Kathmandu — The National Defence University (NDU), currently under construction in Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, is preparing to begin classes for its first Master of Philosophy (MPhil) batch by the upcoming Chaitra within the current academic session. The university's physical infrastructure and academic preparations have reached their final stages.
According to retired Lieutenant General Balananda Sharma, Chairperson of the National Defence University Infrastructure Development Committee, construction of the university's 39 major physical structures, as outlined in the Detailed Project Report (DPR), is nearly complete.
Infrastructure Development and Legal Procedures
The infrastructure required for NDU is almost ready on 150 ropanis of land in the Pesange Community Forest area, located in Wards 13 and 14 of Banepa Municipality, Kavrepalanchok.
According to Sharma, arrangements for buildings, classrooms, accommodation, a library, access roads to the premises, electricity and water have already been completed.
The bill concerning the establishment and operation of the university was registered in the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament on Ashoj 3. It is currently undergoing clause-by-clause deliberations in the relevant parliamentary committee.
Sharma stated that university officials would be appointed within 45 days of the law's passage by Parliament. Following the handover of responsibilities to the newly appointed officials, MPhil-level studies are expected to begin within this year.
He added that preparations necessary to conduct training programs from the current fiscal year 2083/84 are underway and that curriculum development has already been completed.
MPhil Admission Opportunities and Eligibility
The first batch of MPhil students is expected to include Joint Secretaries of the Government of Nepal, Brigadier Generals of the Nepali Army, and Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-level officers from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force.
Candidates are required to have completed a postgraduate degree and possess at least 20 years of professional experience in other relevant fields.
"We are preparing to educate individuals who have the potential to work at the strategic level in the future," Sharma said.
Civil servants, academics and foreign military personnel will also be eligible to study at the university.
NDU plans to offer academic programs covering military science, weapons, warfare, security, defence and related subjects.
The institution is being developed based on the Detailed Project Report prepared by the Nepali Army. There are also plans to bring the Army's War College, Staff College and training centers under the university.
University's Objectives and Strategic Significance
The government is establishing the National Defence University as a specialized academic institution to produce skilled, qualified, capable and responsible human resources who can contribute to protecting, strengthening and promoting national interests.
According to Nepali Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet, NDU will provide evidence-based opinions and recommendations to the government when formulating policies related to security and strategic affairs.
"It will contribute to strengthening the country's security diplomacy and developing strategic thinking and a shared understanding," Basnet said.
NDU also aims to improve coordination between security agencies and civilian institutions while functioning as a think tank.
In addition to long-term academic programs, the university plans to organize short-term seminars, workshops and discussions on security and defence-related subjects.
Background of the National Defence University
The Government of Nepal announced the establishment of the National Defence University through its policies, programs and budget for fiscal year 2076/77.
The original plan was to begin academic activities from the 2080/81 academic session. However, the project was delayed due to budgetary constraints, infrastructure construction and other factors.
On Falgun 12, 2076 BS, the government formed the Infrastructure Development Committee under the chairmanship of Balananda Sharma, with Professor Yuvraj Sangroula and Shambhu Ram Simkhada as members.
The committee was entrusted with advancing the necessary preparations for establishing the university.
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