Overview
The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) is Nepal's national autonomous apex body for technical and vocational education and training. It was constituted in 1989 (2045 BS). It sets policy and quality standards, prepares competency-based curricula and skill standards, and tests skills. It also arranges technical and vocational programmes from basic level to higher education. Admission to its programmes is by an entrance examination. Each programme has its own curriculum.
Levels or stages
CTEVT lists curricula in three groups:
Diploma: mostly 3 years (six semesters) in fields including engineering, agriculture and food technology, with some variations. For example, a diploma with a specialisation in bridge engineering is listed at 4 years, and a biomedical equipment engineering diploma at 18 months.
Pre-Diploma (TSLC): shorter programmes leading to a Technical School Leaving Certificate (TSLC) or Pre-Diploma. Most engineering, agriculture and health programmes are listed at 12 months plus 6 months of on-the-job training (OJT), or 15 plus 3 months. Entry is listed as having appeared in the SLC/SEE.
Short-term: skill courses measured in hours, for example 140 to 550 hours in agriculture and livestock subjects, with some longer modular programmes.
Who can apply
CTEVT's FAQ gives these minimum requirements:
Diploma and certificate programmes: a GPA of at least 2.0 in the SEE (Secondary Education Examination) for health programmes, and at least 1.6 for non-health programmes.
Pre-Diploma programmes: the candidate must have appeared in all SEE subjects and hold the grade sheet.
Some older certificate programmes list lower entry, such as class 8 pass. Check the curriculum list for the programme you want.
Exam pattern
Programme-level exams are run by CTEVT's Controller of Examination. The pages used here do not give paper formats. The FAQ says that for admission, students select a programme, apply and take an entrance examination, and successful candidates are admitted to the institute they chose.
Fees
As listed on CTEVT's FAQ page in 2026, the registration fee for diploma programmes is Rs 2,500, and the examination fee is Rs 500 for students of constituent schools and Rs 1,000 for others. CTEVT has set fee structures only for nursing, general medicine and pharmacy, and refers readers to its current notice.
How to apply
CTEVT has a yearly intake. Applications are called after the SLC/SEE results are published. Drop your application with the required documents at a CTEVT constituent school, a TECS centre, or an affiliated or partner institute. CTEVT's institutional mapping page lists institutes and their programmes.
After the exam
The Controller of Examination issues transcripts, certificates and migration documents. Graduates collect them in person at Sanothimi, and the FAQ says certificates are issued 7 days after the application is submitted.
FAQs
What level of schooling do I need for a CTEVT diploma?
The SEE, with a GPA of at least 2.0 for health programmes and at least 1.6 for other programmes.
Does CTEVT only offer multi-year diplomas?
No. It also lists Pre-Diploma (TSLC) programmes mostly listed at 18 months in total including on-the-job training, and short-term courses measured in hours.
Can I change my course or institute after admission?
Yes, if the curriculum matches and the other course or institute has a vacant seat.