Detailed Guide: Excel Engineering Exam and Get NEC's License

Rajashi Bajracharya Published May 07, 2024

Ready to crack the Engineering Exam and Get a hold of NEC's License?

For aspiring engineers, pursuing an engineering degree in Nepal is an exciting and difficult commitment. With many universities offering engineering programs, with a rigorous entrance exam process, getting into these programs takes meticulous planning and preparation. In Nepal, engineering is a highly esteemed and in-demand career path that presents ample prospects for advancement and creativity. Exams for prospective engineers seeking licenses are administered in Nepal by the Nepal Engineering Council (NEC). To be eligible to practice engineering professionally in Nepal, engineering graduates must pass the NEC test, which is a crucial milestone.

This blog is for you if you are a student interested in studying engineering in Nepal or if you are an engineering graduate trying to get a license. In addition to giving prospective students detailed information about universities that offer engineering programs, their eligibility, the format of the exams, and the cost of studying engineering in Nepal, this comprehensive guide also aims to give graduate engineers a thorough understanding of how to obtain a professional engineering license after earning a bachelor's degree and what they need to do before applying.

Universities that conduct Entrance Engineering Exams in Nepal.

Four prestigious universities in Nepal provide affiliation to over fifty colleges offering bachelor's degrees in engineering. These universities are:

Tribhuvan University
Kathmandu University
Pokhara University
Purbanchal University

All courses are 4 years/ 8 semesters in length, except for the 5-year/ 10 semester Bachelor of Architecture program.

Everything You Need To Know About Entrance Engineering Exams based on University:

1. Tribhuvan University

Every year, the IOE Entrance test is administered by TU's Department of Engineering/Institute of Engineering. Students can only be admitted to TU Colleges' undergraduate engineering programs after completing this entrance exam.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must receive at least a 50% grade in class 12 (Math, Physics, English, and Chemistry) or an intermediate level. There are more Eligibility criteria for Engineering Exams At Tribhuvan University.

Syllabus: Tribhuvan University's Institute of Engineering (IOE) exam typically covers fundamental subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English.

Exam Pattern: The exam lasts for three hours generally. This admission exam has a total score of 140. There will be 100 questions total, of which 60 will be worth 1 point and 40 will be for 2. The combined marks for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English are 50, 40, 30, and 20 accordingly.

Fee Structure/ Scholarship: Tribhuvan University offers a range of engineering programs depending on specialization. TU provides students who are deserving generous scholarships based on their performance on the IOE Entrance Exam. For every bachelor's engineering program, 50% of the students at Pulchowk Campus are eligible for scholarships. For example, 24 normal students who get scholarships and 24 full-fee students comprise the total of 48 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Computer Engineering program.

2. Kathmandu University

KU offers fall intakes for almost all of its undergraduate engineering programs. Accordingly, the admission period is July through September. Engineering aspirants must take the Kathmandu University Common Admission Test (KUCAT) and get selected for their eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education (or its equivalent) and have an aggregate GPA of at least 2.0, or 50% on a percentage scale. Applicants need to have passed the Kathmandu University Common Admission Test (KUCAT-CBT 2024) and received the necessary test score. At Kathmandu University, there is additional Eligibility for Engineering Exams.

Syllabus: Kathmandu University is renowned for its Kathmandu University Common Admission Test (KUCAT), which evaluates candidates' proficiency in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.

Exam Pattern: Usually, the exam lasts 3 hours. This exam has a total score of 2200. There are five sections with 120 multiple-choice questions varying in complexity. The total score and number of questions are equally divided among Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Fee Structure: Depending on the specialization, engineering degrees at Kathmandu University have varying costs. To encourage high-quality education, they have been offering a variety of scholarships to deserving and needy students.

3. Pokhara University

Another popular university in Nepal providing engineering education is Pokhara University. The entrance exam for PU undergraduate engineering courses is held there.

Eligibility Criteria: The candidates must have passed the NEB SLC and Grade 12 exam or an equivalent test from a recognized educational institution. They must also have completed at least one course in each of the three subjects—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—with a minimum of 100 full marks, or five credits. Pokhara University offers additional Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Exams.

Syllabus: Pokhara University’s exam assesses candidates' knowledge in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English.

Exam Pattern: The exam's structure and duration are quite similar to those at other universities. This entrance exam has a total score of 100. The questions will be in English, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, with a total of 40, 25, 15, and 20 marks allocated for each subject. Detailed Engineering Exam Syllabus and Marking.

Fee Structure: The fee structure for BE Civil and BE Civil and Rural is NRs. 7,15,000.00 (Seven lakhs fifteen thousand only), including refundable deposits of NRs. 20,000. The cost structure for BE Electrical and Electronics, BE Computer, and BE Software is NRs. 6,76,000.00 (Six lakhs seventy-six thousand only), including refundable deposits of NRs. 20,000.

4. Purbanchal University

The engineering programs that Purbanchal University offers through its affiliated colleges are well-known. For admission to undergraduate engineering programs, the university offers an entrance exam.

Eligibility Criteria: The candidate must have completed NEB (+2 Science)/A level or its equivalent (with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) at any recognized academic institution with at least a "C" grade in each subject and at least 45% of the possible points, or a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Depending on the specialization, there is more Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Exams at Purbanchal University.

Syllabus:Purbanchal University’s exam evaluates candidates' aptitude in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and English.

Exam Pattern: This entrance exam has a total score of 100. The questions will be in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, and English with a total of 40, 30, 20, and 10 marks allocated for each subject. Detailed Engineering Exam Syllabus and Marking.

Fee Structure: Cost of Studying Engineering in Purbanchal University

How To Obtain a NEC's Engineering License?

The Nepal Engineering Council (NEC) is in charge of regulating the licensing and registration procedures for engineers in Nepal. The license can only be obtained by fulfilling the requirements set forth by the council. Among them are:

Must be a citizen of Nepal or must have a work permit in Nepal if they are foreign national
Must have a bachelor's degree in Engineering from a university recognized by the NEC
Must have at least two years of work experience in the same field
Must pass the NEC's engineering License examination
To become a licensed engineer in Nepal, you must follow the following steps:

Tips to Crack the Entrance Engineering Exam and NEC's Exam:

1. Submit an Application for Registration: You must apply for registration to the NEC to begin the licensing and registration procedure. Your educational background and professional experience should be included in the application.

2. Complete the Work Experience Requirement: You need to have worked in engineering for at least two years to be qualified for a professional engineering license. This kind of experience can be obtained through full-time engineering jobs, apprenticeships, or internships.

3. Pass the NEC Engineering Exam: The NEC conducts an Engineering License exam to assess your engineering knowledge and proficiency. You need to pass this test to become a licensed professional engineer in Nepal.

4. Obtain the NEC engineering license: You can apply for an engineering license after passing the NEC engineering License exam. Without the license, you are unable to take on engineering projects and are unable to practice engineering in Nepal.

5. Understand the Syllabus: There is an in-depth syllabus detailing the exam topics on each university website, download the approved syllabus, and make sure you thoroughly cover every topic and become familiar with the precise weight assigned to each topic.

6. Practice Regularly: Create a well-organized study schedule, focus on your areas of weakness, and allow appropriate time for your studies. Utilize resources like textbooks, last year's question papers, and online mock exams.

7. Conceptual Clarity: Focus on comprehending the fundamental principles rather than learning facts by heart. Become more knowledgeable in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics to be able to respond to a wide range of questions.

8. Time Management: Make a study schedule that allows enough time for each subject to be carefully studied. Utilize time management techniques throughout exam preparation to ensure that you complete every question on time and familiarize yourself with the format of the test.

How Costly is Engineering Education in Nepal?

Studying engineering in Nepal can be expensive based on several variables, including the location, facilities, and kind of college or university (private or public). In general, IOE-affiliated government engineering colleges charge less for tuition than private ones.

Students must also budget for extra costs including books, stationery, and living expenditures in addition to tuition. On the other hand, Engineering in Nepal is comparatively less expensive for Nepali students than studying abroad.

Conclusion

Achieving success in engineering exams in Nepal requires meticulous preparation, dedication, and strategic planning. Knowing how exams are administered, focusing on key topics, and using effective study techniques can all help you improve your chances of passing. Examining the cost of engineering education in Nepal and exploring potential scholarship opportunities will help you make your academic journey more financially feasible. NEC engineering licenses are an essential first step for Nepalese engineering graduates hoping to practice lawfully in the country; obtaining one needs confidence and determination.

2024 Updated NEC (Nepal Engineering Council) License Exam Syllabus List:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Do we need an engineering license in Nepal?

In Shrawan 2079, the federal parliament passed a measure that amended the Nepal Engineering Council Act, 055, which states that one needs to obtain a license after finishing the necessary coursework up to graduation to practice engineering.

2. Can I take entrance exams conducted by different universities?

Yes, you are permitted to participate in any entrance exam offered by any university; just make sure the dates don't coincide.

3. What is the entrance pass mark for Kathmandu University?

A minimum score of 528 is needed to be admitted to programs provided by the Kathmandu University School of Engineering.

4. How many seats are there in the Pulchowk Engineering Campus?

At the bachelor's level, there are only 432 spots available per year (228 regular and 204 full-cost seats).

5. What is the acceptance rate for the Pulchowk campus?

An average of 15000 students compete for spots in the various affiliated institutions of the Institute of Engineering (IoE), with 624 students being accepted into the school each year through a worldwide entrance examination, which has an acceptance rate of 3.8%.