Gandaki Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies

Gandaki Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies, commonly known as GAINS, is a higher education college located in Nadipur, Pokhara, Kaski, Gandaki Province. Established in 2024 AD, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate education in management, business, computer science, and information technology.

GAINS is affiliated with Far Western University for the Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology, and Master of Business Administration programs. The BBA and MBA operate under the Faculty of Management, while BSc-CSIT is connected with the Faculty of Science and Technology.

College overview

Academic focus

GAINS has a focused academic portfolio built around management and computing. Its undergraduate programs cover business administration and computer science, while the MBA provides postgraduate study in management.

This combination creates an interdisciplinary setting in which students encounter both specialist and supporting subjects. Business students study management, economics, communication, quantitative methods, accounting, and information technology. Computer science students work across programming, mathematics, electronics, databases, networks, software, and computing systems.

MBA students advance through management theory, research, applied learning, concentration courses, internship, and thesis work.

The college’s vision is to develop an institution where competence-based knowledge is nurtured, evolves, and improves continuously to contribute to better outcomes. Its academic culture encourages students to:

• Ask questions and examine different perspectives

• Use technology as part of the learning process

• Uphold ethical values

• Take responsibility for decisions and actions

• Learn constructively from mistakes

• Participate actively in academic and campus activities

Programs offered

Bachelor of Business Administration

The Bachelor of Business Administration is a four-year undergraduate program divided into eight semesters. Classes are scheduled in the morning from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

The first semester includes Business English, Business Mathematics, Fundamentals of Business Management, Principles of Microeconomics, and Fundamentals of Information Technology. The wider curriculum progresses through management, accounting, finance, economics, marketing, communication, quantitative analysis, entrepreneurship, organizational studies, and related business subjects.

Duration: Four years
Semester system: Eight semesters
Class time: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Minimum requirement: D grade in NEB or its equivalent

The admission sequence includes:

1. Registration

2. GAINS Management Aptitude Test

3. Interview with the admission panel

4. Admission offer

5. Completion of enrolment formalities

The program is designed for students interested in developing a broad understanding of business organizations and management practices. Its subject mix combines conceptual study with analytical, communication, and decision-making skills used in different organizational settings.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology, presented by GAINS as BSc-CSIT, is a four-year undergraduate program divided into eight semesters. Classes are held in the morning from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

The first semester includes:

• English Grammar and Composition

• Information Technology Fundamentals

• Calculus and Analytical Geometry

• Electronic Principles

• Programming Fundamentals and C Programming

As students progress, the program covers data structures and algorithms, digital logic, computer architecture, operating systems, databases, networking, software engineering, web technology, artificial intelligence, research, projects, electives, and internship work. The complete curriculum carries 137 credit hours.

The program provides four elective tracks:

• Programming Track

• Database Track

• Networking Track

• Algorithmic Track

These tracks allow students to organise selected courses around a defined technical area during the later stages of the program.

Duration: Four years
Semester system: Eight semesters
Total credit hours: 137
Class time: 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Minimum requirement: At least 45 percent in aggregate, or a C grade in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with an overall C grade in NEB or its equivalent

BSc-CSIT requires regular engagement with mathematics, programming, computing systems, laboratory work, and technical projects. Students are expected to develop logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and familiarity with changing tools and technologies throughout the course.

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration is a two-year postgraduate program organised over four semesters. Classes are scheduled in the evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The curriculum covers:

• Managerial communication

• Organizational behaviour

• Managerial economics

• Accounting and financial management

• Marketing management

• Management information systems

• International business

• Business research methods

• Operations and supply chain management

• Entrepreneurship

• Strategic management

• Internship and thesis work

GAINS offers four areas of emphasis:

• Banking and Finance

• Accounting

• Marketing

• Human Resource Management

Duration: Two years
Semester system: Four semesters
Class time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Minimum requirement: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent with a minimum 2 CGPA

The admission process includes:

1. Management Aptitude Test

2. Group discussion

3. Interview with the admission panel

4. Admission offer

5. Completion of the required formalities

MBA-related opportunities at GAINS include participation in a seven-day summer school at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, internships with international organizations, and on-campus placement activities. Participation or selection may depend on the applicable requirements and individual student performance.

Teaching and learning environment

GAINS identifies flipped classroom practice, project-based learning, global exposure, and technology-integrated experiential learning as central elements of its academic environment.

Flipped classroom

Students prepare for selected topics before class so that classroom time can be used for discussion, clarification, exercises, and practical application. This approach places responsibility on students to arrive prepared and take an active role during lessons.

Project-based learning

Project work allows students to apply academic concepts through planning, research, analysis, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation. It also gives students experience in organising tasks and producing structured results.

Technology-integrated learning

Technology-supported learning connects academic study with digital tools and subject-related applications. This is relevant across management and computing programs, where students work with information systems, software, research tools, data, and presentation platforms.

Peer Assisted Learning

GAINS follows Peer Assisted Learning under the guidance of the concerned faculty member. Students help one another understand difficult topics through discussion, revision, and collaborative study.

This arrangement supplements regular teaching by creating another setting in which students can revisit concepts and exchange academic support with classmates.

Student support and career guidance

GAINS includes several forms of academic and career-related support:

• Personalized student support

• Mentorship programs

• Career counselling

• Placement activities

• Peer-assisted academic learning

Mentorship can help students discuss academic planning, study challenges, projects, and professional interests. Career counselling can support decisions related to internships, further study, skill development, interviews, and employment preparation.

Placement activities may connect students with potential employers. Employment outcomes, however, depend on employer requirements and the student’s qualifications, skills, experience, and performance.

Students can make practical use of these services by participating consistently, seeking guidance early, developing communication and technical skills, completing projects carefully, and responding constructively to feedback.

Campus culture and recreation

The college connects its campus environment with student participation, peer interaction, and an encouraging academic atmosphere. Students are expected to take an active role in their studies and wider college experience.

Recreational opportunities include:

• Swimming

• Futsal

• Badminton

These activities are arranged through local clubs with support from the college. Students may use them for fitness, relaxation, social interaction, or competition, depending on the activity and arrangement.

Peer learning and recreation contribute different elements to student life. One supports academic cooperation, while the other provides opportunities to remain active and engage with classmates beyond regular lessons.

Scholarships

GAINS has introduced scholarship schemes across successive academic years to support academic performance, inclusion, women’s participation, and sporting achievement.

The GAINS Lead-HER-ship Scholarship supports women pursuing higher education in management and technology while encouraging leadership development.

The GAINS Sports Scholarship recognises achievements at school, district, national, and international levels. It is intended for students pursuing undergraduate study in BBA and BSc-CSIT.

Leadership and academic guidance

The management and administration structure includes:

• Dr. Ramji Sharma, Chairperson

• Mr. Vijay Anand Sharma, Principal and Member Secretary

• Ms. Bijaya Sapkota Sharma

• Ms. Srijana Adhikari

• Mr. Narayan Neupane

The academics and advisory group includes:

• Mr. Kamal Raj Sapkota

• Prof. Dr. Vikas Kumar KC

• Dr. Tribhuvan Sharma

• Dr. Umesh Singh Yadav

• Mr. Mekh Raj Poudel

Several members serve in advisory and visiting faculty roles.

Admission planning

Prospective students should consider the following points before selecting a program:

• Academic eligibility for the intended course

• Morning or evening class schedule

• Total program duration

• Semester workload

• Core subjects and elective options

• Entrance and interview requirements

• Independent study and project expectations

• Scholarship eligibility

• Travel and personal study arrangements

BBA and BSc-CSIT classes run in the morning, while MBA classes take place in the evening. These schedules may influence travel, employment, family responsibilities, and personal study planning.

Conclusion

Gandaki Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies is a Pokhara-based college established in 2024 and affiliated with Far Western University. Its academic portfolio consists of BBA, BSc-CSIT, and MBA programs in management and computer science.

The college combines semester-based university curricula with project work, technology-supported learning, peer assistance, mentoring, career counselling, recreational activities, and scholarship initiatives. Its morning undergraduate classes and evening MBA schedule provide separate study arrangements for students at different academic levels.