What to Do After SEE in Nepal — Complete Guide

The Secondary Education Examination (SEE), conducted by the National Examinations Board (NEB) for Grade 10 students, is Nepal's first major academic milestone. Results are graded on a GPA scale from 0 to 4.0, and the score obtained determines which educational pathways are accessible to a student. Every year, over 500,000 students sit for SEE, making it one of South Asia's largest single examinations. The transition decisions made immediately after SEE—which stream to study in +2, whether to choose NEB or A-Levels, or whether to pursue CTEVT technical training—directly influence a student's career trajectory for years to come.

The +2 stream selection is the most critical decision at this juncture. Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology) requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 with C+ in science and mathematics subjects, and opens the widest range of higher education pathways including engineering, medicine, IT, and all management programs. Management stream (Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies) requires GPA 1.6+ and is ideal for students interested in banking, business, and administration. Humanities stream (Social Studies, Nepali, Optional subjects) also requires GPA 1.6+ and leads to law, journalism, public administration, and social science careers.

CTEVT (Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training) represents a powerful alternative to the traditional +2 academic pathway. Three-year CTEVT diploma programs in civil engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, computer engineering technology, health assistant, and agriculture provide job-ready technical skills that command starting salaries of NPR 25,000–45,000. CTEVT diplomas are also equivalent to +2 for university admission purposes, allowing students to upgrade to bachelor's degrees later if desired. For students who prefer practical work over academics, CTEVT offers a more direct path to employment.

A-Levels (British curriculum) offered at select colleges in Kathmandu provide a premium alternative for students planning to study abroad. Schools like British College, Rato Bangala School, and Lincoln School offer two-year A-Level programs that provide direct entry to UK, Australian, and Canadian universities without additional qualification examinations. While significantly more expensive (NPR 5–8 lakh total vs NPR 30,000–2 lakh for NEB +2), A-Levels represent a strong investment for students with clear international study plans and solid financial backing.

For students with lower SEE scores, the important message is that SEE results are not destiny. Many successful professionals in Nepal started with modest SEE scores but excelled through hard work, vocational training, and determination in their chosen fields. CTEVT pre-diploma programs (18 months) accept students with various GPA ranges and provide both skills and a pathway to further qualifications. Nepal's education system offers multiple re-entry points, and the qualities of persistence, curiosity, and practical skills ultimately matter far more than Grade 10 exam scores in determining long-term career success.