Section Officer Exam Guide
General Awareness (50 q) + Aptitude (30 q) + English (20 q) — counts toward merit
Stage I · 100 MCQ · 90 minSelection process
Three stages decide your final rank — here's exactly what each one involves.
Stage 1 · Preliminary (MCQ)
100 MCQ · 90 min · 100 marks
Stage 2 · Written
3 papers · 300 marks
Stage 3 · Final
3 items · 60 marks
Total marks across all stages
460
Merit list rule
50% of the First Stage score is added to the Second Stage score
First Stage: Preliminary MCQ
The real Lok Sewa first-stage (objective) format for this position.
Topics covered: General Knowledge (50 Marks) + General Mental Ability/IQ (30 Marks) + English Language (20 Marks)
100
Questions
90
Minutes
1
Marks / question
20%
Negative marking
45/100
Pass marks
Second Stage: Written papers
Subjective papers taken after clearing the preliminary. PSC Guru's mock exams cover the MCQ stage — these need dedicated written practice.
Second Paper: Governance System
State Architecture, Governance frameworks, Constitution, Public Administration, and Public Policy
Subjective: 10 Analytical Questions x 10 Marks each
Third Paper: Contemporary Issues
Economic, Social, Development, Environmental, and International Relations dynamics
Subjective: 10 Analytical Questions x 10 Marks each
Fourth Paper: Service-Related Subject
Technical core content for specialized groups (Admin, Revenue, Audit, Judicial, Foreign Affairs)
Subjective: 10 Professional/Operational Questions x 10 Marks each
Final Stage: Skill test & interview
What happens after you clear the written exam.
Information Technology Skill Test
Practical review of operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, and online tech tools
Group Test (Group Discussion)
Group dynamic tracking, leadership performance, and cooperative problem analysis
Individual Oral Interview
Detailed multi-criteria assessment by the central interview committee
Exam-wide rules
Negative Marking: 20% negative marking is applied for each incorrect answer in the First Stage Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
No Penalty: No marks are added or deducted for unattempted objective questions.
Calculators: Standard, scientific, or programmable calculators are strictly prohibited during the Objective/MCQ phase.
Merit List Integration: For Nayab Subba and Section Officer, 50% of the marks obtained in the First Stage are added to the Second Stage score.
Kharidar Pass Criteria: For Kharidar, the First Stage is strictly screening/qualifying; marks are not aggregated into the final ranking list.
Subjective Standard: A minimum of 40% is mandatory to pass each individual subjective paper in the Main Written Examination.
First Stage subjects
Every First Stage subject in the syllabus, broken down by weight.
General Awareness
Geography, history, society, economy, current affairs, science
Aptitude Test
Logical reasoning, pattern, analogy, numerical ability
English Language
Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, writing skills
How you'll practice
Once you sign up, prepare your way — timed mock exams, daily quizzes, subject drills and more.
Practice Mode
Browse and answer questions freely. Great for first-time learners or casual revision.
First Paper Challenge
Simulate the real Loksewa Paper I. Covers Constitution, Governance, Management & General Ability.
Gorkhapatra Wednesday Special
The most essential practice set derived directly from Gorkhapatra’s weekly Loksewa supplement.
Daily Quiz
A fresh set of 10 curated questions every day. Complete it to keep your streak alive.
Subject Drill
Laser-focus on one subject until you master it. Choose from Geography, Constitution, Math, IQ, and more.
Speed Round
Race against the clock. You get 30 seconds per question — train your instinct under exam pressure.
Weak Areas
We analyse your answers and build a focused set from the topics where you drop marks most.
Frequently asked questions
How many stages are in the Section Officer exam?
The Section Officer selection process has three stages: a First Stage preliminary MCQ exam, a Second Stage written exam with 3 subjective papers, and a Final Stage with skill tests and an interview. Total marks across all stages: 460.
How many questions are in the Section Officer First Stage exam?
The Section Officer First Stage (preliminary) has 100 MCQ questions worth 100 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes.
Is there negative marking in the Section Officer exam?
Yes — 20% of a question's marks are deducted for each wrong attempted answer in the First Stage MCQs. Unattempted questions have no penalty.
What is the passing mark for Section Officer?
You need 45 out of 100 marks to pass the Section Officer First Stage. Each Second Stage written paper requires a minimum of 40% to pass.
Does the Section Officer First Stage score count toward the final merit list?
50% of the First Stage score is added to the Second Stage score
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