What is Kharidar in Nepal? — Roles, Responsibilities & Daily Work Life
Table of Contents
- Kharidar Meaning — Ke Ho Kharidar?
- Where Do Kharidars Work? — Government Offices & Ministries
- Kharidar Daily Responsibilities — A Typical Day in Office
- Kharidar vs Nayab Subba vs Typist — What’s the Difference?
- Skills You Need as a Kharidar
- Kharidar Salary & Benefits Overview
- Career Progression — Kharidar Bata Kahile Samma Pugna Sakincha?
- Kharidar Exam Pattern & Eligibility
- Is Kharidar a Good Career Choice? — Honest Assessment
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Kharidar — you’ve heard the word a thousand times if you’re preparing for loksewa. But do you actually know what a Kharidar does every day? Like, beyond the textbook answer of “clerical work” — what does a real Kharidar’s life look like at 10 AM on a Monday morning in a Jilla Prashashan Karyalaya?
If you’re one of the lakhs of candidates preparing for the Kharidar exam, you absolutely need to understand this role inside-out. Not just for the interview round, but because this might be your career for years. You deserve to know exactly what you’re signing up for.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything about the Kharidar position in Nepal — from its literal meaning and history to the nitty-gritty of daily tasks, salary structure, career progression, and whether it’s genuinely a good career choice. We’ll keep it real, conversational, and practical — no sugar-coating, no boring textbook language.
Let’s get into it.
Kharidar Meaning — Ke Ho Kharidar?
Let’s start with the basics. What is Kharidar in Nepal? In simple terms, Kharidar is an entry-level administrative position in Nepal’s civil service. It falls under the Non-Gazetted Second Class category, which in Nepali is called Ra.Pa. Animitit Dwitiya Shreni (raajpatra animitit dwitiya shreni).
The word “Kharidar” itself has historical roots. It comes from the Persian/Urdu word meaning “buyer” or “purchaser.” During the Rana regime and early Shah period, Kharidars were officials responsible for procurement and record-keeping in the royal courts and administrative offices. Over time, the role evolved into a general clerical and administrative position in modern Nepal’s civil service structure.
In Nepal’s civil service structure, positions are broadly divided into two categories: Raajpatra Ankit (Gazetted) and Raajpatra Animitit (Non-Gazetted). Within Non-Gazetted, there are different classes — and Kharidar sits at the Dwitiya Shreni (Second Class) level. Think of it as the foundation level of government administration. Every sarkari kaam needs someone at this level to keep the machinery running.
Today, Kharidars work across virtually every government office in Nepal. They’re the backbone of day-to-day office administration — the people who make sure your application at the CDO office gets registered, your file at the court moves forward, and the ministry’s records stay organized. Without Kharidars, Nepal’s entire government system would literally stop functioning.
Key Classification Details
- Service Group: Nepal Civil Service (Nepal Nijamati Sewa)
- Class: Non-Gazetted Second Class (Raajpatra Animitit Dwitiya Shreni)
- Recruiting Body: Lok Sewa Aayog (Public Service Commission)
- Minimum Qualification: SLC/SEE Pass
- Service Categories: Administration (Prashashan), Revenue (Rajaswa), Judicial (Nyaya), and others
Where Do Kharidars Work? — Government Offices & Ministries
One of the most common questions candidates ask is: “Ma Kharidar bhaye pachhi kaha kaam garna pauincha?” The short answer? Almost anywhere in the government machinery. Kharidars are deployed across a wide range of government offices, and your posting depends on which service group you were selected under and the needs of the government at that time.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical placements for Kharidars:
Central Level Offices
- Federal Ministries — Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, etc. Kharidars here handle correspondence, file management, and administrative support for senior officers.
- Department Offices — Department of Revenue, Department of Land Management, and various other departments need Kharidars for record-keeping and clerical work.
- Constitutional Bodies — Offices like the Election Commission, CIAA, and Auditor General’s office also have Kharidar positions.
Provincial Level Offices
- Provincial Ministries — Each of Nepal’s seven provinces has its own set of ministries and departments requiring Kharidar-level staff.
- Provincial Offices — Chief Attorney’s office, provincial planning commissions, and other provincial-level bodies.
District & Local Level Offices
- Jilla Prashashan Karyalaya (District Administration Office / CDO Office) — One of the most common postings. Kharidars here deal with citizenship applications, recommendations, and general administration.
- Jilla Court (Jilla Adalat) — Kharidars in courts manage case files, hearing schedules, and legal document registration.
- Malpot Karyalaya (Land Revenue Office) — Handling land ownership records, revenue collection documents, and lalpurja-related work.
- Nagarpalika / Gaupalika (Municipality / Rural Municipality) — Though many local-level staff are now hired separately, some Kharidars from the federal civil service may be deputed here.
- Karar Karyalaya (Revenue/Tax Office) — Managing tax records and assisting in revenue collection processes.
- Ilaka Prashashan Karyalaya — Area administration offices in various districts.
The variety of posting locations means Kharidars gain diverse experience. Someone posted in a district court learns the judicial system, while someone in a ministry gains exposure to policy-level work. This breadth of experience actually helps in career progression later when you move up to Nayab Subba or Section Officer positions. For more about how the Section Officer role works, check out our detailed guide.
Kharidar Daily Responsibilities — A Typical Day in Office
Alright, let’s get into the real stuff. What does a Kharidar actually DO from 10 AM to 5 PM? Let’s walk through a typical day.
Morning Routine (10:00 AM — 12:00 PM)
The day starts with Darta-Chalani — this is perhaps THE most fundamental duty of a Kharidar. Darta means registration of incoming documents. Every letter, application, petition, or file that comes into the office needs to be registered in the Darta register with a unique number, date, sender details, and subject. Chalani is the opposite — dispatching outgoing documents. Every letter or file leaving the office gets a chalani number.
Think of it as the “inbox and outbox” system of the government — except everything is meticulously recorded in physical registers (and increasingly in digital systems too). If a Kharidar messes up the Darta-Chalani, files can get lost, applications can disappear, and the entire office workflow gets disrupted.
Midday Tasks (12:00 PM — 2:00 PM)
After handling the morning rush of incoming documents, Kharidars move on to file management and organization. This includes:
- Sorting files according to priority and department
- Preparing files for review by Nayab Subba, Subba, or Section Officer
- Attaching relevant previous correspondence to active files
- Maintaining the Misil (file record) — the organized collection of all documents related to a particular case or subject
Afternoon Work (2:00 PM — 5:00 PM)
The afternoon is typically devoted to letter drafting and typing, record updates, and assisting the public. Many Kharidars are responsible for:
- Drafting routine letters (patra) as directed by senior officers
- Typing official documents in Nepali using Unicode
- Updating registers and log books
- Providing information to the public visiting the office (sewa grahi haru)
- Assisting in preparing reports and data compilation
Complete Responsibility Breakdown Table
| Responsibility | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Darta (Registration) | Registering all incoming letters, applications, and documents in the Darta register with unique numbers and dates | Daily |
| Chalani (Dispatch) | Recording and dispatching all outgoing letters and files with proper chalani numbers and tracking details | Daily |
| File Management (Misil Byabasthapan) | Organizing, maintaining, and retrieving files; ensuring all case documents are properly compiled in their respective misils | Daily |
| Letter Drafting (Patra Lekhan) | Writing routine official correspondence, notices, and memos as directed by supervising officers | Daily / As needed |
| Typing & Data Entry | Typing official documents in Nepali Unicode, entering data into digital systems, maintaining electronic records | Daily |
| Record Keeping (Abhilekh Byabasthapan) | Maintaining various registers: attendance, inventory, equipment, stationery, and other office records | Daily / Weekly |
| Public Service (Sewa Grahi Sewa) | Assisting citizens who visit the office — providing information, accepting applications, guiding them to the right section | Daily |
| Report Preparation | Compiling data and assisting in the preparation of periodic reports (weekly, monthly, annual) | Weekly / Monthly |
| Inventory & Stationery Management | Tracking office supplies, maintaining jinsi register, and ensuring adequate stationery and materials | Weekly / As needed |
| Meeting Support | Preparing meeting rooms, distributing agendas, and sometimes taking meeting minutes (baithak minutse) | As needed |
One thing people don’t realize about the Kharidar roles and responsibilities is how much multitasking is involved. You’re not just sitting in a corner stamping papers. On a busy day at a CDO office, a Kharidar might handle 50-100 incoming documents, deal with dozens of citizens asking questions, type multiple letters, and keep track of files across different sections — all before 5 PM. It’s genuinely demanding work, even if it doesn’t look glamorous from the outside.
Kharidar vs Nayab Subba vs Typist — What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most confusing areas for loksewa candidates. “Kharidar ra Nayab Subba ma ke farak cha? Typist chai alag ho ki?” Let’s clear this up once and for all.
| Aspect | Kharidar | Nayab Subba | Typist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classification | Non-Gazetted 2nd Class | Non-Gazetted 1st Class | Non-Gazetted 2nd Class |
| Nepali Term | Ra.Pa. Animitit Dwitiya | Ra.Pa. Animitit Pratham | Ra.Pa. Animitit Dwitiya |
| Minimum Qualification | SLC/SEE Pass | Bachelor’s Degree (for open) | SLC/SEE + Typing Speed |
| Primary Role | Clerical & administrative tasks | Supervisory & administrative tasks | Typing & document preparation |
| Key Duties | Darta-Chalani, file management, letter drafting | Supervising Kharidars, decision drafting, section management | Typing official documents, Nepali/English typing |
| Decision Authority | No independent decision-making | Limited decision-making under delegation | No independent decision-making |
| Salary Level | Lower | Higher | Similar to Kharidar |
| Supervision | Works under Nayab Subba/Subba | Supervises Kharidars & support staff | Works under Nayab Subba/Subba |
| Career Path | Kharidar → Nayab Subba → Subba | Nayab Subba → Subba → Section Officer | Typist → Senior Typist (limited growth) |
The key difference between Kharidar and Nayab Subba is the level of responsibility and authority. A Kharidar handles the groundwork — the actual filing, registering, and typing. A Nayab Subba oversees this work, checks for accuracy, and handles more complex administrative tasks. Think of it this way: the Kharidar builds the foundation, the Nayab Subba constructs the walls, and the Section Officer designs the building.
Skills You Need as a Kharidar
Passing the Kharidar exam is one thing — thriving in the actual job requires a specific set of skills. Here’s what you genuinely need to do well as a Kharidar:
1. Nepali Typing (Unicode)
This is non-negotiable in today’s government offices. Almost all offices have shifted to digital systems, and you need to type official documents in Nepali Unicode. If you can type at least 25-30 words per minute in Nepali, you’ll be ahead of most of your peers. Practice tools like Hamro Patro’s typing tool or Nepali Unicode converters are great resources.
2. Computer Literacy
Basic computer skills are essential — Microsoft Word for letter drafting, Excel for data management, email for official correspondence, and increasingly, specific government software for Darta-Chalani and record management. You don’t need to be a tech expert, but you should be comfortable navigating a computer.
3. File & Record Management
Understanding how to organize, categorize, and maintain files is crucial. Government files follow a specific system — each misil has a structure, and mixing up files or losing documents can have serious consequences. Attention to detail is paramount here.
4. Nepali Letter Writing (Patra Lekhan)
Official Nepali correspondence follows a formal structure. You need to know the proper format for different types of letters — sifaris patra, nibedan, pratibedan, suchana, and more. This is actually tested in the exam too, so it’s a skill you’ll develop during preparation itself.
5. Communication Skills
You’ll be dealing with the public daily. Citizens come to government offices often confused, frustrated, or in urgent need. Being able to communicate clearly, patiently, and respectfully is a skill that separates good Kharidars from great ones. Remember — for many people in rural areas, the Kharidar at the Jilla office is the face of the entire government.
6. Basic Knowledge of Government Rules & Procedures
Understanding the fundamentals of Nijamati Sewa Ain (Civil Service Act), Prashashan-related rules, and basic legal procedures helps you perform your duties correctly and avoid mistakes that could land your office in trouble.
7. Time Management & Organizational Skills
Government offices receive a high volume of work, especially during peak seasons (fiscal year-end, election periods, disaster response). Being able to prioritize tasks, manage your time, and stay organized under pressure is essential.
Want to test your Kharidar exam readiness right now? The Loksewa Tayari App has free mock tests specifically designed for the Kharidar exam pattern. It covers GK, Nepali, English, and subject-specific questions — exactly what you’ll face in the real exam.
Kharidar Salary & Benefits Overview
Let’s talk about the money — because let’s be honest, salary matters. Here’s a quick overview of what Kharidars earn:
| Component | Approximate Amount (NPR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Salary | NPR 19,000 — 22,000 /month |
| Grade Increment | ~NPR 500 — 600 per year |
| Dearness Allowance (Mahangee Bhatta) | Variable (adjusted periodically) |
| Festival Allowance (Dashain Bhatta) | One month’s basic salary (annual) |
| Remote Area Allowance | Varies by district classification (Ka, Kha, Ga, Gha) |
| Provident Fund (Karmachari Sanchaya Kosh) | 10% contribution (matched by government) |
| Gratuity (Upakar) | Provided upon retirement |
| Pension | After 20+ years of service |
The honest truth? The starting salary for a Kharidar isn’t going to make you rich. With a basic salary of around NPR 19,000-22,000, the take-home after deductions is modest. However, when you factor in the allowances, festival bonus, provident fund, health benefits, and the security of a permanent government job with pension — the total compensation package becomes more attractive than it initially appears.
For remote area postings, you also get additional allowances that can significantly boost your income. A Kharidar posted in a “Gha” category remote district can earn substantially more in allowances than one posted in Kathmandu.
For a more detailed breakdown of Kharidar salary with the latest government pay scale, check out our comprehensive Kharidar Exam, Syllabus & Salary Guide for 2082.
Career Progression — Kharidar Bata Kahile Samma Pugna Sakincha?
This is where things get really interesting. One of the biggest advantages of starting as a Kharidar is the clear career progression path. You’re not stuck at this level forever — there’s a defined ladder you can climb.
The Career Ladder
| Position | Classification | Approx. Years from Kharidar | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kharidar | Non-Gazetted 2nd Class | Starting point (0 years) | Lok Sewa Aayog open competition |
| Nayab Subba | Non-Gazetted 1st Class | 5 — 8 years | Internal competition (aantarik pratiyogita) or seniority-based promotion (jyeshthata) |
| Subba | Gazetted 3rd Class (equivalent level) | 10 — 15 years | Internal exam / promotion |
| Section Officer (Shakha Adhikrit) | Gazetted 3rd Class | 12 — 18 years | Internal competition or performance-based |
| Undersecretary (Upasakchiv) | Gazetted 2nd Class | 18 — 25+ years | Promotion / internal competition |
Understanding the Progression Path
Kharidar to Nayab Subba: This is the first major step up. After serving as a Kharidar for a certain number of years (typically 5+ years), you become eligible for internal competition to the Nayab Subba position. The internal exam is conducted by Lok Sewa Aayog and is generally less competitive than the open exam since only existing government employees can participate. Some promotions also happen through seniority — meaning if you serve long enough without any issues, you’ll eventually move up.
Nayab Subba to Subba/Section Officer: From Nayab Subba, the path continues upward. With additional years of service and through internal examinations, Nayab Subbas can progress to the Gazetted level. This is a significant milestone because Gazetted positions carry substantially more authority, responsibility, and salary.
The Big Picture: A dedicated Kharidar who enters service at age 22-25 can potentially reach the Section Officer level by their late 30s or early 40s. Some even progress further to Undersecretary level before retirement. The key factors that determine how fast you climb are: exam performance, years of service, disciplinary record, and training completions.
Kharidar Exam Pattern & Eligibility
Now let’s cover how you actually become a Kharidar. The exam is conducted by Lok Sewa Aayog (Public Service Commission of Nepal), and it follows a structured pattern:
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Education | SLC/SEE pass or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Age Limit (General) | 18 — 35 years |
| Age Limit (Women/Inclusion) | 18 — 40 years |
| Citizenship | Must be a Nepali citizen |
| Other | Not disqualified by any prevailing law; no criminal record |
Exam Stages
| Stage | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Paper | Written (Objective/MCQ) | General Knowledge (GK), Current Affairs, Nepali, English, Basic Math & IQ |
| Second Paper | Written (Subjective) | Nepali (essay, letter writing, grammar), English (comprehension, grammar), and service-related subjects |
| Interview | Oral | Personality test, subject knowledge, current affairs, and situational questions |
The competition is intense. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for a limited number of Kharidar positions. The pass rate is low, which means serious, focused preparation is essential. You need a solid strategy covering all subjects, regular practice with past questions, and mock tests to assess your readiness.
For the complete subject-wise syllabus breakdown, visit our Kharidar Syllabus page on the Loksewa Tayari App.
If you’re just starting your loksewa preparation journey and feeling overwhelmed, our Loksewa Preparation from Zero guide can help you build a structured study plan from scratch.
Is Kharidar a Good Career Choice? — Honest Assessment
We promised honesty, so here it is. Is becoming a Kharidar worth all the preparation effort? Let’s look at both sides:
Pros
- Job Security: Once you’re in, you’re in. Permanent government jobs in Nepal offer unmatched stability.
- Pension & Benefits: After 20+ years of service, you receive pension for life — a luxury that private sector jobs rarely offer in Nepal.
- Social Status: “Sarkari jagir” still carries significant social prestige in Nepali society, especially for marriage and family standing.
- Clear Career Path: Unlike many private sector jobs where growth is uncertain, the civil service has a defined progression: Kharidar to Nayab Subba to Section Officer and beyond.
- Work-Life Balance: Government offices typically follow fixed hours (10 AM — 5 PM, Sunday to Friday). While workload can be heavy during peak periods, it’s generally more predictable than private sector.
- Leave Benefits: Generous leave policies — casual leave, home leave, sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, study leave.
- Learning Opportunity: You gain deep knowledge of government systems, laws, and procedures that is valuable for your entire career.
- Training Opportunities: Government regularly sends employees for capacity-building trainings, both domestic and sometimes international.
Cons
- Low Starting Salary: Let’s be real — NPR 19,000-22,000 basic salary is not enough to live comfortably in Kathmandu or major cities. You may need to be frugal initially.
- Remote Postings: High chance of being posted in remote districts, far from family and urban amenities. Not everyone can handle Humla or Dolpa.
- Slow Promotion: Climbing from Kharidar to Section Officer can take 12-18 years. If you’re impatient, this pace can be frustrating.
- Bureaucratic Culture: Government offices in Nepal are known for red tape, hierarchical culture, and sometimes resistance to change. This can be demoralizing for energetic newcomers.
- Political Influence: Transfers, postings, and sometimes even daily work can be influenced by political considerations — something that bothers many civil servants.
- Monotonous Work: Darta-Chalani and file management day after day can become repetitive. If you need creative stimulation, this might not be ideal.
- Limited Pay Growth: Annual increments are modest. Even after 10 years, the salary growth doesn’t compare to what skilled professionals can earn in the private sector.
- Transfer Disruptions: Frequent transfers can disrupt family life, children’s education, and personal stability.
The Bottom Line: Kharidar is an excellent career choice if you value job security, government benefits, pension, and a stable career trajectory. It’s ideal for people who come from backgrounds where financial stability is the priority and who are comfortable with the patient, long-term nature of government career growth. If you’re someone who needs rapid salary growth, creative freedom, or can’t handle remote postings — you might want to consider other options alongside your loksewa preparation.
That said, many of Nepal’s most accomplished bureaucrats started as Kharidars. The position is a doorway — what you build through it depends entirely on your dedication, continuous learning, and how well you perform over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of Kharidar in Nepal?
Kharidar is a Non-Gazetted Second Class (Ra.Pa. Animitit Dwitiya Shreni) civil service position in Nepal. It is an entry-level administrative role in government offices, responsible for clerical tasks such as darta-chalani (document registration and dispatch), file management, letter drafting, and record keeping. The word “Kharidar” has Persian origins meaning “buyer/purchaser,” dating back to its historical role in procurement during the Rana era.
Q: What is the salary of a Kharidar in Nepal?
A Kharidar earns a basic salary starting from approximately NPR 19,000 to NPR 22,000 per month. However, total monthly income is higher when you include dearness allowance, grade increments, and other benefits. Additionally, Kharidars receive an annual festival allowance (Dashain bhatta) equal to one month’s salary, provident fund contributions, and remote area allowance for postings in less accessible districts. For a detailed salary breakdown, visit our Kharidar Salary Guide.
Q: What qualification is needed for Kharidar exam?
The minimum educational qualification for the Kharidar exam is SLC/SEE pass or equivalent from a recognized board. The age limit is 18-35 years for general candidates and 18-40 years for women and candidates from inclusion groups. Candidates must be Nepali citizens and should not be disqualified by any prevailing law.
Q: What is the difference between Kharidar and Nayab Subba?
Kharidar is Non-Gazetted Second Class while Nayab Subba is Non-Gazetted First Class — one level higher. Nayab Subba has more responsibilities including supervising Kharidars, handling complex administrative tasks, and limited decision-making authority. The salary is also higher for Nayab Subba. A Kharidar can be promoted to Nayab Subba through internal competition or seniority-based promotion after approximately 5-8 years of service. Read our detailed Nayab Subba roles and responsibilities guide for more.
Q: Can a Kharidar become a Section Officer?
Yes, absolutely. A Kharidar can progress to Section Officer (Shakha Adhikrit) through the career ladder: Kharidar → Nayab Subba → Subba → Section Officer. This typically takes 12-18 years depending on internal exam performance, seniority, and available positions. Many successful Section Officers and even Joint Secretaries in Nepal started their careers as Kharidars.
Q: Where do Kharidars get posted after selection?
Kharidars can be posted across any of Nepal’s 77 districts in various offices including District Administration Offices (CDO offices), district courts, land revenue offices, municipalities, federal ministries, and departmental offices. The posting location depends on vacancy availability and government needs. New recruits often get posted in remote or less-desirable districts initially, with better postings available as seniority increases.
Q: Is Kharidar a good career in Nepal?
Kharidar is widely considered a good entry-level career in Nepal’s civil service. The key advantages are job security, government pension after 20+ years, social prestige, predictable work hours, and a clear career progression path. The main drawbacks include modest starting salary, potential remote area postings, slow promotion pace, and bureaucratic work culture. For many Nepalis, especially those who value long-term stability over short-term high earnings, it remains an excellent career choice.
Conclusion — Your Kharidar Journey Starts Here
So there you have it — a complete, honest, and practical picture of what Kharidar means in Nepal and what the position truly involves. From the Darta-Chalani morning routine to the long-term career progression from Kharidar to Section Officer and beyond, we’ve covered every aspect you need to know before and during your loksewa preparation.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Kharidar is the foundation of Nepal’s civil service — a Non-Gazetted Second Class position that keeps government offices running.
- Daily work involves darta-chalani, file management, letter drafting, record keeping, and public service — it’s more demanding than most people think.
- The career path is clear — Kharidar to Nayab Subba to Subba to Section Officer, with each step bringing more responsibility and better compensation.
- The exam is competitive but absolutely achievable with structured preparation, consistent practice, and the right resources.
- It’s a career built on patience — the rewards (pension, security, progression) come to those who stay the course.
Whether you’re just starting to think about loksewa or you’re deep in preparation mode, understanding the role you’re aspiring for makes your motivation stronger and your preparation more focused. You’re not just studying to pass an exam — you’re preparing to serve the nation in a very real, tangible way.
Ready to take the next step? The Loksewa Tayari App has everything you need — from subject-wise study materials and complete syllabus breakdowns to mock tests that simulate the real exam experience. Thousands of successful candidates have used it, and you could be next.
Free to join. Start practicing today. Your Kharidar seat is waiting.
