History
Nalanda College of Engineering (NCE), Chandi, is a Government Engineering College established by the Government of Bihar in 2008. The institution is affiliated with Bihar Engineering University (BEU), Patna, and operates under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Science, Technology and Technical Education, Government of Bihar. The college is committed to imparting quality technical education, fostering academic excellence, promoting research and innovation, and developing technically competent and professionally responsible engineering graduates to meet the evolving needs of industry and society.
The institution is located in the historically and culturally significant district of Nalanda, Bihar, a region distinguished by its rich intellectual heritage and association with prominent spiritual traditions. The region is closely associated with Lord Buddha, who attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and Lord Vardhamana Mahavir, who attained Nirvana at Pawapuri. Nalanda is also renowned for the ancient Nalanda University, which served as a distinguished centre of higher learning and attracted scholars and students from various parts of the world. This illustrious educational heritage provides a significant historical context for the institution’s commitment to knowledge dissemination, intellectual development, and academic advancement.
At the time of its establishment in 2008, the college commenced its academic activities with four undergraduate Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) programmes in Computer Science and Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. In response to the growing demand for specialised technical education and advancements in emerging technological domains, the institution subsequently expanded its academic portfolio by introducing two additional B.Tech. programmes: Aeronautical Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning). This expansion reflects the institution’s endeavour to diversify its academic offerings and address the changing requirements of the engineering and technology sectors.
In addition to undergraduate programmes, the college offers two postgraduate Master of Technology (M.Tech.) programmes in Power System and Computer Science and Engineering. These programmes are intended to facilitate advanced technical learning, specialised knowledge acquisition, research-oriented education, and the development of higher-order analytical and problem-solving competencies. The postgraduate programmes also provide a foundation for professional advancement and further academic pursuits in specialised engineering disciplines.
The undergraduate programmes have an approximate intake of 60 students per branch, while the postgraduate programmes have an approximate intake of 30 students per branch. Collectively, the institution caters to a student population of approximately 1,200 across its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The multidisciplinary academic framework provides opportunities for interaction among students from diverse engineering disciplines and supports collaborative learning, interdisciplinary engagement, and the exchange of technical knowledge.
The institution places emphasis on the effective integration of theoretical instruction and practical training through classroom teaching, laboratory work, technical assignments, projects, seminars, workshops, and other academic activities. The academic framework is designed to facilitate the acquisition of fundamental engineering knowledge, practical competencies, critical-thinking abilities, and professional skills. Due importance is also accorded to discipline, ethical conduct, teamwork, communication, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Nalanda College of Engineering endeavours to maintain an academic environment conducive to continuous improvement, technological awareness, and the holistic development of students. Through its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the institution seeks to prepare graduates for professional responsibilities in industry, research, higher education, entrepreneurship, and other relevant sectors. Its academic activities are directed towards strengthening technical competence, encouraging innovation, and fostering an understanding of the professional and societal responsibilities associated with engineering practice.
In view of its academic objectives and institutional responsibilities, Nalanda College of Engineering strives to contribute to the advancement of technical education in Bihar and the development of skilled human resources for the nation. By combining its regional educational heritage with contemporary engineering education, the institution seeks to uphold standards of academic integrity, professional competence, and institutional excellence while contributing to technological progress and sustainable socio-economic development.