About Central Department of Public Administration (CDPA) | Tribhuvan University

College Overview

The Central Department of Public Administration (CDPA), a constituent wing of Tribhuvan University, stands as the premier academic institution for governance and administrative studies in Nepal. Located strategically at Balkhu Height, Kirtipur, CDPA has been the cornerstone of producing high-level human resources for the Nepalese civil service, non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies since its inception in 1986.

The mission of CDPA is to cultivate a cadre of professional administrators equipped with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern governance. Our vision is to evolve into a center of excellence for public policy research and administrative training in South Asia. Through its rigorous academic environment, the department emphasizes ethical leadership, administrative transparency, and innovative public management practices.

Institutional highlights include a robust research culture, a faculty comprised of seasoned bureaucrats and distinguished scholars, and a direct link to the administrative machinery of Nepal. As a central department of the country’s oldest university, CDPA plays a vital role in shaping the administrative reforms and public policies of the nation.

University Affiliations & Recognition

Tribhuvan University (TU)

Affiliation Type: Central Department (Constituent)

Accreditation: University Grants Commission (UGC) Nepal

Recognition: Ministry of Education, Nepal

Primary Affiliation

Public Service Commission (PSC) Alignment

Focus: Civil Service Preparation & Competency

Recognition: Curriculum designed to align with Lok Sewa Aayog requirements for administrative leadership.

Industry Recognized

Programs Offered by University

Degree Level: Masters (Post-Graduate)

Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)

Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum second division or equivalent CGPA.

Career Opportunities: Government Service (Section Officer and above), NGO/INGO Management, Policy Analysis, Development Consulting, Academic Research.

Degree Level: M.Phil (Research Degree)

Duration: 1.5 Years (3 Semesters)

Eligibility: Master's degree in Public Administration, Management, or related social sciences with at least a high second division.

Career Opportunities: Senior Policy Researchers, University Lecturers, Strategic Planners, Think-tank Consultants.

Degree Level: Doctorate

Duration: 3-5 Years (Research-based)

Eligibility: M.Phil. in Public Administration or relevant field with a strong research proposal.

Career Opportunities: Academic Leadership, High-level Policy Advisory, International Research Fellowships.

Fee Structure

Program University Duration Approx. Total Fee (NPR) Admission Fee
Master of Public Administration (MPA) Tribhuvan University 2 Years Rs. 1,10,000 - 1,40,000 Rs. 15,000
M.Phil. in Public Administration Tribhuvan University 1.5 Years Rs. 1,50,000 - 1,80,000 Rs. 20,000
Ph.D. in Public Administration Tribhuvan University 3+ Years Based on Research Scope Varies
Note: The fee structure is subject to change according to Tribhuvan University's central regulations. Please contact the CDPA administration for the latest fee updates.

Facilities & Campus Infrastructure

Specialized Library

Extensive collection of governance journals, administrative law books, and national archives.

Computer & IT Lab

Equipped with high-speed internet and software for data analysis (SPSS, etc.) for research.

Smart Classrooms

Modern classrooms featuring multimedia projectors and hybrid learning capabilities.

Research & Development Cell

A dedicated unit facilitating national and international administrative research projects.

Seminar & Conference Hall

A venue for hosting national workshops, guest lectures by bureaucrats, and academic seminars.

Cafeteria & Student Lounge

Hygienic food services and communal spaces for student interaction and networking.

Faculty & Teaching Methodology

CDPA boasts a faculty of national renown, including former secretaries of the Government of Nepal, experienced policy analysts, and PhD scholars. The teaching methodology goes beyond traditional lectures to include:

  • Case Studies: Analyzing real-world administrative failures and successes in the Nepalese context.
  • Project-Based Learning: Field visits to local government offices and ministries for practical insights.
  • Guest Lectures: Regular sessions with serving high-ranking officials and international development experts.
  • Research Seminars: Compulsory thesis work for MPA and M.Phil students to foster critical thinking.

Student Life & Extracurricular Activities

Student life at CDPA is academically stimulating and socially engaging. The Public Administration Student Association (PASA) is the primary body organizing student events.

Key Activities:

  • Governance Debates and Paper Presentations
  • Inter-departmental Sports Tournaments
  • Community Outreach and Social Service Programs
  • Public Policy Simulation Exercises

Student Clubs:

  • Research and Publication Club
  • Leadership and Public Speaking Club
  • Environment and Sustainable Development Group

Career Support & Placement Assistance

The Central Department of Public Administration acts as a bridge between academic learning and professional public service. Our graduates are highly sought after by various sectors.

Civil Service Preparation

Guidance and resources specifically tailored for Lok Sewa Aayog (Public Service Commission) examinations.

Internship Programs

Facilitation of internships in government ministries, local municipalities, and leading NGOs.

Alumni Networking

Access to a vast network of alumni serving in high-level positions across the globe.

Admission Process

  1. Entrance Exam: Applicants must appear for the Central Management Admission Test (CMAT) conducted by TU or the internal CDPA entrance exam.
  2. Required Documents: Academic transcripts (SLC/SEE to Bachelor), Character certificates, Citizenship copy, and Passport size photos.
  3. Group Discussion & Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview and group discussion.
  4. Merit List: Final selection is based on the aggregate score of previous academics, entrance exam, and interview.

Scholarships & Financial Assistance

CDPA provides various scholarship opportunities to ensure inclusive education:

  • TU Merit Scholarship: Awarded to the semester toppers of each program.
  • Reservation Scholarships: As per TU norms for female, Janajati, Dalit, Madhesi, and students from underprivileged areas.
  • Need-Based Aid: Financial assistance for students facing economic hardships.
  • Research Fellowships: Grants provided for M.Phil and PhD scholars through various research projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MPA program is a two-year course divided into four semesters.

CDPA is a constituent central department of Tribhuvan University, making it a public/government institution.

It is located at Balkhu Height, near the Ring Road in Kirtipur, Kathmandu.

Yes, merit-based and reservation-based scholarships are available as per TU regulations.

Graduates can join the civil service (Lok Sewa), work in international organizations (UN, INGOs), or pursue academic and research careers.

Yes, CDPA conducts a rigorous entrance examination followed by an interview for M.Phil candidates.

Yes, students with a Bachelor's degree in any discipline (Arts, Science, Management, Law) are eligible.

Students at CDPA are eligible to apply for the Tribhuvan University central hostels in Kirtipur.

Classes are typically held in the morning/day shift to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals.

The M.Phil focusing on advanced research methodology and deep theoretical analysis of governance and public policy.

Admissions for MPA are generally opened once a year, usually following the TU academic calendar.

Yes, as a part of Tribhuvan University, CDPA degrees are globally recognized for further studies and employment.

CMAT stands for Central Management Admission Test, which is the standardized entrance test required for many TU master's programs.

Yes, CDPA publishes journals and research papers through its Research and Development Cell.

Usually, an M.Phil. degree is preferred or required to enroll in the Ph.D. program at CDPA.

Send an Official Inquiry

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Email info@cdpa.edu.np
Phone +977-1-4333926