syllabus exam pattern

Updated on by rajug

If you’re preparing for the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services exam, understanding the HPPSC HPAS syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for strategic preparation. The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission conducts the HPAS exam to recruit candidates for key administrative roles in the state. This guide covers the HPPSC HPAS syllabus for Prelims and Mains, along with the detailed exam pattern and marking scheme.

HPPSC HPAS Exam Pattern 2025

Before diving into the HPPSC HPAS syllabus, it’s important to know the exam structure. The selection process comprises:

  1. Preliminary Examination

  2. Main Examination

  3. Personality Test

1. HPPSC HPAS Prelims Exam Pattern

Paper Subject Marks Duration Type
Paper I General Studies 200 2 hours Objective MCQ
Paper II Aptitude Test (CSAT) 200 2 hours Objective MCQ

  • Note: Paper II is qualifying in nature. Candidates must score 33% to qualify.

  • Marks of Paper I will be considered for merit in the preliminary stage.

2. HPPSC HPAS Mains Exam Pattern

Paper Subject Marks
Paper I English (Qualifying) 100
Paper II Hindi (Qualifying) 100
Paper III Essay 100
Paper IV General Studies I 200
Paper V General Studies II 200
Paper VI General Studies III 200
Paper VII Optional Subject Paper I 100
Paper VIII Optional Subject Paper II 100
Interview/Personality Test 150

  • Minimum qualifying marks for English and Hindi are 40%.

  • Marks of all other papers and the interview are considered for the final merit list.

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus 2025 – Subject-wise Details

Let’s break down the HPPSC HPAS syllabus for each stage:

HPPSC HPAS Prelims Syllabus

Paper I – General Studies

  • Indian History and Indian National Movement

  • Geography of India and the World

  • Indian Polity and Governance

  • Economic and Social Development

  • General Science and Environment

  • Current Events (National & International)

Paper II – Aptitude Test (CSAT)

  • Comprehension

  • Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability

  • Decision Making & Problem Solving

  • General Mental Ability

  • Basic Numeracy (Class X level)

  • Data Interpretation

Note: Though qualifying, the CSAT is vital to crack the prelims stage.

HPPSC HPAS Mains Syllabus

Paper III – Essay

  • Candidates must write essays on multiple topics covering national, international, and socio-economic issues.

Paper IV – General Studies I

  • Indian Heritage, Culture & History

  • World History

  • Geography (Physical, Social, Economic)

Paper V – General Studies II

  • Indian Constitution, Polity

  • Governance & Social Justice

  • International Relations

Paper VI – General Studies III

  • Technology, Economic Development

  • Biodiversity, Environment, Security

  • Disaster Management

Optional Papers (VII & VIII)

Candidates can choose one optional subject from the list provided in the official notification. Each subject will have two papers.

Key Highlights of HPPSC HPAS Syllabus

  • The HPPSC HPAS syllabus ensures a balanced evaluation of knowledge, aptitude, writing, and analytical skills.

  • The essay paper tests your ability to organize thoughts and present them coherently.

  • The general studies papers cover a vast range of interdisciplinary topics essential for administrative roles.

  • Optional subjects offer flexibility to leverage your graduation background or area of strength.

Preparation Tips for HPPSC HPAS Syllabus

  1. Understand the syllabus: Begin your preparation by reading the HPPSC HPAS syllabus thoroughly.

  2. Make a study plan: Allocate time for each subject and stick to a routine.

  3. Focus on current affairs: Read newspapers and follow government reports regularly.

  4. Practice answer writing: Especially for essay and mains papers, answer writing is crucial.

  5. Solve previous year papers: This helps in understanding question trends and time management.

FAQs – HPPSC HPAS Syllabus and Exam Pattern

Q1. How many stages are there in the HPPSC HPAS exam?
A1. There are three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Personality Test.

Q2. Is CSAT qualifying in HPPSC HPAS?
A2. Yes, Paper II in the prelims (CSAT) is qualifying with 33% minimum marks required.

Q3. Are optional subjects compulsory in HPPSC HPAS Mains?
A3. Yes, candidates must choose one optional subject comprising two papers.

Q4. What is the marking scheme of the HPPSC HPAS Mains?
A4. Each general studies paper carries 200 marks. The essay paper is 100 marks, and each optional paper is 100 marks.

Q5. How can I download the HPPSC HPAS syllabus PDF?
A5. You can download the official syllabus PDF from the HPPSC website under the examination tab.