What’s Better in Nepal – Loksewa or Private Job? A 360° Career Analysis

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In Nepal, one of the most common questions that comes up among students, fresh graduates, or even parents is:

“Should I prepare for Loksewa or look for a job in the private sector?”
It’s a genuine question — and the answer isn’t the same for everyone. Some people want job security, others want faster growth. Some prefer stability, while others enjoy challenges.

So today, let me help you understand this deeply. Whether you're a diploma pass, bachelor’s graduate, or someone stuck in the middle of this confusion, let’s break it down together in simple, practical language — like we're just chatting in a classroom.



What Is Loksewa (Government Job) in Nepal?

Loksewa basically means government jobs — and these jobs are provided through competitive exams by the Public Service Commission (Lok Sewa Aayog). Every year, thousands of youth apply for positions like:

  • Kharidar

  • Naayab Subba

  • Section Officer (Sakha Adhikrit)

  • Engineers

  • Account Officers

  • Police Inspector

  • Teachers (TSC/PSC)

  • Health workers, and more

Getting selected in Loksewa is a big achievement in Nepal. It’s respected. You’ll hear relatives say things like:
“Tyo ta Loksewa paas gareko ho!”

 Benefits of Loksewa Jobs

Let’s start with the positive side of government jobs:

1. 100% Job Security

This is the biggest reason many people choose Loksewa. Once you're selected, your job is secure until retirement — unless you commit a serious mistake. You don’t have to worry about layoffs like in private companies.

2. Pension After Retirement

Government jobs offer pension and gratuity, which means you will get a monthly income even after retirement. In private jobs, the income stops the day you stop working.

3. Social Respect

In our Nepali society, government employees are respected. Whether you're a Naayab Subba or even a junior Kharidar, people listen to you, especially in rural areas. For many, this social respect matters more than money.

4. Fixed Working Hours

Most government offices follow a 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM routine. You also get public holidays, Dashain-Tihar leave, casual leave, maternity leave, and even study leave in some cases.

5. Perks and Allowances

Along with the salary, you get housing allowance, medical allowance, festival bonus, insurance, and more — depending on the position.

Challenges of Loksewa

Now let’s be real — it’s not all perfect.

1. Very Competitive Exams

Seats are very limited. For example, there might be only 50 posts for Naayab Subba, but 60,000 people apply. So the preparation needs time, dedication, and a strong mindset. Many spend 2–3 years just preparing.

2. Slow Promotion

Promotions are usually based on years of service, or you need to give an internal exam (Bisesh Taalim). This process is slow and bureaucratic.

3. Less Salary at Start

Compared to some private sector jobs (like banking or INGOs), the starting salary in government can feel low. For example, a newly appointed Naayab Subba might earn around Rs. 35,000 – 40,000, while a private company may offer Rs. 50,000 to a graduate with good skills.

4. Limited Transfer Options

Once you're posted, changing the location or department is not that easy. It takes formal application, time, and often political or departmental support.

Real Story: Loksewa Journey

Let me tell you about Anil, one of my friends. After his BBS, he prepared for Naayab Subba for 2 years. He stayed in a rented room in Kathmandu, studying every day. He passed the exam in his third attempt. Now, he works in the District Administration Office.

He’s happy with the routine, gets free time for family and farming during holidays, and doesn’t worry about job loss. But when we talk, he sometimes says,
"If I were in the private sector, I’d probably earn more by now, but I’d never get this much peace of mind."

Private Sector Jobs in Nepal

Now, let’s look at the private sector side — this includes:

  • Commercial Banks & Microfinance

  • NGOs & INGOs

  • IT Companies

  • Engineering Consultancies

  • Construction Companies

  • Educational Institutions (Schools, Colleges)

  • Healthcare & Hospitality

  • Freelancing & Startups

Most private jobs are offered based on your CV, interview, and skills — not entrance exams.

Benefits of Private Jobs

Let’s talk about why people choose private jobs:

1. Better Starting Salary

Private companies often pay more at the beginning. For example, an IT graduate may start with Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 60,000, especially if they have coding or design skills.

2. Faster Career Growth

In the private sector, your growth is mostly based on performance, not just years of service. If you work well, you can become a manager within 3–5 years.

3. Skill Development

Private jobs allow you to learn soft skills, digital tools, management techniques, and more. You also get exposure to clients, international standards, and new technologies.

4. Flexibility to Switch

You can change jobs, industries, or even move abroad. Private jobs give you more freedom to choose your path.

5. Opportunity to Work Abroad

If you work in INGOs, software companies, or multinational firms, there’s a chance to travel abroad or get international projects.

Challenges of Private Jobs

Of course, the private sector also has its own set of issues:

1. Job Insecurity

Companies can remove staff during crises. For example, during COVID-19, many private employees lost their jobs — but government staff still got paid.

2. Long Working Hours

Many private companies don’t follow the strict 10–5 rule. You might have to stay till 7 or 8 PM, especially in banks or software firms.

3. Work Pressure

Deadlines, targets, and client expectations can create stress. Sales jobs or bank jobs often come with monthly targets.

4. No Pension

There’s no pension system in private jobs. Once you leave or retire, your income stops. You have to save on your own.

Real Story: Private Sector Growth

Take the example of Sujata, who started working in an INGO after completing her Master’s. She began with Rs. 40,000 salary, but within 5 years, her salary reached over Rs. 1 lakh. She has also traveled to Thailand and Bangladesh for training.

She once told me:
"Yes, the work is hectic, but I love the challenges and rewards. I’m building skills that I can use anywhere in the world."

Loksewa vs Private Sector

Feature Loksewa (Govt Job) Private Sector Job
Job Security ✅ Very High ❌ Medium to Low
Starting Salary ❌ Medium (~Rs. 30–40k) ✅ Often High (~Rs. 40–70k)
Career Growth ❌ Slow ✅ Fast (based on performance)
Work Pressure ✅ Low ❌ High (targets, deadlines)
Pension ✅ Yes ❌ No
Leave & Holidays ✅ Generous ❌ Depends on company
Skill Development ❌ Limited ✅ High
Entry Difficulty ❌ Very Tough Exams ✅ Easier if qualified/skilled
Respect in Society ✅ High ✅ Depends on position
Chance to Work Abroad ❌ Rare ✅ Possible

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

Choose Loksewa if:

  • You want security and stability in life

  • You’re okay with routine work and fewer changes

  • You have patience and can prepare seriously for exams

  • You want pension and long-term peace of mind

  • Your financial situation allows you to wait and prepare

Choose Private Job if:

  • You’re skill-driven and want faster income growth

  • You like challenges and learning new things

  • You’re open to job changes, travel, or freelancing

  • You want to earn well without waiting for exams

  • You’re good at communication, IT, or management

My Personal Suggestion to Students

If you are still confused, here's a smart path:

Start with a private job to gain experience and save some money. Meanwhile, prepare for Loksewa in the evenings or weekends.

This way, you're not wasting time and you’ll be in a better position whether you pass Loksewa or not.

Also, remember — every person is different. Just because someone else chose Loksewa or went abroad doesn't mean you should follow blindly. Understand your own strengths, interests, and goals first.

Conclusion

So, which is better – Loksewa or a private job in Nepal?
There is no single right answer. Both have their own beauty and their own struggles. The important thing is to choose what fits your lifestyle and future dream.

Whichever path you choose, work with honesty, keep learning, and never stop growing.


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