The Balendra Shah Cabinet, formed today after the 2082 general elections in the wake of the Gen Z movement, features a dynamic and youthful team of ministers drawn from a diverse academic landscape. Led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah (popularly known as Balen), a structural engineer, rapper, and former Mayor of Kathmandu, the cabinet brings together expertise spanning structural and civil engineering, economics, public policy, law, political science, international relations, journalism, social work, development studies, health sciences, business studies, and technical fields.
Many members have prior experience in academia, public service, local governance, civil society, youth initiatives, international organizations, and professional practice. Academic qualifications range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s, doctoral degrees, and ongoing PhD studies, often from prestigious national and international institutions. This blog highlights the educational qualifications of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and the members of the Council of Ministers.
1. Rt. Hon’ble Balendra Shah
Position: Prime Minister
Education Qualification:
- Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Structural Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), India
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Civil Engineering, Himalayan WhiteHouse International College (affiliated with Purbanchal University), Nepal
- PhD (ongoing / research fellowship) in Civil Engineering – Conservation of Newa heritage structures, Kathmandu University
Background: Former Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and popular rapper.
2. Dr. Swarnim Wagle
Position: Minister of Finance
Education Qualification:
- PhD in Economics, Australian National University, Australia
- Master in Public Administration / International Development (MPA/ID), Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, USA
- BSc (Economics), London School of Economics (LSE), UK
Background: Economist with extensive experience in development policy. He has worked as Senior Economic Advisor for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Asia-Pacific region and has been associated with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), World Bank, and Kathmandu University. He previously served as Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission.
3. Sudan Gurung
Position: Minister of Home Affairs
Education Qualification:
- A-Levels
Background: Founder and former Chairperson of Hami Nepal, a youth-led organization focused on disaster relief and emergency response. He actively participated in relief and rescue efforts during the 2015 earthquake. A key figure in the Gen Z movement, he played a coordinating role in the protests that contributed to the fall of the previous government.
4. Shishir Khanal
Position: Minister of Foreign Affairs
Education Qualification:
- Master’s Degree in Public Policy, University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA
- Bachelor’s Degree in Political Economy, University of Bridgeport, USA
- Intermediate in Science (I.Sc.), Trichandra College, Nepal
Background: Co-founder of Teach For Nepal, an organization dedicated to improving education quality in underserved community schools by deploying trained volunteer teachers. He began his career working with the Sarvodaya movement. During his studies in the USA, he served as a college senator and gained practical experience working with a Connecticut State Senator on policy issues. He previously served as Minister for Education in the 2022 government and has been actively involved in parliamentary committees.
5. Sunil Lamsal
Position: Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development
Education Qualification:
- Ongoing: PhD in Waste Management, Kathmandu University
- Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Structural Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), India (2016–2018)
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Lumbini Engineering College (2010–2014)
Background: Previously served as an infrastructure advisor at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City Secretariat during Shah’s mayoral tenure, focusing on waste management, public property protection, and urban discipline. Lamsal also participated in the 2062/63 People’s Movement and has contributed to projects including Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport. He was elected president of the student union at Lumbini Engineering College during his studies.
6. Biraj Bhakta Shrestha
Position: Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation
Education Qualification:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, SANN International College
Background: Member of the Bagmati Provincial Assembly from the Bibeksheel Sajha Party in 2017 and later as Minister for Youth and Sports in the federal government from Rastriya Swatntra Party.
7. Khadak Raj Paudel
Position: Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation
Education Qualification:
- Master’s in English Literature, Tribhuvan University
Background: He has published two books: Paitala and Musa Manus. Paitala is his original novel, while Musa Manus is a Nepali translation of the American author John Steinbeck’s work Of Mice and Men.
8. Sasmit Pokharel
Position: Minister of Education, Science & Technology, Minister for Youth and Sports
Education Qualification:
- Ongoing: Master’s degree (ongoing) in Policy, Good Governance and Anti-Corruption, Tribhuvan University
- Bachelor of Business Management and Bachelor of Laws, Kathmandu University (2017–2022)
Background: Actively supported Balendra Shah’s mayoral campaign in Kathmandu Metropolitan City, contributed to the election manifesto, and later worked as an advisor on urban planning and education policy in Balen’s team.
9. Nisha Mehta
Position: Minister of Health and Population
Education Qualification:
- Master’s degree in Nursing, University in Gwalior, India
Background: Mehta previously worked at Birat Teaching Hospital and served as an Administrative Secretary for health camps with the Nepal Police Women’s Association in Koshi Province.
10. Dr. Bikram Timilsina
Position: Minister of Communication and Information Technology
Education Qualification:
- PhD in Politics and International Relations (High Distinction), School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University, Australia (2018–2022)
- Master of International Studies (Advanced) with Distinction in Peace and Conflict Resolution, The University of Queensland, Australia
- Master’s Degree in English, Tribhuvan University, Nepal
Background: Chair and Research Fellow at the Asian Institute for Advanced Research (AIFAR); experienced researcher and lecturer. He has served as Lead Researcher for multiple national and international projects and previously taught at the National Armed Police Force Academy.
11. Pratibha Rawal
Position: Minister of General Administration and Federal Affairs
Education Qualification:
- Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism (Print Journalism), Asian College of Journalism (2015)
- Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Journalism, Golden Gate International College, Tribhuvan University (2014)
- High School (+2) in Journalism, English Literature, Rural Development and Sociology, Xavier International College (2010)
Background: A journalist by profession, she has worked with Republica (English daily) and Galaxy FourK Television, and has experience in fact-checking with South Asia Fact Check.
12. Sobita Gautam
Position: Minister of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs
Education Qualification:
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (BA LLB), National Law College, Tribhuvan University (2015–2020)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History and Political Science, Tribhuvan University
Background: Before entering full-time politics, she worked in the media sector and hosted the health-related program 'Swasthya Sarokar' on Nepal Television. She served as a member of the Parliamentary Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights and represented Nepal in the Inter-Parliamentary Union, focusing on health and inclusive policy issues.
13. Geeta Chaudhary
Position: Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development
Education Qualification:
- LL.M (Master of Laws), Tribhuvan University
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Kathmandu School of Law, Nepal
Background: Advocate, human rights and indigenous rights activist, lecturer, and NGO professional. She has served as Co-convener of Human Rights Megnameet 2024.
14. Deepak Kumar Sah
Position: Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security
Education Qualification:
- PhD Scholar, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), UK
- Master’s degree in Health Policy, Planning and Financing, London School of Economics (LSE), UK
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University
- Master’s degree in Optometry
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Nepal Law Campus, Tribhuvan University
Background: President of Nepal Vision Specialists Association. He brings strong expertise in public health policy, health financing, and labour-related social security.
15. Sita Badi
Position: Minister of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens
Education Qualification:
- Master’s degree in Political Science
Background: Social activist focused on women and marginalized communities, particularly from the Badi community; known for long-term work in social service and empowerment.
The Balendra Shah Cabinet brings together ministers with strong academic foundations in engineering, economics, law, public policy, international relations, social sciences, health sciences, business studies, and technical fields. This mix of technical expertise, international education, and grassroots as well as professional experience reflects a reform-oriented and youthful leadership emerging after the Gen Z movement.
