Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus

Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus is an academic campus in Pokhara, Nepal, under Tribhuvan University. It focuses on forestry education, natural resource management, research, and training. Its academic programs include Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Master of Science programs in forestry-related fields, and doctoral study in forestry through the IOF Dean’s Office.

The campus traces its institutional background to Nepal’s first forestry institute, founded in 1947 at Singh Durbar in Kathmandu. Pokhara Campus became the Central Campus of the Institute of Forestry under Tribhuvan University in 1981 and received Quality Assurance Accreditation from the University Grants Commission Nepal in September 2022.

Quick Highlights

About Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus

Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus works in the academic field of forestry and natural resource management. Its academic scope includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral study, along with training and workshop activities in forestry and related subjects.

The campus operates in Pokhara under Tribhuvan University. It became the Central Campus of the Institute of Forestry under Tribhuvan University in 1981.

Institutional History

The institutional history of the Institute of Forestry is connected with the development of forestry education in Nepal. Nepal’s first forestry institute was founded in 1947 at Singh Durbar in Kathmandu. It moved to Suping in Bhim Phedi in 1957 and later to Hetauda in 1965.

The institute came under Tribhuvan University in 1972. In 1981, Pokhara Campus became the Central Campus of the Institute of Forestry under Tribhuvan University. In September 2022, the campus received Quality Assurance Accreditation from the University Grants Commission Nepal.

Academic Development

The campus has offered forestry programs at different academic levels. Earlier academic activity included a two-year Technical Certificate in Forestry and a three-year Bachelor of Science in Forestry. The bachelor’s program was extended to four years in 1995. The Technical Certificate in Forestry was later phased out.

Master of Science programs began in 2004 in Forestry, Watershed Management, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development, and Community Forestry. Doctoral study in forestry is connected with the IOF Dean’s Office.

Academic Programs

Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus offers academic programs in forestry and related areas of natural resource management.

Bachelor of Science in Forestry

The Bachelor of Science in Forestry is a four-year program. It includes seven semesters of coursework and an eighth semester focused on research or internship. Students are assigned advisors for research or internship guidance.

Master of Science in Forestry

The Master of Science in Forestry program focuses on advanced study in forestry. It is connected with forestry practice, forestry enterprise management, consultancy, and scientific research.

MSc Watershed Management

The MSc Watershed Management program focuses on integrated watershed management. Its academic areas include soil and water conservation, land productivity, and sustainable natural resource development.

MSc Natural Resource Management and Rural Development

The MSc Natural Resource Management and Rural Development program combines theoretical and practical study in conservation and development. It is connected with natural resource management and rural development.

MSc Community Forestry

The MSc Community Forestry program focuses on community-based forest management and academic research related to community forestry.

Doctoral Program in Forestry

Doctoral study in forestry is offered through the IOF Dean’s Office. The doctoral level focuses on advanced research and specialized academic work in forestry.

Departments

Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus has six departments. Each department is led by a head of department and supports academic work within its subject area.

• Department of Social Forestry and Forest Management

• Department of Forest Products and Engineering

• Department of Park Recreation and Wildlife Management

• Department of Watershed Management and Environmental Science

• Department of Silviculture and Forest Biology

• Department of Basic Science and Humanities

Teaching, Research, and Training

Teaching and research are part of academic activity at IOF Pokhara Campus. The campus runs academic programs in forestry and related disciplines. It also conducts short-term training and workshops with national and international participation.

These activities are connected with forestry, watershed management, community forestry, natural resource management, and related academic fields.

Facilities at Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus

Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus has academic, residential, health, technical, and activity-based facilities for students and campus activities.

Library

The library includes resources related to forestry, natural resource management, and allied fields. It supports academic study, reference work, and research preparation.

Laboratories

The campus has laboratories for practical learning in areas such as forest products and engineering, watershed management, silviculture, and related academic fields.

GIS/IT Lab

The GIS/IT Lab has GIS software and hardware for practical learning. It supports technical study connected with forestry and natural resource management.

Forest Products Museum

The Forest Products Museum displays forestry products and supports learning related to forest resources and forest product study.

Hostel

Hostel accommodation is available for students. The hostel includes Wi-Fi and study areas.

Cafeteria

The campus has a cafeteria for meals and daily food service.

Healthcare

A healthcare center is available for basic medical needs. It includes 24-hour medical staff support.

Auditorium and Conference Hall

The auditorium and conference hall are used for seminars, workshops, and academic events.

Sports Facilities

Sports facilities include a cricket ground, football field, volleyball court, and basketball court.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi connectivity is available across the campus for academic use.

Academic Areas

The academic areas at Institute of Forestry, Pokhara Campus include forest management, watershed management, community forestry, rural development, conservation, forest products, wildlife management, environmental science, silviculture, forest biology, and basic science and humanities.

These areas are reflected in the campus’s programs, departments, laboratories, training activities, and research-related work.

Contact the Institute of Forestry Pokhara Campus's administrative office for detailed information on the course, including fees, scholarships, facilities, counseling, eligibility criteria, etc.