KATHMANDU: A strong wave of youth leadership has emerged in the Cabinet led by Balen Shah, with nearly two-thirds of ministers under the age of 40.

In the 15-member Council of Ministers expanded on Friday, 10 ministers are below 40, signaling a major generational shift in Nepal’s political leadership.

According to data from the Election Commission, Prime Minister Shah himself is 36 years old. The youngest minister in the Cabinet is Sasmita Pokharel, aged 29. Ministers in their early 30s include Sabita Gautam and Sita Wadi.

Other ministers under 40 include Dipak Sah (34), Gita Chaudhary (33), Pratibha Rawal (32), Nisha Mehta (38), Sudan Gurung (38), and Sunil Lamsal (35).

Meanwhile, ministers above 40 include Swarnim Wagle (51), Shishir Khanal (47), Khadka Paudel (46), Biraj Bhakta Shrestha (44), and Bikram Timalsina (43).

In terms of educational qualifications, the Cabinet also reflects a highly educated profile. Prime Minister Shah holds a master’s degree in structural engineering, while several ministers have postgraduate degrees, are pursuing PhDs, or possess expertise in technical and management fields.