KATHMANDU, Aug. 24 -- Nearly 10,000 government employees are spending more time preparing for the Public Service Commission exams than focusing on their official duties. Among them, about half take leave in ways that directly affect work in the office.

Former Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Suresh Adhikari, said around 10,000 civil servants are occupied with exam preparations once the Commission announces vacancies for various positions. According to him, about 1,000 are preparing for the Joint Secretary post, 2,500 for the Under Secretary post, and nearly 7,000 for Section Officer positions.

Of these, roughly half manage their studies without disturbing office duties, while the rest either go on...