Most of the government-run schools in Patna are affiliated to Bihar School Examination Board, whereas most of the private schools are affiliated to ICSE and CBSE boards. The major ones being Notre Dame Academy, St. Dominic Savio's High School, Don Bosco Academy, St Michael's Higher Secondary School, D.A.V., Khagaul, St Karen's School and Gyan Niketan. The government-run public schools lack many facilities, but are the only options for the poor who cannot afford the fees in private schools. A number of schools are run by Christians missionaries - prominent among them being the Jesuits.Loyola High School is one of the best schools in Patna and produced some of the finest students who had made many contribution for the welfare of the humanity. St Michael's is the oldest among them. Established in 1858, the school has vast campus with old structure. Many generations luminaries of the city have passed through its halls.

Unlike the rest of India, many colleges also provide an option for the plus 2 level of education (Class 11 and 12) raising the standard of education due to access to superior teachers of colleges. As a result, a high percent of the students are able to qualify in All India competitive examinations like IIT JEE and All India Medical Entrance.

Patna is served by two universities, Patna University, which was established in 1917, and Magadh University, with its headquarters at Bodh Gaya.

Patna University, established in 1917 and among the oldest universities on the Indian subcontinent. It has 11 colleges, including famous colleges like Bihar College of Engineering, Science College,Bihar National College Patna Women's College, Patna College and Patna Medical College & Hospital, formerly Prince of Wales Medical College & Hospital. Patna Women's College is a leading women's college in Bihar, followed by Magadh Mahila College.

There are three engineering colleges in Patna

1. Bihar College of Engineering, now National Institute of Technology, Patna
2. Maulana Azad College of Engineering and Technology (MACET), Patna (Magadh University)
3. RPS Institute of Technology

There are three medical colleges:

1. Patna Medical College and Hospital
2. Nalanda Medical College and Hospital
3. Patna Dental College

There are three B-Schools:

1. Lalit Narayan Mishra Institute of Economic Development and Social Change,
2. Indian Institute of Business Management
3. ICFAI National College

Anugrah Narayan College, popularly known as A. N. College, is a constituent unit of Magadh University Bodh Gaya. It was established in the year 1956 and is situated in Patna. It bears the pious name of revered leader Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha. Since its inception, the college has grown remarkably and through the various ramifications serving the cause of education in different ways. It has emerged as one of the premier co-educational institutions of the state of Bihar imparting teachings to almost nine thousand students. The college is registered under 2(f) and 12 (b) of the UGC Act and is receiving grants from the UGC Since fifth plan period. It has been accredited Grade 'A' by NAAC and also accorded "CPE" (Colleges with Potential for Excellence) by UGC.

The city was a premier centre of education in the British India. It maintained its position till the sixties, but due to the continuous neglect of the educational infrastructure by the state and central governments, the city falls desperately short of the needs of the growing population for higher education. As such, a large number of students, after completing their school education, move away to New Delhi, and other parts of India, for pursuing higher studies.