SEE Results and the Reality Behind School Mergers in Nepal
On Friday, 20 Ashad 2082, Shree Kali Devi Secondary School in Tarkeshwor Municipality, Kathmandu, organized a felicitation program to congratulate SEE graduates.
The school, located in a remote area of the valley, achieved remarkable results through consistent effort. Out of 92 students, 79 passed, with two students scoring a perfect 4.0 GPA, and the overall success rate reached nearly 86 percent—an impressive accomplishment.
Community Joy and Reflections
Teachers, students, parents, and local stakeholders participated in the event with visible enthusiasm. As a representative of the Physical Infrastructure Development and School Management Committee, I was present to share in the joy—but I couldn’t help but reflect on several pressing concerns.
National Debate Around SEE
Currently, SEE results are being widely discussed across Nepal. Both formal and informal felicitation events are being held for top-performing schools and students.
Though school education officially extends to Grade 12, the SEE still carries the cultural legacy of the former SLC. It remains a key benchmark for evaluating schools, teachers, and students alike.
Out of 438,896 students this year, 61.81% received a pass grade—13.95% higher than last year. In contrast, only 47.86% had passed in 2080, causing concern at the policy level. The Prime Minister had even directed that at least 70% of students should pass, raising concerns about whether lenient exam patterns led to this year’s improvement.
Nonetheless, this year’s results—backed by significant investments from parents, government, teachers, and students—should be seen in a positive light.
The Bigger Picture: Students Leaving the Country
Today, regardless of whether students pass or fail, most are compelled or eager to pursue foreign study or employment.
Despite financial struggles or limited opportunities at home, many young people leave behind spouses, children, and elderly parents to work abroad. While this brings remittance income to the country, it takes a toll on the mental health of families. Rising cases of addiction, divorce, and suicide reflect this hidden crisis.
Alarming School Statistics and Merger Trends
According to the Economic Survey 2080–81, there are 35,474 schools in Nepal. Of these, 73% (25,876) are community schools.
Among these:
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15,273 schools have fewer than 100 students
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1,636 schools have 500–1,000 students
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449 schools have 1,000–1,500 students
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Only 100 community schools have more than 2,000 students
Of the schools with under 100 students, 90% are at the basic level. The government is prioritizing these for merger or closure rather than improving quality or enrollment.
According to the School Operation Guidelines 2080, such decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the local government. Chapter 2, Article 3(b) prioritizes geographic distance between home and school. Clause 4(2) suggests merging, closing, or reducing classes only if student access remains intact.
The Missing Millions: Alarming Dropout Rates
In 2071, 1,136,443 students enrolled in grade 1. Ten years later, only 509,096 sat for SEE. No inquiry has ever been made into the 627,347 who disappeared from the system.
Similarly, in 2072, 915,575 students began their first grade. By Grade 10, 476,679 had dropped out. Whether mergers will reduce or increase early dropouts remains a serious concern.
It’s important to remember: those pushed to drop out, those who gave their lives for change, and those who pay taxes and vote—are the same people affected by these policies.
Shrinking Higher Education Enrollments
This crisis is not limited to schools. As youth pursue foreign study, college enrollments are also declining.
According to the University Grants Commission:
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Nepal has 11 universities, 150 constituent campuses, 537 community colleges, and 773 affiliated private colleges (a total of 1,440).
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Many face closure due to a lack of students.
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Among them, 218 community colleges, 21 constituent campuses, and 345 private colleges each have fewer than 100 students.
Mass Migration for Employment and Study
Since FY 2050–51, Nepal began sending workers abroad with labor permits. While Nepal has labor agreements with 110 countries, Nepali workers are found in 172 nations.
To date, 5.96 million Nepalis have received labor permits, including:
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1.5 million SEE graduates
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400,000 +2 graduates
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400,000 bachelor graduates
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74,000 master’s graduates
Of the half a million people entering the labor market annually, only 20,000 find employment within Nepal.
From 2075 to 2080 alone, 464,777 students went abroad for study. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, in 2080–81:
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NPR 1.571 trillion was received in remittance
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NPR 1.593 trillion worth of consumer goods were imported
Displacement of Educated Youth
Educated and semi-educated youth—whether graduates or dropouts—are keeping the country afloat by working overseas.
Those who return home try to settle down and contribute but face a system that pushes them out again.
In FY 2080–81 alone:
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714,779 received labor permits
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281,199 were repeat labor permit holders
At a time when 67% of the population is of working age (15–65), Nepal should be in a golden era of development. Sadly, our national energy is being lost abroad.
Political Promises and Policy Gaps
Seventeen years ago, after declaring the Federal Democratic Republic, political parties pledged to shift focus from political to economic revolution.
Although the Constitution guarantees education, health, and employment as fundamental rights, their actual implementation remains lacking.
Federal, provincial, and local governments are still preoccupied with exporting labor and importing goods rather than creating jobs or educational reform.
The Push and Pull of Foreign Visas
Top-performing students now routinely head to Europe or the U.S. on student visas or to Qatar, Malaysia, and Dubai on work permits.
No matter the visa type, labor remains a non-negotiable condition. While citizens regularly protest for change, the results remain the same.
Many who once led protests are now part of the very systems they once opposed. Without reality-based education, political parties too may face challenges ahead.
The Real Cost of Investment in Education
Despite enormous investments by the state and private sector, the returns are not benefitting Nepal.
We dug the canal and drew a little water, but the fields filled up elsewhere. Our own remain barren.
What Needs to Be Done
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Assess the quantity and type of workforce needed for national development
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Align university education with research-based, skill-oriented job markets
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Offer packages to retain or bring back the youth workforce
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Ensure only graduates can apply for foreign higher studies
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Improve the physical and academic quality of schools in remote areas instead of closing them
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Provide practical, life-skill education from the early grades
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Collect data on skilled human resources and connect them to national development
If these steps are taken, Nepal can mitigate the impact of declining student numbers and harness the potential of its youth for national growth.
(By Uddhav Adhikari – Coordinator, Agriculture for Food Campaign)
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