KATHMANDU, April 26: The government has initiated a series of policy and structural reforms aimed at improving Nepal’s education sector, with a strong focus on removing partisan politics from academic institutions.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, has taken what officials describe as “interventionist steps” within a month of assuming office. These include plans to dismantle party-affiliated student organizations operating within schools and universities and replace them with non-political student representation mechanisms.
According to the ministry, existing party-based student structures will be removed within 60 days as part of the government’s 100-point governance reform agenda. In their place, non-partisan platforms such as “Student Councils” or “Voice of Students” are expected to be established within 90 days. Kathmandu University has already begun implementing a student council model.
The University Coordination Committee has also directed institutions not to provide space or infrastructure for political student organizations and to remove existing physical symbols associated with them. Any legal provisions enabling such structures will be reviewed or scrapped, the ministry said.
Citizenship not required up to bachelor’s level
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In a major structural reform, the government has decided that citizenship will no longer be mandatory for enrollment up to the undergraduate level. The provision, included in the government’s reform agenda under Prime Minister Balendra Shah, directs universities to formulate procedures to implement the change. While Kathmandu University is preparing guidelines, other universities have already begun implementation.
Academic calendar, results reforms
The ministry has also prioritized timely publication of exam results. Universities and the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training have been instructed to publish results within two months of examinations. Preparations are underway to ensure Secondary Education Examination (SEE) results are also released within the same timeframe.
Additionally, the government plans to replace internal exams up to Grade 5 with an “alternative assessment system” starting from the next academic session.
A mobile application, “Sikai Chautari,” has been launched to support learning, while improvements have been made to the Integrated Education Management Information System after resolving technical issues.
Scholarships, digital access, and inclusion
In line with the Compulsory and Free Education Act 2018, institutional schools have been directed to ensure scholarships, with local governments already reporting compliance.
The ministry has also asked universities to enable students to access certificates digitally via official mobile apps, email, or the Nagarik App.
Students seeking to study abroad can now apply for the No Objection Certificate (NOC) online from home, following the integration of systems between Tribhuvan University and Kathmandu University.
Additional initiatives
The government has also initiated coordination among ministries to establish model schools for children with autism in all seven provinces. A technical committee has been formed to develop a concept paper for the program.
Furthermore, the curriculum is being revised to incorporate principles of wellness tourism, aiming to position Nepal as a hub for health tourism.
The ministry stated that these reforms are part of a broader effort to improve quality, accessibility, and governance in the education sector while ensuring it remains free from political influence.
