Pathibhara Himalayan Polytechnic Institute

Pathibhara Himalayan Polytechnic Institute (PHPI), Itahari, Sunsari

In the early period of B.S. 2064/65 (2008), when technical colleges were very few in Nepal, ‘Pathibhara Polytechnic Institute’ (the initial name) was established. 

Do you know? Every year, thousands of students in Nepal earn degrees from major universities, yet even after having certificates in hand, there is no guarantee of employment. Why?

Research says the problem is not with students; the problem lies in our traditional choices. Our education system taught “theory,” but the market is looking for “skill.” Unemployment has increased because we have not been able to bridge this gap between demand and supply.

By identifying this serious problem, and with the objective of not only teaching but also showing a path to employment, the institution was established as Pathibhara Himalayan Polytechnic Institute (PHPI).

Swiss Development Model and the Founders’ Vision

The strongest aspect of this institution is its leadership. The founders had accumulated long experience in the CTEVT sector promotion project operated by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

The Swiss education model is globally known for “practical education” (Dual VET System). Since the institution was established by experts who closely observed national and international labor markets, the curriculum and teaching methods here focus more on “marketable skills” than on “bookish knowledge.”

Breaking the misconception that good colleges exist only in Kathmandu, Pathibhara established a model training and employment service center outside Kathmandu (with a focus around the Itahari area). This has provided students from rural and outlying areas with access to international-level skills close to home.

What Pathibhara Is Doing Differently

Most colleges admit students, teach them, and send them off. They do not care about students’ socio-economic condition or future.

But in my study, Pathibhara Himalayan Polytechnic Institute appears to have addressed three major problems:

• Market Research: No course is taught here on guesswork. Regular research is conducted on what workforce is currently lacking in the market (such as civil sub-overseers and electricians), and training is delivered accordingly.

• Focus on Placement: This institution is not merely a certificate distributor. It has been developed as an “Employment Service Center.” The manpower produced from here has been absorbed in the private sector, overseas placement agencies, donor organizations, and government services.

• Experienced Trainers: The trainers here are not only teachers; they are also “consulting professionals.” Those who are working in the market can guide students on the right path. This is a distinctive feature of Pathibhara.

Academic Programs

Affiliated with CTEVT, this institution is running 18-month pre-diploma (TSLC) courses. For the convenience of parents and students, each program is explained below with its scope.

Pre-Diploma in Civil Engineering (Civil Sub-Overseer)

• Duration: 18 months

• Seat Capacity: 40

Why study this course?

Nepal is currently in a phase of infrastructure construction. Roads, bridges, hydropower, and building construction are expanding rapidly. After engineers complete designs, the key person who stays on-site and gets the work done is the “sub-overseer.”

Opportunities

• Public Service Commission: Permanent job in a technical post equivalent to Kharidar (Non-Gazetted Second Class) in the Government of Nepal. This is among the most demanded posts in rural municipalities and municipalities.

• Self-employment: Possibility to open one’s own construction service company.

• Foreign Employment: High-salary demand as a “civil supervisor” or “mason” from Gulf countries to Europe/Japan.

Pre-Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Electrical Sub-Overseer)

• Duration: 18 months

• Seat Capacity: 40

Why study this course?

Nepal’s future lies in hydropower. With the “Kulman revolution,” electrification has reached village-level communities. From house wiring to large transmission lines, the demand for electrical technicians is becoming difficult to meet.

Opportunities

• Nepal Electricity Authority: Entry as a Level-3/4 employee.

• Hydropower Projects: Work as sub-station operator or maintenance personnel.

• Wiring and Maintenance Centers: Opportunity to run service centers and earn good income.

Pre-Diploma in Social Mobilization (Social Mobilizer)

• Duration: 18 months

• Special Focus: A technical education that connects sociology and development.

Scope

This course teaches students to understand social psychology, manage conflict, and ensure community participation in development plans. It opens doors to work as social mobilizers in NGOs, INGOs, and ward offices of local levels.

Salient Features

It is said, “Technical education without infrastructure is like a fish without water.” How capable is Pathibhara Himalayan Polytechnic Institute in this respect? Let us see:

• Well-equipped Labs:
  Civil engineering labs have required survey equipment (such as theodolite and level machine) and mason tools. Electrical labs are also arranged for practical exercises. Here, students are not only “shown,” they are “made to do.”

• Library:
  A library with a large collection of reference materials, not just textbooks, encouraging students toward research.

• Canteen:
  A clean food service within the college premises that provides affordable and hygienic meals.

• Hostel:
  Safe and well-managed hostel facilities for both male and female students coming from distant places, helping them focus on study.

• Practical Focus:
  Engineers are not made only within four classroom walls. Regular field trips and mandatory project work are conducted to expose students to the outside world and sharpen knowledge.

• Creative Publications:
  The college encourages students to publish bulletins and wall magazines to enhance writing and creative capacity.

Admission Guidelines

Do you want to enroll here? As an expert, I provide clear information about the admission process and required documents so that you do not face unnecessary hassle.

Entry Requirements

• For Sub-Overseer (Civil/Electrical): Must have obtained at least second division or equivalent GPA in SLC or SEE (generally about 1.6 GPA as per recent CTEVT standards). Good marks in science and mathematics can be beneficial.

• For Social Mobilization: Must have passed SLC/SEE (a simple pass is sufficient, though there may be competition). Those with educational qualifications below +2 can also apply.

Documents Required

When visiting the college for admission or filling out the form, do not forget to carry the following:

• SLC/SEE Mark Sheet: Original and photocopy

• Character Certificate: Photocopy

• Citizenship or Birth Registration: Photocopy

• Admit Card: Photocopy

• Recent Passport-size Photos: 4 copies

• For those who studied abroad: Migration certificate and equivalence certificate

In today’s era, the decision of “what skill to learn” is more important than “which college to study in.”

The kind of “labor market approach” adopted by Pathibhara Himalayan Polytechnic Institute (PHPI) is commendable. The founders’ background, the influence of the Swiss development model, and commitment to practical education have made it a reliable “skill hub” of Eastern Nepal.