Kharidar Exam Preparation: Syllabus, Mock Tests & Practice Questions
The Kharidar exam is conducted by Nepal's Public Service Commission for Non-Gazetted Second Class positions in administration, justice, audit, and parliamentary services. It has three stages: a preliminary MCQ screening test, a 200-mark main written exam, and a final computer skill test plus interview. The total result is out of 240 marks.
Official PSC Syllabus PDFs
Who Can Apply
Eligibility requirements
Minimum Qualification
+2 / Intermediate (10+2, A-Level, PCL) or equivalent from a recognised board
Age Limit
18–35 years (general)
18–40 years for women and persons with disabilities
No upper age limit for permanent serving civil servants
When age is counted: Age is counted on the last date of application in the advertisement (not the double-fee deadline or the exam date), using your Bikram Sambat date of birth from your citizenship certificate. You must have completed 18 by that date, and a man who completes 35 on that day is no longer eligible (completed 40 for women and persons with disabilities).
- Ex-army and ex-police can apply up to 40 for designated posts only.
- Women with five or more years of continuous temporary service in a government development project have no age bar in open competition.
Citizenship
Nepali citizen with a valid citizenship certificate
Other Requirements
Good health; no criminal conviction; meet conduct requirements per Civil Service Act 2049
Exam Pattern
Kharidar marks breakdown and stage structure
| Stage | Type | Marks | Pass | Final score? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage IPreliminary Examination | mcq | 100 | 45 | Screening only |
| Stage IIMain Examination | subjective | 200 | 80 | ✓ Yes |
| Final StagePractical + Interview | practical | 40 | — | ✓ Yes |
| Final result | 240 | Stage II (200) + Final Stage (40) | ||
Stage I Syllabus — Preliminary Exam
50 questions × 2 marks = 100 marks | 45 minutes
Stage I is a filter — you only need 45 out of 100 to qualify. Don't over-invest here at the expense of Stage II, which is what actually counts toward your final score. That said, many candidates fail by underestimating it, especially BOST.
Section A: General Knowledge30 Q × 2 = 60 marks
6 questions per unit × 5 units. GK questions: Level I 60% + Level II 40%.
GK questions follow a very predictable pattern year to year — about 60% are factual recall, 40% require applying concepts. Work through 5+ years of past papers and you'll recognise most question types before you sit the exam.
Unit 1: Solar System and Geography(6 Q, 12 marks)
- General information on solar system and earth
- World geography — continents, oceans, poles, latitude, longitude, time, mountains, earthquakes, volcanoes, rivers, glaciers, lakes, climate
- Nepal geography — geographical location, relief features and natural resources (water, animals, plants, soils, minerals, mountains)
Unit 2: History(6 Q, 12 marks)
- World history — Industrial Revolution, French Revolution, American War of Independence, Russian/October Revolution, WWI and WWII, Indian independence movement: events, causes and effects
- Nepal ancient history — social, economic and political conditions of Kiranti, Lichhavi and Malla periods
- Modern Nepal history (from unification to present) — notable political events, social, cultural and economic conditions
Unit 3: Nepal's Social, Economic Condition and Governance(6 Q, 12 marks)
- Social aspects — traditions, norms, values, religions, ethnicity, languages, cultures, arts, literature, music, cultural heritages
- Economic indicators — economic growth, GDP, per capita income, remittance, foreign investment, foreign co-operation
- Economic sectors — agriculture, industry, trade, tourism, transportation, communication, development planning
- Nepal's constitution, federal system, political system
Unit 4: Science, Technology, Public Health and Environment(6 Q, 12 marks)
- Major scientific inventions with direct impact on human life; latest scientific developments
- General information on health, food and nutrition
- Ecology, biodiversity, sustainable development, climate change, environment management, pollution, population, urbanisation, settlement and migration
Unit 5: International Relations and Current Affairs(6 Q, 12 marks)
- International affairs and institutions — United Nations and regional organisations (SAARC, ASEAN, EU)
- Current affairs of national and international importance; noted personalities and thinkers
Section B: Basic Office Skills Test (BOST)20 Q × 2 = 40 marks
Class X level. Tests logical reasoning and analysis — not memorisation.
BOST is the section that catches most people off guard. The content is Class X level — it's not hard. But 20 questions in 18 minutes is tight, and the question types require pattern recognition speed, not just knowledge. The fix: timed practice drills, not just reading the skill list.
| Verification | Find errors, similarities, or differences in data, numbers, or verbal information |
| Completion | Complete a blank series, pattern, or matrix logically (verbal/numerical/pictorial) |
| Classification | Classify or identify the odd-one-out logically |
| Analogy | Identify relationships logically (verbal/numerical/pictorial) |
| Filing Aptitude | Sort or arrange items alphabetically, numerically or chronologically |
| Follow Instructions | Solve problems by following written instructions exactly |
| Numerical Reasoning | Fundamental arithmetic operations |
| Coding & Matching | Encode or decode verbal or numerical details |
| Analytical Reasoning | Verbal, numerical or pictorial analytical reasoning |
| Direction & Distance | Find direction and distance from a described path |
Stage II Syllabus — Main Written Exam
2 papers · pass mark 80 marks total
This is where the exam is won or lost. Both papers carry equal weight and you must pass each one individually — a strong Paper II won't save a failed Paper III. Candidates who make the merit list typically score 55–65 per paper, not just the 40 minimum. (Why Paper II and Paper III? Paper I is the Stage I MCQ test — the main written exam starts at Paper II.)
Paper II: Office Management100 marks · pass: 40 · 150 min
12 questions × 5 marks + 4 questions × 10 marks
General Mathematics (30 marks) is the most reliable scoring opportunity in this paper — the topics are mechanical and repeat every year. Most candidates neglect it. Office Management correspondence and record management questions are also very predictable from past papers.
Office Management— 40 marks
- Office: introduction, importance, functions and types; functions and qualities of assistant staff; office resources
- Correspondence: types of letters, registration & dispatch (दर्ता र चलानी), circulars, orders; note writing; report writing
- Record management: introduction, purpose, types; filing methods and indexing; use of modern technology
- Meeting management and minute recording
- Public relations and service-recipient grievance management
Constitution and Civic Awareness— 30 marks
- Nepal's Constitution: fundamental rights and duties; directive principles, policies and responsibilities of the State
- Relevant bodies: CIAA, Auditor General, PSC, Election Commission, NHRC, PM's Office, MoFAGA, Federal Parliament Secretariat
- Civic conscience: character development, human values, civil rights and duties, discipline and positive thinking
General Mathematics— 30 marks
- Fundamental operations and unitary method
- Fractions, decimals, percentages and ratios
- Profit, loss, discount; tax, commission and depreciation
- Simple and compound interest; averages
- Household arithmetic — electricity, water, telephone bills, money exchange
- Mensuration: length, breadth, perimeter, area and volume
Paper III: Job Knowledge100 marks · pass: 40 · 150 min
8 questions × 5 marks + 6 questions × 10 marks
Accounting & Audit (35 marks) is the most technical section and the one candidates most often lose marks on — start early and practice the numerical problems. Law & Justice (30 marks) looks dense but exam questions test the same key provisions year after year; learn the structure of each code rather than memorising it line by line.
Public Service Administration— 35 marks
- Civil Service Act: formation, recruitment, procedures, appointment, transfer, promotion, leave, departmental punishment, retirement; conduct and duties
- Public service delivery: meaning, importance, agencies, methods; Public Charter (सार्वजनिक बडापत्र)
- Good Governance Act 2064 (Sections 1, 2, 4, 5); Right to Information Act 2064 (Sections 1, 2, 4); Anti-Corruption Act 2059 (Sections 1, 2)
- Inter-Governmental Fiscal Management Act 2077 (Section 2); Food Rights and Food Sovereignty Act 2075 (Sections 1–3)
- Vital registration; National Identity Card; e-governance introduction; importance of ICT and safe use
Accounting, Procurement & Audit— 35 marks
- Accounting system: introduction, purpose and features; budget estimation, approval and LMBIS
- Charts of Accounts, TSA, RMIS, CGAS and security deposits
- Vouchers, bank cash book, budget accounts, bank reconciliation, financial statements
- Public procurement: purpose, importance, methods and process; stores management (demand form, purchase order, PAMS)
- Audit: introduction, purpose, types; irregularities and regularisation; VAT (registration, tax return, deduction)
- Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2076; Income Tax Act 2058 Section 17 (TDS); Audit Act 2075 Section 8
Law and Justice Knowledge— 30 marks
- Meaning, importance and sources of law; Acts, Rules, Regulations, Formation Orders and Gazette
- Court levels, structure and jurisdiction; plaintiff, defendant, limitation and date
- Written document registration; limitation extension (म्याद तामेली); public notice, arrest warrant, property attachment
- Free legal assistance
- Key features of Muluki Civil Code and Civil Procedure Code
- Key features of Muluki Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code
Final Stage — Practical & Interview
40 marks total
The 10-mark computer test is essentially free marks — but only if you've actually practised. Many candidates discover their typing speed is below the requirement only in the exam room. Start typing practice at least 4 weeks before the exam, daily. The interview (30 marks) is the single biggest swing factor in final rankings. PSC interviews for Kharidar typically assess: knowledge of the role and office procedures, awareness of current affairs and government policy, Nepal's constitution and civil service rules, and personal qualities (communication, composure, clarity of expression). There is no fixed mark breakdown by category — the interview panel scores holistically. Prepare by reviewing your Stage II subjects (office management, law, good governance), reading recent Nepal government news, and doing mock interviews.
| Component | Marks | Time | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devanagari Typing | 2.5 | 5 min | Graduated scoring — full 2.5 marks at ≥ 25 correct WPM; partial marks from 5 WPM (0.50) in 0.25-mark steps. Formula: Correct WPM = (Total typed − Wrong words) ÷ 5. |
| English Typing | 2.5 | 5 min | Graduated scoring — full 2.5 marks at ≥ 30 correct WPM; partial marks from 6 WPM (0.50) in 0.25-mark steps. |
| Windows Basic + MS Word | 5 | 5 min | Windows: GUI intro, start/shutdown, Desktop/Taskbar/My Computer/Recycle Bin, files and folders, file search. MS Word: create/save/open documents; Devanagari and English typing; font (size, color, bold, italic, underline); paragraph formatting (alignment, indentation, spacing); header/footer/page number; page margins, size and orientation; print preview and printing. |
| Interview | 30 | — | — |
Typing score breakdown (graduated marking)
Devanagari Typing
| WPM | Marks |
|---|---|
| ≥ 25 | 2.5 |
| 22.5–24.99 | 2.25 |
| 20–22.49 | 2 |
| 17.5–19.99 | 1.75 |
| 15–17.49 | 1.5 |
| 12.5–14.99 | 1.25 |
| 10–12.49 | 1 |
| 7.5–9.99 | 0.75 |
| 5–7.49 | 0.5 |
| < 5 | 0 |
English Typing
| WPM | Marks |
|---|---|
| ≥ 30 | 2.5 |
| 27–29.99 | 2.25 |
| 24–26.99 | 2 |
| 21–23.99 | 1.75 |
| 18–20.99 | 1.5 |
| 15–17.99 | 1.25 |
| 12–14.99 | 1 |
| 9–11.99 | 0.75 |
| 6–8.99 | 0.5 |
| < 6 | 0 |
Salary & Benefits
Level 4 · FY 2083/84 pay scale (from Shrawan 1, 2083)
Basic Monthly Salary
Rs. 36,192
Level 4 · FY 2083/84 pay scale (from Shrawan 1, 2083)
Gross Monthly
Rs. 44,811
basic + allowances
Est. Take-Home
~Rs. 39,020
after PF and pension
- Basic salary (तलब)
- Rs. 36,192
- Incentive allowance (10% of scale)
- Rs. 3,619
- Dearness allowance (महँगी भत्ता)
- Rs. 5,000
- Gross monthly pay
- Rs. 44,811
- Provident fund, employee 10% (सञ्चय कोष)
- −Rs. 3,619
- Pension fund, employee 6%
- −Rs. 2,172
- Estimated income tax
- Rs. 0
- Estimated in-hand pay
- Rs. 39,020
Pay by years of service
One grade of Rs. 1,206 is added for each completed year, up to 10 grades.
| Grades | Basic + grade | Gross / month | In-hand (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 (new) | 36,192 | 44,811 | 39,020 |
| 1 | 37,398 | 46,017 | 40,033 |
| 2 | 38,604 | 47,223 | 41,047 |
| 3 | 39,810 | 48,429 | 42,059 |
| 4 | 41,016 | 49,635 | 43,072 |
| 5 | 42,222 | 50,841 | 44,086 |
| 6 | 43,428 | 52,047 | 45,098 |
| 7 | 44,634 | 53,253 | 46,112 |
| 8 | 45,840 | 54,459 | 47,125 |
| 9 | 47,046 | 55,665 | 48,137 |
| 10 | 48,252 | 56,871 | 49,151 |
- Provident fund and pension: the government matches your monthly contributions
- Dashain allowance equal to one month's basic salary plus grade
- One grade (Rs. 1,206) added for each completed year, up to 10 grades
- Pension eligibility after 20 years of service
- Gratuity on voluntary retirement (minimum 7 years)
- 98-day maternity leave; 15-day paternity leave
- Medical expense reimbursement
- Life insurance cover
⚠ Estimates based on the FY 2083/84 government pay scale. Your office calculates the final tax (TDS). Verify current figures from the official Ministry of Finance circular before the advertisement.
Career Progression
From Kharidar to Secretary — the civil service ladder
- L4
Kharidar
You start here - L5
Nayab Subba
~5–8 yrs
- L7
Section Officer
~12–15 yrs
Gazetted
- L9
Under Secretary
Gazetted
- L11
Joint Secretary
Gazetted
- L12
Secretary
Gazetted
What score do you need?
Merit list cutoff varies by vacancy cycle. Check the official PSC result notice for the cutoff of each specific advertisement.
Important Notes
- Stage I marks do NOT count toward the final result — it is a screening exam only
- Final result = Stage II (200) + Final Stage (40) = 240 marks
- 20% negative marking on wrong MCQ answers (−0.4 per question); no penalty for unanswered questions
- Laws and Acts in the syllabus refer to versions in force 3 months before the exam date, including amendments
- Exam medium is Nepali; English terms may appear in brackets for clarity
- Stage III (Final Stage) eligibility: only candidates who pass Stage II are called
Kharidar FAQs
Common questions about the exam pattern, syllabus and scoring
How many stages does the Kharidar exam have?
The Kharidar exam has three stages: Stage I Preliminary MCQ (100 marks, screening only), Stage II Main subjective examination (200 marks across two papers), and a Final Stage comprising a computer skill test (10 marks) and interview (30 marks). Only Stage II and Final Stage marks count toward your final score of 240.
Is the Kharidar preliminary exam counted in the final result?
No. Stage I is a screening test only. You need at least 45 out of 100 marks to qualify for Stage II, but those marks do not add to your final score. The final result is out of 240 marks — Stage II (200) plus the Final Stage (40).
What is the negative marking rule for the Kharidar preliminary exam?
Each wrong answer deducts 0.4 marks (20% of the 2-mark question value). There is no penalty for unanswered questions. Only mark answers you are confident about — skipping costs nothing, while a wrong answer costs 0.4 marks.
What subjects are covered in the Kharidar Stage I exam?
Stage I has two sections. Section A is General Knowledge (30 questions, 60 marks) across 5 units: geography, history, Nepal's social and economic conditions, science and environment, and current affairs. Section B is the Basic Office Skills Test (20 questions, 40 marks) testing logical reasoning at Class X level.
What are the two papers in the Kharidar main written exam?
Paper II covers Office Management (40 marks), Constitution and Civic Awareness (30 marks), and General Mathematics (30 marks) — 100 marks total. Paper III covers Public Service Administration (35 marks), Accounting and Audit (35 marks), and Law and Justice Knowledge (30 marks) — 100 marks total. Pass mark is 40 per paper.
What is the Kharidar computer skill test?
The Final Stage computer test carries 10 marks across three 5-minute tasks: Devanagari typing (2.5 marks), English typing (2.5 marks), and Windows Basic + MS Word (5 marks). Typing uses graduated scoring: partial marks from 5 WPM (Devanagari) or 6 WPM (English), full marks at 25 and 30 WPM respectively. The remaining 30 marks are for the oral interview.
What is the total marks for the Kharidar exam?
The Kharidar final result is out of 240 marks — Stage II (200 marks across two papers) plus the Final Stage (40 marks: 10 computer test and 30 interview). Stage I is screening only and does not contribute to this total.
What is the minimum qualification to apply for Kharidar?
You must have passed +2 or Intermediate (or equivalent) from a recognised board. The age limit is 18–35 years for men and 18–40 years for women and persons with disabilities, counted on the last date of application in the advertisement. A valid Nepali citizenship certificate and no criminal conviction are also required.
How long should I prepare for the Kharidar exam?
Most successful candidates prepare for 3–6 months. Stage I needs 4–6 weeks of GK revision and BOST drills. Stage II requires 2–3 months minimum, especially for Accounting & Audit and Law subjects. Allow at least 3–4 weeks of daily typing practice before the Final Stage computer test.