Over 3 lakh students join Bihar Vidya Sathi app, 73% from rural areas: Education Minister

Within a month of its launch, the Bihar Vidya Sathi app has garnered the attention of over 3 lakh students, with a significant majority, approximately 73 per cent, hailing from rural areas, Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari informed. The Education Minister conveyed his satisfaction with the app's rapid adoption during a review meeting held at the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) auditorium.

The meeting, chaired by Tiwari, encompassed discussions on the board's operations, examination procedures, vocational education, and various facets concerning students' academic futures. Present at the meeting were Rajiv Roshan, Secretary of the Education Department, S Thyagarajan, Chairman of BSEB, and other officials. The deliberations emphasized the transition to a technology-driven examination process, emphasizing transparency and security.

Furthermore, preparations for linking students' APAAR IDs with face IDs and the effective implementation of this system at examination centers were under discussion. Tiwari underscored the importance of aligning vocational education with employment prospects and advancing technological demands. He directed officials to intensify awareness about vocational education among students, suggesting the review of obsolete trades and courses, and proposing their replacement with modern, employment-focused programs such as animation designing, artificial intelligence, mobile repairing, robotics, electrical and electronics, and other skill-based courses.

The meeting also addressed strategies to encourage meritorious students, with the BSEB contemplating issuing letters to those who obtain first division in Classes 10 and 12, to facilitate their access to enhanced educational opportunities. Additionally, initiatives to streamline admission to Simultala Residential School for gifted students were deliberated upon.

The participants stressed the promotion of ITIs and industrial training as viable career choices, and the creation of a comprehensive strategy to connect students who cease their education after Class 10 with further education or skill training. Financial incentives for students to continue their education were also considered. The discussion centered on the punctual declaration of results for computer-based tests (CBTs), and the board explored the use of technology-based examination systems to enhance the efficacy of the examination process while ensuring the timely release of results.