In Nepal, the educational framework comprises of Primary, Lower Secondary and Secondary Levels of education, commencing from Grade One.
- Primary Level: The Primary level consists of five years of education, from Grade 1 to Grade 5.
- Lower Secondary Level: The Lower Secondary level extends school education with an additional three years from Grade 6 to Grade 8.
- Secondary Level: The Secondary level provides two more years of education from Grade 9 to Grade 10, culminating in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE).
Post-SEE, higher secondary schools offer an additional two years of education, referred to as Plus Two. Moreover, Early Childhood Development (ECD) / Pre-primary Classes (PPCs) are available to prepare students for Grade One.
Schools are broadly classified into two categories: Community Schools (backed by the Government of Nepal) and Institutional Schools (sustained by parents and trustees). Within community schools, there are three sub-categories: community-aided (fully supported by the government for teachers' salaries and other expenses), community-managed (funded by the government for teachers' salaries and other funds, but managed by the community), and community-unaided (receiving either partial or no government support).
In the budget speech for the upcoming fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/2025) presented to a joint meeting of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly on Jestha 15, 2081 (i.e., May 28, 2024), Finance Minister Barsa Man Pun did not announce an increase in the salary and benefits for the teachers.
For the fiscal year 2080/81 (2023-2024), the Ministry of Finance has opted to maintain the existing salary scale for civil servants, as outlined in the previous year's budget speech for 2079/80 (2022-2023), resulting in no adjustments to the salary structure for Nepalese government employees in the current fiscal year. Notably, the preceding year's Budget Speech saw a 15% increase in the pay scale for government national service employees.
The salaries of first-class, second-class, and third-class secondary teachers remain unchanged at 68,145, 61,737, and 55,337 rupees, respectively. Similarly, the monthly wages for first-, second-, and third-class teachers at the lower secondary level remain at 58,094, 55,337, and 43,994 rupees, respectively. Additionally, the pay for first-grade teachers at the primary level remains at 55,337 rupees, second-grade teachers at 43,994 rupees, and third-grade teachers at 49,484 rupees.
This salary scale is pivotal in comprehending the financial landscape of teaching in Nepal in 2080 BS, highlighting the government's commitment to acknowledging educators' dedication and expertise through competitive salaries. It provides teachers with insights into potential earnings based on positions, qualifications, and grade rates, setting industry standards for community schools and fostering a more equitable educational environment.
Below is the salary structure for teachers in community schools (2080-2081):
| Level | Position / Division | Starting Salary (Rs.) | Grade Number | Grade Rate | Total Salary (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SECONDARY LEVEL | First Class | 56,787 | 6 | 1893 | 68,145 |
| Second Class | 48,737 | 8 | 1625 | 61,737 | |
| Third Class | 43,689 | 8 | 1456 | 55,337 | |
| LOWER SECONDARY LEVEL | First Class | 45,862 | 8 | 1529 | 58,094 |
| Second Class | 43,389 | 8 | 1456 | 55,337 | |
| Third Class | 34,730 | 8 | 1158 | 43,994 | |
| PRIMARY LEVEL | S.L.C Pass (First Class) | 43,689 | 8 | 1456 | 55,337 |
| S.L.C Pass (Second Class) | 34,730 | 8 | 1158 | 43,994 | |
| S.L.C Pass (Third Class) | 32,902 | 6 | 1097 | 39,484 | |
| Two subjects S.L.C Non-passed | 27,612 | 6 | 920 | 33,132 | |
| More than two subjects Non-passed | 26,082 | 6 | 869 | 31,296 |
