Management vs Technical Course in Nepal

Management vs Technical Course in Nepal: Choosing the Right Educational Path

Every year, a large number of students in Nepal complete Class 12 and arrive at one of the most challenging points in their academic life: choosing between a management course or a technical program. This decision isn’t simply about picking a subject. It influences the way they learn, the careers they pursue, the salaries they earn, and even their confidence and satisfaction levels later in life.

More than 400,000 students appeared in the NEB Class 12 exams in 2081 BS. A good portion of them find themselves asking, "What now?" Without clear guidance or exposure, many students pick a course based on family pressure, peer choices, or assumptions about salary and job scope. This article looks at both management and technical education in Nepal, helping students and guardians make a thoughtful decision based on facts, not myths.

What Does Management Education Mean?

Management courses focus on teaching students how organizations operate. These programs are designed to develop business sense, leadership, and soft skills. Common options include:

• BBS (Bachelor of Business Studies)

• BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)

• BHM (Hotel Management)

• BTTM (Travel and Tourism)

These courses cover marketing, finance, human resource management, business law, and communication.

Management studies are usually preferred by those who enjoy working with people, solving business challenges, and planning or managing operations.

What Does Technical Education Cover?

Technical education is about practical problem-solving using science, math, and logical thinking. Students choose fields like:

• Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc.)

• BSc CSIT (Computer Science and IT)

• Health Science (Nursing, Pharmacy, Lab Technician)

• Agriculture and Forestry

• IT Diplomas or CTEVT Technical SLC

These courses involve intensive lab work, field projects, industrial training, and technical skills development.

A Quick Comparison of Degree Structures

Technical programs are mostly run on semester systems, while management programs (especially public BBS) often follow an annual format.

Why Do Students Choose One Over the Other?

Students make their choices based on several factors:

• Stream studied in Class 11-12: Science students are eligible for both, while management students cannot apply for most technical degrees.

• Job goals: Some want a job in banking or HR. Others dream of building software or working on construction sites.

• Entrance requirements: Technical programs need entrance exams, which many find tough. Management courses (like BBS) don’t always require them.

• Affordability and access: Government technical programs are limited. Management courses are more widely available and affordable.

Skill Sets from Both Sides

Both courses build important skills—but in different ways:

Management Graduates Learn:

• Communication

• Leadership

• Market research

• Business accounting

• Project planning

Technical Graduates Learn:

• Coding and programming (for IT)

• System design

• Technical drawing

• Data analysis

• Hands-on problem solving

According to the World Bank Nepal Skills Readiness Report (2023), the most employable graduates are those who can combine core expertise with soft skills.

Entrance and Admission Trends in Nepal

• BBS: No entrance test under TU; open for all with a pass in Class 12.

• BBA: Requires CMAT and sometimes personal interviews.

• Engineering: Requires IOE Entrance; highly competitive.

• CSIT: Requires separate entrance under TU.

• CTEVT Diplomas: Require entrance tests at the district or provincial level.

Over 90,000 students attempted the IOE entrance in 2081, with only 6,000 qualifying.

Career Scope and Opportunities

Management Graduates Can Work In:

• Commercial banks

• NGOs and INGOs

• HR departments

• Hospitality and travel sectors

• Government offices (non-technical posts)

Technical Graduates Can Work In:

• Software and tech firms

• Engineering consultancies

• Construction and infrastructure projects

• Government technical posts

• Manufacturing and industrial firms

The key difference? Management jobs depend heavily on soft skills and networking. Technical jobs rely more on skill certification and domain knowledge.

Salary Comparison Based on Recent Data

(Source: Nepal Tech Talent Survey, 2024; MoF Salary Guidelines, 2081 BS)

Real-Life Choices: Student Voices

Sanjay KC, an engineering student at Pulchowk Campus, says, "It’s not easy, but once you complete your degree, opportunities open up."

Ritu Acharya, a BBA graduate from Ace Institute, reflects, "My college gave great exposure. But landing a job required personal effort, internships, and lots of networking."

These views reflect how each course has its own expectations and realities.

Higher Education Paths After Graduation

• Management: MBA, MBS, CA, ACCA, MTTM

• Technical: MSc, ME, MIT, MTech, MPharm

Nepali students with technical degrees often pursue migration opportunities due to global demand. Engineers, IT professionals, and health workers have higher chances of working abroad with recognized certifications.

Challenges Within Each Track

Management Challenges:

• Oversaturation of BBS graduates

• Gaps between theory and practice

• Poor internship or project exposure in public colleges

Technical Challenges:

• High stress in entrance exams

• Cost of tools, computers, and materials

• Limited lab infrastructure in rural institutions

What Employers Are Looking For

A 2023 survey by FNCCI (Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry) showed that employers prioritize:

• For management graduates: communication, ethics, teamwork, adaptability

• For technical graduates: discipline-specific skills, attention to detail, safety practices, and real-world application

Employers want candidates who can blend technical know-how with soft skills.

Scholarships and Government Support

• CTEVT provides free technical education for Dalit, Janajati, and women.

• TU and Purbanchal offer quotas and scholarships based on economic or social background.

• The Ministry of Education supports both general and technical education under its "Education for All" plan.

These options help reduce barriers for marginalized or financially challenged students.

Making a Decision That Fits You

Here are questions every student should ask:

• What subjects do I enjoy and understand well?

• Am I interested in theory, or do I enjoy practical application?

• Do I want a people-focused role or a system-based job?

• Can I handle technical coursework, or do I prefer planning and coordination?

• Where do I want to see myself in 10 years—running a business, coding software, designing buildings, or working in marketing?

There's no right or wrong answer. Only what fits you better.

Can You Change Tracks Later?

It’s hard but possible. Moving from management to technical often requires taking science subjects again and passing entrance exams. Shifting from technical to management is easier since MBA programs accept engineering and science graduates.

Societal Perception and Pressure

In many families, engineering is seen as more “respectable” than management. But this perception is changing, especially with the rise of entrepreneurship and digital careers.

According to a 2022 study by Niti Foundation, over 34% of management graduates now work in tech-enabled services or startups—blurring the line between the two disciplines.

The Future: Integrated Skills Are Winning

The highest earners in Nepal are often those who can wear both hats—a project manager who understands civil engineering basics or a developer who knows how to pitch to clients.

This is where short courses, internships, freelancing, and certifications can add value.

Conclusion

Choosing between a management or technical course is more than an academic formality. It’s a decision that will shape how you work, live, and grow in the future.

No course is perfect, and no path is permanent. But informed choices, honest self-reflection, and a willingness to grow will always guide you toward a fulfilling career.

Don't pick based on peer pressure. Don’t follow trends. Pick what fits you.

FAQs

Q1: Is it easier to get a job after a technical course than a management course in Nepal?

Not necessarily. Technical graduates may have more defined roles, but jobs depend on skills, location, and experience. Management graduates can also do well with internships and networking.

Q2: Can I study BBA after completing +2 Science?

Yes. Students from the science stream can apply to BBA programs. However, they must pass the CMAT and meet other college-specific criteria.

Q3: Which course has more scope for international migration?

Technical courses (especially engineering, IT, health) are in higher demand abroad, particularly in Australia, Canada, and Germany.

Q4: Which is cheaper: studying management or technical subjects in Nepal?

BBS and similar management courses are generally cheaper. Technical courses like engineering and pharmacy can be more expensive due to labs and materials.

Q5: Can I earn more in the private sector with a management degree?

Yes, especially in banking, marketing, and consulting. However, growth depends on performance, skills, and experience—not just the degree.