National Examination Board (NEB): Definition, History, Structure, and Full Overview

What is National Examination Board (NEB) in Nepal?

The National Examination Board (NEB) in Nepal, established in 2016 (2073 B.S.), is a key institution overseeing secondary education examinations. Previously known as the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) transferred to NEB in 2073 B.S. according to the Education Act (8th amendment).

Taking over from the Higher Secondary Education Council, NEB conducts Class 10 (SEE) and Class 11 and 12 (SLCE) exams. Comprising a diverse group of education experts, it formulates policies, plans long-term strategies, and ensures the quality of school exams.

NEB’s central office, located in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, coordinates exams at various levels, with provincial and district offices facilitating seamless operations. The grading system simplifies result interpretation.

Moreover, NEB’s online platforms and SMS services enable students to access their results effortlessly. The Board’s commitment to educational excellence and transparent evaluation makes it a vital force in shaping Nepal’s academic landscape. NEB, with its multifaceted role, continues to be a key for educational growth and development in the country.

Education History in Nepal

The history of education in Nepal is a fascinating journey marked by significant milestones. In the early 20th century, under Rana’s rule, formal schooling began evolving around the 1930s. The upper castes enjoyed greater access to education, while the struggle for Dalit education in a caste-ordered society revealed disparities. Fast forward to the 1950s, after the fall of the Rana regime, formal education expanded rapidly.

Read More: NEB Class 12 Result 2080 Published: Check Grade 12th Result

One crucial landmark was the establishment of Durbar High School in 1854, although it primarily served the elite. The Panchayat period from the 1960s to the 1990s witnessed deliberate state-led efforts to shape a unified Nepali identity through standardized textbooks and curricula. The impact of politics on education persisted post-1990, with the curriculum remaining a continuum of the Panchayat era.

The School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examination, conducted at the end of grade 10, became a pivotal moment. It was later replaced by the Secondary Education Examination (SEE). This shift in nomenclature reflected changes in the education system, where primary education spans grades one to eight, and secondary education extends from grades nine to twelve. The Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) oversaw grade 11 and 12 examinations.

The National Examinations Board (NEB) became the overarching body supervising various exams, ensuring a standardized approach. The evolution of education in Nepal also saw the establishment of universities, including Tribhuvan University in 1959.

From early schooling dynamics influenced by caste to the complexities of political control shaping national narratives, Nepal’s education landscape has transformed. Today, modern education grapples with challenges and opportunities, with the legacy of historical choices embedded in its fabric. Important dates like the establishment of Durbar High School in 1854 and the advent of Tribhuvan University in 1959 serve as reminders of Nepal’s educational journey.

Read More: SEE in Nepal: Definition, History, Structure, and New Update

Structure of National Examination Board (NEB) – As It Is

Let’s how the National Examinations Board i.e. NEB in Nepal works through its structure:

Overview

Established under the Education (Eighth Amendment) Act, 2073, the National Examination Board succeeded the Higher Secondary Education Council, actively engaging in school affiliation, scholarship management, and local-level school administration. Formerly overseen by the Higher Secondary Education Council, tasks related to curriculum development, implementation, and equivalence assessment are now handled by the Curriculum Development Center. NEB is entrusted with conducting Class 10 (SEE) exams and Class 11 and 12 exams.

Organizational Structure

NEB functions as an autonomous entity, absorbing responsibilities from the Examination Control Office of the Higher Secondary Education Council. The Board’s structure includes:

• Chairperson (appointed by the Public Service Commission).
• Vice-Chairperson (Secretary of the Ministry of Education).
• Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education (school education).
• Director-General of the Department of Education.
• Executive Director of the Curriculum Development Center.
• Member-Secretary of the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT).
• Controller of Examinations from Tribhuvan University.
• Individuals with ten years of experience in education and examination (recommended by the Ministry of Education).
• Individuals with ten years of experience in education and examination (nominated by the Ministry of Education from National Education Service officers).
• Secretary from the Ministry of Education (Member-Secretary).

Read More: Organizational Structure – Definition

Roles and Responsibilities

NEB’s key roles and responsibilities encompass:

• Formulating policies aligned with Ministry-approved examination policies.
• Long-term planning and implementation.
• Quality evaluation of school education examinations.
• Approval of annual budget and program.
• Financial resource mobilization.
• Submission of periodic and annual reports to the Ministry of Education.
• Adherence to tasks outlined in the Education Act.

Offices and Operations

NEB’s central office, situated in Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, oversees daily operations, managing Class 11, Class 12, and Class 10 (SEE) examinations. While Class 10 exams occur at the provincial level, overall guidance for school education exams falls under NEB’s jurisdiction.

Branch Offices

With seven provincial offices and branch offices in four districts, NEB collaborates with District Education Development and Coordination Units to issue educational certificates to students completing their education under the Board’s purview.

New Update

The recent change has been implemented in Nepal’s education history. Previously, NEB has transferred the result publishing authority of class 11 to the respective educational institution. Recently, NEB has further decided to give permission to respective schools to take exams and publish 10th-grade results on their own.

However, this change will be implemented in the academic year 2024. And, now NEB will only publish the result of the 12th grade but it will oversee all the activities and decisions regarding the 10th class, 11th class, and 12th class.

National Exam Board’s Grading System

The following table shows the grading system of NEB’s.

S.N.	Achieved Score	Grade Point	Grade	Remarks
1	90 and more	4	A+	Outstanding
2	80 – less than 90	3.6	A	Excellent
3	70 – less than 80	3.2	B+	Very Good
4	60 – less than 70	2.8	B	Good
5	50 – less than 60	2.4	C+	Satisfactory
6	40 – less than 50	2	C	Acceptable
7	35 – less than 40	1.6	D	Basic
8	less than 35	–	NG	Not Graded

Checking the NEB 12th Result

As mentioned above, now NEB will only publish the 12th result by itself and since it publishes results on the internet. There are three main ways you can choose to check your 12th result. They are mentioned below with the necessary steps:

Check Here – 12th Result

Check 12th Result Online:

Let’s first guide you on how you can check your 12th class result online. To check the result please follow carefully the steps given below.

• Go to the websites neb.gov.np/results & neb.ntc.net.np
• Look for the link or topic that says “Results or 12 results” on the homepage.
• Input the necessary details, such as the symbol number provided on your NEB 12th examination admit card.
• Click the “submit” button.
• Your NEB 12 class result will be presented on the screen.
• Verify all the details of your result, download it, and take a printout for future reference.

Check 12th Result Via SMS:

To check your NEB 12th result for the year 2080 via SMS, follow these steps:

• Open the messaging app on your mobile phone.
• Type “NEB” and give a space.
• Then, send this message to the number 1600. (For example – “NEB 17300927”)
• Within a moment, you will receive your 12th result in your message inbox
• Save it, share it, or screenshot it for your future reference.

Check 12th Result Via IVRS:

To check your NEB 12 result for the respective year using IVRS, follow these simple steps:

• Dial the number 1601.
• Follow the instructions provided through the phone call to retrieve your 12th result.

NEB 12th Result Statistics (2079 & 2080)

Let’s look at the National Exam Board’s 12th result statistics for the years 2079 and 2080 and understand how good or bad the results are.

The NEB class 12 results of 2079 and 2080. In saying overall, the 2080’s 12th result is good. Altogether 51% of students in NEB 12th result 2080 have passed, whereas, in 2079’s 12th result 51% of students got the NG i.e. failed.

Further, look at the below picture and compare the NEB 12th result of 2079 and 2080 BS in your own way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)