As the secondary education examination begins across the country, thousands of students in Karnali Province are sitting for the tests without completing their full course, highlighting deep gaps in the region’s school system.
In many community schools, a shortage of teachers and delays in textbook delivery have left students covering only part of the syllabus. In some cases, key subjects such as English, mathematics, and science remain only partially taught by the time exams arrive. The situation is particularly severe in remote districts, where schools often operate with few or no subject-specific teachers at the secondary level.
Data from provincial authorities show a significant shortfall of teachers, with many schools relying on primary-level instructors to teach higher grades. Efforts to recruit qualified teachers have repeatedly failed, especially in remote areas where vacancies often remain unfilled despite multiple calls for applications.
Textbook distribution has also been inconsistent. In several areas, books arrive months after the academic session begins, disrupting early learning and forcing students to catch up later. Combined with frequent disruptions such as seasonal migration, extreme weather, and extended holidays, classroom teaching time has been significantly reduced.
As a result, many students have turned to private tuition, often travelling to district headquarters or urban centres. This has placed an added financial burden on families, some of whom report spending substantial monthly amounts to support their children’s preparation.
More than 38,000 students from Karnali are appearing for this year’s SEE. However, declining pass rates and limited high achievers in recent years point to a broader concern over the quality of education in the province.