In a first-of-its-kind move, Patliputra University (PPU) has appointed principals to 10 of its affiliated colleges through a lottery-based selection process. This unconventional approach, which has already drawn attention and debate in academic circles, mirrors a similar method adopted earlier by Patna University. The decision marks a shift in how administrative roles are being filled in Bihar’s higher education institutions.
The university, which governs colleges in Patna and Nalanda districts, had 19 long-vacant principal posts. Of these, 10 have now been filled through the lottery system. The process was carried out from a pool of eligible candidates recommended by the Bihar State University Service Commission. The appointments were then approved by the state government, with each new principal receiving a five-year tenure. They are expected to assume charge within three months of the official notification.
The list of newly appointed principals includes: Ratna Amrit (A N College) to BD College, Mithapur; Sunita Roy to MM College, Bikram; Sunita Sinha to Nalanda College, Biharsharif; Rekha Rani to A N College; Vijay Laxmi to Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya; Diwakar Prasad to R K D College, Lohia Nagar; Akhilesh Kumar to M D College, Naubatpur; Shyamdeo Paswan to B S College, Danapur; Dibhanshu Kumar to Kisan College, Sohsarai; and Anand Prakash Gupta to Government Degree College, Rajgir.
While the university administration has defended the process as fair and time-efficient, the move has stirred controversy. Critics argue that lottery-based postings risk mismatching expertise with institutional needs—raising concerns about academic compatibility and the quality of leadership. Similar concerns were raised after Patna University used the same system, where principals were appointed to institutions that didn’t align with their academic specializations.
Despite the debate, the use of the lottery system is being seen as an attempt to break bureaucratic delays and ensure swift appointments to key academic positions. Whether this model will become a standard practice or remain a one-time measure remains to be seen, but it has certainly opened a new chapter in university governance in Bihar.
