It is my utmost pleasure and pride to put forth my views as the Head of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (DoCSE) at Kathmandu University. Ever since its establishment in 1994, the department has held the distinction of offering Nepal’s first undergraduate program in computer science and engineering. Over the years, DoCSE has grown into a premier department within the School of Engineering, consistently producing graduates who are making meaningful contributions both nationally and internationally.
At present, the department offers four dynamic undergraduate programs. These include Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering (BE CE), Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSc CS), Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT), and the newly introduced Bachelor of Technology in Cybersecurity (B.Tech. Cybersecurity). The intake capacity for the BE CE program has now expanded to 192 prospective engineers per new batch, while the BSc CS program admits 120 students annually.
The BIT program is offered in two distinct modes: a Double Degree program in collaboration with CIHE, Australia, and a regular BIT program under the affiliation of the School of Engineering, Kathmandu University. The B.Tech. in Cybersecurity, our latest undergraduate offering, is conducted at Ullens College under the strong academic supervision and guidance of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, reflecting our commitment to addressing emerging and critical domains in computing.
In addition to undergraduate education, the department offers postgraduate programs, including the Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering, the Master of Technology in Information Technology, and MS by Research. We admit a limited number of students—up to 20 per year—in our taught master’s programs to ensure focused learning and close academic mentorship. The department also runs a vibrant PhD program, where scholars are actively engaged in high-impact and innovative research that contributes to the advancement of computer science and engineering.
Kathmandu University emphasizes learning through projects, a philosophy deeply embedded within our department. This approach strengthens students’ theoretical foundations while enabling them to apply knowledge to real-world problems. Our graduates have gone on to excel in academia, industry, government, and entrepreneurship, both within Nepal and across the globe.
The department is supported by a highly qualified and diverse faculty body from Nepal and abroad, dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship. Strong collaborations with industry and software organizations help us continuously update our curriculum, thereby narrowing the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Final-year undergraduate students gain valuable professional exposure through a three-month industrial internship, which serves as a bridge to their future careers.
Research and development remain central to the mission of DoCSE. Faculty members have successfully secured grants from national and international funding agencies, enabling research at the forefront of the discipline. The department currently hosts three active research laboratories: the Information and Language Processing Research Lab, the Digital Learning Research Lab, and the Active Learning Lab, each focusing on state-of-the-art research themes.
Today, the Department of Computer Science and Engineering is a vibrant academic community of more than 1,000 students, spanning undergraduate to PhD levels. As we continue to grow, our commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation remains unwavering. I extend my sincere gratitude to our students, faculty members, alumni, and industry partners for their continued support and collaboration.
Er. Pankaj Raj Dawadi, PhD
Acting Head
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Kathmandu University
(pdawadi@ku.edu.np)