducted by the university itself. The candidates shortlisted on the basis of their marks obtained in the entrance test are invited for the interview rounds. Final preparation of the merit list is based on the performance of the candidates in the entrance test and interview along with the marks obtained by the candidates in their previous qualifying examination.
Being a collegiate university, AKU Patna does not have its own fee structure for B.Sc. Nursing. The fee structure varies from college to college affiliated with it. Click here to get the list of AKU affiliated colleges.