KATHMANDU: Plus two education is the foundation of every student’s future. This is the most crucial time to make the right decision to reach ones preferred destination in life. As SLC graduates may not be mature enough to make such important decisions, it would be a tough affair for them to choose a course. Failing this, many students will have to suffer in the future.

Selecting the right educational institution is equally important. In this backdrop, students need proper counselling to help them discover their potential, talent and interests to choose the right course and college.

Guardians and colleges should be the biggest help. They should provide counselling regarding the course and career prospects of the course. However, growing unhealthy competition among colleges has made course counselling merely a tool to advertise and attract students in their colleges.

“Choosing a right course and the right educational institution needs thorough research and study,” said Suprabhat Bhandari, President of Guardian’s Association Nepal (GAN). “Many students choose faculties and colleges either under peer pressure or parent’s decision,” he said, adding that this may lead students to frustration and failure in the future. Stressing that there should be healthy discussions in the family, he said, “While deciding for higher studies, interest and capability of students, career prospects and financial issues play a vital role. And parents should make these issues clear to their children.”

According to him, there are 3,690 colleges in the country and each college will have 73 students if SLC graduates are divided to these colleges. With colleges offering various courses and facilities, students find it a daunting task to choose appropriate institutions. Experts suggest being alert about misleading facts, false announcements and promises while selecting colleges.

“The plus two education is the foundation of a career path that the students will lead in future. Therefore, one should have clear objectives before choosing any stream,” said Hari Singh KC, Vice Principal of South Western State College. Citing that SLC graduates are not mature enough to make decision on their own, he said, “It is the duty of guardians and colleges to guide and provide them proper counselling.” He opined that every college should provide counselling on career and stream selection for students.

“It would be completely wrong if we pre-determine a particular stream is merely for students scoring distinction, higher first division, or second division,” said KC, adding that every stream has its own scope and charm. “Students can choose any stream they are interested in,” he added. According to him, guardians and students should consider whether they offer value based education or not, academic track record, academic environment and presentation of classes while choosing the college.

Many colleges have their separate counselling department for easing students to choose right subjects and faculties. “Counselling for both students and parents is essential for better perspective about scope of the subjects,” said Rajani Mukhiya, A Level Coordinator at British Model College. Informing that they have separate counselling department, she said, “Choosing streams as per the interest and creativity of students is compulsory and we counsel students about these aspects.” She further said that family income source is also one of the determining factors while choosing streams.