Can anyone get a job just with an IT degree in Nepal ?

Can anyone get a job just with an IT degree in Nepal ?

The Department of Industry Nepal reports that the IT sector contributes approximately 2-3% of the Nepal’s GDP, growing at an annual rate of 15-20%.The demand for software development, cloud computing, and AI-driven solutions is surging, leading to a boom in IT startups and employment opportunities. Furthermore, international companies are increasingly outsourcing IT projects to Nepal, positioning Nepal as an emerging tech destination in South Asia.

Consequently, a growing number of students choose IT degrees, aiming for a secure and promising career. But the question remains: Is having an IT degree enough to get a job in Nepal?

Understanding Nepal’s IT Job Market. What do the numbers say ?

• According to a report by the Investment Board Nepal, there are approximately 500+ IT services companies operating in Nepal and around 15,000 IT graduates enter the job market each year, but a significant percentage remain unemployed or underemployed due to lack of practical skills.
• A 2023 report from ICT Association Nepal found that over 60% of IT graduates struggle to find jobs within the first six months of graduation.
• A 2023 survey by TechSansar revealed that more than 75% of IT graduates in Nepal do not possess the technical skills valued by leading tech companies.

Despite the large number of graduates (15000 every year) companies claim that they face a shortage of skilled candidates.

While universities produce thousands of IT graduates each year, the reality is that only a fraction of them secure jobs immediately after graduation. A degree can provide the foundation, but practical skills, projects, and networking play a crucial role in landing a job. 

What Do Employers in Nepal Actually Look For?

A degree equips you with theoretical understanding, but employers value skills that demonstrate practical application in everyday work environments.

1. Technical Proficiency and Up-to-Date Skills

Employers are looking for candidates who are not only well-versed in programming but also up-to-date with emerging technologies. Having expertise in:

• Web development frameworks (such as React, Angular, or Node.js)
• Mobile development (e.g., React Native, Flutter)
• Cloud computing (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)
• Data science & AI
  ...is crucial to meeting the current industry demands.

In fact, employers are less likely to hire candidates who are only familiar with outdated technologies and more likely to value those with hands-on experience in the latest industry tools. So focus on building skills and be updated about the latest technologies.

2. Project-Based Learning is the Key

A strong portfolio showcasing real-world projects (such as web applications, mobile apps, or software solutions) can make a huge difference in getting noticed. Candidates with active GitHub profiles or publicly available code are at an advantage, as they demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and ability to work in practical scenarios.

 Employers want to see:

• At least 2-3 real-world projects demonstrating coding skills
• Contributions to open-source projects
• A well-maintained GitHub profile

A study by Code for Nepal found that graduates with an active GitHub portfolio are 3x more likely to get interview calls than those without one.

3. Internship Experience: A Must-Have for Freshers

Many companies in Nepal expect fresh graduates to have internship experience before applying for full-time roles. But here’s the issue:

• Only 30% of IT graduates in Nepal complete an internship before graduation.
• Many universities don’t have structured internship programs, leaving students unprepared for the job market.

Employers report that candidates with at least 6 months of internship experience have a 60% higher chance of getting hired compared to those without any experience.

For students in Nepal, taking the initiative to secure an internship, browse through college and university programs, personal outreach to companies, or freelance/remote work can drastically improve your chances of landing a full-time role after graduation.

4.Soft Skills and Problem Solving Abilities

While technical skills are important, communication and teamwork skills are equally critical. Employers prefer candidates who show a genuine passion for the tech field and those who actively seek new challenges and are invested in personal and professional growth.

Many tech companies in Nepal now hire candidates through coding challenges or technical interviews, which test problem-solving abilities, logic, and creativity while tackling real-world issues.

Employers in Nepal seek individuals who:

• Can explain technical concepts clearly to individuals with non-tech background
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
• Adapt to dynamic work environments
• Take feedback positively and continue learning
• Handle technical interviews and coding challenges

In fact, a 2023 survey by JobsNepal showed that 50% of tech job rejections were due to a lack of soft skills, even when the candidates had strong technical abilities.

Now back to the question, Can You Get a Job with Just an IT Degree?

❌The short answer: NO, if you only rely on your degree.

✅YES, if you combine your degree with skills, projects, and networking.

A comparison between two types of IT graduates:

According to the 2024 Resume Genius Hiring Trends Survey of 600 hiring managers, 65% of managers will hire you for your skills alone.

Clearly, a degree alone doesn’t guarantee success in Nepal or anywhere else.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job?

If you are currently studying IT in Nepal, here’s a roadmap to make yourself job-ready:

1. Start Learning Beyond University Courses

• Take free/paid online courses (Udemy, Coursera, YouTube)
• Follow roadmaps for web development, app development, etc.

2. Build a Portfolio & GitHub Profile

• Work on at least 3-5 real-world projects
• Upload your code to GitHub
• Contribute to open-source projects

3. Gain Internship Experience

• Apply for internships in IT companies, startups, or work as a freelancer
• Learn to work in a team and solve real-world problems

4. Attend Tech Meetups, Hackathons & Conferences

• Networking is key! Meeting professionals can lead to job opportunities.
• Follow IT job portals like MeroJob, JobsNepal, TechLekh Careers.

5. Improve Soft Skills

• Practice for job interview
• Learn how to write a strong resume & cover letter
• Develop communication & problem-solving skills

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive from The Beginning

While an IT degree is important in Nepal, it’s not enough to stand out in the competitive job market. Those who stay proactive, practice their skills, and gain relevant experience have a higher chance of landing a job

Instead of asking:
❌ “Can I get a job with just an IT degree?”
Ask yourself:
✅ “What more can I do to become job-ready?”

The IT industry rewards skills, not just certificates. If you take the right steps, you can land a job even before graduation. 

What’s Next?

If you are looking for hands-on training, real-world projects, and career guidance, check out Sparkup IT Academy’s  IT courses, where we provide expert-led IT training, guaranteed paid internship and career support.

Your IT degree is just the beginning—start building your skills today!