DU, JNU, BHU: Nepal Prime Ministers Who Studied From India

13 Sep 2025

Shared Classrooms, Shared Futures

India and Nepal share an open border, cultural ties, and centuries of civilizational history. But beyond diplomacy and geography lies another connection—education. Over the decades, some of Nepal’s most prominent political leaders have studied in Indian universities, including Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

The latest example is Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, now selected as the interim Prime Minister after the resignation of KP Sharma Oli’s government. Her academic journey began at BHU in 1975, where she earned a master’s degree in political science, topping her class.

Her story, and those of other Nepali leaders who studied in India, highlight the role of Indian universities as training grounds for South Asia’s future statesmen and stateswomen.

Sushila Karki: From BHU Student to Nepal’s Interim PM

Academic Roots: In 1975, Sushila Karki completed her master’s in political science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s most prestigious institutions.
Legal Career: She began practicing law in Biratnagar in 1979, rising through the ranks.
Judiciary Milestone: Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009, she broke barriers by becoming Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice in 2016.
Political Role: In 2025, at age 73, Karki has been selected as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, tasked with steering the country during a politically turbulent period.

Her trajectory from BHU’s classrooms to Nepal’s Supreme Court and now the Prime Minister’s Office reflects both personal resilience and the enduring India–Nepal educational bridge.

Indian Universities and Nepal’s Political Elite

For decades, Indian universities have been destinations of choice for Nepali students seeking higher education. Leaders who later shaped Nepal’s destiny often sharpened their intellectual and political skills in these institutions.

1. Delhi University (DU)

Known for its vibrant political culture, DU attracted many future Nepali leaders.
Its proximity to Indian politics gave students a ringside view of democracy in action.

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

JNU’s reputation for ideological debates and activism made it a hub for South Asian students.
Several Nepali politicians studied here, drawing lessons in Marxism, socialism, and democracy.

3. Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

BHU, with its legacy of academic excellence, was particularly popular among Nepali students in the 1960s and 1970s.
Alumni networks extended across Nepal’s bureaucracy, judiciary, and political parties.

Why Indian Universities?

Proximity and Accessibility
– With the open border and cultural familiarity, India was the natural destination.
Affordability
– Indian universities offered quality education at lower costs compared to Western options.
Political Exposure
– Studying in India provided exposure to the world’s largest democracy, influencing Nepali leaders’ own political outlooks.
Networks and Friendships
– Shared classrooms built cross-border networks that later translated into diplomatic goodwill.

Other Nepali Leaders Educated in India

Baburam Bhattarai: Former Prime Minister, studied at Delhi’s School of Planning and Architecture before pursuing higher studies abroad.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda): Although his higher education was largely in Nepal, he had training stints and exposure through Indian institutions.
Madhav Kumar Nepal: Attended political workshops and training programs in India during his early activism.

These examples underscore a pattern—India as an incubator of Nepal’s political class.

India–Nepal Education Ties: A Historical Overview

Since the 1950s, India has reserved scholarship quotas for Nepali students, especially in medicine, engineering, and social sciences.
Thousands of Nepali students continue to study in India every year, making education a pillar of bilateral relations.
Alumni of Indian universities often rise to leadership roles in Nepal, reinforcing the soft power dimension of India’s influence.

Current Context: A Symbolic Moment

With Sushila Karki’s appointment as interim PM, India’s soft power through education finds a fresh expression. Her academic foundation in BHU is not merely a footnote; it symbolizes:

The trust of Nepali families in Indian education.
The lasting influence of India’s institutions in shaping regional governance.
The continuing bridge between the two nations beyond political tensions.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the India–Nepal educational bond remains strong, new challenges are emerging:

Competition from Western & Chinese Universities: More Nepali students are looking beyond India.
Domestic Education Growth: Nepal’s own universities are expanding, though quality remains uneven.
Need for Modern Collaborations: Joint research, faculty exchanges, and digital learning partnerships could rejuvenate ties.

For India, reinforcing educational cooperation is key to sustaining influence in Nepal’s next generation of leaders.

Conclusion: The Classroom Connection

The story of Sushila Karki, from BHU topper to Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice and now interim Prime Minister, highlights the transformative role of Indian universities in shaping South Asia’s leaders. Alongside DU and JNU alumni, she is part of a long line of Nepali figures whose intellectual and political journeys were nurtured in India.

As India and Nepal continue to navigate a complex bilateral relationship, this shared classroom legacy remains one of their most enduring bonds—a reminder that sometimes, the seeds of political destiny are sown not in parliaments, but in university lecture halls.

#NepalPolitics #IndiaNepalTies #VaishnoDevi #BHU #DU #JNU #SouthAsia #SushilaKarki #EducationDiplomacy