Higher education in rural regions plays a vital role in promoting inclusive development, particularly through colleges offering traditional streams such as Arts, Commerce, and Science in Maharashtra. This study examines the administrative challenges and opportunities faced by these institutions, with special reference to the impact of the COVID-19 and the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. The findings reveal that challenges such as lack of resources, financial constraints, and shortage of qualified teachers continue to persist. The pandemic has further intensified issues related to digital infrastructure, resulting in a widened digital divide, decline in student attendance, and learning loss. Comparative analysis shows a shift from structural challenges before COVID-19 to a combination of structural and technologydriven challenges in the post-pandemic period. The study concludes that effective institutional administration and targeted policy support are essential for strengthening rural higher education.
