Trends and Challenges in Student Enrolment, Retention, and Graduation; Case Study of Gaurishankar Multiple Campus

This study examines the trends and challenges in student enrolment, retention, and graduation atGaurishankar Multiple Campus (GMC), Dolakha, by analysing institutional data from the academicyears 2077/78 to 2081/82. The findings reveal significant volatility in undergraduate enrolment, withprograms like BBS and BA experiencing a notable decline, while B.Ed maintained relative stability.Retention emerged as a critical challenge, evidenced by a rising dropout rate at the bachelor's level,which increased from 1.27% to 4.88% over the five-year period. Although the total number ofgraduates improved to 118 by 2081/82, graduation outcomes remained inconsistent, with bachelor'spass percentages fluctuating between 31.67% and 45.66%, indicating systemic issues in teachinglearning quality and student support. The study identifies key challenges, including geographicisolation, competition from urban institutions, inadequate academic resources, and socioeconomicbarriers faced by students. While recent Quality Assurance and Accreditation (QAA) initiatives offera foundation for improvement, the research concludes that persistent structural issues threateninstitutional sustainability. It underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions in academicsupport, curriculum relevance, and strategic enrolment management to enhance student success andinstitutional viability.