More than 2,500 civil servants left the civil service in the last financial year. The Royal Civil Service Commission, RCSC says the increase was mainly due to contract completions and retirements. But the voluntary resignations declined.
Some 2,563 civil servants left the civil service in the last fiscal year. That is 186 more than the previous 2024-2025 year. But the RCSC says the rise does not indicate a decline in employee retention.
According to RCSC’s Annual Report 2025-26, contract-related exits drove the biggest increase. They rose by nearly 50 per cent, mainly because 547 contract teachers completed their contracts. Retirements also increased. Some 217 civil servants reached superannuation, up by more than 35 per cent. Meanwhile, voluntary resignations fell by 6.23 per cent.
The voluntary resignation rate stood at 4.9 per cent. Overall attrition was 6 per cent.
Further education remained the main reason for voluntary resignation. The annual report states that it accounted for 42 per cent of departures. This was followed by better career and pay opportunities at 29 per cent. Another 11 per cent cited work-life balance and family reasons.
On average, those who resigned voluntarily left after around four years of service. This raises concerns about retaining younger and specialised professionals.
ICT professionals recorded the highest attrition. Some 47 mid-level ICT officers voluntarily left the service. Engineering also remains a challenge, as graduates are increasingly attracted to higher-paying jobs, including in State-Owned Enterprises. Doctors recorded relatively low attrition, with 23 resignations.
However, the sector still faces shortages in remote areas and super-specialised fields.
Nurses recorded 204 resignations, including 104 clinical nurses.
To improve retention, the government is focusing on faster career progression, scholarships and specialised career pathways. It is also exploring alternative recruitment arrangements and talent management. The RCSC is advocating pension reforms.
This follows the exit of 157 civil servants with 15 to 23 years of service, largely to access their accumulated pension and provident fund benefits.
The civil service currently has around 30,000 employees. That is roughly one civil servant for every 26 citizens.
Anita Chhetri
Edited by Passang
