Survey finds 13.2% of secondary-age children out of school
Kathmandu, February 10, 2026 [2082 Magh 27] - Despite some progress in education and child protection in Nepal, a large number of children are still found to be out of school at the secondary level.
According to the Nepal Multiple Indicator Survey 2081–82, released on Monday by the National Statistics Office, 13.2 percent of children in the secondary school age group (Grades 9–12) are out of school.
Education access by level
At the basic level, the out-of-school rate is lower:
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Grades 1–5: 4.5 percent of children are out of school
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Grades 6–8: 3.6 percent of children are out of school
Family situation and the impact of foreign employment
The survey also highlights family circumstances and the impact of foreign employment on Nepali children.
Among children under 17, about 33–2 percent have one or both parents living abroad.
By province, the foreign employment impact is highest in Gandaki Province, where 40.8 percent of children have parents abroad, while Bagmati Province has the lowest rate at 21 percent.
The data also show that 3.4 percent of children have lost one or both of their biological parents.
Child protection and legal identity
On child protection and legal identity, Karnali Province recorded the country’s best result in birth registration for children under 5.
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Karnali Province: 95.8 percent birth registration
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Koshi Province: 78.4 percent birth registration (lowest)
Overall, 85.4 percent of children nationwide are reported to have birth registration. Awareness among parents about the birth registration process is reported at 82.9 percent.
Health insurance coverage remains low
Health insurance uptake remains low in Nepal.
Among people aged 15 to 49:
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Women with health insurance: 17.8 percent
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Men with health insurance: 19.6 percent
For children:
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Ages 5 to 17 with health insurance: 15 percent
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Under 5 with health insurance: 11.7 percent
For related background reading, see secondary education and health insurance.
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