Nepal

Nepal remains in the emerging-readiness range, with progress visible but major gaps still limiting future readiness. Its strongest results are in School Access and Gender Parity (96, 97th percentile).

Wide gaps between dimensions reveal structural weaknesses that slow coordinated progress. Low internet adoption slows digital participation and constrains system-wide modernization. Literacy or tertiary enrollment gaps thin the talent pipeline and limit the country’s capacity to develop future-ready skills.

Sparse R&D investment and a small research workforce slow experimentation and delay new ideas from reaching learners. Policy execution and regulatory capacity remain weak, leaving reforms fragmented and hard to sustain. Gender parity across secondary pathways reflects sustained commitment to equitable participation.

Infrastructure presents a near-term leapfrog opportunity: performance is just below the global average, backed by enough observed data to support forward planning. Regionally, Nepal leads most clearly in School Access and Gender Parity, sitting well above the peer average.

Challenges: Human Capital (37, 25th percentile). Closing these gaps will be key to sustaining progress.

Areas with room to grow: GEFRI Composite (52, 53rd percentile), Infrastructure (50, 32nd percentile), Governance (39, 35th percentile) and Innovation (37, 31st percentile). These dimensions sit close to global norms and could accelerate quickly with targeted investment.