The governor is appointed by the president of Nepal recommended by federal cabinet for a term of five years and holds office at the president's pleasure.

A person who has once served as the governor of a province cannot be appointed to the same post twice.

However, the governor must act on the advice of the popularly elected council of ministers, headed by the chief minister, which thus holds de facto executive authority at the province-level.

The Constitution of Nepal also empowers the governor to act upon his or her own discretion, such as the ability to appoint or dismiss a ministry, recommend president's rule for the president's assent.

[2] (past governors) Article 164 of the Constitution of Nepal states that: