The monstrous earthquake, that claimed around 9,000 lives and destroyed thousands of buildings in the country including in Kathmandu Valley, has contributed to the shift in attraction. Students who had earlier planned to pursue their higher secondary education in the capital have now changed their minds and opted for colleges in Biratnagar.
Many students hailing from the eastern districts had already shifted to Kathmandu for their further education after appearing in the SLC. But they have now headed back homewards to continue their education in Biratnagar.
According to the students, higher secondary schools and colleges in Biratnagar are capable of competing with those of Kathmandu. Another reason they choose to study in Biratnagar is safety from natural calamities like earthquakes.
Balram Panta, Morang chapter president of the Higher Secondary Schools Association Nepal (HISSAN), said that earthquakes are not the only reason for students enrolling in schools and colleges in Biratnagar. They are also attracted by the quality of the education.
With the opening of better colleges, the number of students leaving for the capital and for Indian universities has decreased significantly in recent years, he claimed.
"Education in Biratnagar is affordable and plus two results are better as well," he said "Lower college fees and better results are the reasons why guardians are choosing Biratnagar."
Panta of HISSAN reiterated that Biratnagar has become a destination for all SLC graduates, including toppers, because of quality and performance. He is confident about the enrollment of more students in colleges and school in Biratnagar this year owing to the recent earthquakes that caused significant damage in Kathmandu.
With the investment of the private sector in higher secondary schools and colleges in Biratnagar, new subjects and technologies have been introduced of late. In addition, the quality of higher education in Biratnagar has undergone several changes, resulting in better performance.
A maximum number of students who have passed the entrance tests for medical science and engineering studied in Biratnagar rather than Kathmandu, Panta also claimed.
As a result of good infrastructure, good teachers and hard working students, the plus two graduates have secured better results in universities at home and abroad, according to him.
PLUS PLUS (AND MINUS)
Schools and colleges in Biratnagar offering higher secondary education in management, science and education have become overcrowded.
Immediately after the publication of the SLC results, private colleges in Biratnagar have become busy advertising their academic programs.
For students and guardians alike, Biratnagar has become a convenient location for higher secondary level education in terms of quality and affordability. Most of the students who come to Biratnagar are from the eastern districts, including Sunsari, Saptari, Jhapa, Ilam and Panchthar.
A maximum number of students are enrolling in plus two science. Altogether nine colleges in Biratnagar are offering plus-two education in science, according to Panta.
Plus-two education providers have started using new technology in the classroom in order to deliver the contents in an effective manner, said Tika Ram Puri, principal of Everest Higher Secondary School in Biratnagar.
He said that teachers and students are using laptops and internet in the classrooms.
There are 16 private higher secondary schools operating in Biratnagar, as per the HISSAN. 10 community schools have also been offering plus-two education in the city. Even, half a dozen institutions from Biratagar are also providing technical education to cater the need of students.
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