📝 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
📌 Explore more HPAS resources:
- 🔍 HPAS Prelims Previous Year Questions (PYQ) – Click here
- 📚 HPAS Mains Previous Year Questions (PYQ) – Click here
- 📒 HPAS Notes and Study Material – Click here
- 📅 HPAS 2026 Preparation Strategy & Timetable – Click here
- 📑 Download Official HPPSC HPAS 2025 Notifications – Click here
📄 Table of Contents
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam Pattern
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Prelims Syllabus
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Mains Exam Pattern
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper I: English Syllabus (100 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper II: Hindi in Devanagari Script Syllabus(100 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper III: Essay Syllabus (100 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper IV: General Studies‑I Syllabus (200 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper V: General Studies‑II Syllabus(200 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper VI: General Studies‑III Syllabus(200 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper VII: Optional-I Syllabus and Subjects (100 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Paper VIII: Optional-II Syllabus and Subjects (100 Marks)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Interview Guidelines
🏛️ HPPSC HPAS 2026( Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services ) Exam Pattern
✅ Total Marks for Merit in HPPSC HPAS 2026 : 1050
Stages:
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Preliminary Examination (400 marks – qualifying only)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Main Examination (900 marks – merit)
- HPPSC HPAS 2026 Viva Voce (Interview) – 150 marks
📘 Stage 1: HPAS Prelims Examination (Screening Test)
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | General Studies (Aptitude Test) | 200 | 100 | 2 Hours |
📝 Key Points:
- Total Marks in HPPSC HPAS 2026 : 400
- Type: Objective (MCQs)
- Negative Marking: Yes – 1/3rd marks 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: HPPSC HPAS 2026Mains Examination
| Paper | Type | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Qualifying | English | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper II | Qualifying | Hindi (Devanagari script) | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper III | Merit | Essay | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper IV | Merit | General Studies-I | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper V | Merit | General Studies-II | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VI | Merit | General Studies-III | 200 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VII | Merit | Optional Subject Paper-I | 100 | 3 Hours |
| Paper VIII | Merit | Optional Subject Paper-II | 100 | 3 Hours |
🟩 Total for Merit: 900 Marks (Papers III to VIII only)
🟨 Qualifying Papers: English & Hindi – Minimum 40% each required
🟥 Aggregate Criteria: Minimum 45% in total of merit papers (III–VIII) to qualify for Viva Voce
🎤 Stage 3 HPPSC HPAS 2026 : Viva Voce (Interview)
- Marks: 150
- Candidates: Only those who qualify the written stage (mains)
📊 Final Merit Calculation of HPPSC HPAS 2026 = 900 (Mains) + 150 (Interview) = 1050 Marks
📝 HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2026 Syllabus
🔹 Paper – I: General Studies (Code No.01)
Total Marks: 200
No. of Questions: 100
Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice)
📚 Syllabus Topics HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2026:
- 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
- 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
- Development & Environment:
- Economic and Social Development:
- Sustainable Development
- Poverty
- Inclusion
- Demographics
- Social Sector Initiatives
- General Issues on:
- Environmental Ecology
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change (no subject specialization required)
- Economic and Social Development:
- General Science
🔹 Paper – II: Aptitude Test of HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2026(Code No.02)
Total Marks: 200
No. of Questions: 100
Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice)
🟨 Qualifying Nature: Minimum 33% required
🧠 Syllabus Topics of HPPSC HPAS Prelims 2026:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal Skills Including Communication Skills
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy(Class X level)
- Numbers and Their Relations
- Orders of Magnitude
- Data Interpretation(Class X level)
- Charts, Graphs, Tables, Data Sufficiency
- English Language Comprehension Skills (Class X level)
HPPSC HPAS 2026 Mains Exam Pattern
| General Studies | Subject | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | English | 100 |
| Paper II (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Hindi | 100 |
| Paper III (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Essay | 100 |
| Paper IV (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | General Studies-I | 200 |
| Paper V (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | General Studies-II | 200 |
| Paper VI (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | General Studies-III | 200 |
| Paper VII (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Optional Paper I | 100 |
| Paper VIII (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Optional Paper II | 100 |
✅ HPPSC HPAS/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:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Qualifying Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| I (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | English | 100 | Minimum 40% |
| II (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Hindi (in Devanagari script) | 100 | Minimum 40% |
📌 Merit-Based Papers (Total = 900 marks)
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| III (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Essay | 100 |
| IV (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | General Studies – I | 200 |
| V (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | General Studies – II | 200 |
| VI (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | General Studies – III | 200 |
| VII (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Optional Subject – Paper I | 100 |
| VIII (HPPSC HPAS 2026) | Optional Subject – Paper II | 100 |
🔢 Total for merit (HPPSC HPAS 2026): 900 Marks
📝 Qualifying Criteria Summary (HPPSC HPAS 2026)
- ✅ 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.
📘 PAPER–I (HPPSC HPAS 2026): ENGLISH (100 MARKS)
🔹 Nature: Qualifying Paper
🔹 Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40% (i.e., 40 marks)
*🔹 Marks not counted in final merit
🎯 Objectives
To assess candidate’s aptitude in:
- Comprehension of the English language
- Correct grammatical expression
- Clarity and precision in expression
📝 Areas of Testing
| Section | Marks |
|---|---|
| English Grammar | 20 |
| Usage and Vocabulary | 20 |
| English Composition (Letter/Application/Report/Note Writing) | 20 |
| Comprehension of Unseen Passages | 20 |
| Precis Writing | 20 |
📊 Evaluation / Marking Criteria (HPPSC HPAS 2026)
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
📝 PAPER–II (HPPSC HPAS 2026): HINDI IN DEVNAGARI SCRIPT (100 MARKS)
🔹 Nature: Qualifying Paper
🔹 Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40% (i.e., 40 marks)
*🔹 Marks not counted in final merit
📚 Contents
- Translation of an English passage into Hindi
- Translation of a Hindi passage into English
- Explanation of Hindi passages in Prose and Poetry (in the same language)
- Composition (Idioms, corrections, etc.)
📊 Evaluation / Marking Criteria (HPPSC HPAS 2026)
- Accuracy and clarity in translation (both directions)
- Understanding and explanation of the Hindi passages
- Proper usage of:
- Idioms
- Grammatical corrections
- Language structure in composition
📝 PAPER–III (HPPSC HPAS 2026): ESSAY (100 MARKS)
🔹 Nature: Merit Paper
*🔹 Counts towards final merit (900 marks total)
🎯 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, selecting:
- One from Section A, and
- One from Section B,
Each essay should be approximately 900 words.
🧠 Areas of Testing (HPPSC HPAS 2026)
This paper tests the following abilities:
- 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 (HPPSC HPAS 2026)
Candidates will be evaluated based on:
- Observing established rules and format for essay writing (introduction, body, conclusion)
- Grammatical correctness – proper grammar, punctuation, and language usage
- Originality of thought and expression – personal perspective and unique insights
📘 PAPER–IV (HPPSC HPAS 2026): GENERAL STUDIES–I (200 MARKS)
🔹 Merit Paper (Included in the 900 Marks total)
🔹 Divided into 3 Units and 9 Sub-Units
🔸 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 from different parts of India
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 after the First and the Second World Wars
- Concept of Decolonization, Nationalism and Socialism, Globalization, and the Concept of 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: Its nature and consequences, Treaty of Segauli
- Hill States under the Colonial Power: Political and Administrative History, Grants, Sanads, and Territorial Aggression
- Social and Economic conditions under the colonial period with special reference to social practices of Beth, Begar, and Reet
- Establishment of British Cantonments
- National Movement with special reference to Praja Mandal movements in Himachal Pradesh, 1848–1948
- Five Year Plans and vision for the developed Hill State
- Survey of artistic and cultural heritage (Temples, Buddhist Monasteries, and Paintings)
📌 Note: All topics/subjects under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.
🔸 UNIT–II: GEOGRAPHY & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
SUB UNIT–1: Disaster Management
- Introduction to Disasters: Concepts, definitions, disaster classifications (natural and man-made)
- Social and Environmental impacts of disasters
- Disaster profile of the country
- Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction
- Disaster management models and roles/responsibilities of stakeholders, including community and first responders
- Interrelationship of disaster and development
- Disaster management in India: Disaster Management Act 2005, National and State policies, plans, institutional mechanisms
SUB UNIT–2: Physical Geography of India
- Geographical Introduction to India as a unit of geographical study
- Physical Geography: Structure and Relief, Climate, Soils, Vegetation, Geomorphic setup (Mountain ranges, rivers, and water bodies)
- Human Aspects: Population distribution, Urban Population, Internal Migration
- Language and Literacy, Villages and Towns in India
- 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 and Low Valleys, Outer Valleys of Sub Himalaya, Mid Hill Tracts of High Himalaya, High hills and Valleys, and Inner Zones
- Human Aspects: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Temporal characteristics of Population, Urbanisation pattern
- Policies: Forest, Industrial, and Tourism
- Growth of Industrial areas and types of industries
- Employment generation and potential
- Scope of future Industrialization
- Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Profile of Himachal Pradesh
📌 Note: All topics/subjects 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, and Social Stratification
- Women Empowerment and Social Justice:
- Policies for Women Empowerment
- Laws for Protection of Women
- Women Security and Safety initiatives
- Child Rights and Right to Education
- Rights of Differently-abled persons and Quality of life
SUB UNIT–2: Core Values in Public Service and Governance
- Philosophical basis of Public Service and Governance:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Accountability
- Objectivity and Transparency
- Information Sharing and Right to Information
- Codes of Conduct, Work Culture
- Challenges of Corruption and Political Pressures
- Gandhian Thought: Truth and Non-violence, Satyagraha, Ends and Means, Religion and Politics
SUB UNIT–3: Society and Culture in Himachal Pradesh
- Culture, Customs, Fairs and Festivals
- Religious Beliefs and Practices, Recreation and Amusement
- Tribes of Himachal Pradesh: Historical, Social, Cultural, Economic, and Legal Aspects
- Family, Marriage, Kinship, and Caste System in Himachal Pradesh
📌 Note: All topics/subjects under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.
📘 PAPER–V (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) : GENERAL STUDIES–II (200 MARKS)
🔹 Merit Paper (Counts toward 900-mark total for ranking)
🔹 Divided into 3 Units and 9 Sub-Units
🔸 UNIT–I: INDIAN CONSTITUTION & POLITICAL STRUCTURE
SUB UNIT–1: Constitution of India
- Historical underpinning, evolution, and salient features
- Significant provisions, including Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and Fundamental Duties
- Amending process and important Constitutional Amendments
- Theory of Basic Structure
SUB UNIT–2: Union and State Governance
- Parliament and State Legislatures: Structure, Organization, and Functioning
- The Union and State Executive and the Judiciary: Functions and Responsibilities
- Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure
- Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein
- Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act
- Appointments to various constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies in India
SUB UNIT–3: Political Landscape of Himachal Pradesh
- Reorganization and politics of statehood
- Development of political parties
- Major political parties, their support base, and performance in the Assembly and Parliamentary elections in Himachal Pradesh
- Politics of sub-regionalism and pressure groups in the State
- Structure, organization, and functioning of statutory, regulatory, and various quasi-judicial bodies in Himachal Pradesh
📌 Note: 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, policies, and interventions for development in various sectors
- Governance, good governance, citizen charters
- Effective public service delivery, transparency, accountability, and ethics in governance
- District Administration: Changing role of Deputy Commissioner
- Local self-government in urban and rural areas in India
SUB UNIT–2: Role of Civil Society and Welfare Schemes
- Role of NGOs, SHGs, and Civil Society in Governance
- Bodies constituted, policies, programmes, and schemes for the welfare of:
- Scheduled Castes
- Scheduled Tribes
- Women
- Minorities
- Backward Classes
- Differently-abled persons
- Children
- Issues relating to quality of life: livelihood, poverty, hunger, disease, and social inclusiveness
SUB UNIT–3: Governance in Himachal Pradesh
- Himachal Pradesh Public Service Guarantee Act 2011
- Right to Information Act, 2005 and rules made thereunder by the Himachal Pradesh Government
- Administrative reforms for effective public service delivery
- Implementation of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in Himachal Pradesh
- Issues and challenges
- Programmes and policies for the welfare of differently-abled persons, women, and children
📌 Note: All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to Himachal Pradesh.
🔸 UNIT–III: INDIA & GLOBAL AFFAIRS + HP-SPECIFIC ISSUES
- Bilateral, Regional, and Global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India’s interests
- India’s Look East Policy
- India’s relations with:
- USA
- Russia
- China
- Pakistan
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Afghanistan
- Nepal
- Maldives
- Middle Eastern countries
SUB UNIT–1: India’s Foreign Relations
SUB UNIT–2: Global Influence and International Institutions
- Effects of the policies of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
- Indian Diaspora
- Important international institutions, agencies, and fora: Their structure and mandate
SUB UNIT–3: Issues in Himachal Pradesh
- Cybercrime and drug menace: Mechanisms to detect and control in Himachal Pradesh
- Enactments made by Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote interests of the agrarian society
- Various policies by Government of Himachal Pradesh for the socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- Tribal welfare administration, Tribal Sub-Plan, and Single Line Administration in Himachal Pradesh
📌 Note: All topics under SUB UNIT-3 are Himachal-specific and highly exam-relevant.
📘 PAPER–VI (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) : GENERAL STUDIES–III (200 MARKS)
🔹 Merit Paper (Counts toward 900-mark total)
🔹 Divided into 3 Units and 9 Sub-Units
🔸 UNIT–I: INDIAN ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT
SUB UNIT–1: Characteristics of Indian Economy
- Demographic Profile, Demographic Dividend, and Population Policy
- Sectoral Composition with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Employment
- Poverty and Inequality, Unemployment, Inflation in India
- Industrial Growth in India
- Regulatory framework for money and banking: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Commercial banks, and Regional Rural Banks
- Monetary policy, Foreign exchange, Balance of Payment Scenario
- Foreign Trade: Policy, Composition, and Direction; Impact of Liberalization / Privatization and Globalization
SUB UNIT–2: Economic Planning and Development
- Economic Planning in India
- Five Year Plans: Strategies and outcomes, Public / Private / Joint Sectors
- Fiscal Policy, Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003
- Debt and Investment in India: Current Status, Growth, and Development experience including Natural Resource Management
- Sustainable development and Inclusive growth
- Measurement of economic development: Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI), Millennium Development Goals, Human Development Index (HDI), Gender Development Index (GDI), Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM)
- Latest / Current Development Schemes / Initiatives / Institutional Changes (e.g., Swach Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, MGNREGS, NITI Aayog)
- International Financial and Economic Organizations:
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
- International Development Association (IDA)
- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
- Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
- BRICS
SUB UNIT–3: Economy of Himachal Pradesh
- Demographic profile and Human resource, Sectoral distribution of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP)
- Diversification in Agriculture and allied activities, Land tenure and size of land holdings
- Industrialization in the state
- Skilled / Unskilled labor
- Revenue generation with special reference to hydro potential, tourism, flora and fauna
- Cottage and Small Scale Industries
- Tax base, Pros and Cons of Special Category status
- Appraisal of education, health, physical and financial infrastructure development
📌 Note: All topics/subjects under SUB UNIT–3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.
🔸 UNIT–II: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
SUB UNIT–1: Applications of Space Technology
- Applications of space technology in natural resources, development, and communications
- Important missions and programmes of the Department of Space and Indian Space Research Organization
- Historical evolution of Indian Space programme: Lunar, interplanetary, and Earth Observation Missions
- Remote Sensing and Communication satellites
- Applications of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) for natural resources monitoring and applications benefiting the common man
SUB UNIT–2: Energy Sector Development
- Developments in energy sectors such as Hydropower, non-conventional sources of energy, and nuclear energy including policies, programmes, and research base in the country
- Concepts of non-conventional, renewable, clean, and environment-friendly energy sources
- Role of energy in sustainable development
SUB UNIT–3: Modern and Emerging Technologies in Himachal Pradesh
- Modern and emerging technologies and initiatives in the State of Himachal Pradesh, including biotechnology policy, research, vision, scope, and applications for developing horticulture, medicinal and aromatic plants resources of the State
- IT policy of Himachal Pradesh and its role in governance, concept of Himachal State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN), State plans of e-governance, concept of LokMitra Kendra and Aryabhatta Geo-Informatics Space Application Centre (AGISAC)
- State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
- Endangered and threatened species of Himachal Pradesh. Factors responsible for biodiversity decline in Himachal Pradesh
- Relevance and role of Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications, and Traditional wisdom and knowledge in the sustainable development of the State
📌 Note: All topics/subjects under SUB UNIT–3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.
🔸 UNIT–III: ENVIRONMENT, AGRICULTURE & TOURISM
SUB UNIT–1: Environment Protection and Climate Change
- Issues, concerns, policies, programmes, conventions, treaties, and missions aimed at environment protection and dealing with the problem of climate change
- State of environment reports
- Environment protection and pollution control Act and rules
- Environment Impact Assessment
- National Action Plans on Climate Change
- Himalayan ecology, biosphere reserve, science and economics of climate change
- Social and ethical issues in the use of Biotechnology
SUB UNIT–2: Developments in Agriculture and Horticulture
- Latest developments in science and technology for harnessing agriculture, horticulture, medicinal, and herbal resources in the country
- National mission for sustainable agriculture, mission for integrated development of horticulture
- Concept of organic farming, seed certification, rainwater harvesting, techniques of irrigation and soil conservation, and soil health cards
SUB UNIT–3: Tourism Policy and Sustainable Development in Himachal Pradesh
- Tourism policy, potential, and initiatives in Himachal Pradesh
- Types of tourism: Religious, adventure, heritage, and important tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh
- Social, economic, and cultural implications of tourism
- Concept of eco-tourism and green tourism and their role in the sustainable development of the State
- Environmental concerns of the tourism industry: Positive and negative effects, including climate change with reference to Himachal Pradesh
📌 Note: All topics/subjects under SUB UNIT–3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.
🧾 Optional Subjects for HPAS Mains (Choose Any One)
(Each optional has two papers, 100 marks each – total 200 marks)
| 🌐 Humanities (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) | ⚙️ Engineering (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) | 🔬 Science (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) |
|---|---|---|
| Indian History | Civil Engineering | Physics |
| Philosophy | Mechanical Engineering | Chemistry |
| Political Science & International Relations | Electrical Engineering | Botany |
| Geography | Zoology | |
| Public Administration | Mathematics | |
| Sociology | Statistics | |
| Psychology | Geology | |
| Anthropology | Medical Sciences |
| 📚 Languages (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) | 📈 Commerce & Management (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) | 🌿 Agriculture & Allied (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) |
|---|---|---|
| Hindi | Commerce and Accountancy | Agriculture |
| English Literature | Management | Horticulture |
| Urdu | Forestry | |
| Sanskrit | Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
✅ Note:
- You must choose only one optional subject.
- Both Paper I and Paper II of that subject will be descriptive and carry 100 marks each.
- The optional subject should be selected carefully based on your academic background, interest, and availability of resources.
🗣️ VIVA-VOCE (HPPSC HPAS 2026 Exam ) (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:
| 📌 Criteria | 📋 Explanation |
|---|---|
| Mental Alertness | Awareness, spontaneity, and quick thinking |
| Critical Assimilation | Ability to absorb and analyze diverse types of information |
| Clarity & Logical Expression | Coherent and structured communication of ideas |
| Balance of Judgement | Maturity, fairness, and non-extremist views |
| Depth & Variety of Interests | Engagement beyond academics – culture, society, hobbies, governance, etc. |
| Social Cohesion & Leadership | Team spirit, coordination, persuasion skills, and initiative-taking abilities |
| Intellectual Integrity | Honest thinking, unbiased perspective, and ethical mindset |
| Moral Integrity | Uprightness, fairness, and a sense of duty |
🔹 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
✅ Important: The Interview carries 150 marks and is added to the Mains total (900) to decide your final rank and service allocation.