The evolution of medical education in Nepal is short in duration but long in achievement. Before the medical education in Nepal was synonymous with the Institute of Medicine and could have been summed up in two words: Tribhuvan University. Multi universities system has now become a reality in Nepal. The establishment of University Grant Commission is a testimony of this fact.

According to the policy statements made in Eighth plan, autonomous Institutions like the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) and private sector participation in Medical Education like medical schools affiliated to Kathmandu University and the Tribhuvan University have emerged.

Training of doctors of modern medicine was started in Nepal from 1978 only. Up to 1992, Institute of Medicine was the only Institution in the country conducting the MBBS program. Since 1992, there have been rapid development. The Government has started B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences at Dharan with the assistance from the Government of India and has also granted permission of different private parties from India to start medical schools in Nepal on the financial basis of capitation fees charged to the students. With the Supreme Court of India's ruling on capitation fees in private medical colleges, it was but natural for the foreign entrepreneurs to enter the origin land of Nepal with enticing promises of providing philanthropic services, building infrastructure, enhancing medical education and producing manpower and helping underdeveloped Nepal to expand its health services.

The Manipal Education and Medical group, India was the first to begin a medical college in Pokhara, Nepal in 1994. In 1996, International Society of Medical Education, USA has established one medical college in Bharatpur, Nepal called as Bharatpur Medical College. In 1997, there were three Medical Colleges started their functioning i.e. Nepal Medical College in Kathmandu, Kathmandu Medical College, Kathmandu and Nepalgunj Medical College in Nepalgunj. All of the above colleges are affiliated with Kathmandu University. In 1998 Universal Medical College has got affiliated with Tribhuvan University came into existence in Bharahawa, Nepal. In 2002, one more Medical College has established in Birgunj named as National Medical College. Also few more medical colleges are coming up in Nepal.

Medical education is based on community orientation, integration and problem-based learning. The curriculum thus reflects innovation in undergraduate medical education. Early exposure of learners to community medicine and bedside clinical teaching, not only helps learners made them aware of the importance of the course of study, but also enables them to become motivated towards self learning. Placement in the community surroundings that are located in the mountains, the hills and the plains of Nepal, gives ample opportunities to learners to get accustomed to the reality that exists in the community and prevents them from the reality shock, on being posted to the relief situation after graduation.