Assessing the Proficiency and Utilization of Basic ICT Skills Among Students in Higher Education Institutions

In the digital era, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills are essential for academic and professional success. Despite increased access to digital tools, disparities in digital literacy persist, particularly in under- resourced and remote regions. This study investigates the ICT proficiency and utilization patterns among students at Far Western University and its constituent campuses in Nepal. Using a structured survey administered via Google Forms, data from 201 students were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results show high proficiency in MS Word (86.6%) and PowerPoint (78.0%), moderate in MS Excel (63.4%), and limited familiarity with research tools like Google Forms (49.1%). While 92.5% of students reported reliable internet access, only 75.9% were familiar with Zoom, 38.8% with Google Meet, and 22.0% with MS Teams. Training needs were significant: 69.7% of students required support in Excel, 59.7% in advanced Word features, 49.8% in Google Forms, and 44.8% in AI tools. These findings highlight the need for targeted ICT training, improved ICT infrastructure, and integration of digital ethics to bridge the digital divide and enhance technology integration in higher education across Nepal.