The premier administrative recruitment for SDM, DSP, and Tehsildars in Devbhoomi Himachal Pradesh.
Mandatory educational background, age limits, pay scale, and service designations
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) conducts the HPAS Combined Competitive Examination annually to recruit administrative leadership for Himachal Pradesh. Featuring a Prelims model with GS and CSAT (qualifying 33%), HPPSC Mains consists of 8 papers (English and Hindi qualifying; Essay, GS 1 to 3, and two Optional Subject papers counting for 900 marks merit), followed by a 150-mark interview.
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized University (Must have passed matriculation and 10+2 from schools within HP, unless bona-fide Himachali).
21 to 35 Years
SC/ST/OBC/WFF of HP: 5 years (up to 40) | Ex-Servicemen: As per HP rules
General / UR: 6 attempts (Up to 35 years of age)
OBC: 9 attempts (Up to 40 years of age)
SC / ST: Unlimited attempts (Up to 40 years of age)
Pay Matrix Level 18 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) for HPAS & Level 13/11 for Allied Services
Annual Vacancies: Approx. 25 – 45 vacancies annually
Stage-wise breakdown, paper timing, question distribution, and negative marking rules
Negative Marking Rule: 1/3rd (0.33) marks deducted per incorrect answer in Prelims.
Mode: Offline OMR for Prelims, Descriptive Sheets for Mains, In-Person Interview in Shimla | Medium: Bilingual (Hindi / English) for GS and Optional; English & Hindi qualifying papers.
Two objective papers of 200 marks each. Paper 1 (GS) determines qualification for Mains; Paper 2 (Aptitude Test) is qualifying with a minimum 33% required.
| Paper / Component | Format | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking & Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1: General Studies History, Geography & Socio-Economic Development of Himachal Pradesh, Current Events of National & International Importance, History of India & Indian National Movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity & Governance, Economic & Social Development, General Science & Environment | Objective (MCQ) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Decides Mains cutoff (20x vacancies) |
Paper 2: Aptitude Test (CSAT) Comprehension, Interpersonal skills including communication, Logical reasoning and analytical ability, Decision making & problem solving, General Mental Ability, Basic numeracy (Class X level) & Data interpretation | Objective (MCQ) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Qualifying in nature (Mandatory minimum 33% = 66 Marks) |
8 descriptive papers conducted at Shimla centers. English and Hindi papers (100 marks each) are qualifying (minimum 40% required). Marks in the remaining 6 papers (Essay 100, GS 1-3: 200 each = 600, Optional 2 papers: 100 each = 200) total 900 marks for merit.
| Paper / Component | Format | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking & Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1: English Comprehension, Precis, Grammar, Vocabulary, Composition | Descriptive (Written) | 100 | 3 Hours | Qualifying (Min 40% required) |
Paper 2: Hindi (in Devanagari) Translation from English to Hindi, Hindi idioms, Grammar, Composition | Descriptive (Written) | 100 | 3 Hours | Qualifying (Min 40% required) |
Paper 3: Essay Two essays on current, philosophical, or socio-economic issues (50 marks each) | Descriptive (Written) | 100 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 4: General Studies I Unit 1: Indian History & HP History, Unit 2: World/Indian Geography & HP Geography, Unit 3: Society, Culture & Heritage of HP | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 5: General Studies II Unit 1: Indian Constitution & Governance, Unit 2: Community Development & Panchayats in HP, Unit 3: International Affairs & Nuclear Policy | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 6: General Studies III Unit 1: Indian Economy & HP Economy (Tourism, Horticulture, Hydro), Unit 2: Science & Tech, Space, Energy, Unit 3: Environment, Ecology & Himalayan biodiversity | Descriptive (Written) | 200 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 7: Optional Subject Paper 1 Choice of one optional discipline (Part A of syllabus) | Descriptive (Written) | 100 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Paper 8: Optional Subject Paper 2 Choice of one optional discipline (Part B of syllabus) | Descriptive (Written) | 100 | 3 Hours | Merit |
Board interview conducted at HPPSC headquarters at Nigam Vihar, Shimla evaluating administrative leadership, ethics, and familiarity with Himachal hill governance.
| Paper / Component | Format | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking & Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Personality Interview Board Personal record & DAF, Himachal horticulture (Apple economy) & marketing, Hydro-power development & environmental sustainability, Tribal areas governance (Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, Pangi) | Interview | 150 | 25 – 35 Minutes | Added to Mains for 1050 Grand Total Merit |
Detailed curriculum modules categorized by standard foundations vs. high-yield scoring chapters
Phase-by-phase roadmap, daily study schedule, topper golden rules, and fatal pitfalls to avoid
HPPSC HPAS has a distinct syllabus structure where each of the three GS Mains papers has three units, and Unit 3 in every single GS paper is exclusively dedicated to Himachal Pradesh! Consequently, exactly one-third of the entire GS syllabus is state-specific. Preparing deep factual notes on Himachal princely history, geography, hydro-power, and horticulture using standard books is mandatory.
Himachal Darpan (Mian Goverdhan Singh / Jagmohan Balokhra), NCERTs, Laxmikanth
Optional Subject (200 marks), GS Unit 3 Himachal specific notes
Paper 1 GS revision, CSAT math/reasoning, Himachal Current Affairs
Full mock exams across all 8 papers, interview polish in Shimla
Topper-validated standard reference books and chapter-wise question banks
Author: Jagmohan Balokhra | Pub: H.G. Publications
The undisputed bible for HPAS covering every single princely state, tribe, festival, and river.
Author: Mian Goverdhan Singh | Pub: Aakash Publications
Concise factual reference for rapid revision before the Preliminary examination.
Author: Economics & Statistics Department, Govt of HP | Pub: Government of Himachal Pradesh
Directly referenced by HPPSC paper setters for agriculture, forestry, tourism, and hydro-power questions.
Author: M. Laxmikanth | Pub: McGraw Hill
Indispensable guide for GS Paper 5 (Polity & Governance).
Official past category-wise cutoffs to benchmark your target mock scores
| Cycle / Tier / Service | General (UR) | OBC | EWS | SC | ST | Scope & Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Prelims GS-1 (Out of 200 Marks) | 108.50 Marks | 98.00 Marks | 101.50 Marks | 90.00 Marks | 88.00 Marks | Cutoff out of 200 marks in Paper 1; CSAT is qualifying at 33%. |
| 2022 Prelims GS-1 (Out of 200 Marks) | 102.00 Marks | 94.50 Marks | 96.00 Marks | 86.50 Marks | 84.00 Marks | Screening cutoff for Mains examination entry. |
| 2021 Final Merit (Out of 1050 Marks) | 612.00 Marks (SDM) | 580.00 Marks | 594.00 Marks | 550.00 Marks | 542.00 Marks | Final aggregate out of 1050 (Mains 900 + Interview 150). |
From initial application to final cadre allocation and joining the training academy
Apply online at hppsc.hp.gov.in and verify bona-fide Himachali credentials.
Appear for Paper 1 (GS - 200 marks) and Paper 2 (CSAT qualifying - 200 marks). Top 20 times vacancies qualify for Mains.
Write 8 descriptive papers (900 merit marks + 2 qualifying language papers) at Shimla.
Attend board interview at Nigam Vihar, Shimla (150 Marks).
Merit ranking out of 1050 determines allocation to HPAS, HPPS, or Tehsildar posts followed by training at HIPA Fairlawns Shimla.
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