Looking for the Best colleges in Patna? From engineering to arts, Patna is a hotspot for quality education and career opportunity. In this guide, we list the top 10 colleges in Patna based on Ranking, infrastructure, placement records, and academic excellence. The Colleges are:
One of India’s top IITs, IIT Patna is renowned for its research, innovation, and academic excellence. It was founded in 2008 and provides excellent engineering, science, and technology education along with exposure to international placement.
Established Year
2008
Affiliation & Accreditation
Government of India, Ministry of Education, Institute of National Importance. approved by UGC and AICTE.
Smart classrooms, cutting-edge research labs, a library, labs for innovation and robotics, dorms, a medical facility, a cafeteria, a sports complex, and an entrepreneurship cell are all features of this contemporary campus.
Placement Records
Highest package: ₹1.2 Cr/annum (international). Average package: ₹14–16 LPA overall; ₹18–20 LPA for CSE.
Location
Bihta, Patna – 801106, Bihar. About 35 km from Patna city. Nearest railway station: Bihta (5 km).
2. NIT Patna
Category
Details
Overview
Originally founded in 1886 as the Bihar College of Engineering and renamed NIT Patna in 2004, NIT Patna is among the oldest technical colleges in India. It is known for its outstanding research, inventiveness, and technical education.
Established Year
1886 (as BCE), Upgraded to NIT in 2004
Affiliation & Accreditation
Independent organisation under the Indian government’s Ministry of EducationAcknowledged as a Nationally Significant InstituteAICTE and UGC-approved
B.Tech: JEE Main + JoSAA Counseling M.Tech: GATE + CCMTM.Sc: IIT JAM Ph.D.: Master’s degree + Written Test/Interview
Infrastructure & Facilities
Modern labs, a central library, innovation centres, dorms, a sports complex, a Wi-Fi campus, an auditorium, a health centre, and virtual classrooms are all features of this urban campus.
Ashok Rajpath, Mahendru, Patna – 800005, Bihar. Located near the banks of River Ganga, centrally placed in Patna city.
3. Patna University
Category
Details
Overview
The first university in Bihar and the seventh oldest in the Indian subcontinent, Patna University was founded in 1917. This esteemed state government university is well-known for its extensive academic background and historical significance.
Established Year
1917
Affiliation & Accreditation
University of the State Government Accredited (B Grade) by UGCNAAC and recognised by AIU
Popular Courses Offered
UG & PG in Arts, Science, Commerce (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA, M.Sc, M.Com)Professional Courses: BBA, BCA, MBA, LLB, Education, Journalism
Eligibility & Admission Process
UG: 10+2 with minimum required marks + Entrance or Merit-BasedPG: Graduation in relevant field + PU Entrance Test (PUCET)Ph.D.: Master’s + PAT (Ph.D. Admission Test)
Infrastructure & Facilities
Heritage buildings, classrooms, libraries, science labs, seminar halls, computer centres, dorms, sports facilities, and other amenities are all part of this urban campus. Support for e-learning and access to digital libraries are offered.
Placement Records
Support for placement is moderate. Departmental placements and alumni networks are active in academics, public services, banking, and education. Department-level training programs and career counselling are offered.
Location
Ashok Rajpath, Patna – 800005, Bihar. Centrally located near Gandhi Maidan.
4. Chanakya National Law University (CNLU)
Category
Details
Overview
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) is a prestigious public law university established in 2006 by the Government of Bihar. It is recognized for offering quality legal education, a strong focus on judiciary preparation, and an active academic culture with mooting and legal aid activities.
Established Year
2006
Affiliation & Accreditation
CNLU is a government law university recognized by the UGC and Bar Council of India. The Chief Justice of the Patna High Court serves as the Chancellor.
Popular Courses Offered
The university offers integrated B.A. LL.B (Hons) and B.B.A. LL.B (Hons) programs (5-year) and a one-year LL.M. It also offers doctoral-level research opportunities (Ph.D.).
Eligibility & Admission Process
Admission to UG courses is through CLAT, and LL.M admissions are through the university’s own entrance exam. Ph.D. aspirants need a relevant postgraduate degree and must clear an entrance test and interview.
Infrastructure & Facilities
The university is located on an 18-acre urban campus in Mithapur, Patna. It has well-equipped classrooms, a modern library, moot court hall, student hostels, cafeteria, and sports facilities. Events like fests, moots, and debates are frequent.
Placement Records
CNLU has a growing placement record with over 80% placement in 2025. The highest package reached ₹19 LPA, and the average was around ₹10.8 LPA. Recruiters included law firms, PSUs, and banks like ICICI and Huron.
Location
Located in Mithapur, near the heart of Patna, Bihar. Easily accessible by road and rail.
5. Anugrah Narayan College (A.N. College)
Category
Details
Overview
A.N. College, Patna is one of Bihar’s most reputed co-educational colleges. Established in 1956 and renamed after freedom fighter Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha, it is known for academic excellence, modern facilities, and high NAAC accreditation.
Established Year
1956 (renamed A.N. College in 1959)
Affiliation & Accreditation
Constituent unit of Patliputra University, recognized by UGC, approved by AICTE, and accredited with NAAC ‘A+’ Grade. Also recognized as a College with Potential for Excellence by UGC.
Popular Courses Offered
Offers UG and PG programs in Arts, Science, and Commerce including B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., BCA, BBA, B.Ed., MCA, MBA, and vocational courses across 49 departments.
Eligibility & Admission Process
Admissions are mostly merit-based via Patliputra University’s online portal. UG applicants need 10+2, PG applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree. Professional courses may require entrance or national-level scores.
Infrastructure & Facilities
Spread across a 13-acre urban campus with smart classrooms, labs, library, computer centre, auditoriums, gym, Wi-Fi, hostels, NSS/NCC units, and eco-friendly facilities like rainwater harvesting and solar panels.
Placement Records
Active placement cell for vocational and tech courses. Average package ranges between ₹2–8 LPA, with the highest going up to ₹13 LPA. Companies like TCS, Wipro, Mahindra, Cipla, and ICICI regularly recruit.
Location
Located at Boring Road, Shri Krishnapuri, Patna – 800013, easily accessible from Patna Junction and Airport.
6. Magadh Mahila College
Category
Details
Overview
Established in 1946, Magadh Mahila College is one of the oldest and most prestigious women’s colleges in Bihar. It is a constituent unit of Patna University and has played a key role in empowering women through quality higher education. The college offers a variety of programs in arts, science, commerce, and professional fields.
Established Year
1946
Affiliation & Accreditation
Constituent unit of Patna University, recognized by UGC. Re-accredited by NAAC with B+ grade (CGPA 2.54). Earlier held NAAC ‘A’ grade and recognized as a College with Potential for Excellence (CPE) by UGC.
Popular Courses Offered
Offers UG programs like B.A. (Hons.), B.Sc. (Hons.), B.Com. (Hons.), BBA, BCA, and PG programs in Psychology, Sociology, Chemistry, and Economics. Also offers certificate and skill-based vocational courses.
Eligibility & Admission Process
Admissions are merit-based, conducted under Patna University norms. For UG courses, candidates must have passed 10+2 with minimum required marks. Some courses may require an entrance test or interview.
Infrastructure & Facilities
The college has a well-maintained urban campus near Gandhi Maidan. Facilities include smart classrooms, science and computer labs, library, hostels, sports complex, gym, Wi-Fi, eco-friendly systems like solar energy, and a daycare center.
Placement Records
The placement cell is active and supports professional courses like BCA and BBA. Companies like Wipro, TCS, Deloitte, and HDFC visit the campus. Average packages range from ₹6–8 LPA; highest offers go up to ₹30 LPA in select courses.
Location
Located at North Gandhi Maidan, Patna – 800001, in the heart of the city. Easily accessible from Patna Junction and other key areas.
7. Patna Women’s College
Category
Details
Overview
Patna Women’s College, established in 1940, is the first institution of higher education for women in Bihar. Managed by the Apostolic Carmel Sisters, the college is known for its disciplined environment, academic excellence, and holistic development of students. It promotes women’s empowerment through quality education.
Established Year
1940
Affiliation & Accreditation
Affiliated to Patna University and recognized by UGC. It has been accredited by NAAC with A++ Grade (CGPA 3.51/4), placing it among the top-rated colleges in India. It is also ranked in the 101–150 band in NIRF 2024.
Popular Courses Offered
Offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, and professional streams like BCA, MCA, BBA, Mass Communication, and Education (B.Ed). It also has short-term and certificate programs.
Eligibility & Admission Process
For UG courses, candidates must have passed 10+2 with required marks. PG courses require a relevant bachelor’s degree. Some programs (like BCA, BBA, and Mass Communication) conduct entrance tests followed by interviews.
Infrastructure & Facilities
The college boasts a well-equipped campus with smart classrooms, science and computer labs, a central library, sports grounds, auditoriums, hostels, canteen, and eco-friendly amenities. It provides a secure and resource-rich environment.
Placement Records
The college has a strong placement cell. In recent years, over 280 students were placed with companies like Wipro, IBM, TCS, Concentrix, and Infosys. The average package is ₹4.5 LPA, and the highest package reached ₹7.5 LPA.
Location
Located on Bailey Road, Patna (near Patna High Court), the campus is easily accessible from the airport and railway station, making it one of the most centrally located colleges in the city.
8. St. Xavier’s College of Mgmt. & Tech.
Category
Details
Overview
St. Xavier’s College of Management & Technology (SXCMT), Patna is a Jesuit-run institution established in 2012, known for its value-based education in management, technology, and media studies.
Established Year
2012
Affiliation & Accreditation
Affiliated to Aryabhatta Knowledge University, granted autonomous status by UGC (2025), accredited by NAAC (B++ Grade), and approved by AICTE.
Popular Courses Offered
BBA, BCA (AI/ML/Data Science), B.Com (Professional), BA (Economics), BAJMC (Journalism & Mass Communication), PG diploma & certificate courses.
Eligibility & Admission Process
Merit-based admissions; some programs require entrance tests and interviews. Internship is mandatory in several courses.
Infrastructure & Facilities
Smart classrooms, computer & media labs, Wi-Fi, auditorium, library, student clubs, and co-curricular activities. Campus located on Digha-Ashiana Road, Patna.
Placement Records
Average package: ₹3–5 LPA; Highest package: ₹7–8 LPA. Top recruiters include Wipro, VIVO, ITC, Coca-Cola and others.
Location
Digha-Ashiana Road, Patna – 800011, easily accessible from major parts of the city.
9. Amity University, Patna
Category
Details
Overview
Amity University Patna is a private university under the Amity Education Group, established in 2017. It offers globally benchmarked education in fields like engineering, management, law, journalism, commerce, and computer science.
Established Year
2017
Affiliation & Accreditation
Recognized by the UGC as a state private university. Programs are approved by relevant regulatory bodies like AICTE.
Popular Courses Offered
B.Tech, BBA, BCA, MBA, B.Com (Hons), BA LLB, Mass Communication, and other UG & PG programs in management, technology, and liberal arts.
Eligibility & Admission Process
Admissions are merit or entrance-based, depending on the course. Some programs may include interviews or group discussions as part of the selection process.
Infrastructure & Facilities
Urban campus on Bailey Road with modern infrastructure: smart classrooms, labs, library, seminar halls, Wi-Fi, sports areas, and co-curricular facilities.
Placement Records
In 2024, highest package: ₹50 LPA (B.Tech – CSE). Over 900+ recruiters, 11,000+ placement offers across Amity campuses. Key recruiters: Amazon, Cisco, Flipkart, Morgan Stanley, Accenture.
Location
Priyadarshi Nagar, Bailey Road, Rupaspur, Patna – 801503, Bihar. Easily accessible via road and public transport.
10. Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU)
Category
Details
Overview
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU) is a public state university established to manage and develop professional education across Bihar, including engineering, medical, management, and allied disciplines.
Established Year
2010
Affiliation & Accreditation
Recognized by UGC and affiliated with statutory councils like AICTE, MCI, INC, and PCI for its professional programs through partner colleges.
Popular Courses Offered
B.Tech, MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm, BBA, MBA, MCA, B.Ed, M.Ed, M.Tech, and PhD programs through its affiliated institutions across Bihar.
Eligibility & Admission Process
Admission is generally entrance-based, through exams like BCECE, NEET, GATE, or institute-specific tests. For B.Ed and MBA, state-level merit or counseling is followed.
Infrastructure & Facilities
Main campus in Mithapur, Patna has administrative blocks, classrooms, digital library, IT labs, and basic academic infrastructure. Facilities vary across affiliated colleges.
Placement Records
Varies across affiliated institutions. Average salary packages range from ₹3–5 LPA, with top offers up to ₹10–15 LPA in tech roles. Recruiters include TCS, HCL, Wipro, Cognizant, etc.
Location
Mithapur Farm Area, Patna – 800001, Bihar. Central location near Mithapur Bus Stand; accessible via road and public transport.
Top Engineering Colleges in Patna
College Name
Type
Popular Courses
NIRF/Other Rank
Fees (approx.)
IIT Patna
Government
B.Tech, M.Tech, PhD
NIRF 2024: Rank 41 (Engg)
₹8 – ₹10 L (4 years)
NIT Patna
Government
B.Tech, M.Tech, PhD
NIRF 2024: Rank 56 (Engg)
₹5 – ₹6 L (4 years)
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU)
Government
B.Tech, M.Tech (through affiliates)
Not ranked independently
₹3 – ₹4.5 L (4 years)
Buddha Institute of Technology
Private
B.Tech (CSE, ME, ECE, CE)
State approved
₹2 – ₹3.5 L
R.P. Sharma Institute of Technology
Private
B.Tech, Diploma
AICTE approved
₹2.5 – ₹3.5 L
Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology
Private
B.Tech, Diploma
BTE/AICTE approved
₹2.2 – ₹3 L
Maulana Azad College of Engineering
Private
B.Tech in Core Streams
BTE/AICTE approved
₹2 – ₹3 L
Nalanda College of Engineering (Chandi)
Government
B.Tech (via BCECE)
BCECE affiliated
₹1.5 – ₹2.5 L
Amity University, Patna
Private
B.Tech (CSE, IT, Civil)
NAAC Accredited
₹6 – ₹8 L
Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology (IGIT), Sarang (Nearby Odisha)
Government
B.Tech, M.Tech
NIRF Ranked
₹2.5 – ₹3.5 L
Top Medical & Paramedical in Patna
College Name
Type
Popular Courses
NIRF/Other Rank
Fees (approx.)
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna
Government
MBBS, MD/MS, Nursing
NIRF 2024 (Medical): 26
₹6K – ₹10K per year (MBBS)
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS)
Government
MBBS, MD, MS, B.Sc (Nursing), Paramedical
State Ranking
₹80K – ₹1.5 L per year
Patna Medical College (PMC)
Government
MBBS, MD, MS
Among oldest in Bihar
₹25K – ₹30K per year
Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH)
Government
MBBS, B.Sc Nursing, Paramedical
BCECE Affiliated
₹25K – ₹35K per year
Aryabhatta Knowledge University (AKU)
Government
BPT, BMLT, B.Sc Nursing (through affiliates)
UGC Approved
₹60K – ₹1 L (varies)
Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences
Private
MBBS, B.Sc Paramedical, BPT
State approved
₹12 – ₹14 L (MBBS)
Netaji Subhas Institute of Allied Health Sciences
Private
BMLT, BPT, DMLT
AKU Affiliated
₹1.5 – ₹2 L
Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College, Gaya (near Patna)
Government
MBBS, MD/MS
BCECE/MCI approved
₹30K – ₹40K per year
Katihar Medical College (nearby, private)
Private
MBBS, Nursing, Paramedical
Recognized by MCI
₹13 – ₹16 L (MBBS)
St. Xavier’s College of Paramedical Sciences
Private
BPT, B.Sc in Paramedical Sciences
AKU Affiliated
₹1.5 – ₹2 L
Top Commerce & Management in Patna
College Name
Type
Popular Courses
NIRF/Other Rank
Fees (approx.)
Patna University – Faculty of Commerce
Government
B.Com, M.Com, MBA
Among oldest in Bihar
₹5K – ₹15K per year
Magadh Mahila College
Government
B.Com, BBA, M.Com
NAAC Accredited
₹10K – ₹20K per year
Patna Women’s College
Government-Aided
B.Com, BBA
NAAC A Grade
₹30K – ₹40K per year
Anugrah Narayan College (A.N. College)
Government
BBA, B.Com, M.Com
NAAC A Grade
₹8K – ₹15K per year
St. Xavier’s College of Management & Technology
Private
BBA, B.Com, MBA
AKU Affiliated
₹50K – ₹1.2 L per year
Amity University, Patna
Private
BBA, B.Com (Hons), MBA
UGC, AICTE Approved
₹1.5 L – ₹2.5 L per year
International School of Management (ISM), Patna
Private
PGDM, MBA
AICTE Approved
₹2 L – ₹2.5 L (full course)
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU)(For Law + Mgmt)
Government
BBA LLB
National Law School
₹1.5 L – ₹2 L per year
Nalanda Open University (NOU)
Government
B.Com, M.Com, MBA (Distance)
UGC Recognized
₹5K – ₹10K per year
L.N. Mishra Institute of Economic Development
Government-Aided
BBA, MBA, BCA
AICTE, AKU Affiliated
₹50K – ₹1.5 L per year
Top Arts & Humanities in Patna
College Name
Type
Popular Courses
NIRF/Other Rank
Fees (approx.)
Patna University – Arts Faculty
Government
BA, MA in History, Political Science, Hindi, English
One of the oldest universities
₹4K – ₹10K per year
Magadh Mahila College
Government
BA in English, Psychology, Economics, Sociology
NAAC A Grade
₹8K – ₹15K per year
Patna Women’s College
Government-Aided
BA (Hons) in Psychology, English, Political Science
NAAC A Grade
₹30K – ₹40K per year
A.N. College (Anugrah Narayan College)
Government
BA in Economics, Hindi, Political Science, Sociology
NAAC A Grade
₹5K – ₹10K per year
St. Xavier’s College of Mgmt. & Tech.
Private
BA in English, Psychology, Journalism
AKU Affiliated
₹35K – ₹60K per year
Arvind Mahila College
Government-Aided
BA in Hindi, History, Economics, Home Science
PU Affiliated
₹4K – ₹6K per year
B.N. College (Bihar National College)
Government
BA (Hons) in History, Economics, English, Hindi
PU Constituent College
₹5K – ₹10K per year
Nalanda Open University (NOU)
Government – Distance
BA, MA in Hindi, English, History, Sociology
UGC Approved
₹3K – ₹6K per year
Vanijya Mahavidyalaya(Commerce+Arts)
Government
BA & B.Com Courses in Humanities and Business Economics
PU Constituent College
₹4K – ₹8K per year
JD Women’s College
Government-Aided
BA in Political Science, Psychology, Philosophy
NAAC Accredited
₹10K – ₹20K per year
Top Science College in Patna
College Name
Type
Popular Courses
NIRF/Other Rank
Fees (approx.)
Patna Science College
Government
B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics, Chemistry, Math, Botany, Zoology
One of oldest science colleges
₹4K – ₹8K per year
A.N. College (Anugrah Narayan College)
Government
B.Sc. in Computer Science, Physics, Environmental Science
NAAC A Grade
₹5K – ₹12K per year
Magadh Mahila College
Government
B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Physics
NAAC A Grade
₹10K – ₹15K per year
Patna Women’s College
Government-Aided
B.Sc. in Physics, Computer Applications, Statistics
NAAC A Grade
₹35K – ₹45K per year
B.N. College (Bihar National College)
Government
B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics
PU Constituent College
₹5K – ₹10K per year
St. Xavier’s College of Mgmt. & Tech.
Private
B.Sc. in IT, Computer Science
AKU Affiliated
₹35K – ₹60K per year
JD Women’s College
Government-Aided
B.Sc. in Math, Chemistry, Zoology, Botany
NAAC Accredited
₹10K – ₹20K per year
Vanijya Mahavidyalaya(Mixed Courses)
Government
B.Sc. (with Commerce optional subjects)
PU Constituent College
₹4K – ₹8K per year
Nalanda Open University (NOU)
Government – Distance
B.Sc. (Math, Physics), M.Sc. in Science Subjects
UGC Approved
₹3K – ₹6K per year
Ganga Devi Mahila Mahavidyalaya
Government-Aided
B.Sc. in Science Subjects
PU Affiliated
₹5K – ₹8K per year
College Life in Patna Cost Of Living for Student
Cost of Living for Students in Patna (Monthly Estimate)
Expense Type
Approximate Cost (₹/month)
Hostel/PG (Shared Room)
₹3,000 – ₹7,000
Food & Groceries
₹2,000 – ₹4,000
Transportation (local)
₹500 – ₹1,000
Mobile/Data & Internet
₹300 – ₹600
Books & Stationery
₹300 – ₹800
Personal/Miscellaneous
₹1,000 – ₹2,000
Total Monthly Budget
₹7,000 – ₹15,000
Hostel & PG Availability
Most government colleges, including IIT Patna, NIT Patna, PU, and prestigious women’s colleges, offer on-campus hostels.
There are plenty of PGs and private hostels near Ashok Rajpath, Bailey Road, Boring Road, and Kankarbagh.
Basic rates start at ₹3,000 and go up to ₹10,000 (including meals, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning).
Transportation & Connectivity
Public transport options include autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and city buses (Patna City Bus).
Students frequently rent bikes from companies like Rapido & Bounce.
Rail/Air Connectivity: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport and Patna Junction, a significant railway hub, link Patna to all of India’s major cities.
Student Culture & Networking Opportunities
Events & Fests: PU’s yearly fests, NIT Patna’s Melange, and IIT Patna’s Celesta are centres of culture and technology.
Libraries & Study Places: Bihar State Library, Central Library (PU), and contemporary digital libraries in private universities.
Student Communities: Involvement in debate societies, coding clubs, entrepreneurship cells, and NSS.
Cafes and Hangout Areas: College students frequently frequent the eateries on Boring Road, CCD, Dominos, and Café Hideout.
Conclusion
With a wide range of options in the fields of engineering, medicine, law, the arts, commerce, and management, Patna has become one of Bihar’s most important educational centres. Among the Top 10 Colleges in Patna are prestigious establishments like CNLU, Patna University, IIT Patna, and NIT Patna. They are renowned for their outstanding academic programs, knowledgeable faculty, and impressive placement records. Regardless of your educational goals—technical, professional, or traditional—Patna offers top-notch institutions at reasonable living expenses.
Your learning environment, course preferences, and career goals all play a role in selecting the best college. These universities foster both academic and holistic student development by combining cutting-edge facilities with rich cultural diversity.
FAQ’s About Top Colleges in Patna
1. Which is the No.1 college in Patna?
IIT Patna is regarded as the top engineering and research college in Patna.
2. What are the top government colleges in Patna?
IIT Patna, NIT Patna, Patna University, and CNLU are among the best government colleges.
3. How to get admission in top colleges of Patna?
Depending on the course and college, admission is determined by merit or by national/state entrance exams such as JEE, CLAT, and CUET.
4. Are there good placement opportunities in Patna?
Yes, particularly at prestigious private universities like IIT and NIT. Big businesses hire from these schools.
5. What is the average fee of a good college in Patna?
Depending on the school and course, fees can range from ₹10,000 to ₹2.5 lakh annually.