A Levels in Nepal

What is A Level?

“A Level” refers to “Advanced Level” General Certificate of Education (GCE).  It is an internationally recognized achievement at secondary level. A Level examination are set by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).

What are AS, A2 and A Levels?

The subject content of A Level syllabuses has been subdivided into two parts:

·      AS is expected to be covered in the first year.  If a student takes just the AS exam and does not take the next part – which is allowed in some subjects - herstandalone grade for AS will appear in small letter (a,b,c,d,e or u) under “Advanced Subsidiary”, and counts as “half’ course.

·      A2 the second part of the syllabus, is expected to be completed in the second year.  A student who completes A2 receives a full grade, in capital letter (A,B,C,D,E or U)

·      A Levels is generally considered ‘completed’ in Nepali context when the student receives 3.5 credits, which means 3 A level grades, and 1 AS level grade. Examples: ABDc, BCDb etc. In Nepal, “General Papers (GP) is usually taken as AS course.

Which Schools and Colleges teach A Level?

The British Council has a list of institutions that provide preparation courses for the A Level.  While students may register for the GCE exams on their own, we advise you take a preparation course that specifically follows a syllabus if you want to take GCE exams.

Why take A Level?

·      International Recognition: Cambridge International AS and A level qualifications are taken by over 200000 learners in more than 160 countries.

College admission:  They are typically for learners aged 16 to 19 years old looking to go to best universities and colleges around the world  including Cambridge, Harvard, MIT and London School of Economics to name but a few.  A Level is widely recognized in almost all countries including the UK, US, Australia, India, Nepal Canada and New Zealand.  The following website has the details:www.cie.org.uk/recognition.

·      Lower University Cost:  Good A Level results would allow you to transfer-college credit, lowering the length and cost of undergraduate study.

·      Employability: A level results can give students access to a wide range of professional and vocational courses that can help build their skills for an exciting career.

How is A Level Different?

·      Flexibility in subject choices: The wide variety of subjects available at Cambridge International AS and A level – 55 in total  - means learners can choose  subjects that suits their interests and aspirations.

·      Exploratory learning: The syllabus is broad, which means one is encouraged to understand the basic concept and its application, as opposed to memorizing narrow topics.  This helps develop deep understanding of the subject as well as independent learning and constructive thinking skills-abilities that universities value highly.

When can I take A Levels?

You can take an A level if you have completed your secondary education, such as SLC. Three Subjects at A levels and one General paper (English) at AS level is equivalent to the Intermediate level in Nepal.

When does the exam take place?

The GCE examinations are held twice a year. One in is held in May/June and another in October/November.

When does the registration take place?

Registration for May/June takes place in January/February and for October/November takes place in July/August.

What is the evaluation system of A Level education?

A Level are evaluated by written examinations using a variety of question types including essays, multiple choice etc. and in some subjects, oral or practical examinations for example, science practical exams in physics and chemistry.

When do I get my results?

The results are sent about 6-7 weeks after the exams in the form of Statement of Results. The certificates for successful candidates are normally sent in about 6 weeks from the issue of results.

Percentage Uniform marks

Percentage uniform marks correspond to the grades available (A*, A, B, C etc.) and give students additional information about their performance.Percentage uniform mark range for each grade:

Grade	% uniform mark range
A*	90-100
A	80-89+
B	70-79
C	60-69
D	50-59
E	40-49

·         The percentage uniform mark shows students whether they are in the middle of a grade, or near either the top or the bottom.

·         It does not affect the grade they receive, but gives them more information about it.    

It will appear on statement of result but not on  certificate

Can I convert my A Level grades into Percentage?

Yes, A Level grades can be converted into percentage. Students need to submit verified copy of their certificates along with a request letter from their school to the British Council. It usually takes 14 working days.

Can I get a Migration Certificate?

Yes, students can get a migration certificate from British Council office. They need to submit verified copies of their certificate along with a No Objection Letter from their school. It usually takes 14 working days to make a migration certificate.

Can I study in universities in Nepal after taking A Level?

Yes, Students can study in any universities in Nepal after taking A Level. A Level qualification is well recognized by TribhuwanUniversity (TU), Kathmandu University (KU), Pokhara University (PU) and many more. Different universities have different entry requirements.

Which countries can I apply to after taking A levels?

Student can apply to any country and universities around the globe including UK, USA, India, Europe etc.

What is the minimum credit required for admission in both national and international universities (specific countries)?

It differs from university to university and from country to country. However, 3 A Levels and one GP are recommended to students.

Where can I study GCE in Nepal?

Here is a list of GCE schools that provide tutions of A Level syllabus. Our website (www.britishcouncil.org/nepal) has a list of GCE schools with

respective contact details. It would be best to prepare through one of these institutions. Each college varies in the number and type of subjects and duration of the A –level courses they offer.

How does A Level help or hinder career in medicine/ engineering etc.?

Student can take their career in medicine/ engineering after their A Level. They have to take Biology, Chemistry and Physics if they are planning their career in medicine career and they have to take Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics if they are planning their career in engineering.

Can I transfer grades if I don’t complete my A levels?

No, Students cannot transfer their grade if they donot complete A Level.

Is A Level only for high performing students?

No, A Levels can be done by average students but method of study should be different. Regular study is needed in A Level to get better result.

Where can I study GCE in Nepal?

Here is a list of GCE schools that provide tutions of A Level syllabus. Our website (www.britishcouncil.org/nepal) has a list of GCE schools with

respective contact details. It would be best to prepare through one of these institutions. Each college varies in the number and type of subjects and duration of the A –level courses they offer.

Source: British Council Nepal 

AS and A Levels typical offers and requirements

Students should choose a combination of AS and A Level subjects which gives a good preparation for their selected course at university.

Cambridge applicants are usually studying four or five AS Levels in Year 12 and we normally expect good A grades in relevant subjects. Admissions Tutors look at the average performance across an applicant’s three best/most relevant AS Level subjects (students aren’t required to achieve 90 per cent or above in all modules). Applicants taking five subjects won't be at an advantage compared with those taking four.

All applicants are asked to report (in the Supplementary Application Questionnaire) the results of all AS and A Level modules taken to date, whether certificated or not. Colleges won't make unconditional offers on the basis of AS Level grades alone.

Most applicants are studying three or four A Level subjects. This is usually sufficient to show breadth of interests and ability to manage a range of differing academic tasks. We’d rather applicants develop broader and deeper knowledge of the subjects most relevant/closest to their chosen course than accumulate additional A Levels.

The typical conditional A Level offer for arts subjects and for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences for 2016 entry will be A*AA.

The typical conditional A Level offer for science subjects (excluding Psychological and Behavioural Sciences) for 2016 entry will be A*A*A.

In countries where an A* grade at A Level is not available, three A grades would be acceptable.

Some applicants may be set lower offers or more challenging ones. Applicants may be required to achieve A* in a particular subject(s) depending on individual circumstances.

• A Level Critical Thinking isn't considered an acceptable third A Level subject for any course at Cambridge. While it is regarded as a worthwhile addition to your portfolio of qualifications as a fourth AS or A Level subject, it's unlikely to be part of a conditional offer.
• Key Skills and General Studies are not required or included in academic assessment.
• We expect that students will pass the practical assessment of A Level Science.

For further information read Cambridge AS/A Level Requirements - The Facts.

Source: http://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/applying/entrance-requirements/alevels

AS and A Level Education in Nepal
List of Institutions Providing Cambridge International Education

S. N.	CIE Centre No.	Name of Institution	Location	Current Status
1	NP732	Ace Institute of Management	Kathmandu	Active
2	NP719	A.J. Wild Institute of Advanced Studies	Kathmandu	Active
3	NP 745	Ambition Academy	Kathmandu	Inactive
4	NP751	Butwal Public School	Butwal	Active
5	NP 747	Bridgewater International Academy	Kathmandu	Inactive
6	NP723	Campion Academy	Lalitpur	Active
7	NP749	Capital College and Research Centre	Kathmandu	Inactive
8	NP727	Chelsea International Academy	Kathmandu	Active
9	NP721	Cosmos International College	Pokhara	Active
10	NP701	Gandaki Higher Secondary Boarding School	Pokhara	Active
11	NP730	GEMS Institute of Higher Education	Lalitpur	Active
12	NP742	Global College International	Kamaladi, Kathmandu	Active
13	NP 743	Infinity International  College	Kathmandu	Inactive
14	NP 009	Islington College	Kathmandu	Active
15	NP707	Kasthamandap A Level Academy	Kathmandu	Active
16	NP737	Kathmandu University High School	Kavre, Dhulikhel	Active
17	NP718	Kings College	Kathmandu	Inactive
18	NP722	Kritika Education Health Foundation	Biratnagar	Inactive
19	NP705	Little Angel’s School	Lalitpur	Active
20	NP716	Lumbini International College	Lalitpur	Active
21	NP708	Malpi Institute	Kathmandu	Active
22	NP741	Modern Indian School	Kathmandu	Inactive
23		Naaya Aayam Multi-Disciplinary Institute (NAMI)	Jorpati-5, Kathmandu	Active
24	NP733	National Campus	Lalitpur	Inactive
25	NP744	New Summit college	Kathmandu`	Active
26	NP720	Novel Academy	Pokhara	Active
27	NP717	Orient College of Science and Management	Kathmandu	Active
28	NP774	Pentagon International College	Kathmandu	Inactive
29	NP740	Rupy’s International School	Kathmandu	Active
30	NP715	Saipal Academy	Kathmandu	Active
31	NP752	Siddhartha ShikshaSadan	Chitwan	Active
32	NP746	Southwestern State College	Kathmandu	Active
33	NP738	St. Xavier’s College	Kathmandu	Active
34	NP731	Trinity International College	Kathmandu	Active
35	NP711	Xavier International College	Kathmandu	Active
36	NP702	Kathmandu International Study Centre	Lalitpur	Inactive
37	NP739	Budanilkantha School	Kathmandu	Active
38	NP704	Rato Bangala School	Lalitpur	Active
39	NP005	The British School	Lalitpur	Active

 Source: British Council Nepal