Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Tribhuvan University

Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM): Producing Skilled Meteorologists and Hydrologists for Socio-economic Development of Nepal

Established in 1987 as a part of the Institute of Science and Technology at Tribhuvan University's Kirtipur Campus, the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM) has played a pivotal role in the field of meteorology and hydrology in Nepal. Over the past three decades, CDHM has been offering highly regarded MSc and PhD programs in Meteorology and Hydrology, while also contributing to the development of the nation through its BSc program in Meteorology initiated at Trichandra Campus in 1973.

With a rich history and a track record of excellence, CDHM has seen over 200 graduates emerge from its programs. These graduates have ventured into diverse sectors such as the National Hydrological Meteorological Agency, academia, private consultancies, NGOs, and INGOs. Many of them now hold prominent positions within their respective institutions, attesting to the high value placed on CDHM alumni in the professional realm.

Recognized globally for its research contributions, CDHM remains committed to producing skilled manpower and conducting cutting-edge scientific research in the fields of Meteorology, Hydrology, Glaciology, and Climate Science. Its primary objective is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the pressing challenges of meteorological and hydrological processes in Nepal.

The significance of meteorology and hydrology in Nepal cannot be overstated, particularly in the realms of agriculture and water resources management. Accurate weather forecasting is crucial for the success of agricultural operations, and meteorology and hydrology play pivotal roles in the development of water resource projects and flood forecasting efforts. Furthermore, the impacts of weather and climate anomalies, exacerbated by climate change, extend to human health, tourism, and aviation, underscoring the essentiality of studying meteorology and hydrology in Nepal for the country's socio-economic development.

CDHM offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various fields, including hydrology, water resources, weather forecasting, cryospheric processes, climate change, hydro-meteorological disasters, numerical modeling, and air pollution. The courses provide a balance between theoretical knowledge, laboratory-based learning, and extensive fieldwork techniques, ensuring that students gain practical competence in their respective disciplines.

The design of CDHM's courses aims to maximize employment prospects for its graduates by fostering subject expertise and practical skills acquisition. By producing competitive meteorologists and hydrologists with outstanding academic records, CDHM continues to contribute significantly to academia, industry, and government sectors, furthering the socio-economic development of Nepal.

Vision: To become the foremost institution in the country/region for research, education, and outreach in hydrospheric and atmospheric science.

Mission:

• Recruit and train students with exceptional academic and leadership potential, equipping them with the scientific and personal skills to make groundbreaking discoveries and translate their knowledge into developments for the betterment of society.
• Produce competent human resources with high ability, strong moral values, and a keen sense of societal needs to address emerging challenges.
• Develop CDHM as a national/regional educational and research hub for Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Science.
• Explore possibilities for generating resources to achieve self-sustainability.
• Foster a greater awareness of Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Sciences in the general public through outreach programs.

Core Values:

• Scientific integrity
• Dedication to teaching, research, and service
• Innovation in academics and research
• Collaboration and collegiality

Objectives:

• Meet the scientific demand for skilled manpower in the field of hydrology and meteorology within the current geographical context.
• Provide students with advanced knowledge in line with the latest trends and developments in the subject worldwide.
• Enable students to conduct research in their specialized fields by utilizing the department's available facilities.
• Develop research activities and enhance the capacity of partners in water and water-related sectors.
• Establish a water consortium that promotes partnerships and collaborations with academic institutions, local enterprises, government entities, and NGOs.
• Create educational programs, conduct research, and develop innovative solutions for global water-related problems.

Goals:

• Establish the best meteorology, atmospheric science, and hydrospheric science program in the region, attracting a large number of highly qualified students. The department aims to increase the number of graduate and PhD students to at least 40 per year.
• Establish the Center for Weather and Climate Risk (CWSR) to address weather and climate-related risks.
• Position CDHM as the leading national center for data assimilation and uncertainty quantification, partnering with operational centers to support public needs and advance sustainability.
• Strengthen HKH (High Karakoram-Himalaya) Hydrospheric and Atmospheric science, adding value to the College and University, and attracting qualified students.

Admission Criteria and Eligibility for Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM)

To be eligible for admission to the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM), interested students must meet the following criteria:

1. Educational Background: Applicants should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Meteorology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Agriculture, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, or any equivalent degree recognized by Tribhuvan University (TU).

2. Fixed Seat Allocation: Each batch of admissions at CDHM has a limited number of 29 fixed seats. Among these seats, 24 seats are reserved for candidates with a bachelor's degree in Meteorology, while the remaining 5 seats are reserved for candidates with a bachelor's degree in other streams.

3. Entrance Examination: Every applicant must appear for and pass the entrance examination conducted by the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Institute of Science and Technology (IOST), Tribhuvan University. The entrance examination serves as a crucial evaluation to assess the applicants' knowledge and aptitude for the program.

4. Bridge Course for Non-Meteorology Applicants: Candidates with a bachelor's degree in other streams, such as Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Agriculture, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, etc., are required to take a basic Hydrology and Meteorology bridge course. This course aims to provide foundational knowledge in the field for applicants coming from diverse academic backgrounds.

By adhering to these admission criteria and eligibility requirements, prospective students can apply for admission to CDHM and embark on their journey towards becoming skilled professionals in the field of Hydrology and Meteorology.

M.Sc. Syllabus Overview

MSc in Meteorology:

The MSc program in Meteorology offered by the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (CDHM) in affiliation with Tribhuvan University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of meteorological processes and their applications. This program focuses on equipping students with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and research capabilities in the field of meteorology.

Students pursuing an MSc in Meteorology will delve into various subjects such as atmospheric dynamics, weather forecasting, climate science, atmospheric physics, remote sensing, and numerical modeling. Through a combination of classroom lectures, laboratory work, and fieldwork, students will gain hands-on experience in meteorological data analysis, weather prediction techniques, and climate research.

The MSc program in Meteorology aims to produce skilled meteorologists who can contribute to the fields of weather forecasting, climate change analysis, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and research institutions. Graduates of this program will be equipped to address the challenges posed by weather and climate variability, thereby making valuable contributions to the socio-economic development of Nepal and beyond.

PhD in Hydrology and Meteorology:

The PhD program in Hydrology and Meteorology offered by CDHM, affiliated with Tribhuvan University, is a research-oriented program designed to train scholars in advanced concepts and methodologies in the field of hydrology and meteorology. This program provides a platform for aspiring researchers to explore in-depth topics related to water resources, atmospheric processes, climate dynamics, and their interconnections.

PhD candidates will engage in independent and original research under the guidance of experienced faculty members. They will have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in areas such as hydrological modeling, water resource management, climate change impact assessment, meteorological phenomena analysis, and more. Through their research, PhD scholars are expected to make significant contributions to the field by addressing critical issues and generating innovative solutions.

The PhD program in Hydrology and Meteorology prepares graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, governmental organizations, and international agencies. Upon completion of this program, students will possess advanced analytical and research skills, enabling them to become experts in their chosen areas of specialization and contribute to scientific advancements and policy formulation in the field of hydrology and meteorology.