Government of Nepal

Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation

Nepal Mountain Academy

NMA

BMS is an undergraduate degree of four years (eight semesters) course that comprises of foundation courses of management studies, social science, pure science, mountaineering and tourism core courses, electives and project/field-based applied research report writing works culminating in thesis writing representing both sectors of management, and mountain tourism, and mountaineering. Thus, BMS is not just about climbing but is a complete integration of modern management, mountain, and related tourism studies.

BMS at a glance

Professors of different disciplines and faculties have designed the curricula of Bachelor of Mountaineering Studies (BMS).

  • It is based on the wisdom of the past (history of mountain tourism and mountaineering) with an eye for the future;
  • It aims to prepare graduates having a set of skills, attributes, and values that equip them to become constructive and contributing leaders in an increasingly globalized field of mountain and mountaineering tourism.

The syllabi for BMS have been prepared and developed following international academic standards to cater the needs of the rapidly developing tourism and hospitality industry across the globe. This academic program primarily follows the three-pronged approaches: Professional, Vocational, and Entrepreneurial. It further:

  • tries to develop core competencies, subject specific, interdisciplinary, and methodological competencies comprising with practical and applied competencies (prognosis and praxis);
  • focuses on inculcating ethics, stewardship, knowledge, professionalism, and mutual understanding among the stakeholders (TEFI).

Scopes of BMS

BMS gives you the power to explore beyond your realms. Some scopes include: 

  • Nepal being the home to 14 out of 20 highest peaks in the world actually makes it the most suitable place to study and implies the brighter prospects of this course;
  • Along with climbing, BMS provides you the possibility of expanding your career as a trekking expert, incubator, natural researcher, anthropologist, and tourism business entrepreneur;
  • Aspiring young men and women to have a great space to grow and pioneer in the mountains and its orbital business in national and international market; and  
  • Emphasizing career-focused skills viz. wall climbing, rock climbing, trekking, peak climbing and mountaineering. 

Thus, BMS stands at your doorstep to open an international trail of recognition.

BMS course prepares you to be:

  • Researcher (Topography, Climate, Environment) 
  • Lecturer (National, International)
  • Manager (Tour, Travel, Expedition Companies, Events)
  • Anthropologist (Culture & Society)
  • Entrepreneur
  • Mountaineer (Guides and Leaders) 
  • Mountain science researcher
  • Mid-level executives (Governmental / Non-Governmental)
  • Mountain geologist 
  • Mountain economist
  • Sociologist

Additional Information about the Course

Class Timings

The classes for BMS start from 6:30 AM till 10:00 AM on weekdays.
 (Note: Classes can be arranged on Saturdays or any other holidays as per need.)

Attendance and Evaluations

It is compulsory for all the students to maintain an attendance record of 80% in each subject in order to be eligible to appear for the final board examination.

Practical Training Trips

The field studies/research shall be organized by the academy for all the semesters upon favorable circumstances and as per the academic calendar. Out of the 100 marks for the field study/research, 50 marks shall be allocated by evaluating the field performance and 50 marks upon the evaluation of the report & viva-voce.

Grading system
The grading system followed in the BMS program is based on the absolute performance of a student in the in-semester (40%) evaluations and semester-end examinations (60%) conducted by TU. Here’s the breakdown of grading system of 40%:

Attendance: 20
Seminar/ Presentations: 20
Internal Assessment: 20
Discipline & ECA Participation: 20
Pre-board Examination: 20
Total: 100 marks which shall be converted to 40 marks.

Notes: Out of the 40 marks, individual student must score 30 marks to be eligible and qualified to appear the final semester examination. In case if the students fail to score a minimum of 30 marks, they shall be marked as 'Not Qualified (NQ)' for the respective subjects. 

The entire course is divided into eight semesters to be completed within four years to enable the students to earn 129 credits after the successful completion of the course. 

S.N. Course Code Subjects Credit

1

2
3
4
5
6

BMS 101
BMS 102
BMS 103
BMS 104
BMS 105
BMS 106
First Semester
Principles of Management in Tourism
Tourism & Mountaineering in Nepal
Tourism English
Research Methods
Himalaya Geography
Field Study/Practical I (Rock Climbing)
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
BMS 201
BMS 202
BMS 203
BMS 204
BMS 205
BMS 206
Second Semester
Business Statistics and Mathematics
Nepali Culture, Society, and Heritages
Tourism Business Communication
Peace and Conflict Management
Tourism and Hospitality Management
Field Study - II (Research): Cultural Tour for a Week with Report
 
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
BMS 301
BMS 302
BMS 303
BMS 304
BMS 305
BMS 306
Third Semester
Management Accounting
Cross Cultural Behavior in Tourism
Tourism Law
Safety and Security Operations
Mountain Environment and Tourism
Field Study - III (Research): Trekking Trip up to Base Camp with Report
 
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
BMS 401
BMS 402
BMS 403
BMS 404
BMS 405
BMS 406
Forth Semester
Fundamentals of Financial Management
Anthropology and Sociology of Mountaineering
Human Resource Management
Trekking and Peak Climbing Operations
Himalayan Climate and Climate Change
Field Study - IV (Research): Trekking Peak Climbing with Report
 
3
3
3
3
3
3
 
1
2
3
4
5
 
BMS 501
BMS 502
BMS 503
BMS 504
BMS 505
Fifth Semester
Economics of Tourism
French Language - I
E-Tourism
Tourism Policy and Planning
Biodiversity, Conservation and Mountain Tourism
 
3
3
3
3
3
 
1
2
3
4
5
 
BMS 601
BMS 602
BMS 603
BMS 604
BMS 605
Sixth Semester
Entrepreneurship
French Language - II
Mountaineering Planning
Mountaineering: International Mountains
Himalayan Geology
 
3
3
3
3
3
1
2
3
4
BMS 701
BMS 702
BMS 703
BMS 704
Seventh Semester
Mountaineering: Fundamentals of Climbing
High Altitude Hospitality (Elective - I)
Early Warning Systems for Mountain Hazards (Elective-I)
Field Study - V (Research): Mountain Climbing 6000 m (45 days) with Report
 
3
3
3
6

 

1

2
3

 

4



BMS 801
BMS 802
BMS 803

 

BMS 804

Eighth Semester

Service Quality Management (Elective - II)
Transboundary & International Cooperation (Elective- II)
Field Study - VI (Research): Mountain Climbing 7000 m (45 days) with Report



Thesis

 

3
3

9



6

    Note: For each of the Practical Training Trip, 50% weightage shall be carried by the fieldwork and 50% by the post fieldwork ( individual report and VIVA VOCE) submitted by the student.

*This remodeled course structure comes into implementation from 2022. Previous batches will follow the prevailing course structure.

Annual intake: 33 students for effective learning

Student intake

Student intake for the BMS program will begin from August-September for the Fall semester.

Eligibility
The applicant for BMS must have successfully completed 10+2 or equivalent examination in any academic stream with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks ( CGPA 1.8 with a minimum D+ grade in each subject) from the National Examination Board or any equivalent board recognized by Tribhuvan University with English as a compulsory subject. 

Documents required:

1.Duly filled application form for BMS 

2. Certificates and testimonials of all examinations passed

3. Two recent passport-sized photographs

4. CMAT score sheet (The applicant must score a minimum of 40 marks in CMAT conducted by TU to be eligible to apply for BMS)

Health related documents: A medical report

Admission test
The academy shall conduct admission tests for appropriate screening of applicants. The applicants shall be screened in each of the stages.

1. Written test

The applicants shall be given a relevant topic on tourism and mountaineering to screen their ability of fluency, knowledge, and argument.

2. Personal interview

Personal interview is to measure applicants' motivational level, attitude and capability to handle the pressure and rigors of the programs.

3. Aptitude test

4. Physical fitness

5. Group discussion

Group discussion on a given topic. A panel of judges will evaluate the applicants’ performance based on leadership, logic, and overall presentation.

(Nepal Mountain Academy has the final authority in selecting the students for the program.)

Apply Now

 

Nationals First Semester Second Semester Third Semester Fourth Semester Fifth Semester Sixth Semester Seventh
Semester
Eighth Semester TOTAL
Nepali 250,000/- 100,000/- 100,000/- 50,000/- 25,000/- 25,000/- 25,000/- 25,000/- NRs. 600,000
SAARC 334,000/- 134,000/- 134,000/- 66,000/- 33,000/- 33,000/- 33,000/- 33,000/- NRs. 800,000
Foreign 500,000/- 200,000/- 200,000/- 100,000/- 50,000/- 50,000/- 50,000/- 50,000/- NRs. 1,200,000

Field expenses
As far as the practical courses are concerned, the charges for the instructors, transportation, and equipment (except personal equipment) shall be covered by the academy, and each student shall be responsible for their personal expenses, food, and accommodation during the field trips.

To mitigate the risks associated with technical gears and equipment in mountain climbing, the academy manages gears of utmost importance as alpine boots, crampons, down jackets, gore-tex suits, sunglasses, and so on as necessitated.

Scholarship for BMS

1. University scholarship

Three (3) students are granted up to 100% scholarship in tuition fees. However, field practical fees shall be payable. 

2. Performance scholarship

The student with the highest score in a semester examination shall be rewarded with Rs. 20,000/- (fee waiver in the next semester)

3. Thesis/Research grant

The student with the highest aggregate score in a batch shall be rewarded with a Thesis/Research Grant of up to Rs. 100,000/-

4. Privilege scholarship

Two scholarships of 25% in tuition fee is offered to eligible students (1 male and 1 female) who are permanent residents of Solududhkunda Municipality -7, Garma, Solukhumbu

5. Contribution scholarship

A total of 25% scholarship in tuition fees is offered to 4 students (2 males and 2 females) who must be:

  • the child of a mountain climber who has lost his/her life or has been physically impaired while mountain climbing;
  • the child of a mountain climber who has successfully submitted 8000-meter peaks more than 5 times, including the Sagarmatha (8848.86 meters); 
  • the child of a certified and licensed IMFGA guide who has a minimum work experience of 7 years.

Currently, Nepal Mountain Academy possesses a pleasing academic facility located in Bijulibazar, Kathmandu and own highly equipped Training cum Research Center spread in 3000 Ropani in Garma, Solukhumbu. The facility incorporates seminar halls, classrooms, library, computer lab, a climbing wall and other high-tech gadgets.

a. Classrooms
Highly furnished classrooms with digital learning appliances, stereo sound system and comfortable seating arrangement in a peaceful environment.

b. Library
More than 3500 national and international hard-copy books, journals and research papers are available for students. Academy library also has provision of conveying any books upon students’ request.

c. Computer lab
The computer lab, equipped with unlimited internet facility and modern computers are available for students. Regardless of the Academy’s class timing, the lab stands open for students on any time during the office hours.

d. Climbing wall
Since, adventure tourism studies empirical learning with experimental verification, the Academy has built a bouldering wall to enhance the students’ physical abilities as well as techniques/ art of climbing.

e. Organized outdoor sports
Academy, in request of students also organizes several other communal sports such as Futsal, Badminton, Trail running, Hiking and so on.

Academics oriented

1. Publications

The academy in-home has published:

a. Textbook of tourism, adventure tourism, mountaineering, mountain science as well as academic requirements of BMS and MATS courses;

b. International peer-reviewed journal: Journal of Tourism and Himalayan Adventures (JTHA). DOI: 

c. Annual academic magazine: Voice of Himalaya (VOH)

d. Adventure Tourism Resource Manual (Trainers Guide)

e. Annual primary research compilation/ publication and peak profile of 14 eight-thousanders

2. Counseling from experts

The academy is home to 70+ masterminds of several academic and practical disciplines. The experts from several tourism associations such as NNMGA, NMIA, TAAN, PATA, NMA, NTB, MoCTCA, and many other nationally and internationally acclaimed areas offer advice, information, guidance, and supervision to aspirants.

3. Research facilitation

The academy motivates students to conduct and take part in diverse tourism researches. In possible cases, the academy provides literary and financial help for innovative research plans as well and offers opportunities for the articles to be included in the Journal of Tourism and Himalayan Adventures.

4. Involvement in nationally recognized events and activities

The academy actively takes part in almost every national tourism happenings and celebration and encourages students to volunteer and facilitate in them. This not only helps the students to understand the Nepalese tourism scenario but also develops their ability to manage and organize nationally recognized events. The academy's organizing of discussion sessions with acclaimed national and international mountaineers on the development of peak profiles of 14 Eight-Thousanders is a model initiative of international event organization, where students get to take part.

5. Research grants and incentives

The academy on an annual basis has been opening research grants to students and experts aiming at exploring the diverse science, culture, heritage, and adventure facets of the Himalayas. The research grants have also helped students of the academy cultivate their capacity of organizing and executing primary fieldwork and compiling them into discernable academic work.

The CMAT (Central Management Admission Test) is a compulsory entrance test taken by Tribhuvan University (TU) for the enrollment in management stream. BMS being affiliated to the Faculty of Management, TU, should comply with the CMAT entrance test.

The CMAT is a 100 marks examination of 3 hours comprised of 100 questions of 1 mark each. There's no negative marking and students must score a minimum of 40 marks to apply for the BMS course.

Here's the break-down of the CMAT exam pattern:

Sections Number of Questions Total Marks
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation 25 25
General Awareness 25 25
Logical Reasoning 25 25
Language Comprehension 25 25
Total 100 100

Nepal Mountain Academy organizes 'Free CMAT Crash Course' where the students can learn techniques to crack the entrance exam in a short period of time. Follow the academy's facebook page for the exact date and time of the preparation classes.

Click here to view the:
BMS CMAT Model Question

BMS stands for Bachelor of Mountaineering Studies.

BMS course is the very first course in Nepal introduced by Nepal Mountain Academy which is a government organization under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Nepal and affiliated to the Faculty of Management of Tribhuvan University.

Minimum D+ grade in each subject of grade 11 and 12 with CGPA 1.8 or more

Or

Minimum score of second division marks in 10+2, PCL or Equivalent in any discipline.

Or

Students who have passed grade 11 and are waiting for grade 12 results can also apply. However, they have to submit passed certificate of grade 12 at the time of admission.

Note: For non-Nepali/International students refer to question number 9.

The admission process for BMS has been mentioned stepwise as follows: 

  • Step I: Fill up the CMAT form from the Academy.
  • Step II: Appear for the CMAT exam. (See CMAT Exam section for TU's CMAT question pattern)
  • Step III: After clearing the CMAT exam with at least 40 marks, fill up the college form (link to college form here) for BMS.
  • Step IV: Submit all the documents along with the BMS form. (See question number 5 for details.)
  • Step V: Appear for the group discussion, personal interview, and written test for BMS as scheduled.
  • Step VI: Pay the first installment of the course fee after being selected to study the course

The following documents must be submitted by each applicant in order to complete the process of admission:

  • CMAT score sheet
  • Copies of Transcripts/Mark sheets of SLC and +2
  • Copies of Character Certificate of SLC and +2
  • Equivalency Certificate for SLC and +2 (if the students have appeared their SLC and +2 from foreign boards)
  • Updated CV/Bio data
  • Copy of Citizenship Certificate

The entire course is divided into eight semesters to be completed within 4 years that will enable the students to earn 153 credits after the successful completion of the course.

(click here to view the detailed course structure of BMS)

This course has been specifically designed to enable the graduates:

  • to handle operational aspects of trekking and mountaineering services.
  • to develop networking, designing, and costing of treks and expeditions.
  • to display professional efficiency, in using the promotional technique, marketing, and measurement of mountain tourism.
  • to handle the groups successfully through charismatic leadership and competencies.
  • to be able to make efforts for nature conservation, protection of biodiversity, and cultural preservation.
  • to exhibit their skills, competence, and willingness to work in governmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutions, tourism and hospitality industries, rural and mountain development institutes, academia, and other tourism-related organizations.

As tourism is a growing industry in Nepal and also globally, the scope of the graduates after the successful completion of the course definitely goes beyond the national level and fetches and international prospect in the field of tourism, mountaineering, and adventure studies.

BMS course prepares you to be:

  • Himalayan researcher (Topography, Climate, Environment) 
  • Educator (National, International)
  • Skillful manager (Tour, Travel, Expedition Companies, Events)
  • Social science researcher (Culture & Society)
  • Entrepreneur
  • Mountaineer (Guides and Leaders) 
  • Mountain science researcher
  • Mid- level executives (Governmental / Non-Governmental)

International students who have passed their high school level and are interested to apply for the undergraduate course on Mountaineering Studies may submit:

  • Updated CV and a letter of motivation (SOP) of not more than 500 words at isd@man.gov.np.
  • Verification or proof of taking English as a compulsory subject until high school along with the application.

For students who are not familiar with English as a working language must submit:

  • The score of IELTS (with a minimum score of 5.5), TOEFL (with a minimum score of 46)

The course starts at June/July intake where student will enroll for Foundation class of two months. Students will study CMAT, Basic Nepali language, and Fundamentals of Mountaineering.

Students shall attend CMAT examination to start their semester course. CMAT is a 180 minutes (3 hours) computer-based online entrance exam for admission into programs offered by Mountain Academy in Nepal. CMAT 2019 will be conducted to evaluate the candidate’s ability across various academic segments.

The total cost of tuition fee is NRs. 6,00,000 for Nepali nationals, NRs. 8,00,000 for SAARC nationals and NRs. 12,00,000 for others all of which are payable in 8 installments.

For details about the breakdown of the fee structure, please click here.

As far as the practical courses are concerned, the charges for the instructors, transportation, and equipment (except personal equipment) shall be covered by the academy and each student shall be responsible for their personal expenses, food and accommodation during the field trips.

To mitigate the risks associated with technical gears and equipment in mountain climbing, the academy manages gears of utmost importance as alpine boots, crampons, down jackets, gore-tex suits, sunglasses, and so on as necessitated.

However, a tentative range of practical related expenses has been listed as follows for a general idea:

S.No. Practical Training Trip Semester Estimated Expense (in NRs)
1 PTT I: Rock climbing for Week Days with Report First 5,000
2 PTT II: Cultural Tour for a Week with Report Second 12,000
3 PTT III: Trekking Trip up to Base Camp with Report Third 15,000
4 PTT IV: Trekking peak Climbing with Report Fourth 20,000

 

The academy offers multiple full and partial scholarships in the BMS course.

1. University scholarship

Three (3) students are granted up to 100% scholarship in tuition fees.

2. Performance scholarship

The student with the highest score in a semester board examination shall be rewarded with Rs. 20,000/- (fee waiver in the next semester)

3. Thesis/Research grant

The student with the highest aggregate score in a batch shall be rewarded with a Thesis/Research Grant of up to Rs. 100,000/-

4. Privilege scholarship

Two scholarships of 25% in tuition fees are offered to eligible students (1 male and 1 female) who are permanent residents of Solududhkunda Municipality -7, Garma, Solukhumbu

5. Contribution scholarship

A total of 25% scholarship in tuition fees is offered to 4 students (2 males and 2 females) who must be:

  • the child of a mountain climber who has lost his/her life or has been physically impaired while mountain climbing.
  • the child of a mountain climber who has successfully submitted 8000-meter peaks more than 5 times including Mount Everest (8848.86 meters).
  • the child of a certified and licensed IMFGA guide who has a minimum work experience of 7 years.

Currently, Nepal Mountain Academy possesses a pleasing academic facility located in Bijulibazar, Kathmandu and highly equipped Training cum Research Center spread in 3000 Ropani in Garma, Solukhumbu. The facility incorporates seminar halls, classrooms, library, computer lab, a climbing wall, and other high-tech gadgets.

a. Classrooms

Highly furnished classrooms with digital learning appliances, stereo sound system, and comfortable seating arrangement in a peaceful environment.

b. Library

More than 3500 national and international hard-copy books, journals and research papers are available for students. Academy library also has the provision of conveying any books upon students’ request.

c. Computer lab

The computer lab, equipped with unlimited internet facility and modern computers, is available for students. Regardless of the Academy’s class timing, the lab stands open for students at any time during office hours.

d. Climbing wall

Since, adventure tourism studies empirical learning with experimental verification, the Academy has built a bouldering wall to enhance the students’ physical abilities as well as techniques/ art of climbing.

e. Organized outdoor sports

Academy, in the request of students also organizes several other communal sports such as Futsal, Badminton, Trail running, Hiking, and so on.

Academics oriented

1. Publications

The academy in-home has published:

a. Textbook of tourism, adventure tourism, mountaineering, mountain science as well as academic requirements of BMS and MATS courses;

b. International peer-reviewed journal: Journal of Tourism and Himalayan Adventures (JTHA). DOI: 

c. Annual academic magazine: Voice of Himalaya (VOH)

d. Adventure Tourism Resource Manual (Trainers Guide)

e. Annual primary research compilation/ publication and peak profile of 14 eight-thousanders

2. Counseling from experts

The academy is home to 70+ masterminds of several academic and practical disciplines. The experts from several tourism associations such as NNMGA, NMIA, TAAN, PATA, NMA, NTB, MoCTCA, and many other nationally and internationally acclaimed areas offer advice, information, guidance, and supervision to aspirants.

3. Research facilitation

The academy motivates students to conduct and take part in diverse tourism researches. In possible cases, the academy provides literary and financial help for innovative research plans as well and offers opportunities for the articles to be included in the Journal of Tourism and Himalayan Adventures.

4. Involvement in nationally recognized events and activities

The academy actively takes part in almost every national tourism happenings and celebration and encourages students to volunteer and facilitate in them. This not only helps the students to understand the Nepalese tourism scenario but also develops their ability to manage and organize nationally recognized events. The academy's organizing of discussion sessions with acclaimed national and international mountaineers on the development of peak profiles of 14 Eight-Thousanders is a model initiative of international event organization, where students get to take part.

5. Research grants and incentives

The academy on an annual basis has been opening research grants to students and experts aiming at exploring the diverse science, culture, heritage, and adventure facets of the Himalayas. The research grants have also helped students of the academy cultivate their capacity of organizing and executing primary fieldwork and compiling them into discernable academic work.