Dalits make up the lowest number of students in Nepal's biggest university. Out of 7,086 students admitted to Tribhuban University in 2002-2003, there are only 36 dalits, out which only 10 attend regular classes. The rest come to the university only during examinations. Out of this number, there is only a single female dalit student. Durga Sob who graduated recently says things are improving for her community although "the low turnout of students paints a dismal picture".

Khagendra Bareilli, a dalit student, attends classes regularly. He says poverty keeps most people from his community out of university. Other factors that play an important part are social discrimination and lack of confidence. At Iswori Kanya, an all-girl hostel, there is only one dalit in the 250-strong student body. Rita Ghimire (Biswokarma) managed to get a spot only after a bitter struggle and help from a student union leader.

Student union leaders explain that unlike India, Nepal does not have a quota system for students from low castes. "The problem can be solved if the government introduces reservations for dalits," says Anjan Lama, a member of the Independent Student's Union. He says the university already has a quota for athletes and the physically disabled. Lama's union is working towards something similar for dalits as well. Meanwhile, Krishna Prasad Acharya, the university's management committee rector, says a seat reservation system will be possible to implement if the union and the dalit students raise the issue.