The Research Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS) has evolved from the following various institutional arrangements and structures across different periods. In 1966, the Tribhuvan University Syndicate conceived a plan to establish the Institute of Nepalology (Nepal Adhyayan Samsthan) with a view to facilitate studies in Nepali history, culture, art, religion, tantra, language, literature and the like in order to project a faithful image of Nepal both at the national and international levels. In 1968, the Institute of Nepalology, which was still a plan in principle, was named the Institute of Nepal Studies.

It was in 1969 that the Institute of Nepal Studies actually came into being. The committee was formed under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor, and sub-committees of History, Culture, Nepali, Literature and Sanskrit were also set up. On July 16, 1972, the Institute of Nepal and Asian Studies (INAS) was established under the provision of Tribhuvan University Act, 1971. On September 8, 1977 the Institute was converted into a non-teaching research centre – the Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS). The Centre functions under the Executive Director, who is both its academic and administrative head.

CNAS is a statutory research Centre under Tribhuvan University for conducting independent research and deliberation on issues and studies in social sciences. The main substantive activities at the Centre have been carried out by the research wings called faculty while the administrative and documentation units provide support services. In 2018, the Centre has revived its three desks of the 1980s – India, China and Japan. CNAS is a multidisciplinary research Centre that comprises a team of 10 full-time faculties and 20 support staffs.

Originally established as the Institute of Nepal Studies in 1969, it was renamed as the Institute of Nepal and Asian Studies in 1972 with both teaching and research activities responsibility. In 1977, the Institute was converted into a purely research centre baptizing it as the Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (CNAS).

CNAS is a statutory research centre under Tribhuvan University for conducting independent research and deliberation on issues and studies in social sciences.

The main substantive activity at the Centre is carried out by the research wings called Faculty while the administrative and documentation centre provide support services