CTEVT Begins Admission Process Violating Medical Education Act

The Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT) has commenced admissions into diploma-level medical education programs without coordination with the Medical Education Commission, directly contravening provisions of the Medical Education Act. Following Education Minister Sashmit Pokharel’s approval of new regulations, CTEVT initiated the admission process for medical diploma programs from the 1st of Jestha.

Medical education reform advocate Dr. Govinda KC criticized this move, labeling the decision—made while the commission leadership position remained vacant—as a serious manipulation affecting public health. Reported from Kathmandu on 12th Baisakh.

CTEVT’s opening of admissions for diploma level medical education has disregarded the act stipulating that entrance examinations and admissions for health certificate level programs must be conducted only under the coordination of the Medical Education Commission. This time, the process proceeded without following that coordination requirement. Education and Sports Minister Sashmit Pokharel facilitated this move by issuing new regulations to CTEVT through ministerial-level decision, enabling the admissions process.

After the government removed officials, including the commission vice-chair, via an ordinance annulling all political appointments, the commission was left without leadership. Immediately following this, admissions were opened directly without implementing the statutory process. The advancement of the admission process through ministry-level decisions while the vice-chair post remained vacant has raised legal and policy concerns within the medical education sector.

CTEVT spokesperson Ekraj Adhikari claimed that the council has not violated any laws. He explained that the newly introduced regulation related to examinations was intended to make longstanding procedures more organized, efficient, and scientific. Meanwhile, Dr. Govinda KC emphasized, “The process of awarding medical education certificates is deeply connected to the entire health system of the country, and the absence of proper procedures threatens this system.”