Over 4,000 government schools submerged across 14 flood-hit districts in Bihar
Severe flooding in Bihar, India, has submerged over 4,000 government schools, disrupting the education of more than 300,000 students. The state education department is facing criticism for mandating half-yearly exams despite incomplete syllabi and the lack of basic infrastructure for displaced students.
Why it matters
The situation highlights the intersection of climate-induced natural disasters and the fragility of public education infrastructure in developing regions.
In Bihar, 514 village panchayats in 84 blocks across 14 districts were reeling under floods on Wednesday (September 9, 2026), with the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, Punpun, Bagmati, and Ghagra rivers flowing above the danger mark at several places, even as water levels began falling at some locations.
Over 4,000 government schools have been submerged in the 14 flood-hit districts, with the schooling of over three lakh students likely to be severely affected. The Bihar Education Department recently announced half-yearly exams for Classes 1 to 12 to be held from September 15, 2026. Students rued that not even a third of the syllabus has been completed yet due to the floods, and other reasons, including the lack of teachers and their transfers.
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