With the rapid advancement of technology, the field of Information Technology (IT) has taken over the global job market. This trend is also visible in Nepal, where more students are choosing IT courses for their higher education. IT education is proving to be a career-defining choice, offering both learning and earning opportunities.
IT Education: A Shift in Student Preferences
In the past, students primarily aspired to study medicine or engineering after completing high school. However, the trend has changed, with a growing number of students opting for IT courses. Recognizing this demand, universities in Nepal have started offering specialized IT programs. Some institutions have also introduced international IT courses, making quality education more accessible and affordable.
Job Opportunities in IT
One of the main reasons behind the increasing interest in IT education is its promising job prospects. Students who graduate with IT degrees rarely struggle with unemployment. Many even start working as freelancers while still studying, earning a stable income.
According to Chiranjivi Adhikari, Vice President of the Computer Association of Nepal, IT students can easily create job opportunities for themselves. He emphasized that with proper training in digital marketing, programming, graphic design, and web development, students can establish successful careers. He also stressed the importance of practical learning over theoretical studies in IT education.
Earning While Studying
Students like Sumanta Yadav, who is pursuing a Computer System Engineering degree, are already making a name for themselves in the IT sector. While studying, he and his team have developed various software solutions, including school management and restaurant management systems. Their software is not only gaining popularity in Nepal but also competing with international products.
However, Yadav expressed concerns about the lack of government support and recognition for local IT products. He believes that if the Nepali government supports IT entrepreneurs, Nepal can become a global hub for technology.
IT Courses Available in Nepal
As the demand for IT professionals grows, Nepali universities have expanded their IT programs. Currently, eight universities in Nepal offer undergraduate IT courses.
Some of the major universities and their IT programs include:
- Tribhuvan University (TU): BSc-CSIT, Computer Engineering, BIM, BCA, BIT, BICTE Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Kathmandu University (KU): BSc in Computational Mathematics, BBIS, BTech in AI, Bioinformatics, Computer Science
- Pokhara University: Software Engineering, BE-IT, MCA, Computer Science, Information System Engineering
- Purbanchal University: BCA, BIT, Biotechnology, Computer Engineering, Electronics & Automation Engineering
- Mid-Western and Far-Western Universities: BSc-CSIT, Computer Engineering
- Gandaki University & Rajarshi Janak University: BIT, BSc-CSIT
The Future of IT in Nepal
The world is rapidly digitalizing, and Nepal is no exception. While Nepal has immense potential in the IT sector, the lack of proper infrastructure and government support is a major hurdle. Many IT graduates seek opportunities abroad due to limited job openings in Nepal.
Despite these challenges, Nepalese students continue to thrive in IT, working remotely for international companies. If the government and private sector invest more in IT education and industry development, Nepal can establish itself as a strong player in the global tech market.
