CAAN (Civil Aviation Authority) Loksewa Syllabus — Engineering and Non-Engineering

What is CAAN? Overview of Civil Aviation Authority Nepal

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) is an autonomous regulatory body established under the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Act, 2053 (1996). It operates as a Organized Institutions under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation. CAAN holds the responsibility of regulating, managing, and developing civil aviation activities throughout Nepal.

CAAN’s mandate spans an impressive range of functions. It manages and operates all domestic and international airports in Nepal, including the flagship Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu and the under-development Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara Regional International Airport. Beyond airport management, CAAN oversees air traffic control, aviation safety standards, airline licensing, aircraft registration, and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

What makes CAAN particularly attractive to job seekers is its unique position at the intersection of technical expertise and public service. As a Organized Institutions, employees enjoy government-equivalent benefits along with additional technical and aviation-specific allowances. The organization employs a diverse workforce that includes civil engineers, electrical engineers, aeronautical engineers, air traffic controllers, administrative officers, accounts officers, and IT professionals.

The civil aviation authority Nepal syllabus for recruitment is designed by the Public Service Commission (Public Service Commission) and reflects the specialized nature of aviation operations. Unlike standard government service exams, the CAAN syllabus incorporates aviation-specific topics such as ICAO regulations, airport engineering, air navigation standards, and aviation safety protocols — making it essential for candidates to prepare with targeted study materials.

Positions Available — Engineering vs Non-Engineering

CAAN recruitment covers a broad spectrum of positions across both engineering and non-engineering streams. Understanding which positions are available — and their eligibility requirements — helps you target your preparation effectively. The CAAN loksewa exam is conducted for various levels, with 6th level (assistant/non-gazetted first class) and 7th level (officer/gazetted third class) being the most commonly advertised.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the positions typically advertised by CAAN:

Engineering positions at CAAN are especially competitive because they combine the stability of government service with the technical challenge of aviation infrastructure. Civil engineers at CAAN, for instance, work on runway construction, terminal building design, and airport expansion projects — work that carries national significance and international visibility.

Non-engineering positions, while equally important, focus on the administrative and financial backbone of the organization. Administrative officers handle policy implementation, human resource management, and inter-agency coordination, while accounts officers oversee the substantial financial operations of Nepal’s airport system.

Engineering Syllabus — 7th Level

The CAAN syllabus for 7th level engineering positions is one of the most comprehensive among Organized Institutions exams in Nepal. It tests both core engineering knowledge and aviation-specific expertise. The syllabus is divided into two papers, each carrying 100 marks, making the total written examination worth 200 marks.

Below is the detailed syllabus breakdown for the 7th level Civil Engineer position at CAAN, which is the most frequently advertised engineering role:

Paper I: General and Aviation (100 Marks)

The first paper tests your understanding of both general subjects and aviation-specific knowledge. The Aviation Regulations and Standards section is unique to CAAN and does not appear in standard government engineering exams. Candidates must study the 19 ICAO Annexes, particularly Annex 14 (Aerodromes), Annex 11 (Air Traffic Services), and Annex 17 (Security). The Nepal Civil Aviation Regulation 2058 and related Air Navigation Orders are equally important.

The Airport Planning and Management section covers airport master planning principles, demand forecasting, terminal area planning, airside and landside capacity analysis, and Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) requirements. This is where your aviation-specific preparation truly matters — standard engineering textbooks will not cover these topics adequately.

Paper II: Technical/Engineering (100 Marks)

The second paper focuses on core civil engineering subjects but with an aviation twist. For instance, the Transportation Engineering section emphasizes runway pavement design (flexible and rigid), taxiway geometric standards as per ICAO specifications, apron design, and helipad construction standards rather than general highway engineering. Similarly, Geotechnical Engineering questions may relate to airport site selection, ground improvement for runway subgrade, and foundation design for control towers and terminal buildings.

The Structural Engineering portion covers standard topics like RCC design, steel structure design, and structural analysis, but candidates should be prepared for questions related to hangar design, control tower structural requirements, and terminal building design considerations including large-span structures.

For the complete, topic-wise syllabus with all subtopics for the CAAN Civil Engineer 7th level position, visit our dedicated syllabus page: CAAN Civil Engineer 7th Level Syllabus.

Non-Engineering Syllabus — Administrative and Financial

The CAAN loksewa exam for non-engineering positions follows a structure similar to standard Lok Sewa administrative exams but includes aviation-specific content. The non-engineering syllabus is designed for Administrative Officers, Accounts Officers, and Management positions at the 7th level.

Administrative Officer — 7th Level Syllabus

The Administrative Officer syllabus at CAAN comprises two written papers totaling 200 marks. Paper I (100 marks) covers general subjects including the Constitution of Nepal 2072, governance and public administration, Nepal’s legal framework (Civil Service Act, Good Governance Act, Local Government Operation Act), general knowledge and current affairs, and English language proficiency. A significant portion — approximately 20 to 25 marks — is devoted to aviation-specific administrative topics such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Act 2053, aviation policy framework, and international aviation agreements to which Nepal is a signatory.

Paper II (100 marks) focuses on specialized administrative and management subjects. This includes public financial management and budgeting, human resource management principles, organizational behavior and management theory, public procurement regulations (with emphasis on CAAN’s procurement processes), office management and correspondence, and project planning and evaluation. Questions often contextualize these topics within the aviation sector, testing how administrative principles apply to airport management scenarios.

Accounts Officer — 7th Level Syllabus

For the Accounts Officer position, Paper I is similar to the Administrative Officer syllabus with a shared general knowledge and legal framework component. Paper II, however, is entirely focused on financial and accounting subjects: financial accounting and reporting standards (Nepal Financial Reporting Standards), cost and management accounting, auditing principles and practices, government accounting system and procedures, taxation laws of Nepal, public financial management and budget analysis, and financial statement analysis. Candidates should pay special attention to CAAN’s financial regulations and the audit requirements for autonomous bodies under Nepal’s regulatory framework.

Computer Officer — 7th Level Syllabus

The Computer Officer position at CAAN tests candidates on database management systems, computer networking and security, programming concepts (with emphasis on web technologies), software engineering and project management, operating systems, e-governance initiatives in Nepal, and IT applications in aviation (flight information systems, airport management systems). The aviation IT component makes this position unique compared to computer officer roles in other government organizations.

6th Level Syllabus Overview

The 6th level positions at CAAN — including Sub-Engineers, Administrative Assistants (Nayab Subba), and Accounts Assistants — have a somewhat simplified syllabus compared to 7th level positions. However, the competition for these positions is often more intense due to the larger candidate pool.

Sub-Engineer (Civil) — 6th Level

The 6th level Sub-Engineer syllabus covers fundamental engineering concepts at a diploma level. Paper I (100 marks) includes general knowledge and current affairs (15 marks), basic aviation awareness (15 marks), Nepali and English language (20 marks), and general science and mathematics (20 marks), along with computer applications basics (10 marks) and reasoning/aptitude (20 marks). Paper II (100 marks) covers core technical subjects: surveying and leveling, building construction technology, basic structural design, estimation and costing, water supply and sanitation, and basic road and pavement engineering. The aviation-specific component at this level focuses on basic airport terminology, runway components, and general awareness of CAAN’s functions rather than detailed technical aviation standards.

For the detailed 6th level syllabus, refer to our comprehensive guide: CAAN Civil Engineer 6th Level Syllabus.

Administrative Assistant (Nayab Subba) — 6th Level

The Nayab Subba syllabus at CAAN closely mirrors the standard Lok Sewa Nayab Subba syllabus with an aviation overlay. The written exam (200 marks) tests general knowledge and current affairs, Constitution of Nepal 2072, governance principles, Nepali and English language proficiency, basic mathematics and reasoning, computer knowledge, and a dedicated section on CAAN’s organizational structure, functions, and basic aviation terminology. The exam pattern includes both objective and subjective questions, with the objective component typically used as a pretest screening.

Accounts Assistant — 6th Level

The Accounts Assistant syllabus covers fundamental accounting principles, bookkeeping, basic financial statement preparation, government accounting procedures, taxation basics, and financial rules and regulations of Nepal. Like other 6th level positions, it includes a general knowledge component with CAAN-specific questions about the organization’s financial framework and reporting requirements.

Regardless of the specific 6th level position, all candidates face a pretest as the initial screening stage. This 50-mark objective test determines which candidates advance to the written examination. Our guide on Organized Institutions pretest syllabus provides detailed preparation guidance for this critical first hurdle.

Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The CAAN loksewa exam follows the standard Public Service Commission examination structure for Organized Institutions positions but with certain CAAN-specific modifications. Here is the complete exam pattern for both 6th and 7th level positions:

Pretest (Screening Stage)

The pretest is an objective multiple-choice examination of 50 marks with 50 questions. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is negative marking — typically 1 mark deducted for every 4 incorrect answers. The pretest serves purely as a screening mechanism; its marks are not added to the final merit. Only candidates who score above the cutoff (determined by the number of vacancies and applicants) proceed to the written examination.

The pretest syllabus covers general knowledge and current affairs, reasoning and aptitude, English and Nepali language basics, computer knowledge, and basic mathematics. For CAAN positions, a few questions specific to aviation terminology and CAAN’s organizational structure may also appear.

Written Examination

The written examination is where the real competition begins. Both papers feature subjective questions that require detailed, well-structured answers. For engineering positions, Paper II includes numerical problems — particularly in structural design, pavement design, and estimation — that require candidates to show complete calculation steps.

The passing marks for the written examination is typically 40% in each paper individually and 45% aggregate across both papers. However, given the competitive nature of CAAN positions, scoring well above the minimum is essential. Historically, successful candidates score 55% to 65% in the written examinations.

Interview

Candidates who pass the written examination are called for an interview (30 marks for 7th level, 20 marks for 6th level). The interview panel typically includes PSC officials, a CAAN representative, and subject experts. Questions range from personal background and motivation to technical knowledge and current aviation sector developments. For engineering candidates, questions about ongoing CAAN projects (such as airport expansion works) are common.

CAAN vs NEA vs Government — Salary Comparison

One of the primary reasons candidates pursue CAAN positions is the attractive compensation package. As a Organized Institutions in the aviation sector, CAAN offers salaries and benefits that often exceed standard government service packages. Here is how CAAN compensation compares with other popular employers:

At the 7th level (Officer grade), a CAAN engineer or officer earns a basic salary in the range of NPR 36,900 to NPR 40,200 per month, which is comparable to the standard government pay scale. However, the real advantage comes from additional allowances. CAAN employees receive a technical allowance (for engineering positions), aviation-specific allowance, grade increment, dearness allowance, and various other benefits that bring the total monthly take-home to approximately NPR 55,000 to NPR 85,000 per month.

By comparison, the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) offers similar base salaries at the 7th level but with its own set of technical and power sector allowances, resulting in a total package of NPR 50,000 to NPR 78,000 per month. Standard government service officers at the same level typically receive NPR 42,000 to NPR 60,000 monthly, as they lack the Organized Institutions-specific allowances.

Beyond monthly salary, CAAN provides several additional benefits: Dashain bonus (one month’s basic salary), provident fund contribution (10% employer match), gratuity benefits, medical insurance, travel allowances for airport-related fieldwork, and educational support for professional development. For engineering positions, there are additional provisions for professional license renewal fees and conference/training allowances.

The long-term career progression at CAAN is also favorable. Promotions typically follow a combination of seniority, performance evaluation, and internal examinations. A 7th level officer can progress to 8th level (Section Officer equivalent), 9th level (Undersecretary equivalent), and eventually 10th and 11th levels in senior management roles. Each level brings significant salary increments and expanded responsibilities.

For a detailed analysis of engineering salaries across different organizations, read our comprehensive guide on engineering salary in Nepal.

Preparation Strategy for CAAN Loksewa Exam

Preparing for the CAAN loksewa exam requires a structured, multi-phased approach. Unlike general Lok Sewa exams, CAAN positions demand specialized aviation knowledge alongside core subject expertise. Here is a proven 90-day preparation strategy that has worked for successful candidates:

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1 to 30)

The first month should focus on strengthening your core subject fundamentals. For engineering candidates, revisit your university-level textbooks in structural analysis, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering, and construction management. Do not just read — solve problems. The written exam tests your ability to apply concepts to practical scenarios, not merely recall definitions.

For non-engineering candidates, this phase should focus on Nepal’s constitutional and legal framework, public administration principles, and financial management fundamentals. Start building a strong base in the subjects that carry the most marks in your specific paper.

During this phase, dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading aviation-related content. Start with ICAO’s publicly available documents, particularly the Annexes relevant to your position. For civil engineers, Annex 14 (Aerodromes Volume I) is essential reading. Follow CAAN’s official website and news portal for current developments.

Phase 2: Aviation-Specific Preparation (Days 31 to 60)

The second month should shift focus toward aviation-specific topics. Study the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) relevant to your discipline. Learn about Nepal’s aviation regulatory framework, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Act 2053, Nepal Civil Aviation Regulation 2058, and associated Air Navigation Orders.

For engineering candidates, focus intensively on airport engineering topics: runway design (pavement thickness calculation, runway orientation, obstacle limitation surfaces), taxiway and apron design standards, terminal building planning, airport drainage systems, and ARFF requirements. Practice numerical problems related to pavement design using both FAA and ICAO methods.

For non-engineering candidates, study CAAN’s organizational structure, its annual reports, financial statements, and policy documents. Understand how aviation agreements (bilateral air service agreements, Chicago Convention) affect Nepal’s aviation landscape.

Phase 3: Revision and Mock Tests (Days 61 to 90)

The final month is dedicated to intensive revision and mock test practice. Take at least two full-length mock tests per week under timed conditions. Analyze your performance after each test to identify weak areas that need additional revision.

Practice answer writing for subjective questions. CAAN exams reward well-structured, clearly presented answers. Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and diagrams where appropriate. For engineering papers, always show complete calculation steps — partial marks are awarded for correct methodology even if the final answer contains minor errors.

In the final two weeks, create concise revision notes covering key facts, formulas, and frameworks. Review past CAAN exam questions (available through Lok Sewa preparation materials) to understand the question pattern and difficulty level.

General Tips for All Candidates

• Stay updated with aviation news: Follow Nepal’s aviation sector developments, new airport projects, ICAO audit findings, and safety-related news. These frequently appear in exam questions.
• Understand CAAN’s current projects: Be familiar with ongoing airport construction, expansion projects, and modernization initiatives. Interviewers often ask about these.
• Practice English technical writing: The English section tests your ability to write technical reports and correspondence — practice writing concise, professional communications.
• Join study groups: Connect with other CAAN aspirants to share resources, discuss difficult topics, and motivate each other through the preparation journey.
• Use digital resources: Leverage online platforms like the Loksewa Tayari App for practice questions, mock tests, and topic-wise study materials specifically designed for CAAN examinations.

Best Books and Resources

Choosing the right study materials can make or break your CAAN preparation. The challenge is that no single book covers the entire CAAN syllabus — you need a combination of general Lok Sewa guides, technical textbooks, and aviation-specific resources. Here is a curated list of the best books and resources organized by subject area:

Online Resources

In addition to printed books, several online resources are invaluable for CAAN preparation. The ICAO official website provides free access to many standards documents and training materials. CAAN’s own website (caanepal.gov.np) publishes regulations, circulars, and annual reports that contain exam-relevant content. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circulars, particularly AC 150/5300-13A (Airport Design), offer detailed technical guidance on airport engineering topics.

The Loksewa Tayari App deserves special mention as it offers CAAN-specific practice sets, previous year question analysis, and mock tests that simulate the actual exam environment. Digital preparation tools allow you to practice on the go and track your progress across different subject areas.

For candidates preparing for the Nepal Electricity Authority exam alongside CAAN, our NEA preparation guide provides useful comparative insights into how Organized Institutions exams differ across organizations.

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