Patna: Patliputra University, carved out of Magadh University and headquartered in Patna, will have some of the best educational institutions in Patna under it.

The new varsity, which received a new vice-chancellor and pro-vice chancellor last month, will consist of over 125 colleges — 25 constituent, 70 affiliated, two government colleges, two engineering colleges, a dozen pharmacy colleges and others.

In Patna alone, 20 colleges that were earlier part of Magadh University will now function under Patliputra University. The university will also have two National Assessment and Accreditation Council (Naac) accredited ‘A’ grade colleges — A.N. College and College of Commerce, Arts and Science.

The process for setting up three universities gained momentum last month after chancellor-cum-Governor Satya Pal Malik appointed vice-chancellors and pro VCs for Patliputra University, Munger University and Purnea University.  At Patliputra University, Gulab Chand Jaisawal from Banaras Hindu University’s faculty of commerce  has been appointed VC, while NIT-Patna electrical department professor Girish Kumar Choudhary has been made pro-VC of Patliputra University.

Girish Kumar Choudhary, who took charge as pro-VC of the university on Monday, said: “As per number of colleges and its potential, Patliputra University will have the best colleges in Patna. The varsity has two Naac accredited ‘A’ grade colleges. Premier women colleges like J.D Women’s College, Arvind Mahila College, Ganga Devi College and others will also be part.”

“Over 25 colleges under Patliputra University are already Naac-accredited,” said a senior teacher at A.N. College on condition of anonymity. “In such a situation if the university goes for Naac accreditation, it will not face any difficulties. Another positive factor is that the colleges under it are rich in infrastructure. A.N College, College of Commerce, JD Women’s College and Arvind Mahila College have several departments, a rich library and laboratory equipped with modern equipment.”

Also, the branch office of Magadh University at Rajendra Nagar has all facilities that a university requires.

Subodh Ranjan, a geography student at AN College, said: “Most colleges to be added to Patliputra University are sound in infrastructure. The university can thus seek more funds from the University Grants Commission and state government.” But the new varsity has challenges too, as many colleges are located in rural areas of Patna and Nalanda district, which suffer from acute teacher and infrastructure shortage. Students from these colleges will have to visit Patna for various tasks.