𝟓𝟐𝟎 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐎𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠

…𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒚, 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝒅𝒛𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒈𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬2𝑩10𝑿 𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

By Tashi Tshewang

A total of 520 newly recruited officers officially joined Bhutan’s civil service on December 31, 2025, after taking their oath of allegiance at Tashichhodzong. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the nation’s public service journey following the Bhutan Civil Service Examination (BCSE) 2025.

The oath-taking ceremony, led by His Eminence the Laytshog Lopen, reaffirmed the officers’ commitment to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum with loyalty, integrity, and dedication as they assume responsibilities across various government sectors and dzongkhags. The new recruits formally entered service from January 1, 2026, representing a diverse range of disciplines aligned with the country’s evolving development needs.

Of the total intake, 269 officers were inducted into Technical Services, 156 into Education Services, 60 into Administration Services, and 35 into Finance Services. In line with Bhutan’s decentralization policy, a majority of the officers- 67.2 percent or 350 recruits- have been posted to dzongkhags outside Thimphu, while 170 officers will serve in the capital.

During the ceremony held in the kuenray of Tashichhodzong, His Eminence the Laytshog Lopen reminded the graduates of the enduring values of tha-dam-tsiloyalty, gratitude, and moral responsibility, emphasizing the solemn duty of serving a nation and people who have shaped their lives. Appointment letters were handed over to the officers, symbolizing their formal induction into public service after years of preparation, academic pursuit, and perseverance.
The event was attended by members of the Royal Civil Service Commission, the Education Secretary, and senior government officials, highlighting the collective responsibility of guiding and nurturing the next generation of civil servants entrusted with Bhutan’s nation-building efforts.

RCSC Media Spokesperson said, “Through this oath-taking ceremony, the Royal Civil Service Commission seeks to remind new officers that joining the civil service is a solemn commitment to serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum with integrity, accountability and loyalty.”

The spokesperson added that the ceremony reinforces the principle that public service extends beyond personal ambition and career advancement. “It serves as a reminder that civil servants are entrusted with the responsibility to place national interest above individual goals, uphold ethical conduct in all circumstances, and serve the people with courage and dedication. The message aligns with Bhutan’s long-term development aspirations under the E2B10X vision and reflects the broader values underpinning the civil service system, as envisioned by His Majesty The King.”

The Royal Civil Service Commission’s E2B10X vision- short for Enlightened Entrepreneurial Bureaucracy with 10x productivity by 2035- aims to transform the civil service into a more innovative, efficient, and high-performing institution. Under this vision, officers are expected to embrace technology, innovation, and citizen-centric service delivery while contributing to Bhutan’s long-term development goals through disciplined, accountable, and effective public service.

“Public service calls on officers to put the nation first, act with moral courage, and carry out their duties in line with the E2B10X vision, guided by the vision and wisdom of His Majesty The King,” the spokesperson said.

Norbu Tshering Samdrup, the engineering topper among the BCSE 2025 graduates, said, “Taking the oath at Tashichhodzong is a deeply meaningful and humbling moment for me. It marks the beginning of my service to His Majesty the King, the country, and the people, and reminds me that being a civil servant is not just a job but a lifelong responsibility. Standing in such a historic and sacred place strengthens my commitment to uphold integrity, loyalty, and the core values of public service in all my duties.”

He reflected on the significance of the ceremony as more than a formal event, describing it as a moment of personal reflection and dedication. Being posted in Thimphu, he said, gives him a starting point to learn how government systems operate, build professional skills, and understand the responsibilities expected of a civil servant. He noted that while the posting is a new beginning, it is also an opportunity to serve wherever the nation needs him, embrace challenges, and gain practical experience in delivering public services efficiently.

For Norbu, the oath is a reminder that the path of a civil servant demands discipline, continuous learning, and a strong sense of accountability to the people. He added, “As a survey engineer with the National Land Commission Secretariat, I see my role as contributing through the provision of accurate land and geospatial data, which underpins planning, infrastructure development, and good governance across the country. Through precise, responsible, and ethical work, I aim to support informed decision-making and help advance Bhutan’s development priorities under the E2B10X vision. Every task I undertake, from mapping to land management, is a small yet vital part of ensuring that development is sustainable, equitable, and benefits the nation as a whole.”

Sangay Bidha, the Dzongkha topper among the BCSE 2025 graduates, said, “Taking the oath in the Kuenray of Tashichhodzong, in the presence of the Buddha, is an honour beyond words. His Majesty’s presence and heartfelt address before the oath made the moment deeply humbling and inspiring. The wisdom, guidance, and trust expressed in His Majesty’s speech reinforced the true meaning of public service and reminded us of the responsibility we carry towards the nation and its people.”

She reflected on how standing in such a historic and sacred place strengthened her personal commitment to serve with integrity, loyalty, and humility, and to uphold the principles of good governance throughout her career. Mentally and professionally prepared to serve in any dzongkhag where she is posted, Sangay highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement. She said that serving at the local level provides a unique opportunity to understand the real needs and challenges of communities.

From her first posting, she expects to learn, adapt, and collaborate closely with colleagues and local residents, gaining practical experience, building resilience, and contributing meaningfully regardless of location. She concluded, “I see my role as contributing through dedicated service, innovation, and accountability in my assigned field. By improving efficiency, promoting transparency, and embracing digital transformation, I hope to support Bhutan’s broader development goals. In line with the E2B10X vision, I aim to adopt a forward-looking mindset, continuously upgrade my skills, and actively contribute to building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable nation.”

Deki Phuntsho, the Administration topper among the BCSE 2025 graduates, shared, “Taking the oath at Tashichhodzong is a solemn pledge of loyalty and service to my King, my country, and the people of Bhutan. It signifies my commitment to serve the nation with all my might and integrity under any circumstances. This important moment has strengthened my sense of responsibility and motivated me to uphold the values of discipline, accountability, and dedication as a civil servant.”

He reflected on how the oath-taking ceremony provided more than a formal induction; it was a moment of personal reflection and renewed dedication to public service. Deki emphasized that his role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to Bhutan’s development goals while aligning with the Royal Civil Service Commission’s commitment to the E2B10X initiative. Being part of the civil service, he said, also allows him to engage with external stakeholders and counterparts, providing a platform to represent Bhutan professionally and support sustainable development across sectors.

He added, “Through this role, I aim to serve and represent my country with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. I hope to contribute to Bhutan’s national development in a sustainable and inclusive manner, while ensuring that governance is efficient, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our people.”