Engineering colleges in Nepal run their Bachelor of Engineering (BE) programs under a small number of universities: Tribhuvan University (through its Institute of Engineering, IOE), Kathmandu University, Pokhara University, Purbanchal University, Mid-West University and Far-Western University. Each university holds its own entrance exam, sets its own syllabus and either teaches students in its own campuses or through affiliated private and community colleges.
So the real choice is two-step: first the university (which decides the syllabus, exam and degree), then the campus or college (which decides the teachers, labs, fees and daily life). This page covers both.
Universities that offer BE in Nepal
The table below lists the universities with BE programs that we could confirm from their own websites or admission notices. Program lists change, and new programs open almost every year, so always check the current admission notice before you apply.
| University | Engineering base | Entrance exam | Examples of BE programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tribhuvan University (IOE) | IOE central office at Pulchowk, Lalitpur; constituent campuses in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Dharan, Pokhara and Chitwan | IOE BE/BArch entrance (computer-based) | Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Mechanical, Automobile, Geomatics, Industrial, Agriculture, Aerospace, Chemical, Architecture |
| Kathmandu University (KU) | School of Engineering, Dhulikhel, Kavre | KUCAT (Kathmandu University Common Admission Test) | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Electronics, Computer, Chemical, Mining, Environmental, Geomatics, Architecture |
| Pokhara University | School of Engineering, Pokhara-30, Kaski, plus affiliated colleges | Pokhara University BE/BArch entrance | Civil, Civil and Rural, Computer, Software, IT, Electrical and Electronics, Mechanical |
| Purbanchal University | Faculty of Engineering, with one constituent and many affiliated colleges | Purbanchal University BE/BArch entrance | Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronics Communication and Automation, Geomatics, Biomedical, Architecture |
| Mid-West University | Birendranagar, Surkhet | University entrance exam | Civil, Computer, Hydropower |
| Far-Western University | School of Engineering, Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur | University entrance exam | Civil, Computer, Architecture |
A pass in +2 science (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics is the usual base requirement. Minimum marks differ: recent notices asked for roughly 45 percent or GPA 2.0 at some universities and 50 percent or GPA 2.0 at others. A few programs accept other subject mixes, for example biomedical engineering at Purbanchal with Biology in place of Mathematics. Read the eligibility section of each year's notice line by line.
IOE constituent campuses (Tribhuvan University)
IOE's own pages list five constituent engineering campuses. These are government campuses run directly by IOE. They offer a limited number of government-funded scholarship seats alongside full-fee seats, which is why the IOE entrance rank matters so much.
| Campus | Location | Established | BE programs (current) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pulchowk Campus | Pulchowk, Lalitpur | 1972 (2029 BS) | Civil, Architecture, Electrical, Electronics and Communication, Computer, Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical |
| Thapathali Campus | Thapathali, Kathmandu | Grew from the Technical Training Institute set up in 1963 | Civil, Industrial, Electronics, Mechanical, Automobile, Architecture |
| Purwanchal Campus (formerly Eastern Region Campus) | Dharan-8, Sunsari | 1977 | Civil, Agricultural, Electrical, Electronics and Computer, Mechanical, Architecture |
| Paschimanchal Campus (formerly Western Region Campus) | Lamachaur, Pokhara | 1981 | Civil, Geomatics, Electrical, Electronics and Computer, Automobile and Mechanical |
| Chitwan Engineering Campus | Rampur, Bharatpur, Chitwan | 2019 (2075 BS) | Architecture (first intake 2019) |
IOE's college page also now lists a Khaptad Engineering Campus at Dipayal Silgadi. Its program list was not yet published when we checked, so confirm with IOE before you count on it as an option.
Affiliated engineering colleges
Most BE seats in Nepal are in affiliated colleges. These are private or community colleges that teach the university's syllabus; the university sets the exams and awards the degree. IOE lists ten affiliated colleges, Purbanchal University's Faculty of Engineering lists around fifteen, and Pokhara University has engineering colleges among its many affiliates.
We do not reproduce the full lists here because they change as colleges open, close or add programs. Use these instead:
- the "Colleges" or "Affiliated colleges" page on each university's website,
- the seat and college list published with the IOE admission (counselling) notice, and
- the admission notices of KU, Pokhara University and Purbanchal University for that year.
For a factual look at well-known names, see our separate post on popular engineering colleges in Nepal and what to check before admission.
How to choose an engineering college in Nepal
A college's name or advertising tells you little. Check the points below, ideally by visiting in person during the admission period.
| Factor | What to check | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Approval and accreditation | The program is approved by the university for that year, and the college's quality status with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal. Ask whether the program is recognised by Nepal Engineering Council (NEC), since you need NEC registration to work as an engineer. | University notice, UGC Nepal, NEC |
| Labs and workshops | Working equipment for surveying, materials testing, soil, fluids and computer labs. Ask to see them, not just photos. | Campus visit |
| Faculty | Number of full-time teachers per department and their qualifications. Many part-time teachers can mean classes get cancelled. | Department office, current students |
| Fees | Total fee for all eight semesters, plus exam, lab, transport and hostel charges. Fees differ widely between scholarship seats, full-fee seats and private colleges. | Written fee schedule from the college |
| Location and living cost | Daily travel time, rent and food. A cheaper seat far from home can cost more overall. | Your own budget |
| Results and placement | How many students pass each semester on time, and where graduates work. Ask current students rather than relying on brochures. | Students, alumni |
A simple way to compare two offers
Suppose your entrance rank gets you a full-fee seat in one college and a cheaper seat in another college farther from home. Write both on one sheet: total fee for four years, monthly room and food cost times 48 months, travel cost, and the lab and faculty notes from your visit. The college that looks cheaper on the fee notice is not always cheaper once rent is added, and a weak lab will cost you in practical subjects for four years.
Useful pages before you apply
- Exam format, subjects and preparation tips: IOE entrance exam guide.
- Subject lists for each year of BE: BE syllabus hub.
- Converting grades during study: GPA and CGPA calculator.
- What comes after graduation: NEC licence exam guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many constituent engineering campuses does IOE have?
IOE's own pages list five established constituent campuses: Pulchowk, Thapathali, Purwanchal (Dharan), Paschimanchal (Pokhara) and Chitwan Engineering Campus. A newer Khaptad Engineering Campus also appears on IOE's college page.
What is the difference between a constituent campus and an affiliated college?
A constituent campus is run by the university itself. An affiliated college is run privately or by a community body, but teaches the university's syllabus and its students sit the university's exams. The degree comes from the university in both cases.
Can I study BE if I studied Biology in +2?
Most BE programs need Mathematics at +2 level. Some universities allow biology students who passed additional Mathematics, and a few programs such as biomedical engineering have their own rules. Check the eligibility section of each notice.
Do I need a licence after BE?
Yes. To practise as an engineer in Nepal you must register with Nepal Engineering Council, which conducts a licence exam. Our NEC licence exam guide explains the process.