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Education & Knowledge

111th

of 198 countries placed

Placed from 4 of 4 key statistics

01The evidence

The 4 key statistics that decide it

Only these place Nepal on education & knowledge — one vote each. Every value is the publisher’s own, read at the edition the Country Index 2026 used — or, for a survey-based key, each country’s latest reading; the grey ticks are every other country it was compared with, lowest on the left.

Why these keys
  1. Key 1 of 4

    Out-of-School Rate, Primary

    UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

    Why it is a key

    Latest reading per country, 2014–2024 · Nepal’s is from 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    2.034

    Out-of-school rate, primary age (%)

    Lower is better

    Nepal: 2.034. Across the 192 countries at their latest reading, values run from 0.004 (United Arab Emirates) to 65.6 (Equatorial Guinea); the world median is 3.691.

    World median
    3.691
    Best in Southern Asia
    0.103 Iran
    Land neighbours
    India 0.104
  2. Key 2 of 4

    Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary

    UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

    Why it is a key

    Latest reading per country, 2014–2024 · Nepal’s is from 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    80.02

    Children one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%)

    Higher is better

    Nepal: 80.02. Across the 187 countries at their latest reading, values run from 3.411 (Yemen) to 100 (United Arab Emirates); the world median is 85.9.

    World median
    85.9
    Best in Southern Asia
    94.42 India
    Land neighbours
    India 94.42
  3. Key 3 of 4

    Upper Secondary Completion Rate

    UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

    Why it is a key

    2025 edition · data for 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    42.48

    Upper secondary completion rate (%)

    Higher is better

    Nepal: 42.48. Across the 164 countries in this edition, values run from 2.13 (South Sudan) to 99.27 (South Korea); the world median is 64.87.

    World median
    64.87
    Best in Southern Asia
    76.82 Bhutan
    Land neighbours
    China 89.82 · India 65.05
  4. Key 4 of 4

    Government Spending on Education

    UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS)

    Why it is a key

    2023 edition · data for 2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0

    3.956

    Government expenditure on education (% of GDP)

    Higher is better

    Nepal: 3.956. Across the 123 countries in this edition, values run from 0 (Somalia) to 16.39 (Kiribati); the world median is 3.709.

    World median
    3.709
    Best in Southern Asia
    5.845 Bhutan
    Land neighbours
    China 3.897

03In context

Nepal beside its neighbours

A position reads best beside the countries around it. Every position below is a place among all 198 countries on education & knowledge, never a place within the region.

Southern Asia
1st198thNot placed · 26 countries with too few key statisticsNo data

The whole world on education & knowledge

Nepal and the countries it borders

Standing among all 198; the key columns are the publishers’ own values.

CountryStandingOut-of-School Rate, PrimaryOut-of-school rate, primary age (%)Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before PrimaryChildren one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%)Upper Secondary Completion RateUpper secondary completion rate (%)Government Spending on EducationGovernment expenditure on education (% of GDP)
Indiacompare44th0.10494.4265.05—
China51st——89.823.897
Nepal111th2.03480.0242.483.956

“—”: no published reading in that edition. What a standing is

Placed either side on education & knowledge

The countries immediately above and below Nepal in the topic’s list.

04Context, no vote

Where Nepal is ahead of the world, and behind

26 more statistics filed under education & knowledge, published in full and deliberately given no vote in the standing. Select a row for the publisher, the rank and the links.

Every country

Ahead of the world median5

Statistics on which Nepal does better than the middle country measured.

  • Academic Freedom IndexV-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg · 2025 · world median 0.6190.831▲ Improved since 2015

    Nepal: 0.831 · world median 0.619 · Academic freedom index (0–1). V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.019 to 0.978; higher is better.

    Position 44th of 176 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Wealth Parity Index, Lower Secondary CompletionUIS · 2024 · world median 0.5290.698No earlier reading

    Nepal: 0.698 · world median 0.529 · Adjusted wealth parity index, lower secondary completion (poorest vs richest fifth; 1 = parity). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.032 to 1.022; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Qualified Teachers in Primary EducationUIS · 2024 · world median 93.6696.09▲ Improved since 2014

    Nepal: 96.09 · world median 93.66 · Primary teachers with the minimum qualifications their country requires (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Out-of-School Rate, Lower Secondary AgeUIS · 2024 · world median 6.3434.57▲ Improved since 2016

    Nepal: 4.57 · world median 6.343 · Out-of-school rate, lower secondary age (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.011 to 79.71; lower is better.

    Position 65th of 116 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Expected Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 13.3413.75▲ Improved since 2013

    Nepal: 13.75 · world median 13.34 · Expected years of schooling. UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.

    Published values in that edition run from 5.635 to 21.69; higher is better.

    Position 92nd of 195 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2023 dataset

Behind the world median17

Statistics on which Nepal does worse than the middle country measured.

  • Gender Parity Index, Tertiary EnrolmentUIS · 2024 · world median 1.2441.218▼ Worsened since 2014

    Nepal: 1.218 · world median 1.244 · Adjusted gender parity index, tertiary gross enrolment (1 = parity). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.74 to 1.83; higher is better.

    Position 38th of 95 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Pre-Primary Net Enrolment RateUIS · 2024 · world median 65.9362.31▲ Improved since 2014

    Nepal: 62.31 · world median 65.93 · Net enrolment rate, pre-primary (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 1.779 to 99.85; higher is better.

    Position 65th of 120 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Pupils per Qualified Teacher, PrimaryUIS · 2024 · world median 20.6723.17▲ Improved since 2014

    Nepal: 23.17 · world median 20.67 · Primary pupils per qualified teacher (headcount basis). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 8.244 to 284.7; lower is better.

    Position 43rd of 92 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Lower Secondary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · world median 89.2182.63▲ Improved since 2015

    Nepal: 82.63 · world median 89.21 · Lower secondary completion rate (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 13.73 to 100; higher is better.

    Position 91st of 164 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Learning-Adjusted Years of SchoolWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 7.9417.227▲ Improved since 2017

    Nepal: 7.227 · world median 7.941 · Learning-adjusted years of school (0–14). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.

    Published values in that edition run from 2.207 to 12.81; higher is better.

    Position 99th of 172 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2020 dataset

  • Secondary School EnrolmentUIS · 2024 · world median 93.1990.39▲ Improved since 2014

    Nepal: 90.39 · world median 93.19 · Gross secondary enrolment ratio (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 19.87 to 158.55; higher is better.

    Position 68th of 109 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Primary Completion RateUIS · 2025 · world median 97.4390.83▲ Improved since 2015

    Nepal: 90.83 · world median 97.43 · Primary completion rate (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 7.94 to 100; higher is better.

    Position 105th of 165 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Youth Literacy RateUIS · 2024 · world median 98.2294.24No earlier reading

    Nepal: 94.24 · world median 98.22 · 15–24 year-olds who can read and write (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 36.7 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Intergenerational Persistence in EducationWorld Bank Group · 2017 · world median 0.4460.484No earlier reading

    Nepal: 0.484 · world median 0.446 · Correlation between own and parents' years of schooling, born 1980–89 (0–1). World Bank Group, 2017 edition, data for 2017.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.123 to 0.66; lower is better.

    Position 56th of 153 · derived, 1st = worst.

    Chart and every countryThe 2017 dataset

  • School Life ExpectancyUIS · 2024 · world median 14.5913.57▲ Improved since 2014

    Nepal: 13.57 · world median 14.59 · School life expectancy, primary to tertiary (years). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 7.478 to 21.01; higher is better.

    Position 50th of 77 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Primary Schools with Internet for TeachingUIS · 2024 · world median 98.6645.25▲ Improved since 2020

    Nepal: 45.25 · world median 98.66 · Primary schools with internet access for teaching (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Tertiary Enrolment RatioUIS · 2024 · world median 52.7721.29▲ Improved since 2014

    Nepal: 21.29 · world median 52.77 · Gross enrolment ratio, tertiary (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 2.566 to 141.86; higher is better.

    Position 76th of 95 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Harmonized Test ScoresWorld Bank Group · 2020 · world median 414.32368.56▼ Worsened since 2017

    Nepal: 368.56 · world median 414.32 · Harmonized test score (TIMSS-equivalent points; 300 = minimum, 625 = advanced attainment). World Bank Group, 2020 edition, data for 2020.

    Published values in that edition run from 304.92 to 575.27; higher is better.

    Position 138th of 172 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2020 dataset

  • Adult Literacy RateUIS · 2024 · world median 93.9968.71No earlier reading

    Nepal: 68.71 · world median 93.99 · Adults 15+ who can read and write (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 26.83 to 100; higher is better.

    Position 143rd of 172 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Researchers per Million InhabitantsUIS · 2024 · world median 701.9559.66No earlier reading

    Nepal: 59.66 · world median 701.95 · Researchers per million inhabitants (full-time equivalent). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 1.446 to 18,130; higher is better.

    Position 122nd of 145 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Primary Schools with ElectricityUIS · 2024 · world median 10059.81No real change since 2020

    Nepal: 59.81 · world median 100 · Primary schools with access to electricity (%). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 1.246 to 100; higher is better.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

  • Mean Years of SchoolingUNDP Human Development Report Office · 2023 · world median 9.9334.504No real change since 2013

    Nepal: 4.504 · world median 9.933 · Mean years of schooling (adults 25+). UNDP Human Development Report Office, 2023 edition, data for 2023.

    Published values in that edition run from 1.412 to 14.3; higher is better.

    Position 176th of 193 · derived.

    Chart and every countryThe 2023 dataset

No better end4

These describe the shape of a country — more is not better or worse, only different — so they are never ahead or behind.

  • Outbound Mobility Ratio, TertiaryUIS · 2023 · world median 5.27918.69Moved since 2013

    Nepal: 18.69 · world median 5.279 · Outbound mobility ratio, tertiary (% of tertiary enrolment at home). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2023 edition, data for 2023.

    Published values in that edition run from 0.333 to 1,724.

    Chart and every countryThe 2023 dataset

  • Scholarly ArticlesOurResearch · 2025 · world median 2,2409,428No real change since 2022

    Nepal: 9,428 · world median 2,240 · Articles with at least one author at an institution in the country (full counting). OpenAlex (OurResearch), 2025 edition, data for 2025.

    Published values in that edition run from 1 to 1,094,890.

    Chart and every countryThe 2025 dataset

  • Trust in ScientistsWellcome Trust · 2020 · world median 34.3522.8Moved since 2018

    Nepal: 22.8 · world median 34.35 · People aged 15+ who trust scientists in their country 'a lot' (%). Wellcome Trust, 2020 edition, data for 2020.

    Published values in that edition run from 9.335 to 72.35.

    Chart and every countryThe 2020 dataset

  • Female Share of ResearchersUIS · 2024 · world median 38.177.788No earlier reading

    Nepal: 7.788 · world median 38.17 · Researchers who are women (% of headcount; 50 = parity). UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2024 edition, data for 2024.

    Published values in that edition run from 0 to 76.54.

    Chart and every countryThe 2024 dataset

“Position · derived” is this site’s ordering of the published values, 1st = best unless the row says otherwise; the publisher ranks no country on it. Rank, position and standing

06The top of the list

Who leads on education & knowledge

The three countries placed highest of 198, and the leaders Nepal can most readily be measured against.

All 198 countries
  1. 1

    United Arab Emirates

    Western Asia

    1st of 198 · 2 of 4 keys

    Photo: Unknown author · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale

  2. 2

    Greece

    Southern Europe

    2nd of 198 · 3 of 4 keys

    Photo: User:Ggia derivative work: Jjtkk · CC BY-SA 3.0, greyscale

  3. 3

    Poland

    Eastern Europe

    3rd of 198 · 3 of 4 keys

    Photo: Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) · CC BY 3.0, greyscale

Placed highest nearby

  1. Highest placed on all 4 keys

    Moldova7th4/4 keys
  2. Highest in Asia

    United Arab Emirates1st2/4 keys
  3. Highest in Southern Asia

    India44th3/4 keys
  4. This page

    Nepal111th4/4 keys

Positions out of 198 placed on the topic. A country needs readings on enough keys to be placed, and the top of the list is often held on fewer of them.

07Questions

Nepal on education & knowledge: questions answered

Every answer is built from the numbers on this page, so none can say something the page does not.

How does Nepal rank on education & knowledge?

Nepal is placed 111th of 198 countries on Education & Knowledge in the Country Index 2026, from 4 of its 4 key statistics (Out-of-School Rate, Primary, Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary, Upper Secondary Completion Rate and Government Spending on Education). The position is this site’s ordering of published statistics, not a rank any publisher printed.

What is the latest Out-of-School Rate, Primary figure for Nepal?

2.034 in 2024 (out-of-school rate, primary age (%)), according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). The world median in the same edition was 3.691.

What is the latest Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary figure for Nepal?

80.02 in 2024 (children one year before primary entry age in organised learning (%)), according to UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS). The world median in the same edition was 85.9.

How does Nepal compare with India on education & knowledge?

India is placed 44th of 198, and Nepal 111th. Out-of-School Rate, Primary: India 0.104, Nepal 2.034; Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary: India 94.42, Nepal 80.02; Upper Secondary Completion Rate: India 65.05, Nepal 42.48.

How have Nepal’s education & knowledge figures changed?

Out-of-School Rate, Primary fell from 30.94 in 2000 to 2.034 in 2024; Participation in Organised Learning One Year Before Primary fell from 82.26 in 2011 to 80.02 in 2024; Upper Secondary Completion Rate rose from 3.64 in 2000 to 42.48 in 2025; Government Spending on Education rose from 2.975 in 2000 to 3.956 in 2023.

Which education & knowledge statistics are missing for Nepal?

No current reading is published for Nepal on Bachelor's or Higher Attainment, Female Share of STEM Graduates, Government Funding per Primary Student, Inbound Mobility Rate, Tertiary, Learning Poverty, Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Lower Secondary, Minimum Proficiency in Mathematics, End of Primary, Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Lower Secondary, Minimum Proficiency in Reading, End of Primary, Nobel Prize Laureates by Country of Birth, PISA Mathematics Performance, PISA Reading Performance, PISA Science Performance, Research and Development Spending, Share of Graduates from ICT Programmes and Upper Secondary Attainment. They are listed rather than hidden, so the evidence on the page can be checked against it.

08Method

Method, sources and how to cite

What this topic does not measure

How much children actually learn is only partly covered. International test scores exist for a limited group of countries, and they are published here as context rather than used as a key, because a key must describe most of the world. Universities, research, and youth and adult literacy also appear as context.

About education & knowledge, in full

How the Education & Knowledge standing is decided

A standing is this site’s ordering, named with its edition — never a publisher’s rank. 4 key statistics vote, one vote each; every country’s published value becomes a place within that key’s own field, the places are averaged, and the average is never published. A country needs 2 of the 4 keys to be placed.

The education & knowledge method, step by stepHow every standing on this site is built

The key statistics and their licences

The other 26 statistics on this page come from 6 publishers, each named beside its numbers, with every edition and licence on the datasets pages.

The standing itself is part of the Country Index 2026, published under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Photographs

Nepal’s banner and the countries placed highest, from their profiles: Wikimedia Commons, shown in greyscale, each used under the licence named.

Cite this page

Nations Inquiry (2026). Nepal: Education & Knowledge — standing and statistics, Country Index 2026. https://nationsinquiry.com/countries/nepal/education

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