With the establishment of democracy in Nepal, the Public Service Commission (PSC - Lok Sewa Aayog) was formed to provide every Nepali citizen equal opportunity to enter civil and government services through competitive examinations. The reservation system in recruitment began after 2064 B.S.
Before the PSC, jobs were offered through personal connections or favoritism. Recruitment relied on rank order or patronage, making government service a form of personal privilege.
The PSC was founded on Asar 1, 2008 B.S. Its first office was located on the third floor, north of the second courtyard in Singha Durbar. The three-member commission was chaired by Sardar Nagendra Man Singh Pradhan. On Bhadra 18 of the same year, it officially announced openings for six positions, marking the start of its operations.
So far, 20 individuals have led the Commission. After the Singha Durbar fire in 2030 B.S., the office shifted to Basant Bhawan in Bishalnagar, then to Kamalpokhari. Due to building constraints, the office moved temporarily to Anamnagar. On Shrawan 1, 2078 B.S., the Commission resumed regular operations in its new Kamalpokhari building. Some departments still operate from Anamnagar due to space limitations.
Constitutional Role and Powers
Originally, the Commission's duty was to ensure that qualified individuals were recruited for government service (2004 B.S.). From 2015 B.S., it was authorized to conduct recruitment for all government services. At the time, its budget was minimal—only NPR 95,200 annually until 2016 B.S. It had a small team: 1 Secretary, 1 Assistant Secretary, 10 non-gazetted staff, and 8 peons.
According to legal provisions, if a law stated that PSC consultation was unnecessary, the government could bypass it. As a result, the PSC was suspended from Magh 25, 2017 to the end of Jestha 2018 B.S. However, by 2019 B.S., it was made mandatory to consult the PSC on recruitment laws, promotions, departmental actions, and permanent appointments.
In 2023 B.S., legal revisions extended PSC consultation to appointments and disciplinary actions in organized institutions as well.
According to a provision from 2047 B.S., no one could be appointed permanently to a pensionable post without PSC consultation. The Interim Constitution of 2063 B.S. preserved these rights.
100-Day Reform Plan and Administrative Progress
To resume delayed tasks and improve annual operations, the PSC launched a 100-day action plan on Asar 14, 2078 B.S. Its goals were to complete pending work and continue current fiscal year tasks on schedule.
To achieve this:
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Two interview shifts were introduced daily.
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Three exam shifts were conducted.
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More experts were mobilized.
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Staff worked overnight and stayed on-site.
As a result, the Commission returned to its regular calendar after three years.
Pending answer sheets were sorted, old materials auctioned, and the Commission’s administration restructured to improve efficiency. Legal amendments allowed exams to be held two or three times a year for faster recruitment.
University Involvement and Collaboration
The Constitution of Nepal (Article 243, Sub-article 2) excludes universities and the Teacher Service Commission from the PSC’s definition of "organized institutions." However, PSC members were assigned to university service commissions to maintain fairness.
In collaboration with universities, University Grants Commission, vice-chancellors, and other stakeholders, the PSC ensured transparent hiring of professors and staff. Examinations are now conducted by the PSC, with decisions made by the respective service commissions. These changes apply to Tribhuvan, Purbanchal, Far-Western, Sanskrit, and Agriculture and Forestry universities.
The construction of a dedicated building for examinations is underway to further improve quality and coordination.
Examination Authority and Scope
Article 243 (2) of the Constitution authorizes the PSC to conduct written exams for all federal government and organized institution positions, except military posts.
Currently, the PSC manages exams for:
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74 organized institutions
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4 security agencies
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National Human Rights Commission
PSC representatives serve in over 100 institutional recruitment committees. To improve quality and reduce duplication, a taskforce submitted a report for restructuring exams and services. Dialogue was held with institution heads and ministries.
On Jestha 26, 2082 B.S., the PSC amended its rules to include a preliminary exam for non-technical fourth-level posts. This step is expected to:
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Save time and cost
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Reduce repetitive applications
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Promote institutional stability
Curricula have been developed for these exams, with plans to expand to higher-level posts.
Diamond Jubilee and Strategic Vision
This year marks the Commission’s 75th anniversary—its Diamond Jubilee. Key activities include:
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Publishing a souvenir featuring past events and articles
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Producing an informational documentary
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Hosting discussions with former officials and university representatives
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Conducting outreach in schools and universities
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Running institutional capacity-building programs
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Digitizing secure archival records
The PSC emphasizes the need for administrative and financial autonomy to maintain its integrity. It urges a review of limitations imposed by the 2079 B.S. PSC Act, which narrowed previously granted authorities under the 2066 B.S. law.
The Commission strictly opposes non-competitive hiring under temporary or contract systems, viewing such actions as violations of the right to equal opportunity in public service.
Strategic Plan and Modernization Efforts
From FY 2076/77, the PSC implemented its second strategic plan (2079/80–2083/84), with the vision:
“Overall national development through the selection and mobilization of qualified, capable, and skilled manpower.”
Core objectives include:
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Promoting merit, integrity, and fairness in recruitment
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Adopting scientific and modern testing methods
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Ensuring predictable grievance redress mechanisms
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Strengthening institutional capacity
Estimated at NPR 1.65 billion, this plan supports:
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Infrastructure development
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Vehicle procurement
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Curriculum and test method upgrades
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Staff allocation (minimum 5 for departments led by Joint Secretaries; 200 for Under Secretary-led offices)
The Commission renamed its 5th-floor hall in Kamalpokhari as “Bhuvanman Singh Pradhan Hall” in recognition of its legacy.
Assessment Center Methodology and Recruitment Reforms
Since 2071 B.S., the PSC began adopting Assessment Center methods to enhance recruitment. These include:
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Case studies and presentations (since 2073 for First Class officers)
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In-basket exercises (2075 for Second Class)
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Group discussions (for Third Class)
These methods help evaluate candidates based on past experience, current insight, and future potential. In 2079 B.S., 120 individuals were trained by national and international experts to implement these tools.
Organizational Structure and Authority
The PSC currently operates with:
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16 offices
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A Chairperson and 4 Members
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399 staff members
Its guiding principles are:
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Merit
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Impartiality
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Integrity
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Equal opportunity
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Inclusiveness
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Anonymity
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Neutrality
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Confidentiality
Laws and guidelines governing its operations include:
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Constitution of Nepal
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Public Service Commission Act, 2079
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PSC Rules, 2079
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PSC Operational Guidelines, 2079
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Civil Service Act, 2049 and Rules, 2050
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Health Service Act, 2053 and Rules, 2055
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Laws for Parliament Secretariat, 2064
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NHRC Employment Rules, 2072
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Sector-specific laws and guidelines
Current Commission and Challenges
The current PSC leadership was appointed on Asar 10, 2079 B.S. Members include:
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Chairperson: Madhav Prasad Regmi
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Members: Madhav Belbase, Bir Bahadur Rai, Dinesh Silwal, Manju Kumari
After a three-month vacancy, operations resumed. The Commission inherited several unresolved cases due to:
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COVID-19 delays
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Staffing Act 2075-related litigation
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Age-limit disputes for internal candidates in open competition
Responsibilities now include preparing and reviewing question papers, marking answer sheets, conducting interviews, and publishing final results in alphabetical order.
Final Words from the Chairperson
The PSC Chairperson emphasizes that:
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Competitive recruitment is a constitutional right.
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PSC will not accept politically motivated or non-transparent hiring.
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Students are encouraged to join PSC exams rather than migrate abroad.
In closing, the Chairperson expresses gratitude to all past officials, staff, experts, institutions, security agencies, media, and youth participants for their contribution to the Commission’s progress.
(Madhav Prasad Regmi is the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission)
Lok Sewa Aayog