BlogHAS THE SCHOOL SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN NEPAL EVOLVED TO ADAPT TO CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND GLOBAL S
HAS THE SCHOOL SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IN NEPAL EVOLVED TO ADAPT TO CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES AND GLOBAL S
2025-09-13
"Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school." —Albert Einstein
Education is the key to development. Everything has evolved with time — from the economy and the military to science, technology, and the mind. Education has evolved internationally as well, becoming more pragmatic and tech-savvy. But in Nepal, despite developments, the basic education system has not shifted much. This brings us to a relevant question: Has Nepal's education system shifted to support today's global needs? Or is it still preparing students for the past and not the future?
In olden days, Nepal's education was taught by way of gurukuls (Ashrams), where the students lived with their teachers. Later, in the Rana regime, formal schools were established, but they were confined to the elite. Nevertheless, this created new avenues for education. As Sydney J. Harris put it, "The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows." But have our schools effectively opened those windows? Have they effectively helped children grow, learn, and discover themselves?
Nepal has definitely improved. Literacy rates have risen, and more children are going to school than ever before. There are still many issues, however — aged textbooks, poor school buildings, and uneven access to schooling. These challenges do not allow students to get the kind of education they need in today's highly changing world.
Gender inequality is also a problem. As we talk of equal rights, rural girls do not complete school due to poverty, child marriage, or pressure from society. Placing this on top, ongoing political turbulence and instability disrupt the education system, leading to setbacks and knowledge gaps.
In the majority of nations, schools use smartboards, computer tools, and new patterns of instruction. However, in some Nepali government schools, the learning pattern is traditional. There, students learn to memorize facts and recite them properly, without a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving capacities, particularly given that these are essential competences in today's world.
Language also plays a significant part. English-medium education is becoming the standard in the world, yet it is not feasible for most government schools in Nepal to teach English as effectively as in English-medium schools. This disadvantages students when they wish to study at higher levels or work in international fields.
Looking through the syllabus, we are still seeing a drift towards theory rather than practical knowledge. Topics like coding, financial literacy, mental health, and entrepreneurship — which are common in advanced countries — are not addressed at all or touched upon superficially in Nepal.
Teachers are the most precious assets of any education system, but in Nepal, they are underpaid, poorly trained, and lacking modern teaching material. Without well-trained and motivated teachers, nothing can really change in classrooms.
But it's not completely bad news. The government along with other NGOs is working towards creating some change. Some schools are receiving computers, online study material, and new books. Inclusive education is also being promoted. These are good signs, but the changes are sluggish and not as vast as yet.
In conclusion, has Nepal's school education system actually changed? The answer is simply not yet. Though efforts have been made, actual change demands more than just superficial facelifts. We need a total shift in the way we think about education — from being just exam-focused, to empowering students for life. Then only can Nepal's education system become international standard compliant and make students competitive in a fast-changing competitive world.
References
World Health Organization. (2021). Adolescent mental health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
