KATHAMANDU, Nov 4: For years, hill districts like Syangja and Gulmi held a reputation for producing the highest number of successful candidates in Nepal’s coveted Public Service Commission (PSC) examinations. But this year, a quiet shift has taken place — and it has come from the high mountains of the Karnali region.
Jumla, often associated with remoteness and limited access to higher education, has defied the old trend and emerged at the top among districts with the highest number of successful PSC candidates in Fiscal Year 2024/25. The change hints at a growing spread of opportunity and ambition beyond traditional academic power centers.
According to the PSC’s annual report submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel, a total of 2,592 candidates were recommended for government service during the period — 2,583 in the civil service and nine in the National Human Rights Service. Of them, 902 were women and 1,690 were men. Jumla produced the highest number of successful candidates, followed by Syanja, Gulmi, Dhanusha and Kathmandu/Sarlahi.
Brahmin, Chhetri applicants highest in Public Service Exams
Mustang had only one successful candidate, while no one from Manang made the list this year. The average age of the recommended candidates was 29.
During the reporting period, the PSC announced a total of 1,513 vacancy and promotion notices — including 496 for promotions, 141 for internal competitions, 286 for open competitions, and 590 for inclusive categories (women, indigenous nationalities, Madhesis, Dalits, persons with disabilities, and candidates from backward regions).
Altogether, these advertisements opened 3,181 positions — 1,050 for promotions, 332 for internal competitions, 950 for open competitions, and 849 for inclusive categories.
The PSC received a total of 459,834 online applications from all districts. As in previous years, every district of Nepal had applicants. The top five districts with the highest number of applicants were Sarlahi, Dhanusha, Bara, Mahottari, and Rautahat — together accounting for 17.43 percent (80,168) of total applications.
Despite Sarlahi leading in the number of applicants, Jumla topped the list in terms of pass rate. On the other hand, the five districts with the fewest applicants were Manang, Mustang, Rasuwa, East Rukum, and Dolpa, with only 2,182 applications (0.47 percent) combined.
The average age of applicants this year was 28. The report also mentioned that among the 3,181 civil service advertisements published, 44 received no applications.
