NEB Scholarship for Plus Two Students in Nepal: Types, Eligibility and Application

TL;DR: NEB provides scholarships to +2 students based on merit and financial need. Government community schools offer free education with textbooks and midday meals. Private +2 colleges allocate scholarship seats based on SEE performance. NEB also coordinates Province-level scholarship programmes. Dalits, Janajatis, conflict-affected, and economically disadvantaged students receive priority.

Overview of NEB Scholarships

The National Examinations Board (NEB) and the Government of Nepal provide various scholarship programmes to support students pursuing +2 (Grade 11 and 12) education. These scholarships aim to increase access to secondary education, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and to reward academic merit.

Types of +2 Scholarships

Scholarship Type	Eligibility	Coverage
Government Free Education	All students in community schools	Tuition, textbooks, midday meals
Merit-Based Scholarship	High SEE GPA (3.6+)	Tuition waiver at select colleges
Need-Based Scholarship	Economically disadvantaged students	Partial to full tuition waiver
Reservation Scholarship	Dalits, Janajatis, conflict-affected, disabled students	Full tuition and stipend
Province-Level Scholarship	Varies by province	Provincial government funded

Government Free Education Policy

The Government of Nepal guarantees free education up to the secondary level (including +2) at community (government) schools. This includes free tuition, textbooks, and midday meals. Students attending community schools do not need to apply separately for this benefit — it is automatically provided. The government has pledged to ensure smooth distribution of textbooks and school uniforms as part of its education policy.

Merit Scholarships at Private Colleges

Many private +2 colleges offer merit-based scholarships to attract high-performing students. These typically require SEE GPA of 3.6 or above (A+ grade) and may include full tuition waivers, partial fee reductions, or monthly stipends. Each college sets its own scholarship criteria and quota — check individual college prospectuses for details.

How to Apply for NEB Scholarships

1. Check your eligibility based on SEE results, economic background, or social category
2. Contact your chosen +2 college’s admission office for available scholarship programmes
3. For government scholarships, inquire at the District Education Coordination Unit (DECU)
4. Submit required documents: SEE marksheet, citizenship/birth certificate, income certificate, and category certificates (if applicable)
5. Apply within the announced deadline — typically during the admission period after SEE results

Key Takeaways

1. Government community schools provide free +2 education including textbooks and meals
2. Merit scholarships at private colleges typically require SEE GPA 3.6+
3. Reserved seats exist for Dalits, Janajatis, conflict-affected, and disabled students
4. Province governments also run their own scholarship programmes
5. Apply during the admission period immediately after SEE results

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a scholarship at a private +2 college?

Yes. Many private +2 colleges offer merit-based scholarships for students with high SEE scores. Contact individual colleges during the admission period to learn about their scholarship programmes and criteria.

Is +2 education really free in government schools?

Yes. The Government of Nepal provides free tuition, textbooks, and midday meals at community (government) schools up to the secondary level, including +2. Students only need to cover personal expenses like stationery and transportation.

Originally published February 2023. Last reviewed July 2026.