Nearly 3,000 applications have been submitted in response to the government’s call for applications for ambassadorial appointments through an open competition process. If this figure proves accurate, it reflects an exceptionally high level of interest in diplomatic positions. According to sources, by Friday—the final day for submitting applications—around 3,000 applications had been received for 13 ambassador and permanent representative posts.
On Jestha 14, the government published a notice inviting qualified Nepali citizens to apply, along with a seven-page guideline outlining the selection process. According to a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, applications have been received from candidates representing a wide range of professional backgrounds.
“We have received an overwhelmingly positive response and a large number of applications,” the official said. “Some applications have been submitted multiple times, resulting in duplicates. We expect to remove duplicate submissions and release the final verified figure by next Monday.”
Due to server issues and technical glitches, some applicants submitted their applications more than once. Others sent their personal details and resumes through the ministry’s official address, email, and postal services.
The identities of all applicants have not yet been made public. However, officials say the applicant pool includes serving government employees, retired security officials, former civil servants, university and college professors and teachers, journalists, individuals working with various international organizations, and professionals who have completed higher education in fields such as international relations, political science, and economics.
proposed names will be forwarded to the Council of Ministers for recommendation. However, since the authority to appoint ambassadors ultimately rests with the government, it is not certain that all 13 positions will be filled exclusively from among the applicants who responded to the open call.
The ministry stated that applications were invited from qualified Nepali citizens in accordance with Section 45 of the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2008 (2064 B.S.) and the Ambassador Appointment Guidelines, 2018 (amended in 2022). These provisions govern the appointment, responsibilities, and tenure of ambassadors, permanent representatives, and special envoys.
At present, 17 diplomatic missions are without ambassadors, and an additional seven missions are expected to become vacant by mid-Bhadra. According to officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal will therefore need to appoint a total of 24 ambassadors in the near future.
