About Central Department of Education, Tribhuvan University

College Overview

The Central Department of Education (CDED) stands as the pinnacle of pedagogical excellence and educational leadership within Tribhuvan University, Nepal's oldest and largest academic institution. Established shortly after the university's inception in 1959, the department was envisioned as the primary hub for advanced teacher training, educational research, and policy development. Located in the serene academic environment of Kirtipur, Kathmandu, CDED has been instrumental in shaping the national educational landscape by producing thousands of qualified educators, administrators, and researchers who serve at various levels of the government and private sectors.

Our mission is to foster a culture of critical inquiry, innovative teaching, and lifelong learning. The department serves as a bridge between theoretical educational concepts and practical classroom application. With a vision to become a center of excellence in South Asia, CDED focuses on modernizing teacher education through technology integration, inclusive practices, and rigorous research methodologies. The academic strength of the department lies in its highly qualified faculty members, many of whom are recognized internationally for their contributions to educational scholarship. As a constituent department, it offers an environment where academic tradition meets contemporary educational demands.

University Affiliations & Recognition

Tribhuvan University (TU)

Affiliation Type: Constituent Department

Accreditation: University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal

Recognition: Government of Nepal, Ministry of Education

Programs: M.Ed, M.Phil, PhD in Education

Fully Accredited
Global Recognition

Degrees are internationally recognized under the TU framework, allowing graduates to pursue further studies or employment in educational sectors worldwide.

Programs Offered by University

Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Semester System

M.Ed. in English Education

Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
Eligibility: B.Ed. in English or equivalent
Focus: Advanced Linguistics & Literature

M.Ed. in Nepali Education

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.Ed. in Nepali
Focus: Nepali Linguistics & Pedagogy

M.Ed. in Mathematics Education

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.Ed. in Mathematics
Focus: Pure & Applied Math Education

M.Ed. in Science Education

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.Ed. in Science
Focus: Physics, Chemistry, Biology teaching

M.Ed. in Health & Physical Ed.

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.Ed. in Health/PE
Focus: Public Health & Sports Science

M.Ed. in Educational Planning

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: Any B.Ed. stream
Focus: Policy, Planning & Management

M.Ed. in Economics Education

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.Ed. in Economics
Focus: Micro/Macro Economics Education

M.Ed. in Geography Education

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.Ed. in Geography
Focus: Physical & Human Geography

M.Ed. in History Education

Duration: 2 Years
Eligibility: B.Ed. in History
Focus: Historical Research & Teaching

Advanced Research Programs

M.Phil. in Education: A rigorous 1.5-year program focusing on advanced research methodology and specialization in educational leadership or curriculum.
PhD in Education: Doctoral research program involving coursework and a comprehensive dissertation on original educational research.

Fee Structure

ProgramUniversityDurationApprox. Total Fee (NPR)Admission Fee
M.Ed. (All Specializations)Tribhuvan University2 YearsRs. 45,000 - 65,000Rs. 5,000
M.Phil. in EducationTribhuvan University1.5 YearsRs. 80,000 - 110,000Rs. 10,000
PhD in EducationTribhuvan University3-5 YearsVariableAs per TU Norms
Note: As a constituent department, Central Department of Education fees are significantly subsidized. Costs for project work, field visits, and examination fees are charged separately by the University.

Facilities & Campus Infrastructure

Central Library

Access to the Tribhuvan University Central Library, one of the largest in the region, along with a dedicated departmental collection of educational journals and theses.

ICT & Smart Classrooms

Modern computer labs with high-speed internet and classrooms equipped with multimedia projectors to facilitate digital learning and presentations.

Research Cell

A dedicated unit that supports graduate and doctoral students in their research endeavors, providing access to statistical software and archival data.

Sports & Recreation

Access to the TU sports ground, including facilities for football, cricket, and volleyball, promoting a healthy balance between academics and physical fitness.

Cafeteria & Hostel

Affordable canteen services providing hygienic meals. Students also have access to university-managed hostels subject to availability.

Wi-Fi Campus

The department premises are covered by a high-speed wireless network available for all registered students and faculty members.

Faculty & Teaching Methodology

The Central Department of Education boasts a faculty comprised of distinguished professors, associate professors, and senior lecturers who are authorities in their respective fields. The teaching methodology transcends traditional lecturing, incorporating seminars, workshops, case studies, and field-based observations. There is a heavy emphasis on Action Research, encouraging students to identify classroom challenges and develop evidence-based solutions. Faculty members are deeply involved in national curriculum development and policy-making, providing students with unique insights into the practical realities of the Nepalese education system.

Student Life & Extracurricular Activities

Student life at CDED is vibrant and academically stimulating. Beyond the classroom, students engage in various clubs and committees, including the Educational Research Club and various subject-specific societies (e.g., English Language Teachers' Association - NELTA TU Chapter). Annual events include the Education Day celebrations, sports meets, and cultural festivals. Students are encouraged to participate in community service and teaching internships in local government schools, fostering a sense of social responsibility and leadership.

Career Support & Placement Assistance

Graduates from CDED are highly sought after by educational institutions, NGOs, and government agencies. The department provides career counseling and maintains strong links with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MoEST). Many alumni hold senior positions in the Curriculum Development Center (CDC) and the Office of the Controller of Examinations. For M.Ed. students, the program includes mandatory internships which often lead to direct job placements in prestigious secondary and higher secondary schools across Nepal.

Admission Process

How to Apply
  1. Eligibility: Completion of B.Ed. in the relevant subject with a minimum second division or equivalent GPA.
  2. Entrance Exam: Candidates must appear for the Tribhuvan University Management Admission Test (TUMAT) or the specific Departmental Entrance Examination.
  3. Documents: Submission of academic transcripts (SLC to Bachelors), character certificates, and migration certificates.
  4. Selection: Merit-based selection based on entrance scores and previous academic performance.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

CDED offers various financial aid options to support deserving students:

  • TU Merit Scholarship: Awarded to the top performers in the entrance examination and subsequent semester exams.
  • Jehendar Scholarship: A need-based grant for students from marginalized communities and remote geographical areas.
  • UGC Grants: Research grants for M.Phil. and PhD scholars funded by the University Grants Commission of Nepal.
  • Female Student Support: Special quotas and reduced fees for female students to encourage women's participation in higher education leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is the apex constituent department of Tribhuvan University dedicated to teacher education, educational planning, and advanced research in education.

Specializations include English, Nepali, Mathematics, Science, Health & Physical Education, Economics, History, Geography, and Educational Planning & Management (EPM).

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is a 2-year program divided into four semesters.

The Central Department of Education primarily follows the semester system for its master's programs.

The approximate total fee ranges from NPR 45,000 to 65,000 for the entire two-year course, excluding exam fees.

Yes, CDED offers a highly regarded PhD program in Education through the Faculty of Education, TU.

It is located within the Tribhuvan University main campus in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

Yes, all applicants must pass the TU Faculty of Education entrance examination to be eligible for admission.

Students with a non-B.Ed. background (like B.A. or B.Sc.) may need to complete a one-year B.Ed. program or specific bridge courses before applying for M.Ed.

Yes, limited hostel seats are available through the Tribhuvan University hostel management office for out-of-valley students.

While CDED focuses on face-to-face and semester-based delivery, TU also has an Open and Distance Education Center (ODEC) for similar programs.

The medium of instruction is English for most programs, though Nepali Education uses the Nepali language.

Yes, it is a constituent department of the state-owned Tribhuvan University.

Generally, the admission process begins in December/January for the spring semester.

Graduates can become school principals, university lecturers, educational researchers, curriculum developers, or education officers in the government sector.

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