Recently, Rameh Acharya, who passed the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) with a GPA of 4, has been actively searching for the best school for her Grade 11 studies. Encouraged by her excellent results, she hopes to maintain a strong academic performance in Grades 11 and 12.
To support that goal, she has begun visiting schools to gain a deeper understanding of their learning environments.
Rising Questions After SEE Results
It's been a week since the SEE results were published. With results now out, thousands of students and parents are grappling with one major question—what subject to choose and which school to attend. This is more than just moving up to the next grade. The choice students make now will shape their academic and professional future. Like Nishchala, many students are engaged in deep discussions with their parents before making a decision.
Confusion About Subject Relevance and Future Scope
Many students and guardians are unsure about which subject to choose in Grade 11. They wonder whether their chosen subject will align with future higher education goals, and whether their selected institution offers practical, skill-based learning. In today’s global and competitive world, each field presents new challenges and opportunities.
That’s why choosing the right subject for higher education must align with personal interest and market demands. It is essential to seek advice from experienced individuals before finalizing admission.
GPA-Related Misconceptions
One major confusion comes from students' GPA scores. There's a common belief that those with high GPA scores should choose 'better' subjects, while students with lower scores are expected to settle for less desirable options. This perception fuels pressure and confusion. Experts suggest that breaking free from this misconception allows students to make clearer academic decisions and perform well in higher grades.
All Streams Are Equally Important
Whether students choose Science, Management, Humanities, Law, or any other stream in Grades 11 and 12, none of these are more important than the other. No stream is “first class” or “second class.” According to education expert Prof. Dr. Bidya Nath Koirala, all subjects have equal importance and career potential if students are interested and dedicated.
“The key is to identify what the student is genuinely interested in. Trends created by society or family pressure can harm both academic and career outcomes,” says Dr. Koirala.
Don’t Suppress Interests Based on GPA
Dr. Koirala also emphasizes that subject choices in Grade 11 should not be limited by a student's GPA. Students need basic knowledge about subject areas, future career scopes, and the nature of work related to each stream. This helps them make informed choices.
The Impact of Misleading Promotions
Promotional content from media and social platforms has also created confusion. Some students start believing they are either strong or weak based on their GPA alone. Experts stress that this mindset should be avoided.
Subject selection should begin with identifying personal interest. Once students are clear about their passion, they can decide the right path forward.
When Goals Aren’t Clear Yet
If students are unsure about their future goals, they should reflect on which subjects they enjoy most. Education expert Prof. Dr. Bal Chandra Luitel of Kathmandu University’s School of Education highlights that identifying interest is the first and most important step.
Regardless of subject or school, all subjects matter equally. According to Dr. Luitel, “If parents face financial limitations and scholarships are unavailable, students should choose a subject they find easier and more affordable.”
There’s no fixed rule that Science must lead to medicine or engineering, or Education must lead to teaching.
Let the Student Choose Based on Interest
According to Heramba Raj Kandel, Principal of Bishwo Niketan Secondary School, Grade 11's curriculum is specialized. Therefore, subject selection must match a student’s capacity and interest. “Students should ask themselves, ‘What do I want to become? What subject fits my interest and ability?’ Parents and elders may advise, but they should never force.”
Grade 11–12 Is Not Faculty-Based—Choose Subjects Wisely
Although Grades 11 and 12 have been included under school education, many students, teachers, and parents still treat them as faculty-based.
If treated as a faculty, only limited subjects would be available. Because this isn’t the case, careless subject selection can impact higher education options. According to Principal Shiva Adhikari of Edmark Academy in Kalanki, the subjects chosen in Grades 11 and 12 directly affect college-level studies. Therefore, selecting subjects based on future study plans is important.
Mandatory and Optional Subjects in Grade 11
Grade 11 includes three compulsory subjects: Nepali, English, and Social Studies. In addition, students must select three optional subjects from four groups. These 79 available optional subjects are divided into four groups. Students can choose only one subject from each group.
Dr. Koirala recommends that schools, the Ministry of Education, local governments, and media outlets conduct programs to help students understand the significance of each subject, which would ease the selection process.
Although students may choose subjects from the fourth group, it is less common due to its heavier academic load. The National Examination Board confirms that students who passed SEE can choose any subject, and most students tend to choose subjects under the Management stream.
Subject Group Breakdown
First Group (15 Subjects)
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Physics
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Principles of Accounting
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Rural Development
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Jurisprudence and Legal Theory
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Health and Physical Education
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Sports Science
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Child Development and Learning
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Psychology
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History
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Gender Studies
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Hospitality Management
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Crop Science
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Naturopathy
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Human Value Education
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Sculpture
Second Group (14 Subjects)
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Chemistry
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Education and Development
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Geography
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Procedural Law
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Sociology
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Ayurveda
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Linguistics
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Business Studies
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Political Science
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Philosophy
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Population Studies
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Horticulture
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Food and Nutrition
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Dance
Third Group (30 Subjects)
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Biology
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Economics
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Tourism and Mountaineering Studies
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Computer Science
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Elderly Education and Care
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Yoga and Studies
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Instrumental Music
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Weaving and Knitting
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Constitutional Law
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Mass Communication
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Culture
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Fashion Designing
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Sculpture
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Animal Husbandry
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Poultry and Fishery
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Nepali, English, Maithili, Newari, Hindi, Chinese, German, Japanese, Korean, Urdu, French, Hebrew, Arabic, Sanskrit
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Culinary Arts
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Marketing
Fourth Group (20 Subjects)
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Mathematics
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Applied Mathematics
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Commercial Mathematics
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Human Rights
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Library and Information Science
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Home Science
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Environmental Science
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General Law
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Finance
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Cooperative Management
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Buddhist Philosophy
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Applied Arts
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Singing
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Painting
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Sericulture and Beekeeping
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Beauty and Hair Care
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Herbal Medicine
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Plumbing and Wiring
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Interior Design
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Hotel Management
Technical and Vocational Education
This includes programs such as CMA, ANM, Diploma in Engineering, Veterinary Science, and Hotel Management. These short-term programs offer job-oriented skills and prepare students for employment or self-employment.
International Programs After SEE
Nepali students also have access to international education programs like IB, A-Level, or AP. These programs prepare students with global perspectives and help them compete for university admissions.
Match Subject Choices with Future Careers
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Want to become a doctor or engineer? Choose Biology, Physics, and Chemistry along with the three core subjects.
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Aiming for a career in banking or business? Consider Accounting Principles, Finance, and Economics.
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Interested in law? Choose Constitutional and Procedural Law.
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Planning to go into education? Consider Education and Child Development.
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Humanities careers include Psychology, Language, and Journalism.
If some subjects aren’t available at your school, consider nearby schools. But never study under pressure.
Important Considerations When Choosing Subjects
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Don’t pressure students during subject selection
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Choose subjects based on genuine interest
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Consult experienced educators
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Consider financial limitations
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Choose subjects the student feels confident in
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Check the demand for the subject in the job market
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Ensure it leads to employability
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Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each subject
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Evaluate the school’s physical infrastructure
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Check for labs and libraries
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Assess the school’s management system
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Look into teachers’ qualifications and subject expertise
Misconceptions to Avoid
Don't assume well-known schools are automatically better. Focus on the school's teaching quality and student development. Avoid thinking low-fee schools offer lower-quality education. Educational quality depends more on teaching methods, faculty expertise, and learning environment than on tuition fees.
Select a school that is accessible, aligns with your financial situation, and offers the subjects you desire. Prefer institutions with libraries, freedom to explore, and practical skills. Prioritize schools that support regular learning without interruption and offer flexible learning options like open modes or self-study.
