HPPSC HPAS DETAILS
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HPPSC HPAS 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
HPAS 2026 has 22 vacancies under Advertisement No. 59/8-2026. Applications closed on 22 September 2026. The age limit is 21 to 35 on 01-01-2026, the fee is Rs. 600 for all, and selection runs through Prelims, Mains (900 marks counted) and a 150-mark Personality Test. The Prelims date is awaited.
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Notification & Vacancies
What is the official reference for the HPAS 2026 notification?
Advertisement No. 59/8-2026, dated 26 August 2026, issued by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
How many vacancies are there in HPAS 2026?
22 vacancies across five posts.
What is the post-wise break-up of HPAS 2026 vacancies?
HP Administrative Service 4, Block Development Officer 10, District Controller 1, District Treasury Officer 1 and Tehsildar 6.
What is the category-wise break-up of the 22 posts?
Unreserved 12 (including HI, VI and Ex-Servicemen sub-quotas), ST of HP 4, SC of HP 2, OBC of HP 2 and EWS of HP 2.
Are there backlog vacancies?
Yes. UR (Hearing Impaired) and SC (Ex-Servicemen) in HPAS, and UR (Visually Impaired) for District Controller are backlog posts.
Can the number of vacancies change?
Yes. Vacancies received from the Government up to the closing date will be added, and the numbers may increase or decrease.
Is HP Police Service included in HPAS 2026?
The advertisement does not list HPPS vacancies.
Where can I download the official notification?
From the HPPSC website at hppsc.hp.gov.in.
Eligibility
What is the age limit for HPAS 2026?
21 to 35 years as on 01-01-2026.
What is the educational qualification?
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
Who gets a 5-year age relaxation?
Bona fide HP SC, ST, OBC, PwD and Wards of Freedom Fighters, only where a post is reserved for that category.
What is the age limit for HP Government employees?
45 years for HPAS, Tehsildar, BDO and Treasury Officer; 42 years for HP Police Service and District Controller.
Can candidates from other states apply?
Yes, as General candidates without reservation or age relaxation.
Is there an attempt limit?
No general limit. Ex-Servicemen of HP are allowed three attempts for HPAS and HPPS.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, if the degree exam is completed before the HPAS exam starts, with proof within two months of its commencement.
What is the desirable qualification?
Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh.
Registration & Fee
What was the last date to apply?
22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM, for both the application and the fee.
Where do I apply?
Online through the OTR portal on hppsc.hp.gov.in.
What is the application fee?
Rs. 600 for all candidates, irrespective of category.
Is the fee refundable?
No, and it cannot be carried over to another exam.
Can I edit the application after submission?
No, except for a category change under Rule 5(iv) of the HPPSC Procedure Rules, 2023.
Is a live photograph required?
Yes. It is captured during the application and used to verify identity at the exam centre.
Do Prelims-qualified candidates apply again for Mains?
Yes, through a separate online application with a separate fee.
Exam Pattern
When is the HPAS 2026 Prelims?
On 13 December 2026.
What are the stages of HPAS?
Preliminary Exam, Main Exam and Personality Test.
What is the Prelims pattern?
GS Paper I and Aptitude Paper II, each with 100 MCQs, 200 marks and 2 hours.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, one-third of the marks for each wrong answer. Blank answers carry no penalty.
Is the Aptitude paper qualifying?
Yes, with a minimum of 33%. Merit is based only on GS Paper I.
What is the Mains pattern?
English, Hindi, Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III and two optional papers, each 3 hours.
Which Mains papers count for merit?
Essay, the three GS papers and the two optional papers, totalling 900 marks.
What are the Mains qualifying rules?
At least 40% each in English and Hindi, and 45% in the aggregate of counted papers.
How many marks is the interview?
150 marks.
Syllabus
What does the Prelims GS syllabus cover?
HP history, geography, polity, art and culture and development, plus current events, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, environment and general science.
What does the Aptitude paper cover?
Comprehension, communication skills, reasoning, decision making, mental ability, Class X numeracy, data interpretation and English comprehension.
How many optional subjects are there?
31.
What level are the Mains papers?
Degree level for GS, Essay and optionals; 10+2 level for English and Hindi.
Where is the detailed Mains syllabus?
On the HPPSC website.
Can I write optional papers in Hindi?
Yes. Optional papers can be answered in English or Hindi.
Admit Card & Exam Day
How do I get the admit card?
Download the e-admit card from the HPPSC website using your OTR login. It is not posted.
What must I paste on the admit card?
A passport-size photograph, self-attested or attested by a Gazetted Officer.
When does entry close?
30 minutes before the paper begins.
Where are the exam centres?
Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Dharamshala, Palampur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Nahan, Solan, Una, Sundernagar and Rampur Bushahr.
Can I change my exam centre?
No. Appearing at a centre other than the allotted one leads to rejection.
Are electronic devices allowed?
No. Possessing a mobile phone or any communication device is treated as unfair means.
Cut-off & Result
What was the HPAS 2025 Prelims cut-off?
UR 133.75, OBC 126.75, SC 117.25 and ST 111.75, out of 200.
What was the HPAS 2024 UR Prelims cut-off?
104.67 out of 200.
How many candidates are called for Mains?
About 20 times the vacancies.
How many are called for the interview?
Up to three times the vacancies, plus ties at the last score.
How is final merit decided?
By Mains (900) plus Personality Test (150), out of 1,050.
How is a tie broken?
By interview marks, then compulsory-paper aggregate, then Essay marks, then age.
Is re-evaluation allowed?
No, at any stage.
When was the HPAS 2025 final result declared?
On 30 December 2025.
Interview
What does the HPAS interview assess?
Mental alertness, judgement, leadership, integrity, interest in current affairs and knowledge of HP customs, manners and dialects.
What documents are needed at the interview?
Originals of all certificates claimed, plus an NOC for regular Government employees.
What if I cannot produce my category certificate?
You will not be allowed before the board and your candidature will be rejected.
Does an interview call guarantee selection?
No.
What topics should I prepare?
Your application details, home district, HP current issues and the role of your preferred post.
Salary & Career
What is the pay of an HPAS officer?
Level 18, Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500, plus allowances.
What is the pay of a BDO?
Level 17, Rs. 53,600 to Rs. 1,70,100.
What is the pay of a Tehsildar?
Level 13, Rs. 46,000 to Rs. 1,46,500.
What is the approximate in-hand pay of an HPAS officer?
Roughly Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 90,000 a month at entry, depending on DA and HRA.
What is the first posting of an HPAS officer?
Usually Sub-Divisional Magistrate after training.
Can HPAS officers become IAS?
Yes, through promotion under the state civil service quota.
Preparation
How important is HP GK?
Very important. It appears in Prelims, Mains and the interview.
Can I prepare for HPAS and UPSC CSE together?
Yes. Add HP GK, Hindi practice and HPAS-specific mocks.
When should I start Mains answer writing?
Now, alongside Prelims preparation.
What are the best sources for HP economy?
The latest HP Economic Survey and Budget speech.
How many mock tests should I take?
At least 15 GS and 8 CSAT full-length mocks before Prelims.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official reference for the HPAS 2026 notification?
Advertisement No. 59/8-2026, dated 26 August 2026, issued by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission.
How many vacancies are there in HPAS 2026?
22 vacancies across five posts.
What is the post-wise break-up of HPAS 2026 vacancies?
HP Administrative Service 4, Block Development Officer 10, District Controller 1, District Treasury Officer 1 and Tehsildar 6.
What is the category-wise break-up of the 22 posts?
Unreserved 12 (including HI, VI and Ex-Servicemen sub-quotas), ST of HP 4, SC of HP 2, OBC of HP 2 and EWS of HP 2.
Are there backlog vacancies?
Yes. UR (Hearing Impaired) and SC (Ex-Servicemen) in HPAS, and UR (Visually Impaired) for District Controller are backlog posts.
Can the number of vacancies change?
Yes. Vacancies received from the Government up to the closing date will be added, and the numbers may increase or decrease.
Is HP Police Service included in HPAS 2026?
The advertisement does not list HPPS vacancies.
Where can I download the official notification?
From the HPPSC website at hppsc.hp.gov.in.
What is the age limit for HPAS 2026?
21 to 35 years as on 01-01-2026.
What is the educational qualification?
A bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
Who gets a 5-year age relaxation?
Bona fide HP SC, ST, OBC, PwD and Wards of Freedom Fighters, only where a post is reserved for that category.
What is the age limit for HP Government employees?
45 years for HPAS, Tehsildar, BDO and Treasury Officer; 42 years for HP Police Service and District Controller.
Can candidates from other states apply?
Yes, as General candidates without reservation or age relaxation.
Is there an attempt limit?
No general limit. Ex-Servicemen of HP are allowed three attempts for HPAS and HPPS.
Can final-year students apply?
Yes, if the degree exam is completed before the HPAS exam starts, with proof within two months of its commencement.
What is the desirable qualification?
Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh.
What was the last date to apply?
22 September 2026 at 11:59 PM, for both the application and the fee.
Where do I apply?
Online through the OTR portal on hppsc.hp.gov.in.
What is the application fee?
Rs. 600 for all candidates, irrespective of category.
Is the fee refundable?
No, and it cannot be carried over to another exam.
Can I edit the application after submission?
No, except for a category change under Rule 5(iv) of the HPPSC Procedure Rules, 2023.
Is a live photograph required?
Yes. It is captured during the application and used to verify identity at the exam centre.
Do Prelims-qualified candidates apply again for Mains?
Yes, through a separate online application with a separate fee.
When is the HPAS 2026 Prelims?
On 13 December 2026.
What are the stages of HPAS?
Preliminary Exam, Main Exam and Personality Test.
What is the Prelims pattern?
GS Paper I and Aptitude Paper II, each with 100 MCQs, 200 marks and 2 hours.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, one-third of the marks for each wrong answer. Blank answers carry no penalty.
Is the Aptitude paper qualifying?
Yes, with a minimum of 33%. Merit is based only on GS Paper I.
What is the Mains pattern?
English, Hindi, Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III and two optional papers, each 3 hours.
Which Mains papers count for merit?
Essay, the three GS papers and the two optional papers, totalling 900 marks.
What are the Mains qualifying rules?
At least 40% each in English and Hindi, and 45% in the aggregate of counted papers.
How many marks is the interview?
150 marks.
What does the Prelims GS syllabus cover?
HP history, geography, polity, art and culture and development, plus current events, Indian history, geography, polity, economy, environment and general science.
What does the Aptitude paper cover?
Comprehension, communication skills, reasoning, decision making, mental ability, Class X numeracy, data interpretation and English comprehension.
How many optional subjects are there?
31.
What level are the Mains papers?
Degree level for GS, Essay and optionals; 10+2 level for English and Hindi.
Where is the detailed Mains syllabus?
On the HPPSC website.
Can I write optional papers in Hindi?
Yes. Optional papers can be answered in English or Hindi.
How do I get the admit card?
Download the e-admit card from the HPPSC website using your OTR login. It is not posted.
What must I paste on the admit card?
A passport-size photograph, self-attested or attested by a Gazetted Officer.
When does entry close?
30 minutes before the paper begins.
Where are the exam centres?
Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Dharamshala, Palampur, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Nahan, Solan, Una, Sundernagar and Rampur Bushahr.
Can I change my exam centre?
No. Appearing at a centre other than the allotted one leads to rejection.
Are electronic devices allowed?
No. Possessing a mobile phone or any communication device is treated as unfair means.
What was the HPAS 2025 Prelims cut-off?
UR 133.75, OBC 126.75, SC 117.25 and ST 111.75, out of 200.
What was the HPAS 2024 UR Prelims cut-off?
104.67 out of 200.
How many candidates are called for Mains?
About 20 times the vacancies.
How many are called for the interview?
Up to three times the vacancies, plus ties at the last score.
How is final merit decided?
By Mains (900) plus Personality Test (150), out of 1,050.
How is a tie broken?
By interview marks, then compulsory-paper aggregate, then Essay marks, then age.
Is re-evaluation allowed?
No, at any stage.
When was the HPAS 2025 final result declared?
On 30 December 2025.
What does the HPAS interview assess?
Mental alertness, judgement, leadership, integrity, interest in current affairs and knowledge of HP customs, manners and dialects.
What documents are needed at the interview?
Originals of all certificates claimed, plus an NOC for regular Government employees.
What if I cannot produce my category certificate?
You will not be allowed before the board and your candidature will be rejected.
Does an interview call guarantee selection?
No.
What topics should I prepare?
Your application details, home district, HP current issues and the role of your preferred post.
What is the pay of an HPAS officer?
Level 18, Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500, plus allowances.
What is the pay of a BDO?
Level 17, Rs. 53,600 to Rs. 1,70,100.
What is the pay of a Tehsildar?
Level 13, Rs. 46,000 to Rs. 1,46,500.
What is the approximate in-hand pay of an HPAS officer?
Roughly Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 90,000 a month at entry, depending on DA and HRA.
What is the first posting of an HPAS officer?
Usually Sub-Divisional Magistrate after training.
Can HPAS officers become IAS?
Yes, through promotion under the state civil service quota.
How important is HP GK?
Very important. It appears in Prelims, Mains and the interview.
Can I prepare for HPAS and UPSC CSE together?
Yes. Add HP GK, Hindi practice and HPAS-specific mocks.
When should I start Mains answer writing?
Now, alongside Prelims preparation.
What are the best sources for HP economy?
The latest HP Economic Survey and Budget speech.
How many mock tests should I take?
At least 15 GS and 8 CSAT full-length mocks before Prelims.
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
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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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View CourseFor Sociology Optional
HIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Live Course + Test Series (Online)
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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
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Live online classes, faculty guidance, current affairs discussions, notes, PYQs and doubt support.
View CourseHIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Optional Offline Course
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Offline classes, faculty guidance, current affairs discussions, notes, PYQs and doubt support.
View CourseHIM Tapasvi: HPAS Sociology Optional Test Series
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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.
Please check the Refund and Cancellation Policy before purchasing.
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