Teaching at campuses in Nepal will now require a license, following the government’s decision to implement the National Qualification Test Operation Directive for universities.
With the directive approved, instructors will be required to obtain a teaching license to teach at campuses. The University Grants Commission (UGC), the regulatory body of universities, has announced that the directive will be implemented starting from the coming month of Shrawan. This provision will apply to all types of campuses, including constituent, community, and private campuses that are run under universities.
The UGC has decided to enforce the qualification test directive after concerns grew that arbitrary teacher appointments by campuses were affecting academic quality and increasing politicization. According to the directive, which will come into force from Shrawan, obtaining a teaching license will be mandatory to teach at campuses. Only candidates who have completed a postgraduate degree will be eligible to sit for the qualification examination.
Currently, 1,432 campuses are operating under 13 universities established in accordance with federal law. In addition, six provincial universities established by provincial governments are also in operation. From now on, individuals seeking to join the teaching profession in these universities and campuses will be required to obtain a license. The government expects this system to contribute to improving the quality of higher education in the country. The qualification test will be conducted every six months.
Neighboring countries, including India, have had a national qualification test-based licensing system in place for nearly two decades. In Nepal, however, academic standards have been declining due to teacher appointments influenced by political pressure and favoritism. The introduction of a licensing system is expected to ensure that human resources entering higher education are competitive and competent.
