HPPSC HPAS DETAILS
Exam Pattern▼
HPPSC HPAS Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims, Mains & Personality Test
HPAS 2026 has three stages. Prelims has two objective papers of 200 marks and 2 hours each; only GS Paper I counts for shortlisting, and Aptitude Paper II needs 33% to qualify. Mains has eight descriptive papers of 3 hours each: English and Hindi (qualifying, 40% each), Essay, three GS papers and two optional papers, with 900 marks counted. The Personality Test carries 150 marks. Final merit is Mains plus interview, out of 1,050.
1. Selection process
| Stage | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preliminary Exam | Objective (MCQ) | Screening; marks not counted in final merit |
| 2. Main Exam | Descriptive | Counted in final merit |
| 3. Personality Test | Interview | Counted in final merit |
2. Preliminary Exam pattern
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I: General Studies (Code 01) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Merit for Mains shortlisting |
| Paper II: Aptitude Test (Code 02) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Qualifying, minimum 33% |
Marking scheme
- Each question has four options and carries 2 marks.
- A wrong answer costs one-third of the question's marks, which is 0.67 marks.
- Marking more than one option counts as wrong, with the same penalty.
- A blank answer carries no penalty.
- A score of zero or less in GS Paper I disqualifies the candidate.
- It is mandatory to appear in both papers.
- In bilingual papers, the English version prevails if there is a difference.
How many qualify for Mains
About 20 times the total vacancies. With 22 posts this is roughly 440 candidates, divided across categories.
Answer key objections
The provisional key is uploaded right after the exam. Objections can be raised online within 5 days (excluding the day of publication) at Rs. 100 per question, with supporting documents. Two subject experts review each objection, and a third decides if they disagree. No credit is given for dropped questions; passing marks are reduced proportionally.
3. Main Exam pattern
| Paper | Subject | Max. marks | Counted in merit? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English | 100 | No, qualifying (40%) |
| Paper II | Hindi | 100 | No, qualifying (40%) |
| Paper III | Essay | 100 | Yes |
| Paper IV | General Studies I | 200 | Yes |
| Paper V | General Studies II | 200 | Yes |
| Paper VI | General Studies III | 200 | Yes |
| Paper VII | Optional Paper I | 100 | Yes |
| Paper VIII | Optional Paper II | 100 | Yes |
| Total counted | 900 |
- Every paper is 3 hours.
- English and Hindi are at 10+2 level; other papers are at degree level.
- To qualify the written exam: at least 40% in English and in Hindi, and at least 45% in the aggregate of the counted papers (405 of 900).
- Optional papers may be answered in English or Hindi.
- Credit is given for orderly, effective and exact expression with economy of words.
4. Optional subjects (31)
| No. | Subject | No. | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian History | 17 | Mechanical Engineering |
| 2 | Political Science and International Relations | 18 | Electrical Engineering |
| 3 | Mathematics | 19 | Civil Engineering |
| 4 | Statistics | 20 | Hindi |
| 5 | Economics | 21 | Sanskrit |
| 6 | Commerce and Accountancy | 22 | Urdu |
| 7 | Chemistry | 23 | English Literature |
| 8 | Botany | 24 | Psychology |
| 9 | Zoology | 25 | Geology |
| 10 | Philosophy | 26 | Physics |
| 11 | Law | 27 | Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
| 12 | Sociology | 28 | Anthropology |
| 13 | Public Administration | 29 | Forestry |
| 14 | Management | 30 | Horticulture |
| 15 | Geography | 31 | Medical Sciences |
| 16 | Agriculture |
5. Personality Test
Candidates up to three times the number of vacancies are called, plus all those tied at the minimum qualifying score. The test assesses mental alertness, critical assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, leadership, social cohesion, integrity and knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh. It carries 150 marks.
6. Final merit and tie-break
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Main Exam (counted papers) | 900 |
| Personality Test | 150 |
| Total | 1,050 |
If two candidates tie, HPPSC ranks them by:
- Higher Personality Test marks
- Higher aggregate in compulsory papers (excluding English and Hindi)
- Higher Essay marks
- Older candidate
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
How many papers are in HPAS Prelims?
Two: General Studies (Paper I) and Aptitude Test (Paper II), each of 200 marks and 2 hours.
Is CSAT qualifying in HPAS?
Yes. Paper II needs a minimum of 33% and its marks are not used for merit.
What is the negative marking in HPAS Prelims?
One-third of the question's marks, which is 0.67 marks per wrong answer.
What happens if I score zero in GS Paper I?
You are not considered qualified, whatever your Paper II score.
How many papers are in HPAS Mains?
Eight: English, Hindi, Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III and two optional papers.
What is the total of HPAS Mains?
1,100 marks in all, of which 900 are counted for merit. English and Hindi are qualifying.
What is the minimum aggregate to qualify Mains?
45% of the counted papers, plus at least 40% each in English and Hindi.
How many marks is the HPAS interview?
150 marks.
How many optional subjects are there?
31, ranging from Indian History and Public Administration to Forestry and Medical Sciences.
Can I write Mains in Hindi?
Optional papers may be answered in English or Hindi as per your choice.
How long is each Mains paper?
3 hours.
How is a tie in final merit broken?
By interview marks, then compulsory-paper aggregate (excluding English and Hindi), then Essay marks, then age (older first).
Is HPAS Prelims online or offline?
It is an objective, OMR-based paper-and-pen exam.
What happens if I mark two options for one question?
It is treated as a wrong answer and carries the same penalty.
Is there a penalty for unattempted questions?
No.
Is the Prelims paper bilingual?
Yes. If the English and Hindi versions differ, the English version is final.
What fee is charged to challenge the answer key?
Rs. 100 per question, payable online.
How long is the window for answer key objections?
Five days, excluding the day the key is published.
How are dropped questions handled?
No credit is given for them and passing marks are reduced proportionately.
Is it compulsory to appear in both Prelims papers?
Yes. A candidate who misses either paper is disqualified.
How many candidates are called for Mains in HPAS 2026?
About 20 times the vacancies, which is roughly 440 for 22 posts.
Is handwriting or expression assessed in Mains?
Yes. Credit is given for orderly, effective and exact expression with economy of words.
What level are the Mains GS papers?
Degree level, similar to B.A. or B.Sc. examinations.
Are Mains optional papers of the same level?
Yes, degree level.
How are posts allotted after the final result?
By final merit rank and the candidate's stated service preferences.
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
Rs. 1,499 (MRP Rs. 1,999)
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
Rs. 5,999
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)
Rs. 17,999
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