Severe flooding in 14 districts of Bihar has submerged over 4,000 government schools, disrupting the education of 3 lakh students. Despite the crisis, the Education Department has mandated half-yearly exams starting September 15, sparking widespread outrage.
- Over 4,000 government schools submerged across 14 flood-affected districts in Bihar.
- Education of more than 3 lakh students severely disrupted; syllabus barely 30% complete.
- Education Department asks students to bring their own mats and polythene sheets for exams.
- Major rivers including Ganga, Gandak, and Kosi flowing above danger marks.
Bihar is currently grappling with a catastrophic flooding situation. As of September 9, 2026, 514 village panchayats across 84 blocks in 14 districts are reeling under the deluge. The overflow of the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Punpun, Bagmati, and Ghagra rivers has turned vast stretches of land into waterways, with over 4,000 government schools completely submerged.
Adding to the distress, the Bihar Education Department has announced that half-yearly exams for Classes 1 to 12 will commence on September 15, 2026. The decision has been met with shock and anger from parents and students, as many schools remain waist-deep in water and approach roads are destroyed. Students have reported that due to floods and a chronic shortage of teachers, not even a third of the syllabus has been covered.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows a systemic failure in integrating disaster management with educational planning. By asking students to bring their own mats and polythene sheets to sit for exams in open spaces or panchayat buildings, the state is effectively shifting the burden of infrastructure failure onto the most vulnerable citizens. This approach prioritizes administrative deadlines over pedagogical quality and student safety.
"Conducting examinations in a disaster zone without providing basic seating or safety guarantees is a violation of the basic right to a dignified education."
The examination schedule is strictly set: Class 1-8 from September 15, Class 9-10 from September 21, and Class 12 from September 18. While Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari claims that necessary directions have been issued, ground reports from villages like Dhanki in Patna show students risking their lives by crossing floodwaters in makeshift boats to reach their schools.
The scale of the disaster is immense, with the State Disaster Management Department reporting that approximately 40.21 lakh people have been affected. The flooding was triggered by incessant rains in the catchment areas of Nepal. Currently, 27 SDRF and 10 NDRF teams are operating, supported by 1,979 boats and 723 community kitchens to provide basic sustenance to the displaced.
| Metric | Details/Data |
|---|---|
| Affected Districts | 14 (Including Patna, Bhagalpur, Purnea) |
| Submerged Schools | 4,000+ |
| Population Impacted | 40.21 Lakh |
| Relief Boats Deployed | 1,979 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Where will the exams be conducted if schools are submerged?
The Education Department has suggested using village panchayat buildings and open spaces, requiring students to bring their own mats for seating.
Q2: Which districts are most affected by the current floods?
The 14 affected districts include Patna, Bhojpur, Saran, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, Samastipur, Buxar, Katihar, Munger, Lakhisarai, Khagaria, Arwal, and Purnea.
