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HPPSC Exam Pattern and Syllabus | AnswerWriting
HPPSC Exam Pattern and SyllabusÂ
The HAS exam is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview/Personality Test.
Two objective-type papers, 2 hours each, with 1/3rd negative marking per wrong answer. Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying – minimum 33% required.
Feature
Paper I (GS)
Paper II (CSAT)
Questions
100
100
Marks
200
200
Duration
2 hours
2 hours
Negative Marking
1/3rd
1/3rd
Paper I: General Studies Syllabus
History of India and the Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography – physical, social, and economic geography
Indian polity and governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and rights issues
Economic and social development: sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives
Environmental ecology, biodiversity, and climate change
General Science
Current affairs of national and international importance
History, geography, politics, art, culture, and socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh
Paper II: CSAT Syllabus (Qualifying)
Comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy (Class X level), data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables Class X level), and English language comprehension (Class X level).
Stage II: Mains Examination (Total: 1100 Marks)
Eight subjective papers â two qualifying language papers and six merit papers including two optional subject papers.
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
Paper I
English (Qualifying)
100
3 hours
Paper II
Hindi (Qualifying)
100
3 hours
Paper III
Essay
100
3 hours
Paper IV
General Studies – I
200
3 hours
Paper V
General Studies – II
200
3 hours
Paper VI
General Studies – III
200
3 hours
Paper VII
Optional Subject – I
100
3 hours
Paper VIII
Optional Subject – II
100
3 hours
Papers I and II are qualifying; their scores do not count toward the merit list.
Paper I: English (Qualifying – 100 Marks)
Grammar – 20 marks
Usage and vocabulary – 20 marks
Composition: letter, application, report, or note writing – 20 marks
Explanation of Hindi prose and poetry passages in Hindi
Composition: idioms, corrections, etc.
Paper III: Essay (100 Marks)
Topics are drawn from across disciplines including current affairs, socio-political issues, socio-economic matters, and reflective themes. Candidates write 2 essays (~900 words each), one each from Section A and Section B, in English or Hindi.
Paper IV: General Studies â I (200 Marks)
Unit I
Sub-Unit 1 – Indian History & Culture
Indian cultural heritage: literature, art forms, and architecture from ancient times to 1947 (including temple architecture, sculpture, and schools of painting)
Modern Indian history from the mid-18th century to 1980
Freedom struggle: stages and contributions of key personalities from across India
Sub-Unit 2 – World History
Industrial Revolution and rise of capitalism
Fascist ideology and its global consequences
World Wars and post-war boundary settlements
Decolonisation, nationalism, socialism, globalisation, and the concept of modernity
Rise of early medieval states: Kangra, Kullu, and Chamba
Hill states and their relations with the Mughals and Sikhs
Gorkha invasion: nature, consequences, and Treaty of Segauli
Hill states under colonial rule: political and administrative history; grants, Sanads, and territorial issues
Social and economic conditions under colonialism; social practices of Beth, Begar, and Reet
British cantonment establishment in the hills
National movement with special reference to Praja Mandal movements in HP (1848-1948)
Five-Year Plans and their vision for hill state development
Artistic and cultural heritage: temples, Buddhist monasteries, and paintings
Unit II
Sub-Unit 1 – Disaster Management
Concepts, classifications (natural and man-made), and social and environmental impacts of disasters
India’s disaster profile; disaster risk reduction approaches and management models
Role of communities and first responders; link between disaster and development
Disaster Management Act 2005; national and state-level policies, plans, and institutions
Sub-Unit 2 – Indian Geography
India as a geographical unit: physical structure, climate, soils, vegetation, mountain ranges, rivers, and water bodies
Human geography: population distribution, urban population, internal migration, language, literacy, villages, towns, settlements, industries, and transport
Sub-Unit 3 – Geography of Himachal Pradesh(all HP-specific)
Physical features: relief, drainage, vegetation types, climate, and climatic zones
Geographical regions: Shiwalik, Doons, Sub-Himalayan valleys, Mid-Hill Tracts, High Himalaya, and Inner Zones
Human aspects: population characteristics and urbanisation patterns
State policies on forests, industries, and tourism; employment generation; hazard vulnerability and risk profile of HP
Unit III
Sub-Unit 1 – Indian Society
Key features of Indian society, unity in diversity
Social institutions: family, marriage, kinship, religion, and social stratification
Women’s empowerment: policies, laws for women’s protection, and safety initiatives
Child rights, Right to Education, and rights of differently-abled persons
Sub-Unit 2 – Governance & Ethics
Core values in public service; philosophical foundations of governance â integrity, professionalism, and accountability
Transparency, RTI, codes of conduct, work culture, and challenges of corruption and political pressures
Gandhian thought: truth, non-violence, Satyagraha, and the relationship between religion and politics
Sub-Unit 3 – Himachal Pradesh Society & Culture(all HP-specific)
Culture, customs, fairs, festivals, religious beliefs, and recreation in HP
Tribes of HP: historical, social, cultural, economic, and legal aspects
Family, marriage, kinship, and caste system in HP
Paper V: General Studies â II (200 Marks)
Unit I
Sub-Unit 1 – Indian Constitution
Historical background, evolution, and core features of the Constitution
Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties
Constitutional amendment process and theory of basic structure
Sub-Unit 2 – Welfare & Social Justice
Policies, programmes, and bodies for welfare of SCs, STs, women, minorities, backward classes, differently-abled persons, and children
Quality of life issues: livelihood, poverty, hunger, disease, and social inclusion
Sub-Unit 3 – HP Governance(all HP-specific)
HP Public Service Guarantee Act 2011; RTI Act 2005 and HP government rules thereunder
Administrative reforms for public service delivery in HP
Implementation of 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in HP – issues and challenges
Welfare programmes for differently-abled persons, women, and children in HP
Unit III
Sub-Unit 1 – International Relations
India’s bilateral, regional, and global groupings and agreements
India’s Look East Policy
India’s relations with USA, Russia, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Maldives, and Middle East countries
Sub-Unit 2 – Global Affairs
Impact of developed and developing countries’ policies on India’s interests; Indian diaspora
Key international institutions, agencies, and forums – their structure and mandate
Sub-Unit 3 – HP-Specific Issues(all HP-specific)
Cybercrime and drug menace: detection and control mechanisms in HP
HP government legislation to protect and promote agrarian society interests
Policies for socio-economic development of SCs and STs in HP
Tribal welfare administration, Tribal Sub-Plan, and single-line administration in HP
Paper VI: General Studies â III (200 Marks)
Unit I
Sub-Unit 1 – Indian Economy
Demographic profile, demographic dividend, and population policy
Sectoral composition of GDP and employment; poverty, inequality, unemployment, and inflation
Monetary policy, foreign exchange, balance of payments
Foreign trade: policy, composition, direction, and impact of liberalisation, privatisation, and globalisation
Sub-Unit 2 – Economic Planning & Development
Economic planning in India: Five-Year Plans, strategies, and outcomes; public, private, and joint sectors
Fiscal policy, FRBM Act 2003, debt and investment; sustainable development and inclusive growth
Development measurement: PQLI, HDI, GDI, GEM; key government schemes (Swachh Bharat, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, MGNREGS, NITI Aayog, etc.)
Sub-Unit 3 – Economy of Himachal Pradesh(all HP-specific)
Demographic profile, human resources, and sectoral GSDP distribution
Agricultural diversification, land tenure, and land holdings
Industrialisation, skilled and unskilled labour
Revenue generation from hydro power, tourism, and natural resources
Cottage and small-scale industries; Special Category Status pros and cons
Education, health, and infrastructure development appraisal
Unit II
Sub-Unit 1 – Space Technology
Applications of space technology in natural resources, development, and communications
ISRO’s missions and programmes; India’s space programme history
Lunar, interplanetary, and Earth observation missions
Remote sensing, communication satellites, and GIS applications
Sub-Unit 2 – Energy
Hydro power, non-conventional energy, nuclear energy – policies, programmes, and research
Concepts of clean, renewable, and environment-friendly energy sources
Role of energy in sustainable development
Sub-Unit 3 – Technology & Biodiversity in HP(all HP-specific)
Emerging technologies in HP: biotechnology policy for horticulture, medicinal and aromatic plants
IT policy of HP: HIMSWAN, LokMitra Kendra, and AGISAC for e-governance
State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan; endangered species in HP
Factors causing biodiversity decline in HP
Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications, and traditional knowledge in sustainable development
Unit III
Sub-Unit 1 – Environment
Environmental protection policies, conventions, treaties, and climate change programmes
State of environment reports; Environment Protection Act and pollution control rules
Environmental Impact Assessment; National Action Plans on Climate Change
Himalayan ecology, biosphere reserves; economics and social dimensions of climate change
Ethical issues in use of biotechnology
Sub-Unit 2 – Agriculture & Technology
Science and technology advances for agriculture, horticulture, and herbal resources
National missions for sustainable agriculture and integrated horticulture development
Organic farming, seed certification, rainwater harvesting, irrigation techniques, and soil health cards
Sub-Unit 3 – Tourism in HP(all HP-specific)
Tourism policy, potential, and state initiatives
Types of tourism: religious, adventure, heritage; key tourist destinations in HP
Social, economic, and cultural implications of tourism
Eco-tourism and green tourism for sustainable development
Environmental impacts of tourism, including climate change effects specific to HP
Papers VII & VIII: Optional Subject (100 Marks Each)
Candidates choose one optional subject from: Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce & Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, English Literature, Geography, Geology, Hindi Literature, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, and Zoology.
Stage III: Interview / Personality Test (150 Marks)
The final stage evaluates overall personality, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and general awareness – including familiarity with HP’s customs, manners, and dialects. Key qualities assessed include mental alertness, logical thinking, depth of interest, leadership ability, social cohesion, and intellectual and moral integrity. Interview marks are added to Mains marks for the final merit ranking.
