Understanding Nepal’s Markets Through CATI Surveys

Nepal has enacted the Right to Privacy Act, 2018, which establishes a framework for personal data protection. This impacts how survey data, particularly through methods like Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), must be collected and handled. Researchers operating in Nepal need to understand these local privacy mandates to deliver compliance. Data subjects have specific rights regarding their personal information. Global Vox Populi fields CATI research in Nepal, adhering to these local requirements while delivering actionable insights. We deliver projects align with both local law and global research ethics.

What we research in Nepal

Our CATI research in Nepal helps organizations answer critical business questions across various sectors. We conduct brand health tracking to monitor competitive perception and equity. Customer experience studies identify pain points and opportunities in service delivery. Concept testing evaluates new product or service ideas among target consumers. We also perform public opinion polling, usage and attitude studies, and market segmentation analyses. Each project scope is customized based on the specific objectives of your brief.

Why CATI fits (or struggles) in Nepal

CATI is an effective method for reaching connected urban and semi-urban populations in Nepal. It offers quick turnaround for feedback and can cover diverse demographics with mobile phone access. The method suits studies requiring structured questionnaires and relatively short interview lengths. However, CATI may struggle to reach deeply rural areas where mobile network penetration is inconsistent or landline usage is negligible. Also, illiteracy rates in some segments can affect questionnaire comprehension over the phone. For certain sensitive topics, face-to-face methods might yield richer, more nuanced responses. When CATI presents limitations, we often recommend complementary approaches like in-depth interviews in Nepal or Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) for broader geographic or sensitive subject coverage.

How we run CATI in Nepal

Our CATI operations in Nepal use centralized calling facilities staffed by trained interviewers. Recruitment sources typically include in-country proprietary panels and local partner databases for consumer segments. For B2B audiences, we draw from verified business directories and professional networks. Screening processes incorporate digital validators, attention checks, and recent participation flags to maintain data integrity. We also manage quotas actively during fieldwork. All interviews are conducted in the respondent’s preferred language, including Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, and Newar. Our interviewers are native speakers, trained in neutral probing techniques and strict data privacy protocols. Quality assurance involves live call monitoring by supervisors, audio recording review, and daily back-checks on a percentage of completed interviews. Deliverables include raw data files, verbatim responses, custom dashboards, topline reports, and comprehensive debrief decks. Project management follows a structured cadence, delivering transparent communication from kickoff through final delivery.

Where we field in Nepal

We conduct CATI research across Nepal, with significant fieldwork concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley, encompassing Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. Our coverage extends to other major urban centers such as Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bharatpur, Janakpur, and Butwal. Beyond these dominant cities, we reach accessible Tier-2 towns and peri-urban areas through the widespread availability of mobile phone services. While deep rural penetration presents unique challenges, our network allows for targeted efforts where connectivity permits. Language coverage is comprehensive, primarily focusing on Nepali, but also including key regional languages like Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Newar, delivering we can communicate effectively with diverse populations.

Methodology, standards, and ethics

We conduct all research in Nepal according to the highest global standards. This includes adherence to the ESOMAR and ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market, Opinion and Social Research and Data Analytics (2016 revision). Where applicable, our processes are aligned with ISO 20252:2019 for market, opinion, and social research. We also operate in consideration of the Nepal Market Research Association (NeMRA) where its guidelines intersect with international codes. For CATI studies, we apply AAPOR response rate definitions and disclosure principles.

Our application of these standards specifically to CATI involves detailed informed consent protocols. Before each interview, respondents receive clear disclosure about the research purpose, expected duration, voluntary participation, and their right to withdraw at any point. Verbal consent is captured and recorded. All data collected is anonymized or pseudonymized where appropriate, delivering individual responses cannot be traced back to specific participants without explicit consent for re-contact.

Quality assurance is integral to our CATI fieldwork. This includes peer review of questionnaires and scripting before launch, rigorous supervisor monitoring of live calls, and systematic back-checks to validate interview completion and data accuracy. We perform quota validation throughout fieldwork to deliver sample representation. Data cleaning and statistical validation are standard practice for all quantitative outputs.

Drivers and barriers for CATI in Nepal

DRIVERS:

Mobile phone penetration in Nepal continues to expand, exceeding 130% of the population, making CATI a highly accessible method. The increasing urbanization and demand for quick turnaround insights also drive the suitability of phone surveys. There is a growing acceptance of participating in telephone-based research, especially for consumer studies. The ability to manage fieldwork from a centralized location offers efficiency.

BARRIERS:

Significant language diversity across Nepal requires multilingual interviewer teams, adding complexity to project setup. Rural areas still face connectivity gaps, limiting reach in some remote regions. Potential for survey fatigue exists, particularly among frequently polled urban segments. Cultural sensitivities around unsolicited calls can lead to initial reluctance. Reaching specific B2B contacts can also be challenging due to gatekeepers and privacy concerns.

Compliance and data handling under Nepal’s framework

All CATI research projects in Nepal operate under the provisions of the Right to Privacy Act, 2018. This legislation governs how personal data is collected, processed, and stored. Our approach delivers explicit verbal consent is obtained from respondents before any data collection begins, covering the scope and purpose of the interview. Data residency requirements are observed, with data stored securely within compliant infrastructure. We implement strict anonymization protocols for all reported data, preventing individual identification. Respondents retain the right to withdraw their consent or request deletion of their data at any stage. Our data handling procedures are designed to uphold these rights and comply with local legal mandates.

Top 20 industries we serve in Nepal

Research projects we field in Nepal regularly cover the competitive sets of category leaders across various sectors:

• Telecom: Subscriber satisfaction, churn analysis, 5G adoption studies.
• Banking & Financial Services: Customer experience tracking, digital banking adoption, product concept testing.
• FMCG & CPG: Brand health, usage & attitude studies, new product feasibility.
• Tourism & Hospitality: Traveler satisfaction, destination branding, booking channel research.
• Hydropower: Energy consumption patterns, public perception of projects.
• Agriculture: Crop input usage, farmer needs assessment, market access studies.
• Education: Student enrollment drivers, course satisfaction, distance learning perceptions.
• Healthcare: Patient experience, health awareness campaigns, service accessibility.
• Construction: Material preference, buyer sentiment, infrastructure impact studies.
• Retail: Shopper behavior, store experience, e-commerce integration.
• Automotive & Mobility: Brand perception, vehicle purchase intent, after-sales service.
• IT Services & Software: Digital transformation needs, user satisfaction, market sizing.
• Media & Entertainment: Content consumption, audience segmentation, platform preferences.
• E-commerce: Online shopping journey, payment method preferences, delivery satisfaction.
• NGO & Development: Program evaluation, beneficiary feedback, social impact assessment.
• Microfinance: Client satisfaction, financial literacy, product uptake.
• Insurance: Policyholder experience, product awareness, distribution channel efficacy.
• Real Estate: Property buyer preferences, location analysis, investment sentiment.
• Public Sector: Citizen satisfaction with services, policy perception, public opinion polls.
• Apparel & Fashion: Brand preference, purchasing drivers, retail channel strategy.

Companies and brands in our research universe in Nepal

Research projects we field in Nepal regularly cover the competitive sets of category leaders such as Ncell, Nepal Telecom, Siddhartha Bank, Nabil Bank, Unilever Nepal, Dabur Nepal, Coca-Cola Nepal, Gorkha Brewery, Chaudhary Group, CG Foods (Wai Wai), Surya Nepal, Nepal Airlines, Yeti Airlines, DishHome, Tootle, Daraz Nepal, Bhat-Bhateni Supermarket, Sipradi Trading (representing Tata Motors), Nimbus Holdings, and Nepal Electricity Authority. The brands and organizations whose categories shape our research scope in Nepal include these and many others across important sectors. Whether the brief covers any of these or a category we have not named, our process scales to it.

Why teams choose Global Vox Populi for CATI in Nepal

Our Nepal desk operates with senior research directors who bring an average of 10+ years of in-market experience. Translation and back-translation for all project materials are handled in-house by native speakers of Nepali, Maithili, and Bhojpuri. Clients receive a single project lead from kickoff through final debrief, delivering consistent communication and accountability. We provide access to real-time data dashboards during fieldwork, allowing for quicker insights and informed mid-project adjustments. If you are ready to share your brief, tell us about your project.

Ready to scope a project? Send us your brief and we will come back with a sample plan, panel options, and recommended approach. Request A Quote.

Want to see the kind of work we deliver? View Case Studies from our research projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kinds of clients commission CATI research in Nepal?
A: Clients range from multinational corporations looking to understand market entry or competitive dynamics, to local businesses tracking brand health or customer satisfaction. Government agencies and NGOs also commission CATI studies for public opinion polling or program evaluations. we research the categories of both B2B and consumer-focused organizations across various industries in Nepal.

Q: How do you deliver sample quality for Nepal’s diverse population?
A: We employ stratified sampling based on urban/rural divides, geographic regions, and demographic quotas to mirror Nepal’s population. Our in-country panels and local databases are continuously updated. Interviewers are trained to manage response bias, and we use digital screening questions and attention checks to validate respondent eligibility and engagement. This layered approach helps maintain sample integrity.

Q: Which languages do you cover in Nepal?
A: Our CATI fieldwork in Nepal primarily covers Nepali, the official language. We also have native-speaking interviewers proficient in other major regional languages, including Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, and Newar. This multilingual capability delivers we can effectively reach and engage diverse linguistic communities across the country. All translations are handled in-house.

Q: How do you reach hard-to-find audiences (senior B2B, low-incidence consumer segments) in Nepal?
A: Reaching these audiences often involves a multi-pronged approach. For senior B2B, we tap into verified professional databases and use targeted recruitment through our local partners. For low-incidence consumer segments, we may employ screening questions within broader surveys or use referral methods where appropriate. Our project teams develop specific recruitment strategies for each challenging target. We also use our experience with market research companies in Nepal to identify optimal channels.

Q: What is your approach to data privacy compliance under Nepal’s framework?
A: We strictly adhere to Nepal’s Right to Privacy Act, 2018. This means obtaining explicit verbal consent from respondents for data collection, clearly stating the purpose of the research, and delivering data is anonymized for reporting. We implement reliable security measures for data storage and processing, and respect respondents’ rights to access, correct, or withdraw their data. Our processes align with global ESOMAR standards.

Q: Can you combine CATI with other methods (FGDs + IDIs, CATI + CAWI, etc.)?
A: Yes, we frequently design hybrid methodologies in Nepal. For example, CATI can identify suitable participants for follow-up in-depth interviews (IDIs) or focus group discussions (FGDs). We also combine CATI with Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) for broader reach, particularly in urban, digitally-savvy segments. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding by validating quantitative findings with qualitative depth. Our expertise extends to CATI survey agency in India, which often employs mixed-mode studies.

Q: How do you manage cultural sensitivity in Nepal?
A: Cultural sensitivity is essential. Our local interviewers are native speakers with a deep understanding of Nepalese social norms and regional nuances. Questionnaires are carefully designed and pre-tested to avoid culturally inappropriate phrasing or topics. We train our teams on empathetic communication and non-judgmental probing, particularly for sensitive subjects. Project teams receive briefings on specific cultural considerations relevant to the research topic.

Q: Do you handle both consumer and B2B research in Nepal?
A: Yes, our CATI capabilities in Nepal extend to both consumer and B2B audiences. For consumer research, we access broad demographic segments. For B2B, we target specific industries and job roles, reaching decision-makers and professionals. Our interviewer training adapts to the distinct communication styles and knowledge levels required for each audience type. We maintain separate, verified panels for B2B respondents.

Q: What deliverables do clients receive at the end of a CATI project in Nepal?
A: Standard deliverables include a comprehensive debrief deck with key findings, strategic implications, and recommendations. Clients also receive raw data files (e.g., CSV, SPSS), verbatim responses, and custom data dashboards for real-time tracking. We can provide detailed methodology reports and executive summaries. The specific format and depth of deliverables are agreed upon during project kickoff.

Q: How do you handle quality assurance and back-checks?
A: Quality assurance is multi-layered. Supervisors conduct live monitoring of calls, reviewing interviewer performance and adherence to scripts. A percentage of all completed interviews undergo audio recording review and back-checks by a separate QA team to verify data accuracy and respondent identity. We also implement logical checks within the survey programming and conduct thorough data cleaning before analysis. This delivers data reliability.

When your next research brief involves Nepal, let’s talk through it. Request A Quote or View Case Studies from our work.