Diploma in Forestry

Diploma in Forestry at Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL)

The Diploma in Forestry at Kathmandu Forestry College (KAFCOL), Chandragiri Municipality-8, Matatirtha, Kathmandu, is a three-year technical program affiliated with the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). The program follows a yearly system and prepares middle-level forestry technical personnel for work related to forests, community forestry, soil and water conservation, wildlife and protected areas, forest measurement, agroforestry, and forest management.

The CTEVT curriculum combines basic science, forestry-specific subjects, practical work, field-based learning, and a Work Experience Program in the third year. The curriculum was developed in 2007, revised in 2013, and revised for the second time in 2019.

Course Quick Facts

Course Purpose

The Diploma in Forestry is structured to develop technical knowledge and practical skills for forestry services at the middle level. Its focus includes community forestry, watershed management, wildlife and protected area management, public and private forest management, and forestry enterprises.

The course also places importance on field-based experience. Students move from foundational science and communication subjects in the first year to core forestry disciplines in the second year and more applied professional subjects in the third year.

Eligibility and Entrance

Applicants can enter the program through the CTEVT eligibility routes specified for Diploma in Forestry.

The entry criteria include:

• SLC pass or SEE with a minimum C grade in two subjects and D+ grade in one subject among Compulsory Mathematics, English, and Science.

• TSLC in Forestry with a minimum of 67%.

• Successful completion of the entrance examination administered by CTEVT.

Course Structure

The three academic years are arranged progressively.

First Year Subjects

Students study:

• English

• Nepali

• Social Studies

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Zoology

• Botany

• Mathematics and Statistics

• Computer Application

The first year carries 850 marks and provides the scientific and communication foundation required for later forestry subjects.

Second Year Subjects

The second year concentrates directly on forestry and natural resource disciplines:

• Silviculture

• Wildlife and Protected Area Management

• Soil and Water Conservation Management

• Community Forestry

• Forest Measurement

• Non-Timber Forest Products

• Forest Harvesting and Utilization

• Agroforestry

These courses combine theory and practical study and carry a total of 800 marks.

Third Year Subjects

The final year includes:

• Forest Protection

• Forest Management

• Extension Education

• Forest Policy and Law

• Forest Surveying and Engineering

• Entrepreneurship Development

• Office Management

• Work Experience Program

The Work Experience Program carries 200 marks and gives students a structured practical component in the final stage of the diploma. The third year carries 800 marks in total.

Teaching and Practical Learning

Teaching methods include classroom instruction alongside practical and field-based activities.

Students may take part in:

• Demonstrations

• Guided practice

• Fieldwork

• Project work

• Case analysis

• Experiments

• Report writing

• Group work

• Presentations

• Community campaigns

• Practical observations

This combination reflects the technical nature of the course and supports learning beyond written examinations.

Assessment and Passing Requirements

Students are assessed through internal and final examinations in theory and practical components.

To pass:

• At least 40% is required in theory.

• At least 50% is required in practical work.

• Internal assessment requirements must be completed before students can appear in the final examination.

• Students must pass both theory and practical components for certification.

The grading system is:

• Distinction: 80% and above

• First Division: 65% to below 80%

• Second Division: 50% to below 65%

• Pass Division: Pass marks to below 50%

Students who do not pass a subject may use the back-paper provision under CTEVT rules, but all subjects must be completed within six years from the enrollment date.

Attendance Requirement

A minimum of 90% attendance in each subject is required for students to appear in the respective final examination.

Career and Further Study

The Diploma in Forestry is designed for technical-level forestry work. Graduates are eligible for positions equivalent to Non-gazetted First Class technical Ranger or positions prescribed by the Public Service Commission of Nepal and related agencies.

Graduates may also apply for entrance examinations for BSc Forestry programs offered by relevant universities, subject to their admission requirements.

Areas connected with the diploma include:

• Community forestry

• Forest management

• Wildlife and protected area management

• Soil and water conservation

• Forest measurement

• Agroforestry

• Non-timber forest products

• Forest protection

• Forest surveying

• Forestry enterprises

Scholarships at KAFCOL

KAFCOL provides scholarship provisions for Diploma in Forestry students.

These include:

• A full scholarship for the student who ranks first in the annual examination.

• Full scholarships for three students under the CTEVT Guideline for Scholarship and Admission-2071.

Fee Information

Students can contact the KAFCOL administration office for the current fee structure, payment details, and applicable scholarship information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Diploma in Forestry at KAFCOL?

The program runs for three years under a yearly academic system.

Which body is the program affiliated with?

The Diploma in Forestry at KAFCOL is affiliated with CTEVT.

Is an entrance examination required?

Yes. Applicants must pass the entrance examination administered by CTEVT.

What is the attendance requirement?

Students need at least 90% attendance in each subject to appear in the respective final examination.

Does the course include practical training?

Yes. Practical exercises, fieldwork, project work, demonstrations, and a Work Experience Program form part of the course structure.

Can Diploma in Forestry graduates apply for BSc Forestry?

Yes. Graduates are eligible to apply for BSc Forestry entrance examinations conducted by relevant universities, subject to the applicable admission requirements.