Overview
Section Officer (Shakha Adhikrit) is a Gazetted Third Class officer-level position in Nepal's civil service, recruited through a competitive examination run by the Public Service Commission (Lok Sewa Aayog). It is one of the main entry points into Nepal's gazetted civil service for graduate-level candidates.
Who can apply
Applicants must be Nepali citizens, generally holding at least a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university, and meeting the age range set out in the specific vacancy announcement published by the Public Service Commission.
Exam pattern
The examination generally has three stages: a preliminary written examination (objective/multiple-choice), a main written examination (subjective/descriptive, covering multiple papers), and an interview for candidates who pass both written stages. Content covers general knowledge, administration, management and subjects relevant to Nepal's civil service.
Marking and results
Final merit ranking combines the main written examination and interview scores; candidates who do not clear the preliminary stage do not proceed to the main examination.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through the Public Service Commission's official portal, within the window stated in the specific vacancy announcement, which may cover open (khula) and reserved/inclusion categories separately.
After the exam
Candidates who pass all stages are appointed as Section Officers within a government ministry or department, subject to a probationary period before confirmation, and generally become eligible for further promotion within the gazetted civil service over a career.
Preparation tips
Because the main written exam covers multiple descriptive papers beyond the objective preliminary stage, sustained preparation in administrative, management and general-knowledge subjects, alongside structured essay and descriptive-writing practice, is the standard long-term approach for this exam.
What level is the Section Officer position in Nepal's civil service?
Gazetted Third Class, one of the main entry points into Nepal's gazetted civil service for graduate-level candidates.
How many stages does the Section Officer exam have?
Three: a preliminary written examination, a main written examination, and an interview.