Vikramshila University to be revived as Central University in Bihar. Key March 2025 current affairs update for UPSC, SSC, and other exams. Read on Atharva Examwise.
Vikramshila University Revival: A Historic Educational Centre Returns
After the revival of Nalanda University, Bihar is set to restore yet another jewel from India's ancient educational legacy — Vikramshila University, one of the most prestigious centres of Tantric Buddhist studies during the Pala period (8th–12th century). This move is a significant highlight in the current affairs March 2025 and deserves attention from all competitive exam aspirants.
Project Vikramshila: A Long-Awaited Step Forward
The Central Government approved this project in 2015 with a budget of ₹500 crore.
Due to delays in land identification, the project had remained stalled.
In February 2025, the Bihar government finally identified 202.14 acres in Antichak village, Bhagalpur, for the new Central University.
₹87.99 crore has been sanctioned for land acquisition.
NH-80 is being redeveloped to improve connectivity between Vikramshila and Bhagalpur.
🔗 Internal Resources for Exam Prep:
Indian History Notes – Atharva Examwise
Daily GK Update – March 2025 Current Affairs
Vikramshila: A Forgotten Beacon of Buddhist Learning
Established by Pala King Dharmapala in the 8th–9th century AD.
Flourished parallel to Nalanda University, but focused on Tantrayana Buddhism.
Had 208 student monk cells, a large cruciform brick stupa, and an advanced library with a cooling system to preserve manuscripts.
Subjects taught included theology, metaphysics, grammar, logic, and above all, Tantras.
Produced scholars like Atisa Dipankara, who helped spread Buddhism to Tibet.
📚 Read the full background in The Indian Express report
Archaeological Work by ASI
ASI began conservation at Vikramshila in December 2024 to attract tourists and preserve the site.
The excavation site includes:
The central brick stupa
Ruins of classrooms and libraries
Statues of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Vishnu, Ganesh, Surya, and more
A museum exhibiting recovered antiquities
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
Vikramshila is being revived as a Central University, nearly 10 years after Nalanda.
It was founded during the Pala Dynasty and was a global center for Tantric studies.
The site is located in Antichak village, Bhagalpur, Bihar.
₹500 crore was sanctioned in 2015; progress began only in 2025.
ASI is actively working to conserve and preserve the site.
Why This Matters for Exams
This topic is relevant for:
UPSC GS Paper I (History & Culture)
MPPSC, BPSC & Other State PCS – History, Art & Culture section
SSC, Banking – Current Affairs & GK
Key Themes:
Ancient Indian Education Systems
Buddhism & Tantrayana
Heritage Conservation and Governance
Expect this in both Prelims MCQs and Mains analytical questions. Make sure to prepare it with related topics like Nalanda, Taxila, and ASI's role.
