KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has redefined the age group considered “youth” as 18 to 35 years under the newly approved National Youth Policy–2025, replacing the previous 16–40 age range set by the 2015 policy.

The policy notes that, considering national and international contexts, the population aged 18–35 will now be categorized as youth.

According to the 2021 census, 42.56% of Nepal’s population fell within the previous 16–40 age group.

The change also aligns with the Child Rights Act, which defines children as those under 18.

Legally, the age range of youth remains 16–40 until the National Youth Council Act–2015 is amended.

The new policy comes after ten years, despite provisions to review youth policy every five years.