The fifth edition of The Kathmandu Post Edu Con (Education Fair), the most prestigious education fair of the country, kicked off amid a special programme in the Capital on Friday.

The National Examinations Board Chairman Chandra Mani Poudel opened the three-day event that targets students aspiring university education.

Over 100 national and international academic institutions are exhibiting their programmes and courses. Visitors can compare the offerings of reputable colleges and universities from different parts of the world.

Besides information on colleges and universities, students have the opportunity to receive career guidance during the Fair. Eminent personalities will make presentations at the Fair. Visitors would get opportunities to interact with them. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Fair, Poudel said the event presents a great opportunity to students to meet representatives of the many local and international academic institutions under one roof.

“I believe such fairs should also be held outside Kathmandu Valley so that all the students get the right information about higher education providers at their door step,” he said. “I urge all the exhibitors to provide the right information to the students so that they can make the right choice for their future.”

Claiming there are dark sides of studying abroad, Poudel urged exhibitors to disseminate all information honestly. Students passing grade 12 examinations are not mature enough to take all life decisions perfectly; therefore, there should not be any illusion in imparting information on higher education to them. The Board will declare grade 12 results within two weeks. This would open prospects of university education to thousands of students.

Speaking at the opening session, Kathmandu Post Editor-in-Chief Akhilesh Upadhyay said Edu Con is the best platform for students to get the right career counselling, and not just information about colleges and universities. He said many colleges affiliated with foreign universities have been set up here, and some have also attracted foreign students. “With the formation of a stable government there are chances that more and more investment will come in the educational sector as well,” he said. Currently, over two dozen colleges affiliated with foreign universities that impart university education here. Kantipur Publications Assistant General Manager Mahesh Swar said he wished there were such education fairs during his student days.

“I suggest parents and guardians accompany their wards to the Fair so that they can take decisions together,” he said.