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Introduction:
Are you interested in a career in public affairs management? Do you want to play a role in promoting good governance, project management, and leadership development? If so, the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) program at Tribhuvan University‘s Faculty of Management (FoM) in Nepal might be the perfect fit for you. In this blog, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about pursuing a BPA degree at Tribhuvan University, including the program’s objectives, eligibility criteria, and course Structure.
Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) Program:
The BPA program at Tribhuvan University is four years (eight semesters) and includes a total of 120 credits. The courses are divided into administrative sciences (90 credits), specialization (18 credits), computer (6 credits), and internship and report writing (6 credits) designed to prepare students for careers in public affairs management.
Graduates of this program will be equipped to address societal challenges related to public affairs, including good governance, project management, development management, human resource management, and leadership development. The BPA program focuses on social responsibility and aims to bridge the gap by developing middle-level professionals required in the public sector. Students will learn to manage diverse workforces and communities in public, private, and non-profit organizations while navigating governmental regulations and political processes.
Upon completion of this program, graduates can apply their knowledge in various roles in state and local government, public and federal agencies, and both private and public organizations, including non-profits, in Nepal and globally. The BPA degree aligns with Tribhuvan University’s mission to promote intellectual inquiry and critical thinking essential for local, national, and global communities. Find BPA Jobs: Clickhere
Objectives of the BPA Program:
The BPA program has several key objectives:
- Develop learning and professional skills in public sector management.
- Prepare middle-level managers to address the needs and challenges of public service delivery.
- Familiarize students with the official responsibilities and duties of public employees.
- Produce qualified human resources for the public, private, and non-profit sectors with a commitment to serving the public interest.
- Foster research activities and the ability to conduct research in various social sciences disciplines.
- Build theoretical and practical knowledge in various social sciences fields.
Eligibility for Admission:
To be eligible for admission to the BPA program, students must have successfully completed twelve years of schooling or its equivalent (10+2 or PCL or equivalent program) in any discipline from a university, board, or institution recognized by Tribhuvan University.
Admission Criteria:
The admission process for the BPA program is based on merit and includes a written test, a score of +2 or equivalent, and an interview. The written test covers areas such as verbal ability, quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and general awareness called CMAT. Applicants must secure a minimum of 40 percent in the written test to qualify for the interview. Shortlisted candidates will then be interviewed and selected for admission. Enroll now.
Teaching Methods:
The BPA program employs various teaching methods to provide a comprehensive learning experience. These methods include class lectures, group discussions, role-playing, problem-solving exercises, guest lectures, case studies, literature reviews, assignments, term papers, seminar presentations, and project/fieldwork. The choice of teaching methods is determined by the teaching faculty to align with the course’s needs.
At the beginning of each semester, the faculty develops a detailed course outline and work plan, recommending basic texts and reference materials to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Attendance and Evaluation:
To qualify for the final examination, students must meet specific requirements:
- Maintain a minimum of 80 percent attendance in the classes held.
- Participate in the second semester only after completing the first semester.
Student evaluation is based on internal and external examinations, with internal evaluation accounting for 40 percent and external evaluation for 60 percent of the total grade. Practical examinations are included in some courses. The final grade is determined by overall performance in internal and external examinations.
Grading System:
The grading system for the BPA program is as follows:
- A: 3.50 to 4.00 (First division with distinction)
- B: 2.50 to 3.49 (First division)
- C: 2.00 to 2.49 (Second division)
- D: 1.50 to 1.99 (Pass in individual paper)
- F: Below 1.50 (Fail)
Make-up Examination and Re-registration:
In case of failure in one or more courses at the end of semester examinations, students can appear in make-up examinations in subsequent semesters for a maximum of two courses (6 credit hours). If a student fails in a make-up examination, they must re-register and repeat the course as per the course cycle, with a maximum of two courses (6 credits) per semester.
Internship/Field Work:
Students must prepare an internship report/fieldwork/project work in the eighth semester, based on their work in the assigned organization. This internship lasts for eight weeks, during which students gain practical experience. The quality of the report is evaluated based on research clarity, methodology appropriateness, findings precision, conclusions, and references. A minimum grade of “C” is required for the internship.
Graduation Requirement:
To earn a BPA degree, students must meet the following requirements:
- Successfully completed 120 credit hours of courses with passing grades (CGP of 2.00).
- Attain a minimum grade of ‘C’ in the internship.
- Complete all program requirements within seven years from the time of registration.
Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for needy students, with priority given to those who completed +2 and SLC from public schools and colleges.
Course Structure:
The below tabular format will provide you with a clear overview of the course structure, making it easy to understand the courses, their titles, and the respective credits for each semester and specialization area.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Semester | BPA 101 | English I | 3 |
| BPA 102 | Foundation of Public Administration | 3 | |
| BPA 103 | Sociology | 3 | |
| BPA 104 | Microeconomics | 3 | |
| BPA 105 | Organization Theory | 3 | |
| Second Semester | BPA 201 | English II | 3 |
| BPA 202 | Development Administration | 3 | |
| BPA 203 | Macroeconomics | 3 | |
| BPA 204 | Fundamentals of Psychology | 3 | |
| BPA 205 | Mathematics | 3 | |
| Third Semester | BPA 301 | Public Finance | 3 |
| BPA 302 | International Administration | 3 | |
| BPA 303 | Local Governance | 3 | |
| BPA 304 | Human Resource Management | 3 | |
| BPA 305 | Applied Statistics in Public Administration | 3 | |
| Fourth Semester | BPA 401 | Social Change and Nation Building | 3 |
| BPA 402 | Comparative Politics | 3 | |
| BPA 403 | Basics of Public Policy | 3 | |
| BPA 404 | Nepalese Legal System | 3 | |
| BPA 405 | Development Planning and Nepalese Economy | 3 | |
| Fifth Semester | BPA 411 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| BPA 412 | Administrative Law | 3 | |
| BPA 413 | Office Management | 3 | |
| BPA 414 | Fundamentals of Computer (20 marks practical) | 3 | |
| BPA 415 | Revenue Governance | 3 | |
| Sixth Semester | BPA 421 | Research Methods in Public Administration | 3 |
| BPA 422 | Government Budgeting, Accounting, and Auditing | 3 | |
| BPA 423 | Computer Applications (20 marks practical) | 3 | |
| BPA 424 | Environment Management and Climate Change | 3 | |
| Specialization-I | Specialization Course | 3 | |
| Seventh Semester | BPA 431 | E-Governance | 3 |
| BPA 432 | Recent Trends in Public Management | 3 | |
| BPA 433 | Security Management | 3 | |
| Specialization-II | Specialization Course | 3 | |
| Specialization-III | Specialization Course | 3 | |
| Eighth Semester | Specialization-IV | Specialization Course | 3 |
| Specialization-V | Specialization Course | 3 | |
| Specialization-VI | Specialization Course | 3 | |
| PA 450 | Internship (Practical) | 6 |
Specialization Courses:
A. Development Management Area:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DM 451 | Project Management | 3 |
| DM 452 | Cooperative Management | 3 |
| DM 453 | Tourism Management | 3 |
| DM 454 | Social Development | 3 |
| DM 455 | Auditing in Nepal | 3 |
| DM 456 | Disaster Management | 3 |
B. Human Resource Management Area:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HRM 461 | Nepalese Personnel Administration | 3 |
| HRM 462 | Administrative Reform | 3 |
| HRM 463 | Human Resource Development | 3 |
| HRM 464 | Performance Management | 3 |
| HRM 465 | Total Quality Management | 3 |
| HRM 466 | Employer-Employee Relations | 3 |
C. Local Governance Area:
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LG 471 | Local Planning | 3 |
| LG 472 | NGO Governance | 3 |
| LG 473 | Rural-Urban Partnership | 3 |
| LG 474 | Public-Private Partnership | 3 |
| LG 475 | Local Finance | 3 |
| LG 476 | Public Service Delivery | 3 |
Conclusion:
Whether you want to work in the public, private, or non-profit sectors, the BPA degree program prepares you for a diverse range of roles. With a strong focus on research, practical experience, and ethical conduct, you’ll be well-prepared to make a positive impact on your community and beyond. Also Read: Management Courses in Nepal
For more details and specific course information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tribhuvan University’s Faculty of Management.
