Nepal Education Reforms 2026

Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel announced the cessation of political interference in higher education appointments, with merit-based selections now applied across all Nepali universities. Vice-chancellors have been appointed through open competition in nine universities and remaining vacancies are close to being filled to enhance governance and academic environment.

The Medical Education Commission approved a budget of NPR 6.55 billion for the fiscal year 2026/27, with NPR 5.99 billion funded by the Government of Nepal and NPR 560.4 million from the commission's internal revenues.

The Tribhuvan University exam paper leak highlighted systemic flaws in Nepal's education system, prompting proposals for continuous assessment, open book exams, and questions testing creativity to improve academic integrity and reduce cheating.

A Master of Business Studies exam at Tribhuvan University was leaked on WhatsApp minutes after commencement, prompting Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel to order a police investigation resulting in arrests within 24 hours. The incident underscores systemic problems like commercialisation and political interference in Nepal's higher education.

The Press Council Nepal was urged to establish clear ethical guidelines and regulations for AI use in newsrooms to prevent misinformation and maintain trust, as AI tools become increasingly integrated in Nepali journalism.

Australia tightened student visa rules resulting in a 64 percent rejection rate for Nepali applicants, with nearly 90 percent of vocational education applications denied. Only 2,700 of 7,500 Nepali offshore student visa applications were approved between January and May 2026, causing a decline in Nepali student arrivals.

A health economics fellowship began in Dhulikhel to train government officials in translating evidence into policy decisions, supporting Nepal's universal health coverage goals. The program is organized by Nepal's Ministry of Health and Food Safety with international technical partners.

Opinion highlights Nepal's foreign policy effectiveness hinges on strengthening domestic economic, educational, and social foundations, emphasizing reforms for critical and creative skills to produce globally competitive youth.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party's recent university vice chancellor appointments favored lower-ranked candidates over higher-ranked ones, raising questions about the meritocracy and transparency of the selection process. These actions challenge prior promises to depoliticise Nepal's academic institutions and undermine professional credibility.

Samsung Nepal completed its Samsung Innovation Campus coding program and launched a new Artificial Intelligence course to build digital talent among Nepali youth.

The World Forum for Ethics in Business held a keynote in Kathmandu emphasizing the importance of ethical artificial intelligence to support Nepal's digital transformation and youth empowerment.

Despite constitutional guarantees of free education up to secondary level, the Nepalese government collects over 2.5 billion rupees annually in mandatory fees from students, including registration, examination, and certificate charges. Efforts to prohibit these fees have been made but remain unimplemented, as fees continue to fund examination administration due to lack of separate government budget allocations.

Tribhuvan University, educating approximately 500,000 students, faces political interference, governance issues, and outdated curricula. Calls have been made for merit-based leadership, increased research, curriculum updates, industry collaboration, and digital transformation to modernize the institution.

Prime Minister Balen Shah announced the abolition of the 3 percent education equity fee, which is expected to save parents over 7 billion rupees annually in Nepal. This move reverses previous fee impositions and affects the private education sector spending 3.6331 percent of GDP on education up to secondary level.

Reports highlighted increasing loneliness among Nepali children linked to parental migration and heavy social media use, prompting calls for education reforms that address social and emotional skills development alongside academic progress.

Nepal's ranking fell to 111th out of 163 countries in the 2026 Global Peace Index, marking its lowest since 2008, with a 9.1% drop in peacefulness. The decline was driven mainly by Gen Z protests and government bans on social media platforms, exposing institutional weaknesses.

Nepal enacted an amendment prohibiting forced haircuts and appearance-based harassment in schools, establishing that a student's appearance is their own right. However, enforcement challenges remain as some schools continue noncompliant practices weeks after the law.

Reports highlighted that Nepal's school mathematics education suffers from outdated curricula, rote learning, and ineffective teaching, emphasizing a need for a balanced, research- and technology-oriented higher education approach in mathematical sciences to support innovation and skilled human resource development.

Nepal proposed legal reforms to reduce overcrowding and improve conditions in child correction homes by amending the Children Act, including reducing sentences for serious crimes for children aged 16 to 18 and raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years. Currently, correction homes house 1,195 children despite a capacity for 1,085, with about half being over 18 years old.

The All Nepal National Independent Student Union (Revolutionary) protested the government's 3 percent Education Equity Fee on private school students, labeling it anti-people and demanding its immediate removal. The union also called for improved government schools and at least 20 percent investment of the total budget in education.

Nepal Securities Board unveiled a 10-year roadmap to expand the capital market by 2036, aiming to double market size relative to GDP, increase listed companies to over 500, and integrate advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain for full digitization.

Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle announced the repeal and amendment of laws hindering economic reforms in Nepal, following recommendations from the High-Level Economic Reforms Advisory Commission. A Bill proposing these legal changes was discussed in the House of Representatives to enable the government's economic reform agenda.

Nepal's Ministry of Education and Sports mandated prior consent and specific infrastructure criteria for establishing foreign educational programs, including a deposit system and scholarship quotas to ensure quality and social responsibility.

MetLife Nepal partnered with Tribhuvan University's School of Mathematical Sciences to launch merit-based scholarships for actuarial students, including semester fee coverage for two undergraduates for four years. The collaboration also offers internships and industry exposure to support careers in actuarial science, risk management, and insurance.

The National Planning Commission of Nepal started preparing 'Vision 2050', a 25-year development roadmap focusing on evidence-based policies, project monitoring, and structural reforms to accelerate national progress. The commission also initiated a new project prioritization method for projects above 500 million Nepalese rupees.

The Community School Management Committee Federation of Nepal objected to the tenth amendment of the Education Regulations 2059, alleging it reduces the jurisdiction and undermines the role of school management committees, with disagreements over selection of headteachers, teacher transfers, and committee member qualifications.

Four umbrella organisations of private educational institutions in Nepal jointly demanded the immediate removal of the newly imposed 3 percent Equity Education Service Fee, calling it unconstitutional and a revival of a failed regulatory mechanism.

Nepal imposed strict regulations on educational consultancies and foreign-affiliated colleges, mandating security deposits, annual license renewals, foreign university ranking and accreditation compliance within three years. The rules limit admissions, class sizes, foreign capital, and require detailed student data and financial reporting to enhance oversight.

Nepal has only two sanctioned government entomologist positions essential for vector-borne disease control, with universities lacking relevant undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The government is training health workers in basic vector control skills to address the shortage amid rising disease due to climate change and urbanization.

Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai urged the older generation to transfer knowledge and skills to the youth to foster Nepal's economic development and prosperity, highlighting the integration of experience with science and technology.

Nepal revised Education Regulations to prohibit political party members from participating in school management committees, increasing local governments' control over school administration including teacher transfers and headteacher appointments with stricter qualification criteria and allowances.

Education and Sports Minister Sasmit Pokharel completed his first 100 days, introducing faster exam results publication and starting curriculum reviews but facing criticism for insufficient structural reforms and contentious decisions such as banning entrance prep classes and dismissing university officials.

Nepal announced major reforms to the National Cadet Corps, expanding training to students from Classes 8 to 12 with a focus on leadership, discipline, and community service. The new bill enables mobilization of trained volunteers during national emergencies to enhance civilian response capacity.

Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel emphasized the government's priority on quality education and highlighted the role of educated youth in nation building during Kathmandu University's convocation. Kathmandu University has produced over 51,000 graduates contributing to Nepal's development.

Nepal's education sector faces widening gender disparities, with more female students in community schools and more male students in private schools. Challenges include high student-teacher ratios, especially in private secondary schools, and a rising dropout rate of 4.4 percent in grade 1.

Nepal University introduced new academic programs emphasizing student-centric education and international curriculum standards aimed at enhancing autonomy, quality, and graduate employability. The curriculum incorporates knowledge and skills for the technological era, including artificial intelligence, supported by rigorous faculty evaluation.

Nepal's Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation proposed major reforms to the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), aiming to reduce bureaucracy and political interference, which sparked opposition from NAST officials concerned about losing autonomy. The ministry seeks to replace the prime minister as chancellor with an expert director to improve governance.

The National Assembly approved the proposal to consider the Appropriation Bill 2026, including new minor taxes on education, health, and electricity. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle defended these taxes as measures for public interest and wealth redistribution, including a tax on private schools.

Nepal conducted interviews and work plan presentations for Vice-Chancellor candidates at Purbanchal University, Mid-Western University, and Agriculture and Forestry University to strengthen leadership and governance. Separate expert panels held these sessions to ensure transparency and merit in the selection process.

The appointment process for Vice-Chancellors at eight national universities in Nepal reached the final interview phase under a unified merit-based government process, with parallel evaluations for Tribhuvan University, Far-Western University, and Lumbini Buddhist University underway.

Interviews and work plan presentations for Vice-Chancellor candidates at Tribhuvan University, Far-Western University, and Lumbini Buddhist University commenced, focusing on transparency, merit, and enhancing university governance. Expert panels separately evaluate candidates for each institution as part of Nepal's integrated selection process.

A two-day Indian Education Fair started in Kathmandu, providing Nepali students with information and free counseling on Indian universities, scholarships, and admission processes to support higher education opportunities abroad.

British Council Nepal hosted the IELTS Partner Summit 2026, recognizing 15 top-performing IELTS partners including Orbit Medical Entrance Pvt Ltd receiving the Platinum Partner Award; computer-based IELTS testing was announced to expand.

Thousands of students protested the Grade 12 exam results in Nepal, alleging flawed evaluation and demanding Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel's resignation, fueled by social media campaigns for accountability.

Glocal Pvt. Ltd. and Times Higher Education signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance quality, internationalization, and institutional development in Nepal's higher education, supporting the 'Study in Nepal' campaign to promote Nepal as a global education destination.

Nepal's FY 2026-27 budget centralizes fiscal authority at the federal level with declining transfers to provinces and local governments, which challenges federalism principles and threatens service delivery at lower government levels.

National Assembly members condemned the government's education sector policies as chaotic and destructive, urging immediate appointment of university officials and a reliable environment for higher education in Nepal.

Nepal recognized as the world's fastest-growing startup ecosystem in 2026; government plans to ease tax compliance, implement a one-door business registry, and speed up subsidized loans to address funding and bureaucratic challenges.

Students protested the Class 12 exam results published by the National Examination Board, alleging grading errors, unfair evaluation, and high fees for re-checking. Over 104,000 students were non-graded, with some exams canceled and penalties applied, prompting calls for investigation and action.

Nepal's annual budget process faced criticism for last-minute tax changes and political manoeuvring, which eroded public trust and complicated fiscal stability. Experts called for transparent reforms and broadening the tax base to improve governance.

Finance Minister Swarnim Waglé's ambitious 2026-27 budget targets 7% growth and a 25% increase in size but has ignited controversy over alleged wrongdoing, overshadowing government reforms under Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

NIC Asia Bank donated a laptop to Shree Hunainath Secondary School benefiting over 135 students and an RO water purifier to Spinal Cord Injury Group Nepal, supporting digital learning and clean drinking water access.

Nepal commits 20% of its national budget to education but effectively spends only 10-11%, underfunding critical classroom needs and teacher development. Experts stress that successful education reform depends on linking investment to learning outcomes and classroom quality rather than budget size alone.

Nepal's higher education enrolment rose sharply to 749,392 students by 2025, nearly doubling since 2015, driven by increased domestic attendance amid global tensions and stricter overseas visa policies. Management studies became the dominant field, growing from 39% to 47.1% of enrolment over the decade.

Nepal faces a learning crisis as youth unemployment rises and over 543,000 students sought permits to study abroad in seven years, reflecting gaps between curriculum and labor market needs despite high education budget allocations. Unemployment among postgraduates significantly exceeds that of those without degrees.

Nepal government launched the Startup Fast Track Working Plan 2026 to simplify regulations, ease tax compliance, and expedite subsidized loan access for startups, including provisions for quick dissolution and dormancy.

The Grade 12 examination pass rate in Nepal increased to 64.13 percent, marking a third consecutive year of improvement with faster result publication in 40 days and notable disparities between provinces and genders.

Nepal's National Assembly approved an ordinance amending laws related to health science institutes to standardize administration and reduce favoritism, despite opposition claims of lack of transparency. The government also doubled the health insurance budget to strengthen the program.

InnoventuresAI introduced Springbase.AI, an AI operating system converting meetings and documents into structured outputs, to the Nepalese market with a subscription priced at Rs 1,499 per month through a local partner.

Nepal's 2024 budget prioritizes job creation, infrastructure development, and tax reforms including income tax exemption doubling and customs simplification to stimulate economic growth and reduce labor migration.

MP KP Khanal initiated the 'MP Scholarship Program 2083' to provide scholarships to 120 talented and underprivileged Class 11 students selected through a separate exam, with concerns raised about coordination with local governments and compliance with education rules.

MP Parshuram Tamang called for major reforms in Nepal's Ministry of Finance, criticized budget allocations especially for the Millennium Challenge Account as compromising sovereignty, and opposed taxes on education, health, and electricity as regressive.

Nepal's exam-centric system with centralized final exams limits critical thinking and promotes rote learning, revealing a disconnect between teaching, examination, and accountability in universities.

Approximately 74% of Kathmandu University's first-year BIT students failed their exam, highlighting systemic issues in Nepal's higher education and prompting calls for reforms towards a learning-centric approach.

The Medical Education Commission directed Nepalese universities to limit resident doctors' workloads to comply with approved curriculum hours and health guidelines, responding to reports of excessive work hours up to 72 per week that violate the Ministry of Labor's 48-hour weekly limit for health workers.

Nepal’s Education Minister and Swiss Ambassador discussed expanding cooperation focusing on technical and vocational education, including preparation of a new CTEVT Act and establishing autism schools in all provinces.

MP Arjun Kumar Karki warned that the government's student-teacher ratio norms could cause school closures in remote mountainous and hilly areas, criticizing the inadequate education budget and low salaries for child development facilitators.

Tribhuvan University professors launched an indefinite sit-in on day 57 demanding pension reforms to ensure dignity and security for retired faculty, highlighting concerns over attracting future academic talent and maintaining education quality in Nepal.

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Indian Embassy held discussions to boost collaboration on AI and emerging technologies, emphasizing local language AI systems and economic cooperation to attract investment.

Nepal's higher education faces declines in academic standards, infrastructure, and strategic management, particularly at Tribhuvan University with outdated curricula and poor coordination harming academic quality.

Debate emerged in Nepal following the destruction of confiscated mobile phones during national exams, prompting calls to replace memorization-based tests with open book exams that encourage understanding and critical thinking.

Nepal highlighted the need to prioritize science, technology, and innovation to drive sustainable development and economic transformation, advocating increased investment in research and practical, skills-based education.

Nepal's Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs requested public opinion on a draft bill amending 20 laws, including the Education Act, seeking submissions within a week to guide legislative reforms.

More than 5% of Secondary Education Examination students had their grades changed after a recount revealed significant grading errors caused by examiner and data entry mistakes, including upgrades from failing to passing marks.

Karnali Technical School, Nepal's pioneering vocational institution in Jumla, faces severe financial challenges threatening infrastructure maintenance, including damage to its micro-hydropower project, despite continuing to provide technical education and scholarships to remote mountain youths.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle announced reforms targeting the end of policy capture and vested interest syndicates, promoting good governance and economic restructuring through digital government services like the Citizen App to reduce corruption.

The government began merit-based appointments for vice-chancellors and senior officials at eight public universities and several health science institutions through open competition, overseen by the Education and Health ministries with clear procedures following an ordinance.

Six Nepali teams received prizes at 'Codeavour 7.0', the world's largest AI, coding, and robotics competition in Indonesia, recognized for projects addressing drinking water safety, air pollution, smart agriculture, and medicine management.

Nepal formally requested a three-year extension to delay its graduation from Least Developed Country status until 2029, citing economic risks and dependence on grant-based international development aid to avoid increasing national debt.

Proposals in Nepal advocate moving beyond rote memorization by redesigning classrooms, adopting project-based learning, and increasing community library resources to foster independent thinking and regional development.

Nepal announced plans to build its first Sovereign AI Compute Centre in Syuchatar to leverage hydropower for AI development, including funding for processors and inviting foreign experts to boost local capacity amid concerns about sustainability.

The National Examination Board of Nepal scheduled the Secondary Education Examination supplementary tests from Ashadh 1 to 9, with results expected by Ashadh 25. This follows 146,507 students being non-graded in the previous SEE-2082 exam, highlighting efforts to improve grading outcomes.

Over 700 Nepali young entrepreneurs from 20 countries assembled in Sydney focusing on AI, innovation, and global networking, with participation from prominent Nepalese and Australian officials including Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle.

Nepal's FY 2026-27 budget of Rs2.124 trillion promotes private sector-led growth with a 21% civil servant pay increase, but lacks effective strategies for structural state reforms, social inclusion, job creation, and reducing remittance dependence.

Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel announced recovery of over Rs 10.46 crore from Tribhuvan University teachers who misused study leave, aiming to strengthen accountability and restore public trust in higher education.

Mid Valley International College and WiseAdmit signed a memorandum of understanding with Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics to provide Nepali students programs in AI, robotics, and innovation with opportunities for summer immersion in China.

The government imposed a 3% education equity fee on all private school fees to support community schools, sparking protests from parents and private school organizations over increased financial burdens.

Nepal announced its largest ever budget of Rs2.124 trillion for fiscal year 2026-27 incorporating ambitious reforms including tax reductions and creation of a sovereign data centre. However, fiscal execution risks remain high due to insufficient revenue collection, elevated recurrent spending, and low capital expenditure with weak project implementation capacity.

The government amended the economic bill to allow parents to deduct up to 25% or Rs 25,000 of the 3% education equity fee on private schools from taxable income, providing tax relief mainly for high-income households.

Nepal's Ministry of Information and Communications initiated a review of IT sector laws and coordination across federal, provincial, and local governments, aiming to amend outdated legislation and enhance digital governance, media regulation, and postal services.

The number of community schools in Nepal decreased from 27,813 in 2020-21 to 25,623 in 2025-26, while private schools increased from 19% to 25% of total schools, shifting student enrollment to 62% in community and 38% in private schools. This highlights widening education access inequalities amid ongoing education reforms.

The European Union and UNICEF Nepal launched 'Asha: Dreams in Motion,' a programme linking education to employment by enhancing skills development and youth transitions through travelling cinema and dialogues across Nepal.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle allocated Rs218.30 billion to Nepal's education sector for fiscal year 2026-27, prioritizing innovation, skills development, and higher education expansion including opportunities for Nepalis abroad through the Open University system.

Nepal drafted a bill to amend the 1988 Technical Education and Vocational Training Act, decentralizing governance to provincial and local levels and introducing an eight-level National Qualifications Framework to improve quality and accessibility under federalism.

Nepal's Economic Survey 2025-2026 reveals significant decline in community school enrollment and mergers, accelerating privatization and raising equity concerns, while higher education enrollment grew by 10.9% with a focus on management and general streams.

Nepal's education budget has fallen to about 10.75% of the national budget, below the global commitment of 20%, with around 90% spent on salaries; advocates urge increased funding to improve learning outcomes and reduce dropout rates.

Professors and employees at Tribhuvan University appointed after 2065 BS continued a 45-day protest impacting teaching and research, with Nepali Congress MP Jagat Timilsina calling for urgent government attention to the issue.

The government began the appointment process for Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, and Controller of Examinations at Nepal Sanskrit University through a merit-based selection including qualifications, research, strategic planning, and interviews.

Nepal's government acknowledges that successful education and administrative reforms rely on a motivated civil service supported by fair conditions and transparent systems, including salary reform and institutional support for challenging posts.

UK Minister Seema Malhotra emphasized the longstanding and full-spectrum education partnership between Nepal and the UK, involving 19 UK universities and 27 Nepalese campuses supporting over 17,000 students through transnational education and skills development.

Nepal removed traditional exams up to Grade 5 to promote child-centered learning and reduce stress. However, concerns arose about the abrupt reintroduction of high-stakes exams in Grade 6, highlighting the need to restructure Grades 6 and 7 as transition years with gradual assessment and enhanced teacher training.

UK Minister Seema Malhotra and Nepali officials discussed enhancing Nepal-UK cooperation in education, emphasizing quality, skills development, and research collaboration benefiting over 17,000 Nepali students through transnational education.

Nepal formally requested to postpone its graduation from Least Developed Country status until November 2029 due to worsening economic and geopolitical challenges impacting growth, trade, and remittances. The government warned that losing LDC status prematurely could lead to a 35% job decline in productive sectors and highlighted slow implementation of its Smooth Transition Strategy.

Nepal postponed its graduation from Least Developed Country status to Developing Country status until November 2030 due to worsening global economic conditions and geopolitical uncertainties, officially notifying the United Nations of the deferral.

218 candidates applied for Vice Chancellor positions across eight major Nepalese universities, with Tribhuvan University receiving the most applicants at 50. The Ministry of Education and Sports opened applications starting May 8 for a 10-day period.

Nepal imposes personal income tax rates up to 39%, among the highest in South Asia; however, public services including healthcare and education remain inadequate, prompting government plans to reform taxes to ease burdens on the middle class.

A high-level policy dialogue at Stanford University focused on strengthening diaspora engagement and knowledge partnerships to support Nepal's development goals.

Over 600,000 children from the 2016 grade 1 cohort dropped out before completing secondary education by 2026, with only about 41% finishing on schedule. Dropout causes include economic hardship, academic failure, social traditions, and regional disparities despite government education support efforts.

Nepal’s political landscape is shifting from ideological loyalty to pragmatic demands for transparency and accountability, highlighted by Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s assumption of the Home Ministry.

Nepal's government dismissed public officers as part of its efforts to reform universities, addressing institutional weaknesses caused by partisan politics and academic mediocrity.

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology is developing an industry-led bachelor-level IT curriculum focusing on practical skills, AI, and emerging technologies with Swiss financial and technical support.

The Nepalese government's budget focuses on expanding the middle class by improving access to education, health, nutrition, skills, and social security to boost economic demand and growth. Experts warn this approach could increase import dependency and foreign exchange pressure if domestic production does not rise accordingly.

Nepal faces a complex crisis combining diplomatic trust issues, economic instability, and challenges in educational purpose, undermining national direction and investor confidence.

Nepal proposed a long-term, research-led higher education framework emphasizing applied research targeting national priorities, strategic funding through a transparent digital portal, and increased international collaboration to improve socio-economic outcomes.

Nepal’s government removed politically appointed university vice chancellors to depoliticize higher education, but the role has become unattractive to qualified scholars due to the removal of illicit financial incentives, increased scrutiny, and high pressure, creating a leadership crisis for reforms.

Nepal's Ministry of Education integrated non-formal education data from community learning centers, open schools, and non-formal schools into the national Education Management Information System, enhancing data coverage and management.

The World Bank pledged support to Nepal's education sector focusing on infrastructure development and technology-based learning expansion, following meetings between its Country Director and the Education Minister.

The National Assembly of Nepal approved the government’s policies and programmes for fiscal year 2026/27 following Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle’s clarifications and discussions led by NA Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal.

Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle stressed governance reform, policy stability, digital transformation, and lowering middle-class tax burdens to promote private-sector-led growth; business leaders called for stable policies to boost investment and industry.

The government aims to produce 30,000 MW of electricity in a decade and establish the Nepal Carbon Authority to monetize carbon trading as part of plans for a digital, green, self-reliant economy including IT growth and agricultural modernization.

SEE results show a pass rate increase to 65.98% but reveal significant disparities between provinces and school types, with many students non-graded and remote areas facing resource shortages.

The Nepal government began abolishing 15 outdated laws and started dissolving the Revenue Investigation Department to enhance business environment efficiency.

Nepal set a target of 7 percent average annual economic growth over the next decade, focusing on anti-corruption, digitalisation, tax reform, and enhanced private and foreign investment.

The FY 2026/27 policy targets 7% GDP growth emphasizing IT, hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and green industrialization but lacks clear implementation strategies and institutional reform plans, risking ineffective outcomes.

Nepal's FY 2026/27 policy sets a seven percent GDP growth target focusing on IT, hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and green industrialization but lacks detailed implementation strategies and institutional reforms, risking ineffective outcomes.

President Ram Chandra Paudel presented the Government of Nepal’s fiscal year 2026/27 Policy and Program, unveiling a 100-point agenda focusing on governance, economic reform, infrastructure, education, and social progress.

An integrated national master plan covering road, rail, air, and water transport will be prepared as part of the government's infrastructure development strategy.

Information technology was declared a national strategic industry with initiatives including digital parks, AI and cloud computing promotion, tax incentives, and infrastructure upgrades.

Plans were unveiled to implement an integrated border management system featuring face recognition and automated surveillance to enhance national security.

The government announced a National Industrial Policy classifying industries and offering promotional packages to boost economic self-reliance and export-oriented growth.

The government guaranteed business registration and construction permits within 30 days through the Investment Express policy and introduced a 'Nepal Investment Visa' for significant foreign investors.

The government published the Secondary Education Examination results affecting over one million students, highlighting calls for reform to reduce high-stakes testing and promote engaging, relevant learning with fewer compulsory subjects.

The joint session of Nepal's Federal Parliament started with President Ramchandra Paudel presenting the government's policy and program for fiscal year 2026/27 at Singha Durbar.

The government announced plans to transform Nepal into a technology hub by expanding IT exports, digital infrastructure, and technology-based employment, including new legal frameworks for remote work and tax incentives for IT innovation.

President Ramchandra Paudel presented government policies for fiscal year 2026-27 emphasizing economic modernization through digitalisation, technology-driven employment, investment reforms, and governance restructuring, including a legal framework for remote work and a national apprenticeship programme.

The government announced a new integrated package to support Nepalis returning from abroad, aiming to facilitate reverse migration and reintegration.

The government proposed transparent, merit-based reforms for appointments in public institutions to counter past favoritism, while cautioning that overly complex procedures could deter qualified leaders and undermine objectives.

Government ordinances increased prime ministerial control over universities by removing officials and allowing direct senate nominations; critics warn of reduced academic freedom and representation.

Applications opened for vice chancellor positions at eight universities in Nepal, including Tribhuvan and Pokhara Universities, following a public notice from the Ministry of Education.

Further evidence shows a renaissance in Sanskrit education in Nepal, with increasing student numbers in Nepal Sanskrit University and gurukuls despite financial challenges requiring government funding support.

Enrollment in Sanskrit language programs has risen significantly in Nepal, with approximately 25,000 students attending universities and gurukuls, driven by cultural, livelihood, and political factors in the region.

Nepal's government terminated nearly 1,600 political appointees across public bodies, including the National Examinations Board and Civil Aviation Authority, causing disruptions in education and health services as part of institutional overhaul efforts.

The Nepal government annulled over 1,200 public official appointments made before March 26 across 110 laws, leaving key institutions including universities and health academies without leadership and raising governance concerns.

Minister Vikram Timilsina declared building a secure, reliable, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem as a top government priority, implementing the Digital Nepal framework to simplify public services and promote digital transformation nationwide.

Following a Supreme Court ruling, the new academic session commenced despite student protests against potential political union bans, amidst government recommendations of ordinances bypassing parliament and severe windstorm warnings in four provinces.

About 88,500 students obtained No Objection Certificates online for foreign studies in Nepal over three years, with 26% fully processed remotely. The system was enhanced by integrating data from major academic institutions to improve digital services.

The new academic session in Nepal officially commenced on Baisakh 15 following the government’s revised school calendar to improve exam result publication and enrollment timing, though some local levels started enrollments early.

Nepal delayed the academic session start to 15 Baishakh, ordered private schools to refund illegal admission fees, following a Supreme Court order banning early admission notices.

Education Minister Sasmita Pokharel issued a six-point circular directing support for students affected by informal settlement resettlement, including facilitation of Grade 12 examinees' travel to exam centers and ensuring their safety.

The government proposed replacing traditional written exams in grades 1 to 5 with project-based assessments focused on creativity and personalized feedback to reduce stress and enhance learning.

Nepal analyzed global education reforms, emphasizing governance, leadership, and teacher support as keys to successful transformation beyond just expanding access or technology investment.