Teaching License Applications Decline Each Year in Nepal: Five-Year Data and Results

Statistics from the Teacher Service Commission (TSC - Shikshak Sewa Aayog) over the past five years show a significant decline in the number of candidates applying for teaching license examinations at both the lower secondary and secondary levels.

The data for the five fiscal years from 2077/78 to 2081/82 indicate substantial fluctuations in the number of applicants and successful candidates for teaching licenses at both levels.

At the lower secondary level, applications have declined considerably compared with the initial years. The number of candidates passing the examinations has also fluctuated, although the overall trend in applications has been downward.

A similar pattern has been observed at the secondary level, where the number of applicants and candidates passing the teaching license examinations has declined in several years. The proportion of candidates passing the examinations compared with the number of applicants has also remained relatively low in several reporting periods.

Main Reasons for Declining Applications and Long-Term Challenges

According to the Teacher Service Commission's annual report, two major factors have been identified as contributing to the declining number of teaching license applicants:

1. Declining Interest in the Teaching Profession: The younger generation is gradually losing interest in teaching, which has traditionally been viewed as an established career option.

2. Growing Opportunities in Other Employment Sectors: New and attractive opportunities in other competitive sectors of the labor market have encouraged young people to pursue alternative careers offering better facilities and benefits.

Although teaching licenses continue to be issued to support the development of qualified educational personnel and ensure the availability of quality teachers at the school level, declining youth participation could create long-term challenges for Nepal's education sector.

Lower Secondary and Secondary Teaching License Applications and Pass Results

At the lower secondary level, applications declined from more than 200,000 in fiscal year 2077/78 to approximately 109,000 by the fourth year, representing a reduction of more than half.

Similarly, secondary-level applications declined from approximately 67,000 to 43,000 during the same period.

The detailed application and pass figures for fiscal years 2077/78 to 2080/81 are presented below.

The figures show a consistent decline in applications at both levels during these four fiscal years. However, the number of successful candidates fluctuated, with an increase in the number passing at both levels in 2080/81.

Secondary-Level General Examination Results for Fiscal Year 2082/83

The results of the secondary-level general examination for fiscal year 2082/83 have also been described as disappointing.

More than two-thirds of the candidates who appeared in the examination failed, indicating a relatively low overall pass rate.

The published examination results are as follows:

• Total Candidates Appearing in the Examination: 38,124

• Candidates Passed: 11,236 (29.47%)

• Candidates Failed: 26,888 (70.53%)

These results show that fewer than one-third of the candidates who appeared in the examination passed.

Province-Wise Examination Results

An analysis of the examination results by province also shows high failure rates.

Madhesh Province

Madhesh Province recorded the lowest pass rate, with only 22.19% of candidates passing the examination.

Approximately 78% of candidates who appeared in the examination failed.

Gandaki Province

Gandaki Province is described in the provided figures as having the highest pass rate, at 33.93%.

However, the source also reports a higher pass percentage for Bagmati Province.

Koshi and Sudurpashchim Provinces

Koshi Province recorded the highest number of examination participants, with 9,147 candidates.

Sudurpashchim Province recorded the lowest number of participants, with 2,351 candidates.

Both provinces recorded high failure rates.

Bagmati Province

Bagmati Province was reported to be ahead of other provinces in terms of participation and the number of successful candidates.

The province recorded the following results:

• Total Candidates Appearing: 4,602

• Candidates Passed: 1,766 (approximately 38.37%)

• Candidates Failed: 2,836

These figures indicate that approximately 38.37% of candidates passed the examination in Bagmati Province, while the remaining candidates failed.

Download Report

Teacher Service Commission 18th Annual Report 2082/83.PDF