Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS) stands as one of the most prestigious medical education institutions in Nepal. Established under the Nepal Army Welfare Fund, it was founded with the vision of providing world-class medical education and healthcare training to produce competent and ethical medical professionals. Situated in the capital city, Kathmandu, the institute is equipped with modern infrastructure, advanced medical technology, and experienced faculty members who ensure that students receive an education that meets international standards.
NAIHS plays a dual role: it not only educates future doctors, nurses, and healthcare specialists but also contributes significantly to Nepal’s healthcare system through its affiliated teaching hospitals. The institute’s strong emphasis on discipline, integrity, and professionalism aligns perfectly with the ethos of the Nepal Army.
The institute is recognized by national and international medical bodies and attracts students from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about serving humanity through medicine.
The idea of establishing a medical institute under the Nepal Army originated from the necessity to provide quality healthcare services to army personnel and their families while also addressing the national shortage of qualified medical professionals.
In 2010, this vision came to life with the official establishment of NAIHS. The institute was designed to function under the academic affiliation of Tribhuvan University, ensuring that its curriculum and degrees met national academic standards.
Initially, the institute began with the College of Medicine, focusing on MBBS programs. Over time, it expanded its academic scope to include nursing, dentistry, and allied health sciences. The steady growth in infrastructure, faculty, and academic programs helped it evolve into a multidisciplinary health sciences university in practice.
The Nepal Army’s management and support have been instrumental in maintaining NAIHS’s high standards. The military discipline instilled in students promotes responsibility, punctuality, and a strong sense of ethics—qualities that are essential for medical professionals.
NAIHS offers a comprehensive range of programs under its academic umbrella, ensuring that students receive a holistic medical education.
The NAIHS College of Medicine is the cornerstone of the institution. It offers a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, designed to train competent and compassionate doctors.
The MBBS course at NAIHS follows a five-and-a-half-year curriculum, including one year of compulsory internship. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, enabling students to understand both clinical and community aspects of medicine.
Basic Sciences (Years 1–2): Students study anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology.
Clinical Sciences (Years 3–4): Focus on internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
NAIHS employs a modern, student-centered teaching approach that includes:
Problem-based learning (PBL)
Case presentations
Group discussions
Laboratory experiments
Clinical rotations
The College of Nursing at NAIHS offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs aimed at producing highly skilled nursing professionals.
B.Sc. Nursing
Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing
Master of Nursing (MN)
The nursing programs emphasize both theoretical and clinical excellence, preparing nurses to serve in hospitals, communities, and research institutions.
This college focuses on paramedical and technical education, offering diploma and certificate programs in areas such as:
Medical Laboratory Technology
Radiography
Pharmacy
Physiotherapy
These programs are crucial for producing supportive healthcare professionals who contribute to patient care and hospital management.
To apply for the MBBS program at NAIHS, students must meet the following criteria:
Completion of 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum of 50% aggregate in the qualifying examination.
Successful performance in the Medical Education Commission (MEC) entrance exam.
Online Registration: Candidates must fill out the application form available on the NAIHS or MEC website.
Entrance Examination: Conducted by the MEC, testing students on science subjects and aptitude.
Interview and Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates attend a final selection round.
NAIHS offers a reasonable and transparent fee structure compared to private medical colleges. A portion of seats is reserved for Nepal Army personnel’s dependents, while the rest are open to civilian candidates.
Scholarships are also available based on merit and need, ensuring that talented students from all backgrounds can access medical education.
The NAIHS campus is a blend of modern architecture and functional design. It features:
Well-equipped classrooms and laboratories
Dissection halls with advanced anatomical models
Digital libraries with access to medical journals and databases
High-speed internet and research facilities
The NAIHS Teaching Hospital, located in Kathmandu, serves as the institute’s primary clinical training center. With hundreds of inpatient beds and specialized departments, it provides real-world experience for students.
General Medicine
Surgery
Orthopedics
Pediatrics
Gynecology and Obstetrics
Psychiatry
Emergency Medicine
Intensive Care Units (ICU)
Students gain invaluable experience through rotations in these departments, working alongside experienced doctors and medical officers.
NAIHS provides safe and comfortable hostel accommodations for both male and female students. Each hostel is managed with strict discipline and equipped with amenities like study rooms, Wi-Fi, recreation areas, and 24-hour security.
Student life at NAIHS is dynamic and balanced. In addition to academics, students participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, cultural events, and volunteering programs.
NAIHS boasts a distinguished faculty comprising professors, associate professors, and assistant lecturers with years of experience in teaching and clinical practice. Many of them hold postgraduate qualifications from reputed national and international institutions.
The institute encourages a strong research culture among students and faculty. Students are guided to engage in medical research projects and attend national and international conferences.
Research areas include:
Community health and preventive medicine
Infectious diseases
Maternal and child health
Epidemiology and public health policies
NAIHS operates under the academic affiliation of Tribhuvan University (TU) and is recognized by the Medical Education Commission (MEC) of Nepal. Its MBBS program aligns with the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international bodies.
NAIHS maintains academic and professional collaborations with several international medical universities and organizations. These partnerships allow for:
Faculty exchange programs
Joint research initiatives
International seminars and workshops
Opportunities for students to attend global medical conferences
Such collaborations enhance the academic exposure of students and align the institute with global healthcare standards.
The institute’s environment is characterized by military-style discipline, punctuality, and professionalism. Students are expected to maintain decorum, dress codes, and high ethical standards throughout their education.
NAIHS encourages holistic development by organizing events such as:
Annual cultural and sports festivals
Blood donation drives
Medical awareness campaigns
Community outreach programs
NAIHS offers comprehensive student support, including:
Academic counseling
Career guidance
Psychological support
Mentorship programs
These services ensure that students can thrive academically and personally during their tenure at the institute.
Although primarily established to cater to army personnel and their families, NAIHS also extends medical services to the civilian population. Its hospitals provide affordable healthcare to people from all walks of life.
The institute actively participates in rural healthcare programs, sending students and faculty to remote regions for medical camps, vaccination drives, and health education initiatives.
NAIHS has played a significant role in responding to national emergencies and disasters, such as the 2015 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, providing medical relief, treatment, and humanitarian support.
Students receive high-quality education that combines theory with hands-on practice.
Compared to private institutions, NAIHS provides cost-effective education without compromising quality.
Students learn directly from some of the best professionals in Nepal’s medical field.
The attached teaching hospital offers diverse clinical cases, ensuring extensive practical experience.
Military values such as punctuality, respect, and service are deeply ingrained in the campus culture.
Graduates from NAIHS have diverse career options:
Government and private hospitals
Military medical services
Research and academic careers
International healthcare organizations
Many NAIHS alumni are now serving as reputed doctors in Nepal and abroad.
The institute plans to expand its postgraduate and doctoral programs in the near future, opening more opportunities for advanced specialization in various medical disciplines.
With affiliations and curriculum aligned to global standards, NAIHS graduates are eligible to appear for international licensing exams such as USMLE, PLAB, and FMGE, allowing them to practice in countries like the USA, UK, and India.
The Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences stands as a beacon of excellence in Nepal’s medical education landscape. Its commitment to discipline, quality, and service makes it one of the most respected institutions for aspiring healthcare professionals. Through its well-structured academic programs, advanced facilities, and dedicated faculty, NAIHS continues to produce skilled doctors, nurses, and medical experts who contribute to the well-being of society both nationally and globally.
For students seeking a medical career rooted in integrity, excellence, and service, NAIHS represents not just a place of study—but a foundation for a lifelong mission in medicine.