Top Civil Engineering Colleges in Nepal

Civil engineering education in Nepal has a rich history, beginning as early as 1943 with the enrollment of civil sub-overseer courses. This was followed by introducing the Diploma in Civil Engineering in 1953 and, later, the Bachelor of Civil Engineering program in 1978. The first batch of civil engineering students at Tribhuvan University comprised just 24 students, of whom 17 graduated in 1983.

Bachelor of Civil Engineering is the most preferred Engineering degree in Nepal. Today, Nepal boasts over 51 engineering colleges across seven universities, with over 5,000 students enrolling annually and about 3,000 graduating yearly.

Universities Offering Civil Engineering in Nepal

Several universities in Nepal offer civil engineering programs, each contributing to the development of the country's engineering sector: Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu University, Purbanchal University, Pokhara University, Mid-West University, Far-Western University, and Manmohan Technical University. Kathmandu University runs its engineering program from the KU School of Engineering only, but Tribhuvan University, Pokhara University, and Purbanchal University have given affiliation to various private Engineering Colleges, too.

As of 2024, 6 Universities in Nepal offer nine different types of Civil Engineering programs. Though all the offering universities offer General Civil Engineering degrees, Pokhara University also runs BE Civil & Rural Engineering and BE Civil for Diploma holders.  

Quality Assurance and Recognition

Engineering colleges in Nepal require recognition from the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC). NEC occasionally inspects these colleges, assessing infrastructure and providing suggestions. However, there is no evidence of stringent actions taken to rectify shortcomings, leading to concerns about the maintenance of educational standards.

Enrollment and Admission Trends

From the establishment of engineering education until 1972, admissions were merit-based with annual exams. Tribhuvan University's Institute of Engineering (IoE), a leading academic institution, introduced the semester system, further structuring the education process. IoE's faculty members are often involved in significant government and non-government projects, showcasing their expertise.

Over 12,000 students participate in IoE's BE. B.Arch entrance exams annually. Admission to IoE's constituent campuses is merit-based, while private colleges follow a first-come, first-serve policy. To enroll in the engineering colleges under Purbanchal University, applicants must pass the Purbanchal University Bachelor of Engineering Entrance Exam. Pokhara University has decentralized its entrance exams to private colleges.

Young graduates often aspire to study abroad, particularly in Europe, the USA, and Australia. Due to financial constraints, middle-class and low-income families tend to prefer domestic or Indian institutions. Delays in Nepal's admission processes and attractive foreign university advertisements also drive students abroad.

Cost of Civil Engineering Education

IoE remains the only public institution providing engineering education through its five constituent campuses, enrolling students on regular and full-fee-paying bases. The cost of Civil Engineering at KU School of Engineering is NPR 915,000 only. The cost of BE Civil (Full Paying) at Constituent campuses of IOE was NPR. 490,000 for 2080 batch.

Professional Licensing and Recognition

The Nepal Engineering Council (NEC)issues licenses to practicing engineers. It maintains a list of recognized universities and colleges and has recently introduced a licensing examination. NEC grants general membership to first-degree holders and the title of Professional Engineer (PE) to those with a Master's or Post Graduate Diploma and relevant experience.

Engineering Colleges offering BE-Civil in Nepal

As of 2024, 51 Engineering Colleges in Nepal offer BE Civil programs.

University	No. of Colleges	Link
Tribhuvan University	14	Get Detail
Pokhara University	15	Get Detail
Purbanchal University	15	Get Detail
Other Universities	7