HPPSC HPAS
2026-27 Complete Guide
The ultimate guide to Himachal Pradesh's Administrative Services Exam
1What is HPPSC HPAS?
The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services Combined Competitive Examination (HPPSC HPAS) is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for various Class-I Gazetted positions in the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It is the state's premier civil services examination and the entry point to senior administrative postings across HP Government departments. It recruits for four services:
- H.P. Administrative Services (HPAS) — Pay Level 18 (₹56,100 – 1,77,500)
- Block Development Officer (BDO) — Class-I Gazetted, Pay Level 17 (₹53,600 – 1,70,100)
- Tehsildar — Class-I Gazetted, Pay Level 13 (₹46,000 – 1,46,500)
- Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes & Excise — Class-I Gazetted, Pay Level 13 (₹46,100 – 1,46,500)
1.1 HPAS at a Glance
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service Combined Competitive Examination |
| Common Short Name | HPAS / HPAS CCE |
| Conducting Authority | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
| Frequency | Annual (once a year) |
| Selection Stages | Three — Preliminary + Main + Personality Test |
| Application Mode | Online only via the OTR portal at hppsc.hp.gov.in |
| Exam Mode | Prelims: OMR objective; Mains: pen-and-paper descriptive; PT: in-person interview |
| Languages | Bilingual (English/Hindi); the Hindi paper is answered in Devanagari |
| Headquarters | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
| Education | Bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| Age | 21 to 35 years (relaxations for HP reserved categories) |
| Highest Pay Level | Pay Level 18 (HPAS), ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Mains Structure | 8 papers (6 compulsory + 2 optional); English & Hindi qualifying only |
2HPAS Cycle Summary
Conducting & Application Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
| Issuing Authority | Secretary, H.P. Public Service Commission |
| Application Mode | Online via the OTR portal at hppsc.hp.gov.in |
| Selection Stages | Preliminary + Main + Personality Test |
| Prelims Exam Cities | Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Dharamshala, Palampur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Nahan, Solan, Una, Sundernagar |
| Mains Exam Centre | Shimla (typically) |
| Court Jurisdiction | Shimla |
2.1 Pay Band Details
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| H.P. Administrative Services (HPAS) | Level 18 | ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Block Development Officer (BDO) | Level 17 | ₹53,600 – 1,70,100 |
| Tehsildar | Level 13 | ₹46,000 – 1,46,500 |
| Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes & Excise | Level 13 | ₹46,100 – 1,46,500 |
3Exam Calendar — When Things Happen
A full HPAS cycle runs 8–9 months across three stages. The months below are typical; exact 2026-27 dates are confirmed only in the official advertisement.
3.1 Overall Cycle at a Glance
| Cycle Marker | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification & Application Opens | Awaited (typically April–May) |
| Application Closes / Last Date for Fee | Awaited |
| Final Selection Result | Awaited (typically Dec–Jan) |
| Service Allocation Letters | Awaited |
3.2–3.4 Stage-Wise Micro-Events
- Prelims (around June–July): single online application (HPPSC OTR portal) → admit card ~10–15 days before → two mandatory papers (GS Paper-I and Aptitude Paper-II) on one day → provisional answer key & objections → final key & result. About 20× vacancies are shortlisted for the Mains.
- Mains (around Sep–Oct): separate online form + fee after Prelims result, optional locked at this stage → admit card ~10–15 days before → eight descriptive papers (3 hours each) at Shimla → Mains result (Nov–Dec).
- Personality Test (around Nov–Dec): e-call letter + attestation & service-preference forms → document verification on the day → 150-mark interview at HPPSC HQ, Shimla → final merit list (Dec–Jan) with service allocation.
3.6 Key Reminders
- Bookmark hppsc.hp.gov.in; all months above are typical — actual dates come in the official advertisement and corrigenda.
- Avoid last-day submissions — server load near deadlines causes failed payments.
- Once a stage closes (application, fee, exam), there is no second chance until the next annual cycle.
- Cross-check your name, photo, signature and roll number on every admit card; report discrepancies immediately.
4Eligibility Criteria
A. Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India.
B. Educational Qualification
A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognised university.
- Final-year candidates: those awaiting results, or intending to appear at the qualifying exam, may apply provisionally — provided the qualifying exam is completed before this examination commences, with proof of passing produced no later than 2 months after this examination commences.
- MBBS candidates: those who passed the final professional exam but not completed internship are provisionally admitted, producing the original degree (with internship) at the Personality Test.
C. Desirable Qualification
Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh, and suitability for appointment in the peculiar conditions prevailing in the Pradesh.
5Age Limit
21 to 35 years on or before 1 January of the year of notification.
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| Maximum Age (Open / General) | 35 years |
| Age Cut-off Date | 1 January of the year of notification |
5.1 Age Relaxation
The upper age limit is relaxable by five years — admissible ONLY to bonafide HP candidates of: SC, ST, OBC, Persons with Disabilities, and Children/Grandchildren of Freedom Fighters of Himachal Pradesh.
5.2 Age Limit for HP Government Servants
| Post Type | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| HPAS and other posts (Tehsildar, BDO, Treasury Officer, etc.) | 45 years |
| Himachal Pradesh Police Service | 42 years |
| District Controller (Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs) | 42 years |
5.3–5.4 Ex-Servicemen
Age relaxation for Ex-Servicemen of HP follows the Ex-Servicemen Rules 2020 (for HPAS & HPPS) and the Demobilized Armed Forces Personnel Rules 1972 (for other posts).
6Reservation Categories
Reservation is admissible only to candidates who are bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh, in these categories: SC, ST, OBC, EWS, Ex-Servicemen, Wards of Ex-Servicemen (dependent sons/daughters/wives), Wards of Freedom Fighters, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Locomotor / Visually Impaired / Hearing Impaired, 40%+).
6.1 Bonafide Himachali Certificate
A Bonafide Himachali Certificate is mandatory for reserved-category candidates. Statutory certificates (Bonafide Himachali, SC, ST, WFF and legal-heir, issued on a parentage basis in the prescribed format) are of a permanent nature and accepted by the Commission.
6.2 Outside-HP Candidates
7Posts, Salary & Job Profile
7.1 Pay Scale
| Post | Pay Level | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| H.P. Administrative Services (HPAS) | Level 18 | ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Block Development Officer (BDO) | Level 17 | ₹53,600 – 1,70,100 |
| Tehsildar | Level 13 | ₹46,000 – 1,46,500 |
| Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes & Excise | Level 13 | ₹46,100 – 1,46,500 |
Beyond basic pay, officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA) and other allowances per H.P. Government rules in force at joining; specific rates depend on the current DA rate and posting city.
7.2 Job Profile by Service
H.P. Administrative Services (HPAS)
The elite administrative service of Himachal Pradesh, equivalent to the State Civil Service elsewhere. HPAS officers serve at entry, district and state levels — policy implementation, district administration, public-service delivery and inter-departmental coordination. Deployments are per the H.P. Government's cadre-allocation rules.
Block Development Officer (BDO)
Class-I Gazetted officer under the Rural Development Department — chief executive of the block administration. Oversees block-level development, implements rural schemes (employment, housing, sanitation), manages Panchayati Raj institutions, monitors MGNREGA, and coordinates line departments.
Tehsildar
Class-I Gazetted officer under the Revenue Department — the principal revenue officer at the tehsil level. Handles revenue administration, land records, magisterial duties, elections and revenue collection; reports to the SDM and Deputy Commissioner.
Assistant Commissioner, State Taxes & Excise
Class-I Gazetted officer in the State Taxes & Excise Department — tax administration, GST/VAT enforcement, excise compliance, dealer audit and revenue collection; oversees tax circles and leads enforcement teams.
8Exam Pattern
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies (100 MCQs) | 200 | 2 hrs |
| Paper-II | Aptitude Test / CSAT (100 MCQs) | 200 | 2 hrs |
| TOTAL | 400 | — |
- 2 marks per correct answer; negative marking 1/3 per wrong answer; multiple answers also penalised; no penalty for blanks.
- Paper-II (Aptitude) is qualifying at 33%; merit for the Mains shortlist is drawn on Paper-I only. About 20× vacancies are shortlisted.
- Both papers are mandatory — absence in either disqualifies. Prelims marks are not counted in final merit.
Stage 2: Main Examination (8 Papers)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Papers | |||
| Paper-I | English (10+2 level) | 100 | Qualifying only — 40% needed |
| Paper-II | Hindi (Devanagari, 10+2 level) | 100 | Qualifying only — 40% needed |
| Paper-III | Essay | 100 | Counted |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-I | 200 | Counted |
| Paper-V | General Studies-II | 200 | Counted |
| Paper-VI | General Studies-III | 200 | Counted |
| Optional Subject (one subject, two papers) | |||
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject Paper-I | 100 | Counted |
| Paper-VIII | Optional Subject Paper-II | 100 | Counted |
| Total written (all 8 papers) | 1,100 | ||
| Counted toward merit (excl. English & Hindi) | 900 | ||
- All papers are 3 hours. Standards are degree level (B.A./B.Sc.), except English & Hindi which are 10+2 level.
- To qualify the Mains: minimum 40% in EACH of English and Hindi, AND minimum 45% in the aggregate of the remaining papers.
- The optional may be answered in English or Hindi; the optional choice cannot be changed after the application is submitted.
Stage 3: Personality Test
Conducted by the Commission at HPPSC HQ, Shimla; carries 150 marks. Up to 3× the number of vacancies are called. It judges mental calibre, intellectual qualities, social traits, interest in current affairs, and knowledge of HP customs, manners and dialects.
Final Merit & Tie-Breaking
9Detailed Syllabus
9.1 Prelims Syllabus
Paper-I — General Studies (200 marks, 100 MCQs): History, Geography, Polity, Art & Culture and socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh; current events of national/international importance; history of India & the national movement; Indian & world geography; Indian polity & governance; economic & social development; environment, ecology, biodiversity & climate change; general science.
Paper-II — Aptitude Test / CSAT (200 marks, qualifying 33%): comprehension; interpersonal & communication skills; logical reasoning & analytical ability; decision-making & problem-solving; general mental ability; basic numeracy & data interpretation (Class X level); English language comprehension (Class X level).
9.2 Mains Syllabus — The Parcham Strategic Map
Eight papers, with English & Hindi as qualifying gates and one Optional subject (two papers). GS-I to GS-III mirror the UPSC pattern but carry a heavy Himachal-specific weightage that is your scoring differentiator. Always cross-check the official Mains Syllabus PDF on hppsc.hp.gov.in.
Paper-I — English (100 marks, 10+2 level, qualifying)
A 10+2-level test of functional English — comprehension under time pressure, precis writing, grammar accuracy, idiomatic usage, and short composition (letters, applications, reports, notes).
40% qualifying: reach the threshold confidently, then redirect saved hours to the counted papers. Don't over-invest — but don't risk it either.
Paper-II — Hindi (Devanagari, 100 marks, 10+2 level, qualifying)
A working-level Hindi proficiency test — two-way English-Hindi translation, explaining Hindi prose & poetry in Hindi, and short compositions (idioms, sentence corrections).
40% qualifying: non-Hindi-medium aspirants underestimate this and pay for it. Thirty minutes a day of Hindi reading plus weekly translation practice is the minimum.
Paper-III — Essay (100 marks, counted)
Structured argumentation and original thinking over a 1,000–1,500 word essay in three hours. Topics span contemporary affairs, governance debates, Indian & Himachal culture/history, and reflective prompts.
Essay scores can swing final ranks by 20–30 places. Write one full 3-hour essay weekly from six months out and get it reviewed.
Paper-IV — General Studies-I (200 marks, counted)
- Indian heritage — culture through 1947, modern history from the mid-18th century, freedom struggle; art, sculpture, painting
- World history — Industrial Revolution, World Wars, fascism, decolonisation, nationalism, globalisation
- Himachal block — hill states (Kangra, Kullu, Chamba), dealings with Mughals/Sikhs/Gorkhas, Begar/Beth/Reet, the Praja Mandal movements (1848–1948), post-independence HP development
- Society, geography & ethics — Indian & HP geography, society & tribes, women & child welfare, the Disaster Management Act 2005 & HP's hazard profile, Gandhian ethics
Scoring tip: the HP block is your reliable anchor — hill-state lineages, the Praja Mandal timeline, HP tribes and geographical zones recur across years.
Paper-V — General Studies-II (200 marks, counted)
- Constitution — evolution, FRs, DPSPs, duties, amendments, basic structure, constitutional bodies
- Institutions — Parliament, legislatures, executive, judiciary; centre-state relations; devolution; RPA
- HP governance — statehood & political journey, the HP Public Service Guarantee Act 2011, RTI with HP rules, 73rd/74th Amendments in HP, sub-regionalism, welfare delivery
- International relations — neighbourhood & major powers, Act East, global institutions
Scoring tip: master the HP Public Service Guarantee Act 2011 in detail — it is the highest-recurring HP-governance source in this paper.
Paper-VI — General Studies-III (200 marks, counted)
- Indian economy — demographics, sectoral GDP, poverty & inflation, monetary & fiscal policy, FRBM, trade & BoP, LPG reforms
- HP economy — sectoral GSDP, agriculture & land holdings, industrialisation, hydropower & tourism, special-category-status debate, education/health/infrastructure
- Science, technology & energy — ISRO missions, remote sensing & GIS, energy mix, HP biotech/IT policy, e-governance (HIMSWAN, Lok-Mitra Kendra, AGISAC)
- Environment & sustainability — climate change, EIA, NAPCC, Himalayan ecology & biosphere reserves, HP tourism policy
Scoring tip: HP economic data and HP-tech initiatives (HIMSWAN, Lok-Mitra Kendra, AGISAC) are routinely tested but skipped by outsiders — asymmetric scoring territory.
Papers VII & VIII — Optional Subject (100 marks each, counted)
You pick ONE optional from the list of 31 and write both papers on it, at Bachelor's-degree standard. Each optional has its own detailed syllabus published by HPPSC.
Choice tip: pick a subject with academic comfort or genuine interest AND meaningful GS overlap. Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, Indian History and Political Science give the highest overlap; Engineering and pure sciences reward background but offer little GS leverage. Once submitted, the optional is locked.
9.3 List of 31 Optional Subjects
Indian History; Political Science & International Relations; Mathematics; Statistics; Economics; Commerce & Accountancy; Chemistry; Botany; Zoology; Philosophy; Law; Sociology; Public Administration; Management; Geography; Agriculture; Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Civil Engineering; Hindi; Sanskrit; Urdu; English Literature; Psychology; Geology; Physics; Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science; Anthropology; Forestry; Horticulture; Medical Sciences.
10Personality Test (Interview)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission |
| Maximum Marks | 150 (counted in final merit) |
| Mode | Face-to-face before HPPSC Commission Members |
| Number Called | Not exceeding 3× the vacancies |
| What is Tested | Mental calibre, intellectual qualities, social traits, current affairs, and knowledge of HP customs, manners & dialects |
Qualities judged include mental alertness, critical assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, depth of interest, leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity. The board has your full career record before them.
11How to Apply
Applications are online only via hppsc.hp.gov.in — any other mode is rejected.
11.1 Mandatory Documents
- Matriculation certificate (age proof); Bachelor's degree certificate & mark sheets / consolidated mark sheet.
- Valid category certificate(s) for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/Ex-Servicemen/Ward of Ex-Servicemen/WFF/PwD (HP-prescribed format).
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate (for reserved-category candidates).
- Valid EWS/BPL certificate (Income & Asset certificate, or BPL certificate countersigned by the BDO with a non-SC/ST/OBC certificate).
- Ex-Servicemen discharge certificate / service book (with PPO number, rank, NOC and date of retirement).
12Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Male — General / General PwD / EWS (not BPL) / WFF / Wards of General Ex-Servicemen, & General Ex-Servicemen of HP relieved on own request before normal tenure | ₹600 |
| Candidates of other states (including reserved-category candidates of other states) | ₹600 |
| Male — SC/ST/OBC of HP, Wards of SC/ST/OBC WFF & Ex-Servicemen, EWS under UR-BPL of HP, & SC/ST/OBC Ex-Servicemen of HP relieved on own request before normal tenure | ₹150 |
| Ex-Servicemen of HP relieved after completing normal tenure; Blind/Visually Impaired male candidates of HP | No fee |
| Female candidates | No fee |
13HPPSC Office & Contact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Authority | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
| Headquarters | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh |
| Official Website | hppsc.hp.gov.in |
| hppsc_shimla@msn.com | |
| Toll-Free Number | 1800-180-8004 |
| Phone (Reception) | 0177-2629738 |
| Phone (Secretary) | 0177-2623786 |
| Reception Hours | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (working days) |
14Selection Process Summary
- Stage 1 — Prelims: two objective papers (200 each), 1/3 negative marking, Paper-II (Aptitude) qualifying at 33%. Zero/negative in Paper-I disqualifies. Mandatory to appear in both. Marks not counted in final merit.
- Stage 2 — Mains: 8 descriptive papers (3 hrs each) — English & Hindi (100 each, qualifying, 40% needed), Essay (100), GS-I/II/III (200 each), Optional I & II (100 each). Need 45% aggregate (excl. English & Hindi). 900 marks count toward merit.
- Stage 3 — Personality Test: 150 marks; up to 3× vacancies called; tests calibre, current affairs and HP customs/dialects.
- Final Selection: Mains counted (900) + Personality Test (150) = 1,050. Service allocation by inter-se merit and stated preference. In-service (regular) candidates need an employer NOC before the interview; contract/casual/ad-hoc/daily-rated staff do not.
15Preparation Tips from Parcham Classes
HPAS rewards a UPSC-quality grasp of national subjects AND deep Himachal-specific mastery — organised into four phases that mirror the aspirant journey.
01 NCERT foundation first
Class 6–12 NCERTs in History, Geography, Polity, Economy and Science form the bedrock. The NCERT Advanced Batch structures this with mnemonics-based teaching.
02 Master Himachal-specific content
HP History, Geography, Polity, Art & Culture is the FIRST topic in Prelims GS, runs through every Mains GS paper, and is probed in the interview (HP customs & dialects). It's your biggest differentiator.
03 Bonafide Himachali Certificate (reserved category)
Reserved-category candidates from HP need a valid Bonafide Himachali Certificate; reserved candidates from other states are treated as General. Plan accordingly.
04 Daily current affairs (national + HP)
Tested in both Prelims and Mains. The Current Affairs Complete Kit gives a monthly e-magazine, daily headliners and MCQs — plus follow HP via The Tribune, Punjab Kesari, Divya Himachal.
05 Don't underestimate the Aptitude Test
Paper-II needs 33% to qualify — many aspirants fail Prelims on it alone. Solve ~50 questions daily on comprehension, reasoning, decision-making, numeracy and English comprehension.
06 Choose your optional wisely (31 options)
The optional (200 marks) cannot be changed once submitted. Pick academic comfort + GS overlap; Public Administration, Geography, Sociology, History and Political Science give the highest overlap.
07 Clear English & Hindi (both qualifying)
You need 40% in EACH of English and Hindi (10+2 level). Failing either invalidates your Mains. Practise translation, comprehension and precis — don't treat them as a formality.
08 Daily answer-writing practice
Six counted descriptive papers plus two optional papers, all 3 hours, demand trained writing. Start daily practice six months out; the All-in-One State PCS batch includes Answer Writing Workshops.
09 Solve HPPSC PYQs
HPPSC repeats patterns — especially HP-specific questions. Solve the last 5–8 years of HPAS Prelims and Mains PYQs; it's the highest-return activity for HP topics.
10 Use the One-Liner E-Book
The All State PSC One-Liner E-Book offers 16,000+ one-liners — compact and ideal for the final 30-day revision phase.
11 Beware the zero/negative-marks trap
Score zero or negative in GS Paper-I and you're disqualified — regardless of CSAT. With 1/3 negative marking, mark only what you're reasonably confident about; don't blind-guess.
12 Know the Ex-Servicemen attempt limit
Ex-Servicemen of HP get 3 attempts for HPAS/HPPS only; for other posts (BDO, Tehsildar, Asst. Commissioner) via the HPAS CCE there's no limit. Plan strategically.
The Parcham Stack for HPPSC HPAS
| Programme | Best Suited For |
|---|---|
| All-in-One State PSC Batch 2026-27 (Flagship) | End-to-end Prelims + Mains for HPAS and 12 other state PCS exams — lifetime access, with HP state-GK modules & Answer Writing Workshops |
| NCERT Advanced Batch | Foundation Phase — core concepts across History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science |
| Current Affairs Complete Kit | Active Preparation — monthly e-magazine, daily headliners and MCQs |
| All State PSC One-Liner E-Book | Final-week revision — 16,000+ one-liners for high-volume recall |
16Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is HPPSC HPAS?
The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services Combined Competitive Examination, conducted by HPPSC to recruit for Class-I Gazetted positions — HPAS, BDO, Tehsildar and Assistant Commissioner (State Taxes & Excise) — in the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Q2. I am from outside HP. Can I apply?
Yes — candidates from other states can apply. But reserved-category candidates from other states are treated as General: the benefit of reservation and fee concession is not admissible, and they pay the General fee and compete in the General/UR category.
Q3. What is the age limit?
21 to 35 years on or before 1 January of the year of notification. Five years' upper-age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/WFF of HP only. HP Government servants get separate limits (45 for HPAS; 42 for HPPS and District Controller).
Q4. How many attempts are allowed?
Ex-Servicemen of HP get 3 attempts for HPAS/HPPS; for other posts (BDO, Tehsildar, Asst. Commissioner) via the HPAS CCE there is no limit. Other candidates may attempt within the prescribed age limits.
Q5. What is the salary structure?
HPAS at Pay Level 18 (₹56,100 – 1,77,500); BDO at Level 17 (₹53,600 – 1,70,100); Tehsildar at Level 13 (₹46,000 – 1,46,500); Asst. Commissioner at Level 13 (₹46,100 – 1,46,500). Allowances (DA, HRA, TA) per H.P. Government rules.
Q6. What is the structure of the Mains?
8 papers — 6 compulsory + 2 optional. Compulsory: English (100), Hindi (100), Essay (100), GS-I/II/III (200 each). Optional: Paper-I (100) + Paper-II (100). All 3 hours. English and Hindi marks are NOT counted for ranking.
Q7. What are the qualifying criteria for the Mains?
Minimum 40% in EACH of the Hindi and English compulsory papers, and minimum 45% in the aggregate of the remaining papers (excluding English & Hindi).
Q8. How many Optional Subjects are available?
31 — ranging across academic disciplines (Indian History, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Public Administration, etc.), specialised subjects (Forestry, Horticulture, Medical Sciences, Engineering streams) and languages (Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, English Literature). The choice cannot be changed after submission.
Q9. How is the final merit prepared?
Final merit = Mains marks (excluding the English & Hindi compulsory papers) + Personality Test marks (150). Prelims marks are not counted. This works out to 900 counted Mains marks + 150 = 1,050.
Q10. What is the Prelims qualifying criteria?
The Aptitude Test (Paper-II) needs 33% to qualify. No candidate qualifies if they score zero or negative marks in GS Paper-I. Both papers are mandatory — absence in either disqualifies.
Q11. Where can I find the official notification and updates?
On hppsc.hp.gov.in, where the HPAS Mains detailed syllabus PDF is also hosted. For clarifications, call the HPPSC toll-free number 1800-180-8004 or email hppsc_shimla@msn.com.
Q12. Can I change my exam centre or optional after applying?
No. Once the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) is submitted, no change in exam centre, optional subject or other particulars is allowed (except change of category per the H.P. PSC Rules). Review all details carefully before final submission.
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Explore CoursesDisclaimer & Source Citation
This document was prepared by Parcham Classes based exclusively on official HPPSC documents and Government of Himachal Pradesh rules:
- HPPSC HPAS examination rules and the HPAS Mains detailed syllabus — hppsc.hp.gov.in
- H.P. PSC (Procedure and Transaction of Business) Rules, 2023 — application & category-change provisions
- Ex-Servicemen (Reservation of Vacancies, Pay Fixation and Regulation of Seniority in HPAS) Rules, 2020, and the Demobilized Armed Forces Personnel Rules, 1972 — age relaxation & attempts
- Government of Himachal Pradesh reservation orders — SC, ST, OBC, EWS and horizontal categories (Ex-Servicemen, WFF, PwD), with the Bonafide Himachali requirement
Awaited data: All 2026-27 cycle dates (notification, application, prelims, mains, interview), vacancy figures and post-wise reservation rosters are awaited and will be confirmed only when the official advertisement is released.
Marks note: The eight Mains papers sum to 1,100 marks; English & Hindi (200) are qualifying-only and excluded from ranking, so 900 marks count toward merit. Some rules tables print a footer total of "1,000" — the per-paper figures shown here are the reliable ones.
Verify: For any HPPSC corrigenda or further notifications, verify the latest information directly at hppsc.hp.gov.in. Last updated: April 2026.