📝 Introduction

Welcome to the complete guide on HPAS 2026 Syllabus and Paper Pattern, based on the latest official notification by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). This page provides a detailed breakdown of the HPAS 2026 Prelims and Mains exam structure, marking scheme, subjects, and qualifying criteria.

📄 Table of Contents

🏛️ HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam Pattern

Stages of Examination:

1. Preliminary Examination (400 marks – qualifying only)
2. Main Examination (900 marks – counted for merit)
3. Viva Voce (Interview) (150 marks – counted for merit)

📘 Stage 1: HPAS 2026 Prelims Examination (Screening Test)

📝 Key Points (Prelims):

• Total Marks: 400
• Type: Objective (MCQs)
• Negative Marking: Yes – 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect answer
• Paper II (Aptitude Test): Qualifying in nature – Minimum 33% required
• Purpose: Screening only – Marks NOT counted for final merit list

📚 Stage 2: HPAS 2026 Mains Examination

🎤 Stage 3: Viva Voce (Interview)

• Marks: 150
• Candidates: Only those who qualify the written stage (mains)

📊 Final Merit Calculation = 900 (Mains) + 150 (Interview) = 1050 Marks

📝 HPPSC HPAS 2026 Prelims Syllabus

🔹 Paper – I: General Studies (Code No.01)

Total Marks: 200 | No. of Questions: 100 | Type: Objective (MCQ)

📚 Syllabus Topics:

1. Himachal Pradesh Focus:
   • History of Himachal Pradesh
   • Geography of Himachal Pradesh
   • Art & Culture of Himachal Pradesh
   • Political aspects of Himachal Pradesh
   • Socio-Economic Development of Himachal Pradesh
2. India & World:
   • Current Events of National and International Importance
   • History of India & Indian National Movement
   • Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, and Economic Geography
   • Indian Polity and Governance (Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues)
3. Development & Environment:
   • Economic and Social Development (Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives)
   • General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
4. General Science

🔹 Paper – II: Aptitude Test (Code No.02)

Total Marks: 200 | No. of Questions: 100 | Type: Objective (MCQ)

🟨 Qualifying Nature: Minimum 33% required

🧠 Syllabus Topics:

1. Comprehension
2. Interpersonal Skills Including Communication Skills
3. Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
4. Decision Making and Problem Solving
5. General Mental Ability
6. Basic Numeracy (Class X level)
7. Data Interpretation (Class X level)
8. English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X level)

📝 HPPSC HPAS 2026 Mains Exam Pattern

✅ HPAS 2026/HAS 2026 Mains Exam – Paper Pattern & Marks Distribution

📌 Qualifying Papers (Marks not counted for merit)

These two papers are compulsory but only qualifying in nature:

📌 Merit-Based Papers (Total = 900 marks)

📝 Qualifying Criteria Summary (HPAS 2026 Mains)

• ✅ 40% minimum in each qualifying paper (English & Hindi).
• ✅ 45% aggregate in all merit-based papers (i.e., 405 marks out of 900) to qualify the written examination.

📘 HPAS 2026 PAPER–I: ENGLISH (100 MARKS)

🎯 Objectives

To assess candidate’s aptitude in:

• Comprehension of the English language
• Correct grammatical expression
• Clarity and precision in expression

📝 Areas of Testing

📊 Evaluation / Marking Criteria

Credit will be given for:

• Précis writing, comprehension, and composition as per prescribed format
• Coherence and logical sequence in expression
• Correct grammatical structures
• Originality of thought and expression

📝 HPAS 2026 PAPER–II: HINDI IN DEVNAGARI SCRIPT (100 MARKS)

📚 Contents

1. Translation of an English passage into Hindi
2. Translation of a Hindi passage into English
3. Explanation of Hindi passages in Prose and Poetry (in the same language)
4. Composition (Idioms, corrections, etc.)

📊 Evaluation / Marking Criteria

• Accuracy and clarity in translation (both directions)
• Understanding and explanation of the Hindi passages
• Proper usage of:
  • Idioms
  • Grammatical corrections
  • Language structure in composition

📝 HPAS 2026 PAPER–III: ESSAY (100 MARKS)

🎯 Objective

This paper is designed to assess the candidate’s:

• Knowledge and awareness of a variety of subjects
• Ability to compose a sustained and coherent piece of writing in the form of an essay

📚 Contents

Candidates will be given a fair choice of topics that cover the following areas:

• Current Affairs
• Socio-Political Issues
• Socio-Economic Issues
• Aspects of Culture and History
• Reflective Topics

🖊️ Candidates are required to attempt two essays (one from Section A and one from Section B), each of approximately 900 words.

🧠 Areas of Testing

• Ability to compose a well-argued piece of writing
• Ability to express thoughts coherently and in a structured manner
• Awareness and depth of understanding of the subject chosen

📊 Evaluation / Marking

Candidates will be evaluated based on:

• Observing established rules and format for essay writing
• Grammatical correctness
• Originality of thought and expression

📘 HPAS 2026 PAPER–IV: GENERAL STUDIES–I (200 MARKS)

🔸 UNIT–I: HISTORY & CULTURE

SUB UNIT–1: Historical Perspective of Indian Cultural Heritage

• Literature and Art forms from ancient times to 1947
• Major structural and rock-cut temple architecture, sculptural art, and major schools of paintings
• Modern Indian History from Mid-18th Century to 1980
• Freedom Struggle: Its various stages and the role of eminent personalities

SUB UNIT–2: Industrialization and Global Events

• Industrial Revolution and the emergence of Capitalism
• Fascist Ideology and its global implications
• World Wars and boundary settlements
• Concept of Decolonization, Nationalism, Socialism, Globalization, and Modernity

SUB UNIT–3: Political and Social History of Himachal Pradesh

• Emergence and growth of early medieval states: Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba
• Hill States and their relations with the Mughals and the Sikhs
• Gorkha Invasion, Treaty of Segauli
• Hill States under the Colonial Power: Political and Administrative History
• Social and Economic conditions (Beth, Begar, and Reet)
• Establishment of British Cantonments
• National Movement with special reference to Praja Mandal movements (1848–1948)
• Five Year Plans and vision for the developed Hill State
• Survey of artistic and cultural heritage (Temples, Monasteries, Paintings)

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.

🔸 UNIT–II: GEOGRAPHY & DISASTER MANAGEMENT

SUB UNIT–1: Disaster Management

• Introduction to Disasters: Concepts, classifications (natural and man-made)
• Social and Environmental impacts
• Disaster profile of the country
• Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction
• Disaster management models and roles of stakeholders
• Interrelationship of disaster and development
• Disaster management in India: Act 2005, policies, plans

SUB UNIT–2: Physical Geography of India

• Geographical Introduction to India
• Physical Geography: Structure, Relief, Climate, Soils, Vegetation, Geomorphic setup
• Human Aspects: Population distribution, Urban Population, Internal Migration
• Language and Literacy, Villages and Towns
• Settlements, Industry, and Transport

SUB UNIT–3: Geography of Himachal Pradesh

• Relief, Drainage, Vegetation cover and types
• Climate and Climatic zones
• Geographical Regions (Shiwalik, Doons, Mid Hills, High hills, etc.)
• Human Aspects: Population characteristics, Urbanisation pattern
• Policies: Forest, Industrial, and Tourism
• Growth of Industrial areas and types of industries
• Employment generation and potential
• Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Profile of Himachal Pradesh

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.

🔸 UNIT–III: INDIAN SOCIETY & HIMACHAL CULTURE

SUB UNIT–1: Social Issues in India

• Salient features of Indian Society: Unity in Diversity
• Social Institutions: Family, Marriage, Kinship, Religion
• Women Empowerment and Social Justice
• Child Rights and Right to Education
• Rights of Differently-abled persons

SUB UNIT–2: Core Values in Public Service and Governance

• Philosophical basis: Integrity, Professionalism, Accountability
• Objectivity and Transparency, Right to Information
• Codes of Conduct, Work Culture
• Challenges of Corruption and Political Pressures
• Gandhian Thought: Truth and Non-violence, Satyagraha, Religion and Politics

SUB UNIT–3: Society and Culture in Himachal Pradesh

• Culture, Customs, Fairs and Festivals
• Religious Beliefs and Practices
• Tribes of Himachal Pradesh: Historical, Social, Cultural, Economic aspects
• Family, Marriage, Kinship, and Caste System in Himachal Pradesh

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.

📘 HPAS 2026 PAPER–V: GENERAL STUDIES–II (200 MARKS)

🔸 UNIT–I: INDIAN CONSTITUTION & POLITICAL STRUCTURE

SUB UNIT–1: Constitution of India

• Historical underpinning, evolution, and salient features
• Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Fundamental Duties
• Amending process and important Amendments
• Theory of Basic Structure

SUB UNIT–2: Union and State Governance

• Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure and Functioning
• Union and State Executive and Judiciary
• Issues pertaining to the federal structure
• Devolution of powers to local levels
• Representation of People’s Act
• Appointments and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies

SUB UNIT–3: Political Landscape of Himachal Pradesh

• Reorganization and politics of statehood
• Development of political parties and their performance
• Politics of sub-regionalism and pressure groups
• Structure and functioning of statutory, regulatory, and quasi-judicial bodies in HP

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are specific to Himachal Pradesh.

🔸 UNIT–II: GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

SUB UNIT–1: Governance and Public Administration in India

• Institutional framework and policies for development
• Governance, good governance, citizen charters
• Public service delivery, transparency, accountability, ethics
• District Administration: Changing role of Deputy Commissioner
• Local self-government (urban and rural)

SUB UNIT–2: Role of Civil Society and Welfare Schemes

• Role of NGOs, SHGs, and Civil Society
• Welfare schemes for SC, ST, Women, Minorities, Backward Classes, Differently-abled, Children
• Issues relating to quality of life (livelihood, poverty, hunger, disease)

SUB UNIT–3: Governance in Himachal Pradesh

• HP Public Service Guarantee Act 2011
• Right to Information Act, 2005 (HP rules)
• Administrative reforms for public service delivery
• Implementation of 73rd and 74th Amendments in HP
• Welfare programmes for differently-abled, women, and children in HP

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.

🔸 UNIT–III: INDIA & GLOBAL AFFAIRS + HP-SPECIFIC ISSUES

SUB UNIT–1: India’s Foreign Relations

• Bilateral, Regional, and Global groupings
• India’s Look East Policy
• India’s relations with USA, Russia, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Maldives, Middle Eastern countries

SUB UNIT–2: Global Influence and International Institutions

• Effects of policies of developed/developing countries on India
• Indian Diaspora
• Important international institutions (structure and mandate)

SUB UNIT–3: Issues in Himachal Pradesh

• Cybercrime and drug menace in HP
• HP Government enactments for the agrarian society
• Socio-economic development policies for SC and ST in HP
• Tribal welfare administration, Tribal Sub-Plan, Single Line Administration

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are Himachal-specific.

📘 HPAS 2026 PAPER–VI: GENERAL STUDIES–III (200 MARKS)

🔸 UNIT–I: INDIAN ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

SUB UNIT–1: Characteristics of Indian Economy

• Demographic Profile, Demographic Dividend
• Sectoral Composition (GDP and Employment)
• Poverty, Inequality, Unemployment, Inflation
• Industrial Growth
• Money and banking (RBI, Commercial banks)
• Monetary policy, Foreign exchange, Balance of Payment
• Foreign Trade: Policy, Composition, Impact of LPG

SUB UNIT–2: Economic Planning and Development

• Economic Planning, Five Year Plans
• Fiscal Policy, FRBM Act 2003
• Debt and Investment
• Sustainable development and Inclusive growth
• Measurement of development (PQLI, HDI, GDI, GEM)
• Current Development Schemes (Swach Bharat, Make in India, NITI Aayog, etc.)
• International Financial Organizations (IMF, WTO, IBRD, IDA, UNCTAD, OECD, BRICS)

SUB UNIT–3: Economy of Himachal Pradesh

• Demographic profile and Human resource, Sectoral distribution of GSDP
• Diversification in Agriculture, Land tenure
• Industrialization in the state
• Skilled / Unskilled labor
• Revenue generation (hydro potential, tourism, flora, fauna)
• Cottage and Small Scale Industries
• Tax base, Pros and Cons of Special Category status
• Appraisal of education, health, and financial infrastructure

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT–3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.

🔸 UNIT–II: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

SUB UNIT–1: Applications of Space Technology

• Applications in natural resources, development, communications
• Important missions of Department of Space and ISRO
• Indian Space programme (Lunar, interplanetary, Earth Observation)
• Remote Sensing and Communication satellites
• Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS

SUB UNIT–2: Energy Sector Development

• Developments in Hydropower, non-conventional, and nuclear energy
• Concepts of renewable, clean, and environment-friendly energy
• Role of energy in sustainable development

SUB UNIT–3: Modern and Emerging Technologies in Himachal Pradesh

• Biotechnology policy and applications in horticulture, medicinal plants
• IT policy of HP, HIMSWAN, LokMitra Kendra, AGISAC
• State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
• Endangered species and biodiversity decline in HP
• Role of IPR, Geographical Indications, and Traditional wisdom

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.

🔸 UNIT–III: ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE & TOURISM

SUB UNIT–1: Environment Protection and Climate Change

• Policies, programmes, and conventions on environment protection
• Environment protection and pollution control Act
• Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)
• National Action Plans on Climate Change
• Himalayan ecology, biosphere reserve, economics of climate change
• Social and ethical issues in Biotechnology

SUB UNIT–2: Developments in Agriculture and Horticulture

• Latest S&T for agriculture, horticulture, medicinal resources
• National mission for sustainable agriculture
• Concept of organic farming, seed certification, rainwater harvesting

SUB UNIT–3: Tourism Policy and Sustainable Development in HP

• Tourism policy, potential, and initiatives in HP
• Types of tourism (Religious, adventure, heritage)
• Social, economic, and cultural implications of tourism
• Concept of eco-tourism and green tourism
• Environmental concerns of tourism (positive and negative effects)

📌 All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.

🧾 Optional Subjects for HPAS 2026 Mains (Choose Any One)

(Each optional has two papers, 100 marks each – total 200 marks)

🗣️ HPAS 2026 VIVA-VOCE (Interview – 150 Marks)

🔹 Purpose:

The interview is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). It aims to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for administrative services/posts.

🔹 Panel Assessment:

• The interview board will have access to your entire career record and Mains performance.
• You will be asked questions on general awareness, current issues, and topics relevant to Himachal Pradesh, India, and international affairs.

🔹 Qualities Evaluated:

🔹 Nature of Questions:

No strict syllabus; questions are framed based on:

• Current Affairs
• Your Background and DAF (Detailed Application Form)
• Your Optional Subject
• HP-specific issues, governance, administration, and local knowledge