Seven Decades of Educational Change After Democracy in Nepal

Educational Transformation in Nepal After the Restoration of Democracy

Before the restoration of democracy in 2046 BS, not only education but most state services and civic rights had failed to reach the grassroots level. However, formal education in Nepal had already begun before the end of the partyless Panchayat system. In 2028 BS, the first National Education System Plan was implemented, leading to the enforcement of the Education Act 2028.

Major Shifts Brought by the Education Act 2028

• Community schools were brought under state control.

• Private schools were nationalized.

• Vocational education became compulsory.

After the reinstatement of democracy, the state prioritized education and began implementing targeted policies. Government investment in education increased, and policy reforms gained momentum. Education began to be seen as a tool to support democracy, development, and effective governance. It was also recognized that education could prevent the downfall of democracy, so the state concentrated its efforts on its development alongside other social issues.

New Constitution and Rise of Universities

After democracy was reinstated in 2046 BS, a new constitution was issued in 2047 BS. Until then, only Tribhuvan University and Mahendra Sanskrit University (now Nepal Sanskrit University) existed. Kathmandu University was established as the third university post-democracy.

Educational commissions were formed, and their recommendations helped shape timely educational policies.

Political Changes and Education Reforms

Despite the start of democratic governance, political changes continued. Even up to 2075 BS, the tradition of forming education commissions persisted, largely influenced by political transitions.

The Constitution of 2072 BS placed all rights related to basic and secondary education under the jurisdiction of local governments. Article 31 of the Constitution defined education as a fundamental right.

National Education Policy and Demand for Reform

With the global advancement of information and technology, there was a growing demand for education that could produce skilled manpower for international competitiveness.

In 2075 BS, the High-Level National Education Commission submitted a recommendation report, and in 2076 BS, the National Education Policy was introduced based on that foundation.

Progress in Numbers

Over seven decades since the establishment of democracy, Nepal has seen significant shifts in education:

• More than two dozen universities and educational institutions are operational.

• Nearly 1,500 campuses operate under various affiliations.

• Around 35,000 schools, both public and private, are functioning.

• The number of technical institutes is increasing.

• Education up to the secondary level is free, and basic education is both compulsory and free.

• Mid-day meals and free textbooks are provided in community schools.

• Girls receive free sanitary pads.

• An inclusive education model has been introduced.

• A new structure has been adopted at the school level:

  • Grades 1–8: Basic Level

  • Grades 9–12: Secondary Level

• Two educational tracks are available at the secondary level: General and Technical.

• Bachelor's degrees now require a minimum of four years.

• Letter grading is used from school through higher education.

Language and Curriculum Reforms

• Students can study in their mother tongue or a local curriculum up to Grade 8.

• Opportunities to study expensive subjects like medical and engineering through scholarships have increased.

National Education Achievements

With increased investment and infrastructure development, Nepal has seen significant educational outcomes:

• 7,214,525 students are enrolled in 35,055 public and private schools.

• 974,000 children are enrolled in Early Childhood Development classes.

Enrollment and Retention Rates

• Pre-primary enrollment rate: 84.7%

• Grade 1 enrollment with ECD experience: 66.9%

• Grade 1–5 enrollment: 96.9%

• Grade 1–8 (basic level): 92.7%

• Grades 8–12: 46.4%

• Retention until Grade 5: 89.6%

• Retention until Grade 8: 77.9%

Gender parity index:

• Basic level: 0.98

• Secondary level: 1.01

Dropout rates:

• Grades 1–5: 3.8%

• Grades 6–8: 4.4%

• Grades 9–10: 3.7%

Private schools currently serve around 23% of students in Nepal. Fifty-one districts have already been declared literate.

Widening Scholarship Access Post-Federalism

With the advent of federalism, scholarship access has broadened:

• Beneficiaries include children with disabilities, freed Kamlaris, marginalized communities, street children, child laborers, children affected by HIV, and the Badi community.

• Nearly NPR 7.5 billion is distributed in scholarships annually.

In the fiscal year 2081/82 alone, the Ministry of Education distributed NPR 7.39 billion in scholarships from basic to higher levels.

Categories of Scholarships

• 25 types of scholarships are available.

• Beneficiaries: 1,571,000 students.

• Residential and non-residential scholarships are offered as per student need.

Examples of Scholarship Support

• Karnali Province:

  • Students in grades 1–5 in Mugu, Humla, Jumla, Dolpa, and Kalikot receive NPR 1,000/year.

  • Other Karnali districts: NPR 400/year.

• Dalit students nationwide (Grades 1–5): NPR 400/year.

• Targeted groups include 22 ethnic and marginalized groups: NPR 500/year.

• Students in Grades 11–12 (Science/Technical): NPR 24,000/year.

• Students in other subjects (Grades 11–12): NPR 18,000/year.

• Grades 6–10: NPR 6,000/year.

• Technical and vocational education: NPR 59.4 million distributed across four groups (pre-diploma and diploma).

Higher Education Scholarships

• Scholarships are provided to undergraduate and postgraduate students under six categories.

• Beneficiaries: Children of martyrs and conflict victims, freed Kamlaris, Muslim women, students with disabilities.

• Medical scholarships:

  • NPR 5.11 billion for 10,594 students.

  • Medical colleges must provide scholarships to 75% of intake (public), 10% (domestic private), and 20% (foreign-invested).

  • The Medical Education Commission conducts selection.

  • Postgraduate students receive benefits equivalent to eighth-level government staff.

Summary of Current Medical Education Scholarships

• Since the Education Act 2075 came into effect, the Commission has been assigning scholarship students from FY 2076/77 onward.

• As of now, a total of 9,241 students are studying under scholarships:

  • Undergraduate: 6,130

  • Postgraduate: 2,980

  • DM/MCH: 131

Although there are calls for more investment in public education, distributing over NPR 7.5 billion in scholarships each year reflects a strong commitment. According to the Ministry spokesperson Shiv Kumar Sapkota, this level of funding cannot be considered insufficient.

Key Educational Data In Nepal