IT Career After Grade 12 in Nepal: Course Guide

IT Career After Grade 12: Which Course, Where to Study?

The period after the Grade 12 examinations is one of the most stressful yet exciting phases in a student’s life. The question “What should I study now?” troubles many. Especially in today’s digital age, Information Technology (IT) has become a top choice for a large number of students. However, IT does not simply mean knowing how to operate a computer. Even in Nepal alone, there are about half a dozen different IT-related degree courses.

CSIT, BCA, BIT, BITM, BE Computer, BSc Computing — these names sound similar, but their curriculum, objectives, and career destinations can be quite different.

In this article, I will not praise the glossy lines written in college brochures. Here, I will examine the ground reality of Nepal’s education system, the state of universities, and what employers actually look for. If you are serious about your future, read this piece carefully to the end.

Know Yourself: Is IT Really for You? (Self-Assessment)

Before choosing a subject, you should ask yourself three questions. IT is not for everyone, and not every IT course suits everyone.

Your Background

What is your academic background?

Have you studied Science (with Physics and Mathematics)?

Or have you studied Management/Humanities?

Fact: A Science background is compulsory for Engineering and CSIT, but students from any stream can be eligible for BCA and BIT.

Your Interest

Where does your interest lie?

Do you enjoy Mathematics and Logic?
-> BE Computer / CSIT

Do you prefer less coding and more work in applications/design?
-> BCA / BIT

Do you want to learn both IT and Business together?
-> BITM

Budget and Timeline (Budget & Timeline)

Can you wait 4 years, or do you want to complete your bachelor’s and start working in 3 years?

Is the low fee of a public college (around 300,000–500,000) acceptable, or can you afford the higher fees of private/foreign-affiliated colleges (around 800,000–1,500,000)?

Detailed Analysis of Major IT Courses in Nepal (Deep Dive into Courses)

Many students get confused at this point. They rush into admission thinking “It is all just computer anyway” and regret it later. Let us examine the “DNA” of each course.

1. BSc CSIT (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology)

University: Tribhuvan University (TU), Far Western University, Mid-Western University.

Who is it for? Students who studied Science in Grade 12 and want to understand the core science behind computers.

Key features:

• This course acts as a bridge between “Computer Engineering” and “IT”.

• It involves deep study of Mathematics and Algorithms.

• It follows a semester system and largely aligns with international Computer Science degrees.

Challenge: TU’s examination system can sometimes be slow. You must pass an entrance examination.

BE Computer (Bachelor of Engineering in Computer)

University: TU (IOE), KU, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University.

Who is it for? Those who want the title of “Engineer (Er.)” and wish to understand both hardware and software.

Key features:

• This is more an “Engineering” course than only a “technical” course. In the first two years you have to study subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Engineering Drawing.

• You receive a licence from the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC).

Caution: If you only want to do programming and are afraid of difficult Mathematics/Physics, this course can make you struggle. You do not have to be an engineer to become a software developer.

BCA (Bachelor in Computer Application)

University: TU, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University.

Who is it for? Students who studied Management or Humanities (or Science students who are not interested in Engineering).

Key features:

• This course is focused on “applications”, that is, building and running software.

• It has less difficult Mathematics and more emphasis on programming languages (Java, scripting languages, etc.).

• Myth: “BCA graduates do not get good jobs.” This is completely wrong. There are many senior developers in the industry who have studied BCA.

BIT (Bachelor in Information Technology)

University: TU, Purbanchal University, and colleges affiliated with foreign universities (UK/Malaysia/US).

Who is it for? Those who want more practical knowledge.

Key features:

• This is a course that keeps up with the times. It focuses on networking, systems, and web technologies.

• In foreign-affiliated colleges, this can also be a three-year course.

• It involves a high volume of assignments and project work, with less emphasis on rote learning.

BITM (Bachelor in Information Technology Management)

University: TU.

Who is it for? Those who want 50% IT and 50% Management (similar to an MBA-type mix).

Key features:

• If you want to become an IT Manager, Business Analyst, or start your own startup in the future, this is an excellent choice.

• It helps you become not only a “coder” but also a leader.

Where to Study? University and College Selection Strategy (Where to Study?)

In Nepal, IT colleges have mushroomed like wild mushrooms. Choosing the right college is winning half the career battle.

a) Public Universities (TU/IOE/School of Engineering)

Advantages: Very low fees (entire course around 400,000–500,000), strong brand value in society, and no issues regarding recognition for public service exams.

Disadvantages: Old syllabus, delayed publication of results, and sometimes politics.

Best suited for: Students who can study on their own and are looking for a financially affordable option.

b) Kathmandu University (KU)

Advantages: A very strict and reliable academic calendar (exams and results on time), high-quality labs, and a good academic environment.

Disadvantages: You may need to stay in Dhulikhel (possibly residential), and fees are relatively high.

Best suited for: Those who prioritise quality and adherence to academic timelines.

c) Foreign-Affiliated Colleges (Foreign Affiliated Colleges)

(For example: Islington, Softwarica, The British College, Herald, PCPS, etc.)

Advantages:

• Updated syllabus: Students follow the curriculum from the UK or Malaysia, with separate specialisations in AI, Data Science, and Cyber Security.

• Duration: Most courses are three years (you save one year).

• Credit transfer: You can study 1–2 years in Nepal and complete the remaining years abroad (UK/Australia).

Disadvantages: High fees (around 1,000,000 to 1,500,000/2,000,000).

Best suited for: Those with strong financial capacity who want to enter the job market quickly.

d) Private Colleges (TU/PU-Affiliated Private Colleges)

These colleges teach the syllabus of TU or PU but often provide better facilities (labs, internships) than public campuses. The fees are moderate (around 600,000–1,000,000).

Five Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing a College (Checklist)

Before admission, do not only talk to the receptionist. Ask these questions to senior students who are already studying there:

“How is the Placement Unit?”

• Does the college coordinate with companies to arrange internships during the final year, or do students have to find them on their own? (This is the most important point.)

“How long is the lab open?”

• For IT students, the lab is more important than the classroom. Does the college allow you to stay and code in the lab after classes?

“Is there an extra IT Club?”

• Book knowledge alone is not enough. Does the college organise hackathons, code camps, and similar activities?

“Who are the faculty members?”

• Are they only academic teachers, or are they professionals currently working in the industry? Lessons taught by senior developers who come in as part-time faculty tend to be very practical.

“Where are the alumni now?”

• Are graduates from that college currently working at companies such as Google, Microsoft, or major Nepali companies like F1Soft and Leapfrog?

Market Reality: Is a Degree Just a Piece of Paper? (The Harsh Reality)

As a professional, I want to tell you a bitter truth: even if you hold a certificate with 80% (Distinction), an IT company will not offer you even a 10,000-salary job if you do not know how to write code.

There is a large gap between Nepal’s IT industry and academia.

• Colleges teach you to write “Hello World” in C programming.

• Companies look for people who can build a complete e-commerce site in React/Node.js.

What is the solution?
You must engage in “parallel learning”.

• First Year (Year 1): Learn C and C++, and strengthen your logic.

• Second Year (Year 2): Learn web development (HTML, CSS, JS) or Python. Build small projects.

• Third Year (Year 3): Learn frameworks (React, Django, Flutter). Put your code on GitHub. Start looking for freelance projects or internships.

• Fourth Year (Year 4): Choose a specialisation (AI, Cyber Security, DevOps).

Source: My 10 years of experience and analysis of the career graphs of hundreds of successful developers.

Financial Aspect and Return on Investment (ROI Analysis)

The main question parents ask is: “After spending so much money, how much will the child earn in the future?”

Investment:

• Public college: around 400,000 (average)

• Private/foreign-affiliated college: around 1,000,000–1,200,000 (average)

• Laptop and additional courses: around 100,000–200,000

Return (Salary expectation in Nepal, 2024/25):

• Intern: 10,000–15,000 (for 3–6 months)

• Junior level: 25,000–40,000 (first 1–2 years)

• Mid level: 50,000–100,000 (2–4 years’ experience)

• Senior level: 150,000 to 300,000+ (5+ years’ experience)

Conclusion: If you learn good skills, you can break even on your total educational investment within 3–4 years. Compared with careers such as medicine or civil engineering, the payback period for IT is much shorter.

Go Abroad or Stay in Nepal? 

For today’s Grade 12 students, the first preference is often to go abroad. Is it better to study IT abroad or in Nepal?

Studying in Nepal and then going abroad: This can be the most sensible path. You can complete your bachelor’s degree at a lower cost in Nepal, work for 1–2 years to gain experience, and then apply for a master’s degree in the US/Europe. In such cases, your chances of receiving a scholarship and a good white-collar job increase by around 90%.

Going abroad directly after Grade 12: If you go immediately after Grade 12, it can be difficult to balance study and work. Many students risk getting stuck in labour jobs. In IT, experience speaks. Therefore, staying in Nepal to build your skills first is a safer investment.

Expert Suggestions (Expert Verdict/Advice)

Dear students, I would like to end with these suggestions:

• Do not chase titles: Becoming an “Engineer” does not automatically make you greater, and studying “BCA” does not make you lesser. Companies like Google or Amazon do not look at the exact name of your degree; they look at your problem-solving skills.

• Do not be afraid of Mathematics: If you want to study CSIT or Engineering, Mathematics is necessary. However, if you find it difficult, you can still become an excellent software developer with BCA or BIT. The paths are different, but the destination can be the same.

• Improve your English: The language of IT is English. Develop your communication skills alongside coding.

• Start today: Do not wait for the college to start. Search “Python for Beginners” or “Web Development Roadmap” on YouTube and begin learning today.

My recommendation (Personal Recommendation):

• If you are a Science student and want deep knowledge -> Choose BSc CSIT (TU) or Computer Science (KU).

• If you are from Management/Humanities or want more practical knowledge -> Choose BCA or BIT (foreign-affiliated or Nepali).

Conclusion

The decision you make after Grade 12 will shape the next 40 years of your life. Do not choose a subject just to follow friends or to satisfy parental pressure. The IT field is an ocean of opportunities, but you must move your hands and feet — your skills — to swim across. The boat (degree) alone will not carry you to the other side.

Nepal is currently striving to become an IT hub. Major global companies are already outsourcing work to Nepal. If you choose the right course and college and move forward with consistent hard work, your future will not only be bright but also secure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: Can a Biology student study IT?

Yes, absolutely. If you studied full 100-mark Mathematics in Grade 12, you can also study CSIT/Engineering. Even if you did not, there is no restriction on studying BCA and BIT. Many students who studied Biology are now successful developers.

2: Which is better — public or private colleges?

You are the one who has to study. Public colleges have lower fees but may offer fewer facilities. Private colleges are more expensive but often provide more care and better facilities. If you can study with self-discipline, a public college can be an excellent option.

3: What kind of laptop is required?

At the beginning, you do not need a gaming laptop or a very expensive MacBook. A laptop with at least 8 GB RAM (16 GB is better), a 256 GB SSD, and an i5 (or Ryzen 5) processor is sufficient for the four years of a bachelor’s degree.

4: Can IT graduates get government jobs?

Yes, they can. There is high demand for IT Officers in the Government of Nepal, banks, the army, the police, and various institutions. For such positions, CSIT, BE Computer, BIT, and BCA (TU) are all recognised. For degrees from foreign universities, you must obtain equivalence from the relevant authority.

Also Read:

• Colleges in Nepal
• IT Colleges in Nepal
• BIT Colleges in Nepal
• BCA Colleges in Nepal
• BSc CSIT Colleges in Nepal
• BITM Colleges in Nepal