Surkhet district, located in the heart of Karnali Province, is recognized as one of the more accessible (sugam) districts of the region. Positioned approximately 600 kilometers west of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, Surkhet serves as a vital gateway to the remote mountainous areas of the province. With Birendranagar as its administrative headquarter, Surkhet plays a crucial role in mid-western Nepal's socio-economic and educational development.
Surkhet is bordered by Salyan to the east, Doti and Achham to the west, Achham, Dailekh, and Jajarkot to the north, and Kailali and Bardiya districts to the south. The district’s landscape is diverse, with the Mahabharat range to the north and the Chure hills to the south, offering a striking contrast of high ridges and low valleys.
Surkhet, which covers an area of 2,451 square kilometers, features varied topography with fertile plains, rolling hills, and mid-hill valleys. The district’s central location, coupled with its accessible terrain, makes it a hub for transportation, education, and commerce within Karnali Province.
Surkhet comprises nine local levels, including six municipalities, Lekbeshi, Gurbhakot, Panchapuri, Bheriganga, Birendranagar, and Chaukune, and three rural municipalities, Simta, Barahatal, and Chingad.
A notable institution in Surkhet is Mid-West University (MU), a public university offering a broad range of academic programs across various disciplines. The university is notably recognized for its Institute of Cooperation and Development (MICD), which fosters international collaboration and educational exchange. In addition, Surkhet Multiple Campus, affiliated with Tribhuvan University, plays a key role in higher education in the region. Surkhet Horizon Academy is another prominent institution contributing to the educational landscape of the district.
Surkhet is home to several reputed educational institutions contributing significantly to the region’s academic performance. Among the top schools are Jana Secondary School, Birendranagar, Amar Jyoti Secondary School, Neware (Birendranagar-12), Eager Bridge Boarding Secondary School, Mount Everest Secondary School, Dhodekhali, Tripureshwar Secondary School, Dhodekhali, Usha Bal Vatika Secondary School, Harvestmoon Secondary Boarding School, Tatapani, Chhinchu English Boarding School, and Surya Prakash Secondary School. These schools are known for their academic rigor, extracurricular engagement, and contribution to holistic student development.