What Subjects Are There in Class 9 in Nepal? (2026) Full Guide for Students

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Class 9 in Nepal has five compulsory subjects and two optional subjects, making seven subjects in total. The five compulsory subjects are Nepali, English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Social Studies. The two optional subjects are chosen by students from a list that includes Optional Mathematics, Computer Science, Accountancy, Economics, Health and Physical Education, Geography, Journalism, Fine Art, and others depending on what your school offers.

Similarly, provisions have been made to keep 5 compulsory subjects and 2 optional subjects in grade 9 and grade 10. Among the 2 optional subjects, there will be a skill based subject as well.

This curriculum applies to both Class 9 and Class 10 and connects directly to the SEE exam. Every subject you study in Class 9 continues in Class 10 at a higher difficulty level and appears in the SEE examination. Understanding the subject structure clearly before entering Class 9 helps you plan your preparation and choose optional subjects wisely.

After completing Class 9 and then SEE, use our SEE GPA calculator to understand your result and which (+2) Plus 2 stream you qualify for.

The 5 Compulsory Subjects in Class 9 Nepal

Every Class 9 student in Nepal must study these five subjects regardless of which school they attend or which optional subjects they choose. These five form the academic core of secondary education.

Compulsory Nepali (Subject Code 001)

Compulsory Nepali is one of the two language subjects that every student studies. It covers grammar, reading comprehension, creative and formal writing, poetry, prose, and literature in the Nepali language.

Class 9 Nepali goes significantly deeper than what students covered in BLE Class 8. The grammar component introduces more complex sentence structures, formal essay writing, letter writing in formal and informal formats, comprehension of complex passages, and analysis of literature including poetry and stories.

The exam is typically 75 marks for external theory and 25 marks for internal assessment for a total of 100 marks. Internal assessment includes class tests, assignments, and oral or presentation work depending on the school.

Nepali is a subject most students find manageable compared to Maths and Science. Regular reading of Nepali text and practicing grammar rules and writing formats throughout the year produces strong results. Students who only study Nepali before exams miss the benefit of the ongoing language development that comes from regular reading and writing practice.

Compulsory English (Subject Code 002)

Compulsory English covers reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, vocabulary, and communication. Class 9 English is notably more advanced than BLE English. Comprehension passages are longer and more complex. Essay and letter writing expectations are higher. Grammar rules become more nuanced.

The exam structure follows the same 75 marks external and 25 marks internal pattern as Nepali. The 25 internal marks cover listening, speaking, class tests, and writing assignments throughout the year.

English is one of the subjects where Class 9 effort has the most long-term impact. Students who strengthen their English in Class 9 are significantly better prepared not just for SEE but for (+2) Plus 2 where all Science, Management, and many Humanities subjects are taught in English. The textbooks, reference materials, and exam papers at (+2) Plus 2 level are almost entirely in English. Building a strong English foundation in Class 9 pays off consistently over the following years.

Common weak areas for Nepali students in English include tense usage, prepositions, article usage (a, an, the), and formal writing structure. Identifying and working on these specific weaknesses in Class 9 rather than waiting until SEE preparation builds a much stronger foundation.

Compulsory Mathematics (Subject Code 003)

Compulsory Mathematics is the subject most students find the most challenging in Class 9. The jump from BLE Maths to Class 9 Maths is significant.

Compulsory Mathematics in Class 9 includes algebra, geometry, statistics, and problem solving. It becomes more challenging in Class 9 compared to earlier classes.

The specific topics covered in Class 9 Compulsory Mathematics include sets and their operations, real number system, indices and surds, algebraic expressions and polynomials, linear equations, quadratic equations, coordinate geometry including plotting points and straight lines, geometry covering triangles, quadrilaterals, circles, and their properties, mensuration including area and volume of 3D shapes, statistics covering mean, median, and mode of grouped data, trigonometry introduction, and probability basics.

The exam is 100 marks total. For schools offering the standard NEB curriculum, this is 75 marks for external theory and 25 marks for internal assessment. Some schools may vary this based on their internal assessment policies.

Maths in Class 9 requires consistent daily practice. Concepts build on each other. Missing or misunderstanding an earlier concept creates compounding difficulties with later topics. Students who practice solving problems every day from the beginning of Class 9 find the subject very manageable. Students who try to catch up only before exams consistently struggle.

The topics introduced in Class 9 Maths reappear in Class 10 and are directly tested in SEE. Building strong Maths foundations in Class 9 is one of the highest-impact academic investments a student can make.

Science and Technology (Subject Code 004)

Science and Technology covers physics, chemistry, biology, and basic technology concepts. It also includes experiments and practical learning.

Science and Technology is an integrated subject that combines Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and some Technology in one course. Class 9 is where students get their first real exposure to these disciplines at a conceptually separate level, even though they are still combined in one subject.

The Physics component covers force and motion, work energy and power, simple machines, light and optics, and basic electricity. The Chemistry component covers matter and its classification, atoms and molecules, chemical bonding basics, common chemical reactions, and acids, bases, and salts. The Biology component covers cell biology, plant and animal classification, human body systems including digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory, and basic genetics concepts. The Technology component covers basic technology applications in everyday life.

The Science and Technology exam is 75 marks external theory and 25 marks practical, totaling 100 marks. The 25 practical marks are assessed through experiments conducted throughout the year. Students who skip or take practical sessions casually lose these 25 marks which are among the most manageable marks in the entire Class 9 curriculum.

For students planning to choose Science stream in (+2) Plus 2, Class 9 Science and Technology is the foundation. The Physics, Chemistry, and Biology concepts introduced here are revisited and deepened in (+2) Plus 2 individual Science subjects. A strong Class 9 Science foundation makes (+2) Plus 2 Science significantly more manageable.

Social Studies and Population Education (Subject Code 005)

Social Studies and Population Education combines history, geography, civics, economics basics, and population studies into one subject. It covers Nepal’s history from ancient times to modern Nepal, Nepal’s physical and human geography, civic structures including government, constitution, and rights and duties, world geography, and population education covering demographic concepts, migration, health, and development.

The exam is 75 marks external and 25 marks internal for 100 total marks. Social Studies is primarily a reading and memory-based subject. Students who read regularly throughout the year and revise key facts and concepts do well. Last-minute cramming works less reliably for Social Studies than some students expect because the volume of content is large.

Population Education, which is included within Social Studies in Class 9, covers topics like population size, growth rates, birth and death rates, migration, reproductive health, and sustainable development. These topics are often underestimated by students but carry marks in both the internal assessment and the final exam.

For students planning Humanities stream in (+2) Plus 2, Social Studies in Class 9 provides useful background for Political Science, History, and Sociology subjects at (+2) Plus 2 level.

The 2 Optional Subjects in Class 9 Nepal

The CDC has changed the curriculum of 15 optional subjects for Grade 9 and 10 including Optional English, Geography, Environment Population and Health, Civics, Sociology, Maithili, Population, Environment Science, Computer, Education, Journalism, Health and Physical Education, Photography, Fine Art, and Audit.

Students choose two optional subjects from whatever their school offers. Not every school offers every optional subject. The availability depends on the school’s teaching staff, resources, and student demand.

Official CDC textbooks available for Class 9 optional subjects include Yoga Education 2082, Naturopath 2082, Computer Science 2081, Economics 2074, Optional Mathematics 2076, and Health Physical and Creative Arts.

The most commonly available optional subjects across Nepal’s secondary schools are Optional Mathematics, Computer Science, Accountancy, Economics, Health and Physical Education, and Geography.

Optional Mathematics (Subject Code varies by school)

Optional Mathematics is a deeper and more advanced version of Mathematics compared to Compulsory Mathematics. It is a separate subject with its own textbook and curriculum.

Topics covered in Class 9 Optional Mathematics include advanced algebra including factorization and polynomials, functions and relations, matrices and determinants, coordinate geometry at an advanced level, trigonometry in depth including identities and applications, permutation and combination, vector basics, and linear programming introduction.

The exam is typically 100 marks external theory with no separate practical component. Some schools may have internal assessment components.

Optional Mathematics is the most demanding subject in Class 9 for most students. It requires genuine Maths ability and consistent effort. Students who found Compulsory Maths difficult in BLE and early secondary school should think carefully before choosing Optional Maths. However, for students who enjoy Maths and are strong in it, Optional Maths is an excellent preparation for (+2) Plus 2 Science Mathematics group and Engineering entrance exams.

Optional Mathematics is mostly chosen by students who want to study science, engineering, or technical fields in the future. It helps build a strong foundation for higher studies. However, it is also considered one of the hardest subjects in class 9. It needs regular practice and strong basic math understanding.

If you are choosing Science Mathematics group in (+2) Plus 2, Optional Mathematics in Class 9 and 10 gives you a clear advantage. (+2) Plus 2 Mathematics covers many of the same topics at a higher level. Having already seen these concepts in Class 9 and 10 Optional Maths makes (+2) Plus 2 Maths significantly more manageable.

Computer Science (Subject Code varies by school)

Computer Science is one of the most popular optional subjects across Nepal’s secondary schools because of its practical relevance and relatively accessible content.

In Computer Science, students learn basic computer use, typing, internet concepts, simple programming ideas, and digital tools used in daily life. Many students find it easier compared to Optional Maths and it is also useful for future careers in IT, media, and content creation.

Computer Science 2081 textbook is available for Class 9 students.

Class 9 Computer Science covers computer hardware and software basics, operating system concepts, word processing and spreadsheet applications, internet and networking fundamentals, introduction to programming using a simple language (typically QBASIC or Python basics depending on the updated curriculum), database basics, and cybersecurity awareness.

Computer Science has a 50 percent theory and 50 percent practical split in assessment. This means your programming and software skills in practical sessions are weighted equally with theory knowledge. Students who attend practical classes regularly and practice software applications on their own do much better than those who only study theory.

Computer Science is a strong choice for students who want to study BSc CSIT, BCA, BIT, or any IT-related program after Plus 2. It is also an excellent skill-building subject even for students who plan to study Management or Humanities at (+2) Plus 2, because digital skills are increasingly valued across all career fields.

Accountancy as Optional Subject in Class 9

Accountancy is available at many schools as an optional subject and is particularly useful for students who plan to join Management stream in (+2) Plus 2.

Class 9 Accountancy introduces the basics of double-entry bookkeeping, journal entries, ledger accounts, and trial balance. It is a direct preview of the Accountancy subject in (+2) Plus 2 Management where these same concepts are covered at a more advanced level.

Students who study Accountancy in Class 9 find (+2) Plus 2 Management Accountancy significantly easier because they already understand the fundamental concepts of double-entry recording, debits and credits, and financial statement preparation.

For students planning Management stream, choosing Accountancy as an optional in Class 9 is one of the smartest academic decisions they can make. The head start it provides in (+2) Plus 2 is genuinely useful.

Economics as Optional Subject in Class 9

Economics introduces students to basic economic concepts including demand and supply, market structures, production theory, national income basics, and Nepal’s economic situation.

Class 9 Economics is a preview of the Economics subject available in both (+2) Plus 2 Management and (+2) Plus 2 Humanities. Students who study it in Class 9 find (+2) Plus 2 Economics more familiar and accessible.

Economics is a good choice for students who are interested in business, banking, finance, development sector work, or government service through Lok Sewa preparation.

H2: Health and Physical Education as Optional Subject in Class 9

Health and Physical Education (HPE) covers physical fitness, health concepts, personal and community hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health, sports theory, and physical exercise techniques.

HPE is considered one of the more accessible optional subjects in terms of academic difficulty. The assessment includes both theory and practical components. Practical components involve participation in physical education sessions throughout the year.

HPE is a good choice for students who want an optional subject that is relatively less academically demanding while still providing a health and wellness foundation. It is not directly connected to any specific (+2) Plus 2 stream but is available in some Humanities colleges as a related subject.

Geography as Optional Subject in Class 9

Geography covers Nepal’s physical geography, climate, natural resources, population distribution, and world geography topics. It is particularly relevant for students planning Humanities stream in (+2) Plus 2 where Geography is available as an optional subject.

Class 9 Geography is available at schools that have Geography teachers. It provides useful background for (+2) Plus 2 Humanities and for career paths in tourism, environment, urban planning, and development sector work.

Which Optional Subjects Should You Choose in Class 9?

Your optional subject choice depends on your interest and future study plan after SEE. If you want Science in class 11, Optional Math is a strong choice along with Computer Science. If you want business or management in the future, Accountancy or Economics is a better option. If you are not sure, Computer Science and Health and Physical Education are safe and flexible choices. The most important thing is not to copy friends. Choose based on your own interest and future goal.

Three guiding principles for choosing Class 9 optional subjects.

First, choose based on your (+2) Plus 2 direction if you have one. Science Mathematics group benefit most from Optional Mathematics. Science Biology group benefit from Optional Mathematics or Computer Science. Management stream students benefit most from Accountancy and Economics. Humanities students benefit from Economics and Geography.

Second, be honest about your Maths ability. Optional Mathematics is the most difficult optional subject. If your Maths foundation from BLE is weak, choosing Optional Maths in Class 9 without addressing that weakness first is a difficult path. Computer Science or Accountancy are more accessible alternatives that are still academically valuable.

Third, check what your school actually offers. There is no point researching optional subjects that your specific school does not have teachers for. Confirm the available options with your school before making a decision.

How Are Class 9 Exams Conducted and Graded?

Class 9 is an internal school-level exam. It is not a national exam like SEE. Your Class 9 result is determined entirely by your school, not by NEB.

Class 9 NEB Grading System

• A+ = 90–100 marks = 4.0 GPA
• A = 80–89 marks = 3.6 GPA
• B+ = 70–79 marks = 3.2 GPA
• B = 60–69 marks = 2.8 GPA
• C+ = 50–59 marks = 2.4 GPA
• C = 40–49 marks = 2.0 GPA
• D = 35–39 marks = 1.6 GPA
• NG = Below 35 marks

The grading system is the same NEB grade point scale. (A+) A plus for 90 to 100 marks (4.0 GPA), A for 80 to 89 (3.6), (B+) B plus for 70 to 79 (3.2), B for 60 to 69 (2.8), (C+) C plus for 50 to 59 (2.4), C for 40 to 49 (2.0), D for 35 to 39 (1.6), and NG for below 35 marks.

Most schools have a first terminal exam, a second terminal exam, and a final annual exam. Your final Class 9 result is typically based on a combination of terminal and final exam performance (+2) plus internal assessment marks.

The Class 9 result determines whether you advance to Class 10. Students who fail multiple subjects may be asked to repeat Class 9 depending on the school’s promotion policy.

Class 9 internal result does not directly appear on your SEE marksheet. But the learning you do in Class 9 directly determines how well you perform in SEE in Class 10. Students who study seriously in Class 9 are consistently better prepared for SEE than those who do not.

Which Subject Is the Hardest in Class 9?

Most students in Nepal find Mathematics and Science and Technology the most difficult subjects in class 9. Math becomes harder because it introduces new topics like trigonometry and advanced algebra. Science is also challenging because it mixes physics, chemistry, and biology in one subject, each needing different skills.

Among optional subjects, Optional Mathematics is the most difficult. Most students who choose it say the first few months are the hardest as the concepts are genuinely new and more abstract than anything they encountered in BLE or early secondary school.

Compulsory Nepali and Social Studies are the subjects most students find most manageable, primarily because they are content-heavy rather than problem-solving heavy. You can improve in these subjects through consistent reading and revision.

English is in the middle. It is not as calculation-heavy as Maths or as factually dense as Social Studies. But the writing and comprehension skills required do need genuine practice throughout the year.

How Does Class 9 Connect to SEE?

SEE is the Class 10 national exam. Class 9 is the direct preparation for it. Every subject in Class 9 continues into Class 10 at a higher difficulty level.

The compulsory subjects in Class 9 are exactly the same compulsory subjects in Class 10 that appear in SEE. Nepali, English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Social Studies all appear in SEE. The optional subjects you choose in Class 9 continue in Class 10 and also appear in SEE.

There will be five compulsory subjects and two elective subjects in Nepali, English, Mathematics, Science and Technology and Social Studies in each class towards the general stream of class 9 and 10.

This means your Class 9 study is not just for your school internal exam. Every chapter, every concept, and every skill you build in Class 9 is directly relevant to SEE. Students who treat Class 9 seriously and build strong habits across all seven subjects go into Class 10 with a major advantage over students who treated Class 9 casually.

Your SEE GPA determines which (+2) Plus 2 stream you can join. Science requires minimum 2.0 GPA with C (+2) plus in both Maths and Science. Management and Humanities require 1.6 GPA minimum. The foundation you build in Class 9 directly affects the GPA you achieve in SEE.

What Happens If You Fail Class 9?

Class 9 is an internal school exam. Each school has its own promotion and fail policies.

If you receive low marks or NG in one or two subjects, most schools offer a supplementary or back exam to give you another chance to pass before deciding on promotion to Class 10.

If you fail multiple subjects or do not meet the minimum promotion criteria set by your school, you may be asked to repeat Class 9. This is a school decision, not an NEB decision. Different schools handle this differently.

The important thing to understand is that class 9 performance, while internally managed, directly shapes your SEE readiness. Students who repeat Class 9 use that extra year to genuinely strengthen their foundation. Many students who repeat and study seriously the second time perform significantly better in SEE than they might have if they had been pushed through Class 10 with a weak foundation.

Final Summary

Class 9 in Nepal has 7 subjects total. Five compulsory subjects are Nepali, English, Compulsory Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Social Studies and Population Education. Two optional subjects are chosen from Optional Mathematics, Computer Science, Accountancy, Economics, Health and Physical Education, Geography, or others depending on your school.

Each subject is typically assessed through 75 marks external exam and 25 marks internal assessment for 100 total marks. Science has a practical component worth 25 marks. Computer Science has a 50 percent practical split.

Choose your optional subjects based on your (+2) Plus 2 direction and honest assessment of your strengths. Optional Maths for Science or Engineering direction. Accountancy and Economics for Management direction. Computer Science is a safe and valuable choice for any direction.

Study all seven subjects seriously from day one of Class 9. Every concept you learn in Class 9 reappears in Class 10 and appears directly in SEE. The habits and foundation you build in Class 9 are the most important academic investment you can make before SEE.

Frequently Asked Questions