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About this exam

Kharidar is the entry-level non-gazetted post in Nepal's civil service, recruited through open competitive examinations conducted by the Public Service Commission (Lok Sewa Aayog). It is the standard entry point for candidates who have completed School Leaving Certificate or equivalent level and want a government career in administration, accounts, or general office work. The examination typically combines a written paper testing general knowledge and current affairs, Nepali language and grammar, English language and grammar, quantitative aptitude, general science and health, governance and public administration, and office management with computer skills, followed by a practical or interview stage depending on the vacancy. Preparation rewards breadth over depth: build steady command of Nepali and English grammar, practise arithmetic under time pressure, and keep a running digest of national current affairs, constitutional bodies, and public-service rules. Solve past-paper-style objective sets regularly to build speed, and revise the office-management and computer material until spreadsheet, word-processing, and file-handling concepts are automatic. The Commission publishes the current syllabus, vacancy details, examination schedule, fee, and result notices on its official website; candidates should treat that site as the authoritative source for all administrative specifics rather than relying on coaching-centre summaries.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Lok Sewa Kharidar preparation

What is the Kharidar examination format?

It is an objective, multiple-choice written examination covering the subjects in the official syllabus, usually followed by a practical or interview stage for shortlisted candidates. The Commission publishes the current syllabus, paper structure, and any stage-wise requirements on its website, and candidates should confirm the format for their specific advertisement there before preparing.

How hard is the Kharidar examination?

The individual questions are not conceptually difficult; the challenge is accuracy and speed across many subjects. Competition is high because eligibility is broad, so a few marks often separate ranks. Candidates who score well usually have no weak subject and lose little on grammar and arithmetic, rather than excelling in one area only.

Can I retake the examination if I fail?

Yes, generally you may apply again in later advertisements as long as you still meet the eligibility conditions, including age limits. Age relaxation rules differ by category, so check the specific advertisement. The Commission's site carries the current rules on attempts, eligibility, and reapplication; no fixed limit should be assumed.

How should I order my study across the subjects?

Start with Nepali and English grammar and arithmetic, because these are skill-based and improve slowly, so they need the longest runway. Layer current affairs and governance throughout with short daily reading. Keep science, health, office management, and computer skills for focused revision blocks later, since they are largely factual and retain well when reviewed close to the examination.

How much time do I get in the examination hall?

The Commission sets the duration and publishes it in the syllabus and advertisement for each examination. Do not rely on second-hand figures. Practise full-length sets with a timer once you know the official duration, so your pacing matches the real paper rather than an assumed one.

What causes most candidates to fail?

Three patterns dominate: neglecting Nepali and English grammar because they feel familiar, running out of time on arithmetic, and relying on scattered current-affairs posts instead of a structured monthly digest. Another common error is ignoring office management and computer skills as low-priority, when they are easy marks that many candidates leave on the table.

Is coaching necessary to pass?

No. Many successful candidates prepare independently using the official syllabus, standard school-level textbooks, past-paper-style practice sets, and a disciplined current-affairs routine. Coaching can help with structure and timed practice, but it is not a requirement, and self-study works well when you follow the syllabus closely and track weak areas honestly.

Where do I find official notices, fees, and results?

Only on the Public Service Commission's official website and its official notices. The Commission publishes the current vacancy details, application fee, examination schedule, syllabus, admit cards, and results there. Figures quoted by coaching institutes or social media can be outdated or wrong, so verify every administrative detail directly with the Commission before applying or paying anything.

What level of English and mathematics is tested?

Both are set at roughly school-leaving standard: English covers grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and correct usage; mathematics covers arithmetic, percentages, ratios, averages, and simple mensuration and data interpretation. The questions reward clean fundamentals and careful reading more than advanced technique, so revise school-level material thoroughly rather than chasing difficult problems.