Rewriting the future of Nepal's schools

Nepal has finally aligned its school structure with the Constitution, more than a decade after the new federal charter came into force. By amending the Education Regulations, the government has formally replaced the old four-tier school education system with a two-tier model: Basic education from Grades 1 to 8 and Secondary Education from Grades 9 to 12. The long-delayed reform has removed the legal contradiction that allowed an outdated education framework to survive even after the Constitution had redefined school education. It creates a legal basis to overhaul teacher recruitment, promotions, transfers, curriculum planning and school administration. It also gives local governments a stronger role in managing schools and resources. Yet the reform arrives with unfinished business. Existing teacher service conditions remain unchanged, the proposed School Education Act is still pending, and the Teacher Service Commission remains without office bearers. Teachers' representatives have also raised concerns over transfers, staff deployment and the unclear division of responsibilities among the federal, provincial and local governments. Still, the shift deserves recognition because Nepal's previous school structure had long outlived its purpose. Dividing schools into primary, lower secondary, secondary and higher secondary created unnecessary administrative obstacles. Students moved through multiple stages that often had different management systems, teachers and policies. Grades 11 and 12 became part of school education years ago after the Higher Secondary Education Board was dissolved, yet they continued to operate, creating confusion and fragmented planning.