Celebrating excellence in education

Nepal Education Award - 2026 -

Honouring the educators, institutions, and innovators who are shaping the future of learning across Nepal.

September 18-20, 2026
Soaltee Hotel, Kathmandu
Award Categories
Nepal Education Award

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”

John Dewey
About the Award

Nepal Education Award

credible recognition, transparent nominations, and a memorable awards ceremony

<p>By honoring exceptional educators, institutions, and initiatives, the award strives to inspire excellence, encourage innovation, and cultivate a culture of ongoing improvement in Nepali education. Furthermore, it seeks to establish a platform for dialogue and collaboration among educational stakeholders, thereby making a significant contribution to the overall development of the nation's human capital.&nbsp;</p><p>This event encompasses academic institutions, educators, intellectuals, and media personnel associated with academic institutions, contributing through their writings to enhance educational well-being.&nbsp;</p><p>Nepal Education Award will impartially recognize deserving individuals based on our expert evaluation team's criteria. Our team and advisors, esteemed figures in the education field, will provide valuable suggestions at every stage. The main goal is to offer a platform for Nepalese educational institutions to showcase their high-quality programs across different regions of Nepal. Nominees will be chosen by a distinguished panel of judges appointed by the advisory board.&nbsp;</p>

340+

Over three hundred and forty educators, institutions, and innovators recognised since the program began.

77

Nominations and recognition spanning all 77 districts of Nepal.

18+

More than eighteen years of credible, independent education recognition in Nepal.

Recognition Tracks

Award Categories

Categories are organized across institutions, educators, and innovation initiatives.
01

Best Principal of the Year

Bhoj Raj Neupane , Principal , Divine Temple Academy

02

Best Campus Chief

Biranji Gautam , Campus Chief , Kalika Multiple Campus

03

Lifetime Achievement Award

Er. Dr. Mithlesh Kumar Jha , Chairperson , Kathmandu World School

04

Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Nisha Bhatt Tiwari , Advisor , Brixton College

05

Educational Entrepreneurship Award

Purushottam Dahal , Managing Director , Times International Publication

06

Best Principal of the Year

Dr. Ramesh Adhikari , Principal , Southwestern School

07

Innovation and Leadership in Renewable Energy

Dr Rana Bahaur Thapa , Deputy Director , Alternative Energy Promotion Center

08

Best Principal of the Year-2025

Suman Basnet

09

Educational Leader of the Year

Tikaram Puri , Principal , Everest Secondary School

10

Visionary Principal of the Year

Anil Kaspal , Principal , Modern School & College

11

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Bhojraj Pant , Principal , Brixton College

12

Excellence in Educational Leadership

Dr. Netra Raj Chataut , Chairperson , Brixton College

13

Outstanding Contribution in Tourism Development

Jagadish Chandra Bhatt , Managing Director , Hotel Gangotri Gold

14

Excellence in Academic Administration

Ashish KC , Deputy Head of Admin and Operations , Kathmandu World School

15

Women Educational Leadership Award

Shashikala Khadka , Director , Manaslu World School

16

Best CEO of the Year

Surendra GC , CEO , Gyan Jyoti Foundation

17

Visionary Principal of the Year

Tej Raj Khanal , Principal , RME School

18

Innovative Educator of The Year

Narayan Prasad Paudel , Lecturer , Kailashkut Multiple Campus

19

Best Edupreneur of The Year

Min Kumar Moktan , Executive Director , Manaslu World College

20

Best Education Marketer of The Year

Amardeep Mandal , Group Head , British Education Group

21

Excellence in Educational Leadership

Gopal Prasad Acharya , Principla , Mount Glory School

22

Best Principal of the Year

Badal Pradhan , Principal , LRI School

23

Best Edupreneur of the Year

Hem Raj Acharya , Founder Chairperson , Herald Secondary School

24

Academic Excellence Award

Hemanta Adhikari , Principal , Shree Ratna Jyoti Secondary School

25

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XdxpFDM3ZU

Madan Kumar Kharel , Proprietor , Pashupati Books

26

IT Entrepreneur of the Year

Prakash Shrestha

27

Academic Excellence Award

Raj Kumar Acharya , Chairperson VS International College

01

Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Sailendra Giri

02

Best Principal of the Year

Sahaji Pant , Principal , Swarnim School

Meet the Nominees
Now Announcing

Meet the Nominees

After an independent review, these educators and institutions have been nominated for Nepal Education Award 2026.

Nepal Education Award is proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 edition, to be celebrated at the grand ceremony in Kathmandu.
A total of 302 institutions and individuals submitted applications for consideration. After a thorough evaluation, 82 outstanding candidates have been nominated across all award categories.
These finalists will be honoured for their commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student empowerment. The list of nominees is presented below.
Amardeep Mandal

Amardeep Mandal

Group Head, Marketing

The British College

Amba Datt Joshi

Amba Datt Joshi

Principal

Global College of Management

Anil Kaspal

Anil Kaspal

Founder Principal

Modern School & College

Anita Parajuli Adhikari

Anita Parajuli Adhikari

Vice Principal

Shree Ratna Jyoti Secondary School

Bishnu Prasad Sharma

Bishnu Prasad Sharma

Academic Director

Kathmandu Model College

Deepak Raj Joshi

Deepak Raj Joshi

Head of Innovation

Trinity International College

Maya Gurung

Maya Gurung

Lead Educator

Himalayan WhiteHouse College

Priya Shrestha

Priya Shrestha

STEM Program Coordinator

GEMS Institute of Higher Education

How It Works

The Nomination Journey

A clear path from nomination through final recognition.
1

Submit Nomination

Complete the online form with supporting documentation and references.

Home Nomination Journey
2

Initial Screening

Our team reviews submissions for eligibility and completeness.

Home Nomination Journey
3

Jury Deliberation

An independent panel evaluates shortlisted nominees against criteria.

Home Nomination Journey
4

Awards Ceremony

Winners are announced at the gala ceremony in Kathmandu.

Home Nomination Journey

Program Flow

Event Schedule

A focused program of inspiration, recognition, and collaboration across Nepal's education ecosystem.
12:00 AM

Opening Ceremony

Welcome address by the Chairperson and keynote on Digital Synergy.

12:00 AM

Panel: Digital Governance

Discussion on technology-driven governance reforms and public service delivery.

12:00 AM

Workshop: Inclusive Digitalization

Hands-on workshop exploring strategies for reaching underserved communities.

12:00 AM

Panel: Digital Economy

Exploring entrepreneurship, fintech, and digital trade opportunities.

12:00 AM

Closing & Networking

Publication launch, partnership announcements, and networking reception.

9:00 AM

Registration & Welcome

Check-in, collect event materials, and meet fellow attendees over coffee.

Main Lobby
5:45 PM

Jury Chair Address

The jury frames the review process, this year's criteria, and why the selected work matters to Nepal's education landscape.

Grand Ballroom
7:00 PM

Grand Laureate Citations

The marquee award segment reveals category winners and institutional stories with formal citation notes.

Grand Ballroom
8:30 PM

Gala Dinner & Laureate Networking

Educators, media, institutional leaders, and partners connect around finalist stories and celebration moments.

Garden Terrace
10:00 AM

Laureate Case Presentation Series

Selected winners unpack the systems, strategies, and evidence behind their work.

Learning Forum
1:30 PM

Partner Roundtable & Media Interviews

Education partners, journalists, and institutional leaders discuss how to scale and amplify recognized practices.

Partner Lounge
4:00 PM

Winner Portfolio Walkthrough

Guests revisit standout projects, institutional stories, and finalist materials in a curated showcase format.

Showcase Hall
11:00 AM

Recognition Brunch

A closing gathering for laureates, partners, and invited guests to connect beyond the award stage.

Terrace Pavilion
1:00 PM

Future Collaboration Session

Partners and education leaders discuss next-step commitments, collaboration opportunities, and sector visibility for laureates.

Strategy Lounge
Who Can Apply

Eligibility Criteria

Nepal Education Award is open to all educators, institutions, and individuals actively contributing to Nepal's educational landscape. Nominations may be self-submitted or proposed by a third party.
  • 01

    Nepal-Based Operations

    Nominees must be actively working within the Nepali education system at the time of nomination.

  • 02

    Minimum 3 Years' Experience

    Candidates must have at least three years of continuous service or operation in their field.

  • 03

    Demonstrated Impact

    Clear, measurable evidence of positive impact on students, communities, or the education system.

  • 04

    No Previous Lifetime Award

    Past recipients of the Lifetime Achievement award are not eligible for other categories.

  • 05

    Supporting Documentation

    All nominations must include at least two letters of support from independent sources.

  • 06

    Legal Compliance

    Institutions must be legally registered and operating per Nepal's education regulations.

The Panel

Distinguished Jury Members

Education leaders and sector specialists guiding the review process.
Prof. Dr. Deepak Bahadur Shakya

Prof. Dr. Deepak Bahadur Shakya

vice-chancellor of Madhesh University
ury chair Prof. Dr. Deepak Bahadur Shakya, vice-chancellor of Madhesh University, said more than 120 nominations were received. The jury honored 29 individuals and 30 institutions for academic excellence, leadership, innovation, community engagement and global vision. University representative Claire Matthews welcomed deeper partnerships with Nepali institutions. Poudel thanked dignitaries, honorees and hosts, saying the ceremony strengthened educational diplomacy and friendship between the two countries through sustained academic cooperation.
Hall of Fame

Past Laureates

Distinguished educators and institutions whose work continues to shape learning outcomes across Nepal.
Maya Tamang
Educator of the Year

Maya Tamang

Honoured for student-centered teaching methods and community-led classroom improvement.

Budhanilkantha School
School of the Year

Budhanilkantha School

Recognized for academic excellence, student welfare, and sustained institutional leadership.

Himal Learning Lab
Digital Learning Pioneer

Himal Learning Lab

Awarded for expanding digital classroom access and teacher training in underserved districts.

Sita Karki Foundation
Literacy Champion

Sita Karki Foundation

Celebrated for community reading programs and adult literacy outreach across multiple provinces.

Voices

What Laureates Say

Laureates and partners on how credible recognition changes education work.

Receiving this award was the most profound validation of two decades of quiet dedication. It reminded me why I chose to teach in the first place.
Prem Bahadur Shrestha Educator of the Year, 2023
The recognition changed how our community perceived our school. Enrolment rose by 40% the following year. It was transformative in every sense.
Sita Karki School of the Year, 2022
Being nominated alongside such distinguished colleagues made me realise the strength of our educational community. I am honoured beyond words.
Nabin Lama Community Impact Award, 2023

Sponsors

Our Sponsors

Partner organisations supporting education visibility and sector collaboration.

Committee

Our Team

Organizers, jury members, and advisors guiding Nepal Education Award from nomination to ceremony.
Bhawani Prasad Poudel

Principal of Jaya Multiple Campus

Bhawani Prasad Poudel

Bhawani Prasad Poudel is an active professional with extensive experience in the field of education. He currently serves as the Principal of Jaya Multiple Campus, one of Nepal's leading educational institutions. In this role, he oversees both the academic and administrative functions of the institution and provides leadership to faculty and staff members. Mr. Poudel is also the President of Asian Tug of War Association and is actively involved in various educational and service initiatives. As the President of HISSAN (Higher Institutions & Secondary Schools' Association Nepal) for Bagmati Province, he holds a significant role in the education sector. Additionally, he is a board member of Nepal Education Award and a patron of College Readers, a premier English educational magazine in Nepal. His involvement in a dozen social organizations demonstrates his commitment to community service and educational development.

Hukum Raj Luitel

Hukum Raj Luitel

Corporate Editor at College Readers

Hukum Raj Luitel is the Corporate Editor at College Readers, with an MBA degree and Diplomas in Computer Science and Photography from Bangalore, India. He primarily operates a photography and IT training center in Kathmaandu. Known for his helpful nature, Mr. Luitel is adept at swiftly addressing technology-related issues. Mr. Luitel is a board member of Nepal Education Award.

Jeetendra Ghimire

Jeetendra Ghimire

CEO, College Readers

Mr. Jeetendra Ghimire is the CEO of College Readers, a leading English educational magazine in Nepal. With over two decades of experience in the teaching field and 16 years in the media industry, Jeetendra has made significant contributions to education and media. His career includes roles as Principal at various schools and as an English teacher at the plus-two level in several colleges. Currently, he serves as the Managing Director of Readers Point Pvt. Ltd., where he oversees initiatives such as College Readers, Student World, Virtual Edufair Nepal, Nepal School Mela, Learning Sathi, Abroad Edufair Nepal, and Studyinfo Nepal. Under his leadership, national and international events, including Nepal Education Award, have been successfully organized to honor Nepali academia. He is the CEO and convener of Nepal Education Award. In addition to his professional achievements, Jeetendra is actively involved in social organizations, including the Lions Club. He holds an MA degree from Tribhuvan University.

Keshav Nepal

Keshav Nepal

executive editor of College Readers

Keshav Nepal is the executive editor of College Readers, a prominent English magazine spotlighting Nepal's academic landscape. He has a rich tapestry of experience spanning education, administration, and media. His career began as an English teacher at Manakamana Secondary School in Kathmandu. He has held leadership positions, including Campus Chief at Parashar College, Principal at CPS School, John Bauer College, and Academic Head at Nepal School of Social Work. Prior to joining College Readers in 2018, he was the Principal at Bipul Shikshya Niketan in Kathmandu. He is also a team member of the Nepal Education Award, an initiative by the magazine. Mr. Nepal is an accomplished author and researcher, having written English course books and participated in various research projects. He has visited countries such as the UAE, Japan, Thailand, India, and Tibet. He holds a Master's degree (MA) in English from Tribhuvan University and a Bachelor's degree in Education (B.Ed.).

Mr. Kumar Babu Shrestha

Mr. Kumar Babu Shrestha

video/photography editor

Mr. Kumar Babu Shrestha, born on February 28, 1982, in Gorkha, is a dynamic professional with over a decade of experience in video and photography editing. He currently serves as the video/photography editor at College Readers, a position he has held for the past seven years. A graduate of Birendra Multiple Campus in Bharatpur, Chitwan, Shrestha has an extensive background in media, having worked with various magazines and news portals such as Samabeshi Aabaj, Student World, and Searchall Nepal. His expertise spans photography and videography editing, networking, and marketing. In addition to his media roles, Shrestha is a board member of Nepal Education Award, reflecting his commitment to the education sector. Known for his proficiency and creativity, he continues to make significant contributions to the field of media and education in Nepal.

Ram Hari Silwal

Ram Hari Silwal

Vice President of Central HISSAN

Ram Hari Silwal, who has been actively engaged in the education sector for the past two decades, is the Principal of Himalaya School & College and serves as the Chief Editor of College Readers, Nepal's premier educational English magazine. He is also actively involved in various social organizations, holding positions such as Vice President of Central HISSAN, General Secretary of Private College Association Nepal, Charter President of the Lions Club, Kathmandu, and General Secretary of the PhD Doctors and Scholars Association Nepal. Additionally, he is a board member of Nepal Education Award. Academically, he is a PhD scholar at a Malaysian University and holds an MBA and a BALLB from Tribhuvan University. His research has been published in Education Insights Journal and College Readers. His academic and professional journey has led him to participate in numerous national and international seminars and training programs, including International IT and Management Training Workshops in Vietnam and Japan, as well as the Mind Education Training organized by Mind Education Institute in Korea.

Venue

Event Venue

The ceremony will be held at one of Kathmandu premier event venues.
Soaltee Hotel, Kathmandu
Grand Ballroom

Soaltee Hotel, Kathmandu

A central venue with ceremony seating, finalist hosting, media areas, partner lounges, and guest hospitality.

View Details

Nominations Open

Submit Your Nomination

Know an extraordinary educator or institution? Nominate them for the 2026 Nepal Education Award before 30 August.
FAQ

Questions & Answers

Straight answers about nominations, eligibility, jury review, and ceremony attendance.

What is your name?
Educators, institutions, students, parents, community partners, and education leaders can submit nominations for eligible categories.
Is there a nomination fee?
No. Nepal Education Award is entirely free to enter. We believe cost should never be a barrier to recognition.
How are winners selected?
An independent jury evaluates shortlisted nominees against published criteria, supporting evidence, and demonstrated education impact.
Can institutions outside Kathmandu be nominated?
Absolutely. We actively encourage nominations from all 77 districts. Our jury gives particular attention to nominees from remote and underserved regions.
What do winners receive?
Winners receive a bespoke crystal trophy, a certificate of excellence, national media coverage, and a platform to share their story. Selected categories also include a cash prize.
Can a previous winner be nominated again?
Yes, previous winners may be nominated again after three years, provided they have not received the Lifetime Achievement Award.