HPPSC HPAS DETAILS
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HPPSC HPAS 2026 Recruitment: Overview, Vacancies & Complete Guide
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) issued Advertisement No. 59/8-2026, dated 26 August 2026, for the H.P. Administrative Service Combined Competitive Examination-2026. It covers 22 Class-I posts across five services: HP Administrative Service (4), Block Development Officer (10), District Controller (1), District Treasury Officer (1) and Tehsildar (6). Online applications closed on 22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM. Selection runs through a Preliminary Exam, a Main Exam and a Personality Test. The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 13 December 2026.
Prelims on 13 December 2026: The HPAS 2026 Preliminary Examination will be held on Sunday, 13 December 2026. The application and fee window closed on 22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM. Registered candidates should now watch the HPPSC website for the e-admit card release.
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Structured coverage of Himachal Pradesh GK, GS for Prelims and Mains, CSAT practice and answer writing.
Explore HPAS Courses1. HPPSC HPAS 2026 key highlights
The HPAS Combined Competitive Examination is Himachal Pradesh's state civil services exam. It is the entry route to the HP Administrative Service, which is the service from which officers rise to SDM, ADC and, through promotion, the IAS.
| Key parameter | Official details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting body | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC), Shimla |
| Examination | H.P. Administrative Service Combined Competitive Examination-2026 |
| Advertisement reference | Advertisement No. 59/8-2026, dated 26/08/2026 |
| Total vacancies | 22 (may increase or decrease) |
| Posts | HPAS, Block Development Officer, District Controller, District Treasury Officer, Tehsildar |
| Pay scale | Level 13 to Level 18 (Rs. 46,000 to Rs. 1,77,500 basic range) |
| Application closing date | 22/09/2026, 11:59 PM (application and fee) |
| Application fee | Rs. 600, uniform for all categories |
| Selection stages | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Personality Test |
| Prelims date | 13 December 2026 |
| Official website | hppsc.hp.gov.in |
2. Post-wise and category-wise vacancies
| S.No. | Department | Post | Posts | Category-wise break-up | Pay scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Personnel-IV | H.P. Administrative Services | 4 | UR 1, UR (Hearing Impaired of HP) 1 (backlog), SC of HP (Ex-Servicemen of HP) 1 (backlog), ST of HP 1 | Level 18 (Rs. 56,100 to 1,77,500) |
| 2 | Rural Development | Block Development Officer | 10 | UR 5, UR (Ex-Servicemen of HP) 1, ST of HP 1, OBC of HP 2, EWS of HP 1 | Level 17 (Rs. 53,600 to 1,70,100) |
| 3 | Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs | District Controller | 1 | UR (Visually Impaired of HP) 1 (backlog) | Level 16 (Rs. 48,700 to 1,54,300) |
| 4 | Treasuries, Accounts and Lotteries | District Treasury Officer | 1 | EWS of HP 1 | Level 16 (Rs. 48,700 to 1,54,300) |
| 5 | Revenue-A | Tehsildar | 6 | UR 3, SC of HP 1, ST of HP 2 | Level 13 (Rs. 46,000 to 1,46,500) |
Totalled across all five posts, the 22 vacancies break down as follows (horizontal sub-categories counted within their parent category):
Unlike the 2025 cycle, this advertisement does not list HP Police Service or Assistant Commissioner (State Taxes & Excise) posts. HPPSC states that vacancies received from the Government up to the closing date will be added, so the count can still change.
3. Eligibility summary
Education
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university. Final-year students may apply if the degree is completed before the Main Exam, subject to the notification's conditions.
Age
21 to 35 years as on 01-01-2026. Five years' relaxation for bona fide HP SC, ST, OBC, PwD and Wards of Freedom Fighters, only where a post is reserved for that category.
Nationality
Must be a citizen of India. Candidates from other states can apply but are treated as General (Unreserved).
Desirable
Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and suitability for its conditions.
Full details are on the HPAS eligibility page.
4. Application procedure and fee
Applications are accepted only online through the One Time Registration (OTR) portal on the HPPSC website. Candidates must upload documents, their recent photograph and capture a live photograph during the application.
- Fee: Rs. 600 for every candidate, irrespective of category. This is a change from earlier cycles, when HP reserved categories paid a lower fee.
- Payment modes: Debit card, credit card, UPI or any other online digital mode.
- Refund: None. The fee cannot be carried over to another exam.
- Mains: Candidates who qualify Prelims submit a separate online application and fee for the Main Exam.
5. Exam pattern at a glance
| Stage | Papers | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam | Paper I: General Studies (100 MCQs); Paper II: Aptitude Test (100 MCQs) | 200 + 200 | Screening only. Paper II qualifying at 33%. One-third negative marking. |
| Main Exam | English, Hindi, Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III, Optional Paper I and II | 900 counted for merit (English and Hindi 100 each are qualifying) | Descriptive, 3 hours per paper |
| Personality Test | Interview by the Commission | 150 | Counted in final merit |
Final merit is based on Mains (900) plus the Personality Test. Prelims marks are not counted. See the exam pattern page for the full scheme.
6. Admit card and exam centres
No admit card is posted. Provisionally admitted candidates download their e-admit card from the HPPSC website using their OTR login and must paste a self-attested or gazetted-attested passport photograph on it. The Prelims will be held at 14 stations: Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Dharamshala, Palampur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Nahan, Solan, Una, Sundernagar and Rampur Bushahr.
7. Salary, career and how HPAS compares
Pay
The HP Administrative Service post carries Pay Level 18 (Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500) with DA, HRA and other allowances under HP Government rules. BDO is at Level 17, District Controller and District Treasury Officer at Level 16, and Tehsildar at Level 13.
HPAS vs UPSC CSE
HPAS mirrors the UPSC Civil Services structure but with a smaller, state-focused competition, a higher upper age limit (35 vs 32), no general attempt limit and a strong Himachal Pradesh component in every stage. Compare in detail on the HPAS vs other exams page.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full form of HPPSC HPAS?
HPPSC stands for Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission and HPAS stands for Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service. The exam is officially called the H.P. Administrative Service Combined Competitive Examination.
How many vacancies are there in HPAS 2026?
A total of 22 vacancies are notified: HPAS 4, BDO 10, District Controller 1, District Treasury Officer 1 and Tehsildar 6.
What is the advertisement number for HPAS 2026?
Advertisement No. 59/8-2026, dated 26 August 2026.
What was the last date to apply for HPAS 2026?
The last date for both the application and the fee was 22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM.
When is the HPAS 2026 Prelims exam?
The HPAS 2026 Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 13 December 2026.
What is the application fee for HPAS 2026?
Rs. 600 for all candidates, irrespective of category. It is non-refundable.
What is the age limit for HPAS 2026?
A candidate must be at least 21 and must not have turned 35 on or before 01-01-2026.
Can candidates from outside Himachal Pradesh apply?
Yes. They can apply if otherwise eligible, but they are treated as General category candidates and get no reservation or age relaxation.
Is there negative marking in HPAS Prelims?
Yes. One-third of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
Is the Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper counted in merit?
No. Paper II is qualifying with a minimum of 33%. Merit for Mains admission is based only on General Studies Paper I.
How many candidates are called for Mains?
About 20 times the number of vacancies. For 22 posts that is roughly 440 candidates.
How many candidates are called for the interview?
Up to three times the number of vacancies, plus anyone tied at the last qualifying score.
Are English and Hindi papers counted in the final merit?
No. Candidates need at least 40% in each, but their marks are not added to the total.
What is the pay level of an HPAS officer?
The HP Administrative Service post is in Pay Level 18, with a pay range of Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500.
Is there an attempt limit for HPAS?
There is no general attempt limit within the age band. Ex-Servicemen of HP are allowed a maximum of three attempts for HPAS and HP Police Service.
Where will the Prelims be held?
At 14 stations in Himachal Pradesh, including Shimla, Mandi, Dharamshala, Kullu, Solan and Una. HPPSC may also hold it at Sub-Divisional level if applications are high.
When was the HPAS 2026 notification released?
HPPSC issued Advertisement No. 59/8-2026 on 26 August 2026.
Which posts are filled through HPAS 2026?
HP Administrative Service, Block Development Officer, District Controller (Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs), District Treasury Officer and Tehsildar.
What is the minimum educational qualification for HPAS?
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university, in any stream.
Is the HPAS Prelims score counted in final merit?
No. Prelims is only a screening test. Final merit is based on Mains and the Personality Test.
What is the total marks for final merit in HPAS?
1,050 marks: 900 from the counted Mains papers and 150 from the Personality Test.
Can I apply for HPAS if I am from another state?
Yes, but you will be treated as a General (Unreserved) candidate with no reservation or age relaxation.
What is the desirable qualification for HPAS?
Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and suitability for the state's conditions.
How do I stay updated on HPAS 2026 announcements?
Check the HPPSC website regularly and keep your registered e-mail and mobile number active for alerts.
Sleepy Classes Courses for HPPSC HPAS 2026
Prepare for the HPAS 2026 Prelims on 13 December 2026 with Sleepy Classes programmes built around the HPPSC pattern.
For General Studies
HPPSC HAS 2026 General Studies Prelims Live Crash Course
Rs. 7,499 (MRP Rs. 9,999)
GS and Himachal GK concept classes, offline MCQ revision classes, 12 sectional tests, 5 full-length tests, current affairs magazines and 5 years of solved GS Prelims papers.
View CourseHPPSC HPAS 2026 GS Test Series
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12 subject-wise sectional tests and 5 full-length tests with detailed PDF solutions, as per the exam pattern.
View CourseHPSC HAS GK Batch for Prelims 2026
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HP GK video lectures, HP current affairs compilations, GS PYQ PDFs and Telegram mentorship.
View CourseFor Sociology Optional
HIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Live Course + Test Series (Online)
Rs. 17,999
Live online classes, faculty guidance, notes, PYQs and doubt support, plus 10 evaluated tests with model answers.
View CourseHIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Offline Course + Test Series (Offline)
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Offline classes, faculty guidance, notes, PYQs and doubt support, plus 10 evaluated tests with model answers.
View CourseHIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Optional Live Online Course
Rs. 10,999
Live online classes, faculty guidance, current affairs discussions, notes, PYQs and doubt support.
View CourseHIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Optional Offline Course
Rs. 10,999
Offline classes, faculty guidance, current affairs discussions, notes, PYQs and doubt support.
View CourseHIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Optional Test Series
Rs. 8,999
10 tests (4 sectional + 1 full-length per paper) with detailed evaluation, model answers and video solutions.
View CoursePrices as listed on the Sleepy Classes website and subject to change.
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Manisha Balhra
Sociology Optional Faculty (HPAS)Sleepy Classes IAS
Manisha Balhra is a seasoned educator with over 7 years of experience mentoring UPSC aspirants. She has successfully guided students to remarkable results in various competitive examinations.
1 HPAS Mains
2 HPAS Prelims
4 UPSC Mains
2 HCS Mains
1 RAS Mains
IB ACIO II Interview
7+ Years of Mentorship and Teaching