Tips for Success in Lok Sewa Aayog Exams
Regular study, clean handwriting, and use of powerful words are essential. Many middle-class Nepali youths dream of passing the Lok Sewa exam and getting a government job. With the increasing attraction to civil service in Nepal, the competition in Lok Sewa has become tougher. The Public Service Commission has received applications from tens of thousands for the 465 Section Officer positions demanded this year. Similarly, exams for Joint Secretary are ongoing. Thousands of young men and women are preparing diligently through tuition, coaching, and self-study to qualify for service entry.
However, experienced individuals say that passing the Lok Sewa requires no small sacrifice. They believe that along with continuous hard work, patience and self-confidence are also necessary. For the benefit of candidates for the ongoing Joint Secretary exam and the first paper for Section Officer on Magh 25, followed by further papers in Chaitra, we have included the entry experience and tips from Kiran Raj Sharma, who topped the Joint Secretary exam in 2069:
I entered this service with the aim of directly serving the country and people while in government service. Improving the public sector brings improvement to the lives of all citizens, providing self-satisfaction, and the respect and prestige of the time also motivated me to join this service.
In Baisakh 2045, I passed the Assistant position at Nepal Rastra Bank. After working there for two years, I moved to Nepal Rastra Bank as an Assistant. By then, I had passed MBA in first division. After that, I developed the desire to enter the civil service. In 2051, I took the Accounts Officer exam and passed.
When preparing for the Lok Sewa exam, I studied at least two to four hours daily, regularly. I never took tuition or coaching. I studied daily as needed. I collected in-depth study materials. Those entering civil service should first develop a clear concept of public service. They should embrace public service. Only then should they start preparing for the exam.
For every exam I took, I studied daily for two to four hours. Naturally, I had to study and prepare more for Joint Secretary than for Accounts Officer and Deputy Secretary. I worked very hard when I became Deputy Secretary in 2059. Since I had to take the Deputy Secretary exam in administration from Accounts Officer, I had to work a bit harder.
Based on continuous hard work, I succeeded in topping the internal competition for Deputy Secretary. As a Deputy Secretary, I never strived to go to attractive bodies. I worked in the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Ministry of General Administration, and Public Service Commission. After 10 years as Deputy Secretary, on Falgun 23, 2069, I succeeded in topping the internal competition for Joint Secretary.
I worked extremely hard for the Joint Secretary exam as well. However, I never hampered government work. I studied from 4-7 in the morning and one hour in the evening, totaling four hours daily. I interacted with contemporary friends based on the course.
I discussed with former Chief Secretaries and Secretaries and took necessary feedback. As soon as I found some new topics, I noted them down. Instead of making notes, I noted while studying related to the course. I recalled, read, and practiced the noted topics. I formed my own concepts and analyzed every course.
Before participating in the exam, pay attention to some important things. Thorough study of materials according to the syllabus and additional materials for improvement is necessary. Study the internet, various newspapers. Start continuity in interactions with coaching centers and friends. Also, study related publications, books, and articles in the administrative field. Similarly, analyze the efforts, study reports, improvement topics, and policies from the Government of Nepal.
Maintain a peaceful daily life, manage to run on fixed income, create a friendly and joyful family environment, and make the study environment favorable. Similarly, read-write, try to remember for some time to sharpen memory. When writing in the exam and giving interviews, use good and clear letters and short and powerful word selection. Each year, provide answers as demanded by the question with contemporary examples if necessary.
I am working as honestly as possible. I believe work should not be cheated. There is self-satisfaction in working in this service sector. There are opportunities like extraordinary leave, foreign tours, etc. However, there are some distortions in the civil service. The sense of service, systematic thinking, and impartiality seem somewhat lacking. The need for radical reform has increased.
Tips for Success
- Research study materials
- Collect study materials according to the syllabus and related
- Collect and study reports from National Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of General Administration, Public Service Commission, various parliamentary committees, administration reform reports
- Listen to and watch national and international news channels like BBC Nepali Service. Note important events.
- Read articles and interviews of scholars in related subjects, note them
- Discuss with those who passed previous exams
- Prepare regularly at least 6 months before the exam
- Note related topics published in newspapers daily
- Study topics according to the syllabus on the internet, note them
- Develop the habit of making separate subject collections by making notebooks according to the syllabus
- Be motivated, do not think to weaken morale, keep positive thinking
- Study two hours in the morning (4-6) daily. Similarly, study two hours in the evening.
- Write the daily studied topics for one hour
- Develop the habit of sitting on a chair and studying at a table
- Develop concentration
- Take a 10-minute break every hour while studying
- While studying daily, do not study only one subject, study 2-3 areas and subjects
- Look in the mirror and analyze
- Make large notes, medium notes, and concise notes
- Read while writing
- Cooperate with matching, open, and knowledgeable friends
- Write in pure and good letters in short sentences
- Keep knowledge of concepts, principles, practices, etc.
- Provide answers only as asked by the question
- Keep a certain concept about the related subject matter
- Maintain peaceful daily life, manage to run on fixed income
- Create friendly and joyful family environment
- Arrange to learn skills
- Be patient, keep continuous attachment
- Maintain self-confidence
- Sharpen memory by trying to remember
- Use powerful word selection while writing and interviewing
- Give precise answers with contemporary examples
- Sleep soundly and try to be fresh
Tips for Interview
- Appear in the interview with fitting dress, gentle and bright face
- Maintain equal eye contact
- Answer politely
- Pay attention to analysis, confirmation, and uniformity
- Answer according to situation and circumstance
- Try to take the question to the area you know
- Do not shake hands, do not shake legs, speak clearly
- Give medium voice and creative answers
- Do not panic, answer calmly and clearly
How to Answer Questions
| Question Type | Approach |
|---|---|
| Analyze | Write causes and effects |
| Discuss/Analyze | Strengths and weaknesses, and what to do in the future |
| Review | Current situation, strengths and weaknesses |
| Effects | Both positive and negative aspects |
| Identify problems and suggest solutions | Policy, institutional, and practical problems and their solutions |
| Comment/Write | Meaning and definition, area, characteristics, and objectives |
| Concept | Answer what it is |
