--- title: "Research article on IT in Nepal" subject: "Communication English" chapter: 10 key: "semester_5/communication_english:research-article-it-development-nepal" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/research-article-it-development-nepal site: BCT Engineering --- # Research article on IT in Nepal Communication English · Chapter 10: Writing Research Articles - Asked in: 2072 Chaitra, 10 marks - Video: [HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PAPER | Steps to writing a research paper | Research paper sections](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kguiI17880) — WiseUp Communications - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/research-article-it-development-nepal - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-10 ## Question Write in about 500 words, a research article on "Development of Information Technology in Nepal". ## Short answer Nepal' s IT development began with the IBM1401 in1971 and expanded after the internet arrived in1994. 95. Mobile and internet penetration is now widespread, digital payments are common, and the software industry is growing. Key challenges remain the urban-rural digital divide, brain drain, and weak cyber security. ## Answer **Development of Information Technology in Nepal** *Bibek Adhikari, Department of Computer Engineering* #### Abstract Information technology (IT) has become a key sector of Nepal's economy. This article traces the development of IT in the country, from the first computer in the 1970s to today's digital services, and discusses its achievements and challenges. The study is based on published reports and articles. It finds good growth in connectivity, software services and digital payments, but also a digital divide, a shortage of skilled workers and cyber security risks. It suggests policies to make IT a driving force of national development. **Keywords:** information technology, Nepal, internet, e-governance, software industry #### Introduction Information technology means the use of computers, networks and software to handle information. In the modern world, it supports the economy, government, education and health. For Nepal, a landlocked and mountainous country, IT is especially valuable because it helps to overcome the barriers of distance. #### History and growth - **1970s-1980s:** The first computer, an IBM 1401, was brought in for the 1971 census. The Electronic Data Processing Centre, later the National Computer Centre, was set up in 1974, and personal computers spread in the 1980s. - **1990s:** Internet service started in 1994-95, and private firms began software and training services. The Telecommunications Act (1997) created the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (1998), and mobile phone service began in 1999. - **2000s:** The IT Policy (2000) and the Electronic Transactions Act (2008) were introduced, private mobile operators expanded telephony across the country, and outsourcing companies grew. - **2010s-present:** 3G, 4G and fibre networks, digital wallets, online banking, e-learning and e-governance (such as the national ID and online tax) have spread rapidly, and the use of social media and e-commerce is widespread. #### Achievements 1. Mobile phone and internet use now reaches the majority of the population; NTA reports show that mobile subscriptions exceed the population because many people use more than one SIM, and internet use is widespread. 2. Digital payment platforms have made transactions easy for millions of people. 3. A growing number of IT firms and start-ups provide software and services to the world. 4. Government services are gradually moving online. 5. IT education has expanded, with hundreds of colleges. #### Challenges - A digital divide between urban and remote areas. - A shortage of skilled workers, and brain drain. - Cyber crime and weak data protection. - Limited research and dependence on imported technology. - Unreliable power supply and high costs in remote areas. #### Conclusion IT in Nepal has progressed significantly in the past three decades, but its full potential is yet to be reached. With investment in infrastructure and skills, a strong cyber law and support for local innovation, IT can become a major source of income, jobs and good governance. #### References - Nepal Telecommunications Authority. (n.d.). *Management information system (MIS) report*. https://nta.gov.np - Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. (2019). *Digital Nepal framework*. Government of Nepal. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What does the abstract of this research article do? A. Lists every reference in full B. Summarises the topic, method, findings and suggestions in a short paragraph C. Gives the detailed history year by year D. Provides only the author's opinion with no findings Answer: B. An abstract briefly states the aim, the source basis (published reports), the findings (growth plus digital divide, skills shortage, cyber risks) and the suggestions. (Key point: Role of the abstract) 2. According to the introduction, why is IT especially valuable for Nepal? A. Nepal has the largest IT industry in South Asia B. Nepal has no other source of income C. Being landlocked and mountainous, Nepal benefits because IT overcomes the barriers of distance D. IT removes the need for government Answer: C. The article says that for a landlocked, mountainous country IT is valuable because it overcomes distance. (Key point: Why IT suits Nepal) 3. Which sequence matches the history given in the article? A. Internet in 1994-95, then computer for 1971 census, then National Computer Centre B. National Computer Centre in 1974 and mobile telephony in the 1960s C. Census computer in 1971, National Computer Centre in 1974, internet service in 1994-95 D. 3G and 4G networks in the 1980s, personal computers in the 2010s Answer: C. The first computer was used for the 1971 census, the National Computer Centre was set up in 1974 and internet service began in 1994-95. (Key point: Historical timeline) 4. Which of the following is listed as a challenge, not an achievement? A. Digital payment platforms B. Expansion of IT education with hundreds of colleges C. Government services moving online D. Cyber crime and weak data protection Answer: D. Cyber crime and weak data protection appear under challenges, along with the digital divide and brain drain. 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