Brief Summary
Alright, so this video is all about educational institutions in Jharkhand, covering historical development, key institutions, and current stats. It aims to give you a solid grasp of the topic, which can fetch you about six marks in your JPSC or JSSC exams. The video touches upon the role of Britishers and Christian missionaries in shaping education in the region, along with details on important institutions and literacy rates.
- The British and Christian missionaries played a key role in developing education in Jharkhand.
- Key educational institutions and their history are discussed.
- Current literacy rates and related stats are provided.
Introduction
Namaste, everyone! The session will cover Jharkhand's educational institutions, focusing on theory rather than MCQs. This topic is crucial as it can help you score six marks in the JPSC and JSSC exams. The discussion includes educational development and major educational institutions in Jharkhand.
Development of Education in Jharkhand
The seeds of modern education in Jharkhand were sown during the British colonial period. In 1834, a school was established in Chadri village, Ranchi, on the proposal of H. Ricketts and by Captain Thomas Wilkinson, who was the commissioner of Chota Nagpur. In 1839, J.R. Ouseley established the Ranchi District School under the Macalay education policy. Ouseley is also known for constructing Bada Talab in Ranchi in 1842.
Role of Christian Missionaries
In 1882, a reformatory school was established in Hazaribagh for juvenile offenders. Christian missionaries entered Jharkhand on November 2, 1845, and played a significant role in developing Western education. Many well-known schools in India and Jharkhand are run by Christian missionaries, such as St. Thomas School, St. Paul School and St. Michael School.
Key Missionary Contributions
The Gosner Mission, a German mission founded by Dr. Hakerlin, arrived in Jharkhand on November 2, 1845. Father Reverand J.S. Gosner sent four missionaries to Ranchi, including Emil Losch, Theodor Jack, Frederick Watch, and Calser August Brand. In 1856, the first Gosner School was established in Ranchi, followed by Gosner College in 1947. The Society for the Propagation of Gospel Mission (SPG Mission) opened residential schools in Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Chaibasa. In 1898, they started St. Michael School for the blind, initiated by Lady Ekur. In 1909, SPG started a B.Ed school for women.
Other Missions and their Impact
The Roman Catholic Mission established St. John School in 1905, Ursline Women's Training Institute in 1914, and St. Xavier's Inter College, Ranchi, in 1944. Dr. Andrew Campbell of The United Free Church of Scotland, known as the "Apostle of Santhals," contributed to Santhali literature and education. The Dublin University Mission established St. Columba's College in Hazaribagh in July 1899, the first degree college in Jharkhand, with Principal R.J.H. Murray. The Seventh-Day Adventist Mission, starting from Morabadi, worked in education and healthcare, establishing a school in Bargai in 1923 by Burgees.
Current Literacy Scenario
As per the 2011 census, Jharkhand's literacy rate is 66.41%, ranking 25th in India. Male literacy is 76.84%, while female literacy is 55.42%. The highest literacy rate is in Ranchi, and the lowest is in Pakur.
Key Departments Related to Education
The Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) was established on December 26, 2003, to conduct secondary, intermediate, Sanskrit, and Madrasa education exams. Shaligram Yadav was the first chairman, and Laxmi Singh was the first woman chairman. The Jharkhand Education Project Council was established on April 12, 2001, to universalize primary education. JCERT, established in 2007, formulates and implements state government policies in school and teacher education.
Universities in Jharkhand
According to the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Jharkhand, there are currently 38 universities in the state, as per the Jharkhand Economic Survey 2024-25. This includes 18 state private universities, 12 state public universities, 5 institutions of national importance, 1 central university, 1 state open university, and 1 private deemed university, constituting 2.88% of the total universities across the country.
State Public Universities
Ranchi University, established on July 12, 1960, is the first university in Jharkhand. Birsa Agricultural University was established in Ranchi, Kanke, on June 26, 1981. Sidhu Kanhu University, Dumka, was established on January 10, 1992, and Vinoba Bhave University on September 17, 1992. Nilamber Pitamber University, Medini Nagar, was established on January 17, 2009, and Kolhan University, Chaibasa, on August 13, 2009. The National University of Study and Research in Law, Ranchi, was established in 2010. Raksha Shakti University, Jharkhand's first defense university, was established on October 3, 2016.
More on State Universities
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, formerly Ranchi College, was renamed in 2017 and later renamed Shaheed Veer Budhu Bhagat University. Vinod Bihari Mahto Koylanchal University was established in Dhanbad on November 13, 2017. Jamshedpur Women's University, formerly Jamshedpur Women's College, was established in 2022 and is the first women's university in Jharkhand. Jharkhand University of Technology was established in Ranchi in 2011.
Ranchi University Details
Ranchi University was established on July 12, 1960, as an autonomous institution, separated from Bihar University. This was a question in the 6th JPSC exam. The university's tetra-furcation led to the creation of Vinoba Bhave, Nilamber Pitamber, Kolhan, and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Universities. Ranchi University has its own community radio station, Radio Khanchi 90.4 FM.
Birsa Agricultural University Details
Birsa Agricultural University was established on June 26, 1981, due to the efforts of Dr. Kartik Urao. It includes Ranchi Agricultural College (established in 1955), Ranchi Veterinary College (1961), and College of Forestry (1980). The university was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and is the first and only agricultural university in Jharkhand.
Vinoba Bhave and Sidhu Kanhu University Details
Vinoba Bhave University was established on September 17, 1992, in Hazaribagh, with jurisdiction over Chatra, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Koderma, and Ramgarh. Sidhu Kanhu Murmu University was established in 1992, the second university in Jharkhand, divided from Tilka Manjhi University, Bhagalpur. Its jurisdiction includes six districts of Santhal Pargana: Sahibganj, Godda, Pakur, Jamtara, Dumka, and Deoghar.
Jamshedpur Women's University Details
Jamshedpur Women's University was established in 1953 as a women's college. It gained university status in 2019 under the Jharkhand State University Amendment Act 2017 and is the first women's university in the state.
Jharkhand Raksha Shakti University Details
Jharkhand Raksha Shakti University was established on October 3, 2016, and is the first defense university in Jharkhand, the third in the country after Gujarat and Rajasthan. The current campus operates from the old Judicial Academy, Ranchi, while the new campus is under construction in Jardag, Khunti district.
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University Details
Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University was established as Government Intermediate College in 1926, later becoming Ranchi College. In 2017, it was renamed Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, and in 2025, it was renamed Veer Shaheed Budhu Bhagat University.
Institutions of National Importance
Institutions of National Importance include the Indian School of Mines (ISM) Dhanbad, established on December 9, 1926; the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Jamshedpur, established as the Regional Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1960; the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi, established in 2009; the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Ranchi, established in 2016; and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Deoghar, established in 2019.
ISM Dhanbad Details
ISM Dhanbad was established on December 9, 1926, based on the Mcpherson Committee report of 1920. Then Viceroy Lord Irwin established it based on the Royal School of Mines, London. In 1957, the name was changed to the Indian School of Mines. In 1967, the University Grants Commission (UGC) granted ISM university status. On September 6, 2016, it was granted the status of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
NIT Jamshedpur Details
NIT Jamshedpur was established on August 15, 1960, as the Regional Institute of Technology (RIT). It was one of the first eight regional engineering colleges in the country. The foundation stone of RIT Jamshedpur was laid by then Chief Minister of Bihar, Dr. Shri Krishna Singh. On December 27, 2002, RIT was formally upgraded to the National Institute of Technology and granted deemed university status. On August 15, 2007, NIT Jamshedpur was declared an institution of national importance through the NIT Act passed by Parliament.
Central University and State Open University Details
The Central University of Jharkhand, established in Ranchi in 2009, was founded on March 1, 2009, under the Central Universities Act 2009. Dr. D.T. Khating was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor. The Jharkhand State Open University (JSOU) was established in 2021 to promote open and distance education.
Private Deemed University Details
Birla Institute of Technology (BIT) Mesra, established by the Birla Group, is the only private deemed university in Jharkhand. MESHRA stands for Military and Engineering Services Restricted Area.

