CTEVT to admit students based on SEE GPA, scraps entrance exams

KATHMANDU: The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) has announced that student admissions for its programs will now be based on the GPA obtained in the Secondary Education Examination (SEE), ending the long-standing practice of conducting entrance exams.

Umesh Mishra, Controller of Examinations at CTEVT, confirmed that the change will come into effect from the current academic session.

“Now students will not have to take entrance exams to study any subject under CTEVT,” Mishra said, citing concerns over irregularities and unethical practices surrounding the entrance exam system.

There had been growing complaints that some preparatory institutes were charging students with the false assurance of helping them pass the entrance exam. Mishra clarified that the new system aims to curb such exploitative practices.

To guide the new admission process, CTEVT has introduced and implemented the Trainee Selection, Scholarship Distribution, and Admission Guidelines 2025, which outlines the procedures for pre-diploma, diploma, and certificate level programs. As per the guidelines, merit lists for admissions will now be determined based on SEE GPA scores.

In a move to promote equity, the guidelines grant additional weightage during admission: students from government or community schools will receive an extra 1 mark, while those from institutional (private) schools will receive 0.85 marks.

To simplify the process further, CTEVT has made online form submission available. Affiliated institutions and private colleges will support applicants in completing the online process.

Private colleges had long been advocating for GPA-based admissions, and the new policy has been welcomed by many institutions.

CTEVT oversees more than 400 colleges nationwide, including 63 affiliated institutions and numerous private campuses. Over 25,000 new students are admitted each year through these institutions.

With the new admission model, CTEVT aims to enhance transparency, fairness, and accessibility in technical education.