Important Announcement: Korean Language Test (EPS-TOPIK) Application Process

The Government of Nepal, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security Department and the Department of Foreign Employment EPS Korea Branch, Gwarko, Lalitpur, have jointly issued a pivotal notice concerning the application procedure for the Korean Language Test (EPS-TOPIK). This announcement was published on 14th Shrawan 2080.

This crucial step is in adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, and the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Labor and Employment. The objective is to pave the way for the selection and dispatching of eligible Nepali citizens to work in the Republic of Korea, specifically in the Ship Building Company, under the Employment Permit System (EPS).

This is a golden opportunity for Nepali citizens interested in employment abroad. The HRD Service of Korea is welcoming applications from eligible individuals who are willing to participate in this test program.

Important Dates and Details:

• EPS-TOPIK Language Test (1st Round):

  The first round, which is the language test, is scheduled to commence from Monday, 01 Ashoj 2080, corresponding to 18 September 2023. The test will be held specifically for the Water Ship Company Area (Ship Building).

  • Note: The examination will be conducted in four shifts per day. The schedule might be modified depending on the number of applicants. If the number of applicants is large, the examination could be conducted in two rounds.

• Skill Test (2nd Round):

  The Skill Test (2nd round) will follow the results of the first round language test (EPS-TOPIK, UBT Language Test), which will be published subsequently.

  • Note: Only those applicants who have scored the highest marks among those who have passed in the relevant field in the language test (EPS-TOPIK Language Test 1st Round) will qualify for the Skill Test (2nd Round).

Application Process and Eligibility for Employment in the Ship Building Sector

Selection Procedure:

For the ship building sector, selection will be based on a holistic evaluation of candidates. This will involve assessments of:

• Performance in the language test (EPS-TOPIK Language Test)
• The skill test (Skill Test)
• The interview process

The final result will include approximately 2,500 successful candidates who have demonstrated exceptional performance in the first and second rounds. These candidates will be included in the final roster.

• Note: The exact number of successful candidates may vary in accordance with the demand for workers in Korea. Candidates who pass the language test will only be eligible to participate in the second stage Skill Test and the health test, after which they can proceed to fill out the Job Application Form.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants interested in these positions should meet the following criteria:

• Must be a Nepali citizen
• Must be aged between 18 and 39 years old (date of birth should be between August 06, 1983, and August 05, 2005, or B.S. 2040 Shrawan 21 to 2062 Shrawan 21)
• Must not have any criminal convictions
• Must not have engaged in any illegal activities in the Republic of Korea or have resided in Korea illegally
• Must not have been prohibited from traveling to other countries by the Government of Nepal
• Must have stayed in Korea for less than five years on E-9 and E-9-1 visas
• Must not have color blindness or color weakness, and no disc or finger amputation

Application Registration Process and Examination Fee

Registration Process:

• Registration Date: The application registration window is open from 2080 Shrawan 20th Saturday to 24th Wednesday, which corresponds to August 05, 2023.

• Examination Venue: The examination for applicants will be conducted at the UBT Building, located in Lalitpur Bhaisepati.

• Application Registration: Applicants must fill the examination application form online by visiting the official website at https://eoers.epsnepal.gov.np.

• Application Registration Demo: Applicants unsure about the registration process can access a step-by-step demo on the homepage of the official website.

Required Documents for Registration:

Applicants need to upload the following documents during registration:

• A color scanned JPG image file, up to 100KB in size and with a width of 600 pixels.
• A color photograph with a white background, capturing the upper chest and face, taken within the last three months. The individual in the photograph should not be wearing white clothing. The photo should be between 100 and 300 pixels in width and should be scanned and uploaded as a JPG file of up to 15KB in size.

Applicants are also required to provide a valid email address and mobile number while filling out the application form.

Examination Fee:

The examination fee for this program is set at USD 28 (twenty-eight dollars). Payments should be made in Nepali rupees through online payment providers only. The conversion rate will be set according to the exchange rate determined by the Nepal Rastra Bank for the day preceding the application form registration date.

This application process has been created with efficiency and transparency in mind. By following these steps carefully, applicants can ensure that they successfully complete their registration and take the first step towards securing employment in the shipbuilding sector in the Republic of Korea.

Exam Details, Result Publication, System, and Preparation

Exam Venue and Time:

• Details regarding the exam venue and time will be published on 2080 Bhadra 08 Friday, corresponding to August 25, 2023.

• The number of applicants and exam sessions can vary based on the number of applicants in the relevant field (Ship Building) and the proportional representation in the roster.

• Biometric registration will take place one day before the exam, while biometric verification will happen on the examination day through UBT (Ubiquitous Based Test, Tablet).

Result Publication:

• The language test results will be published at a date to be announced later.

• Results will be available on the notice board and website of the Department of Foreign Employment, EPS Korea Branch, and at http://www.eps.go.kr/.

• The validity of the language test is up to 2 years from the date of result publication.

Exam System and Weightage:

• The EPS-TOPIK is an objective multiple-choice test, including sections for reading and listening, conducted consecutively without intermissions.

• Each section is allotted 50 minutes.

Exam Day Preparation:

• Candidates should bring a colored copy of their admit card and a copy of their passport, failing which they will not be allowed to sit for the examination.

Other Information:

• Possession of electronic devices in the examination venue will invalidate the candidate's exam.

• Impersonation during the examination will result in immediate legal action, with offenders barred from participating in the language test for the next 4 years.

• Any discrepancies between the applicant's personal details in the application form and their passport will result in disqualification.

• The 2nd Round Skill Test will include physical examinations (height, weight) and color vision tests, along with skill assessments.

• Individuals with certain physical disabilities or those who fail the health test and negative police reports will be ineligible for employment, despite passing the language test.

• The selection process involves only the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Foreign Employment Department, EPS Korea Branch, HRD Service of Korea, and EPS Center, Nepal. No other private associations, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals are involved.

• Women workers' selection in the Ship Building sector is reported to be low, and only a few Korean returnees listed in the roster through the UBT system have been selected by employers.

• Individuals who have passed the language test in the agriculture and animal husbandry sector in 2023 and taken the skill test can also apply for the examination in this sector.

• Those who fail this language test may apply for future tests in other fields.

• Passing the Korean language test and being listed in the roster does not guarantee employment. Candidates are advised to continue with their current profession or business.