KATHMANDU - Purbanchal University has approved a Rs 1.99 billion budget for 2026/27, prioritising AI, medical education, digital transformation and infrastructure development.
The university’s 43rd Senate meeting, chaired by Education and Sports Minister and Pro-Chancellor Sasmit Pokharel, approved the annual budget, policy and programmes presented by Registrar Prof. Dr. Panna Bahadur Thapa.
Under its new plan, the university will develop integrated infrastructure at its 805-bigha campus in Gothgaun according to a master plan. It also plans to introduce specialised programmes in AI, data science and cybersecurity, alongside specialised courses in medicine and engineering.
The university aims to establish an integrated digital ecosystem for its academic and administrative services to make service delivery more efficient, transparent and technology-friendly.
In medical education, it plans to complete the ongoing 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital at Gothgaun and strengthen medical education through collaboration with Koshi Hospital.
The university will also establish a research centre focused on climate change and disaster risk reduction, expand joint-degree and student-exchange programmes with foreign universities, and increase access to inclusive scholarships for disadvantaged communities.
Addressing the Senate, Minister Pokharel called for higher education to adapt to rapid technological change and globalisation, stressing the need to develop graduates not only capable of finding jobs but also of creating employment through entrepreneurship.