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HPAS
HPPSC HP Administrative Service (HPAS) Prelims
Himachal PSC HPAS Prelims — Paper 1 (GS) + Paper 2 (CSAT). 200 MCQs each, 2 hours each.
Updated 31 Aug 2026 ·Vacancy counts change every cycle — always confirm the exact number in the latest official notification before applying.
Sourced
Source: official exam authority notification · refreshed weekly. How this works →
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Katoch dynasty of KangraWhich Mughal emperor annexed the Kangra Fort from the Katoch rulers in 1620?
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10 questions across the syllabus to see where you stand.
One email when the official result is out, nothing else.
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HPAS eligibility
Verified against the official notification. Source ↗ · last reconciled 2026-05.
- Age
- 21 – 35 years (General)21-35 for General. OBC +3, SC/ST +5, PwBD +10. Reference date is 1 January of the exam year.
- Education
- Bachelor's degree (any discipline) from a recognised university.
- Attempts
- No formal attempt limit other than the upper age cap.
- Nationality
- Indian citizen.
- Other
- Hindi proficiency required for state-specific posts.
- HP-domicile preferred for reservation benefits; open-merit posts open to all.
HPAS cutoffs
Historical cutoffs are a guide, not a prediction. Use them to set a realistic target, not to predict next year's exact number.
Prelims cutoff (qualifying for Mains)
out of 200 marks| Year | Category | Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | General | ~125 – 135 |
| 2023 | OBC | ~118 – 128 |
| 2023 | SC | ~105 – 115 |
| 2023 | ST | ~95 – 108 |
Source: official ↗ · verified 2026-05.
HPAS salary after selection
Approximate starting gross at an X-class (metro) posting. Actual pay depends on post, city, year of joining and prevailing DA.
HPAS (entry — SDM / SDM-equivalent)
Pay Level 10 (HP)- Basic pay
- ₹56,100
- Gross monthly
- ₹85,000 – ₹95,000 (Shimla, after probation)
Source: official ↗ · verified 2026-05.
HPAS — Frequently asked questions
Is Shishya free for HPAS preparation?
How many HPAS practice questions does Shishya have?
Are HPAS previous year question papers available?
How long is the HPAS exam?
Previous year papers
120 questions across all yearsSome years hold a set of questions from that paper, not the full paper — each card shows how many.
2025
120 of 200 questions
Practise these →
Mock tests
All my attempts →Take any mock in your preferred language — use the language picker inside the mock to switch (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, and 15 more).
HPAS — Quick Practice
FULL20 questions · 240 min
Start mock →HPAS — 2025 (Previous Year)
FULL120 questions · 240 min
Start mock →
Practice by subject & topic
Full-length subject tests below — 25 questions each, real exam format, instant scoring. Want to drill a single topic? Every topic has its own 10-question test in the syllabus.
General Studies (Paper I)
117 QsAptitude Test (Paper II)
23 Qs
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Your rank
vs everyone who has taken this examTake a mock to see where you stand on the leaderboard.
What can I get from HPAS?
Mock-score → expected rank → likely outcome. Use the mocks below to find your current band, then plan how many marks you need to climb.
Elite range — Top rankers
82–100% · Post-based exam (no numeric rank)
- •Among top 50 Prelims scorers statewide
- •Excellent prospects for HAS Officer with first choice of cadre
- •Deputy Superintendent of Police — near-certain selection with good Mains score
- •Likely to secure premium Group A postings in state secretariat
- •Strong foundation for top-10 final merit position
- •Interview preparation should focus on Himachal-specific development issues and administrative challenges
- •High probability of preferred service allocation (HAS/HPPS)
Top tier — Premium post prospects
72–82% · Post-based exam (no numeric rank)
- •Excellent Prelims performance, likely in top 100-150 candidates
- •HAS Officer with preferred posting location options
- •Deputy Superintendent of Police — high probability of selection
- •Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (Class I) — senior administrative roles
- •Assistant Director (Audit & Accounts) — Group B, financial administration
- •District Welfare Officer — Group B, social welfare schemes implementation
- •Strong position for merit-based service allocation in Mains
Safe qualifier — Competitive Mains position
62–72% · Post-based exam (no numeric rank)
- •Comfortable Prelims qualification with good margin
- •Strong contention for HAS Officer — policy formulation and district coordination
- •Deputy Superintendent of Police — selection likely with good Mains performance
- •Excise & Taxation Officer (ETO) — Group B, revenue collection and enforcement
- •Himachal Pradesh Police Service (HPPS) — Group A executive cadre
- •Assistant Director (various departments) — Group B posts in state secretariat
- •Begin intensive Mains preparation with essay and HP-specific topics
Likely Prelims qualifier — All categories
50–62% · Post-based exam (no numeric rank)
- •Strong chance of clearing Prelims for all categories
- •Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) — Himachal Pradesh Police, Group A Gazetted
- •Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HAS) Officer — district administration roles
- •Block Development Officer (BDO) — rural development, Group B
- •Assistant Registrar (Co-operative Societies) — Group B, pay level 7
- •Tehsildar — revenue administration, magisterial powers, Group B
Borderline — Reserved categories
35–50% · Post-based exam (no numeric rank)
- •Possible qualification for SC/ST/OBC candidates (cut-offs typically 5-10% lower)
- •Marginal for General category — depends on paper difficulty
- •Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) — Group A, pay level 11
- •Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HAS) — Class II posts
- •Block Development Officer (BDO) — Group B, district-level administration
- •Focus on Mains preparation if confident about borderline scores
Below cut-off range
0–35% · Post-based exam (no numeric rank)
AI-curated from historic cut-off patterns. Always verify with the latest official notification before making decisions.
News & timeline
See older updates →Latest news
Candidates can apply online through the HPPSC portal until September 22, 2026 (11:59 PM). The application fee is ₹600 for all candidates, with concessions available for reserved categories.
Multiple sources report that HPPSC released Advertisement No. 59/8-2026 for the HPAS Combined Competitive Examination 2026 on August 25, 2026, announcing 22 posts across HP Administrative Service, BDO, Tehsildar, and other departments. Applications reportedly open until September 22, 2026.
HPPSC conducted the HPAS Preliminary Examination 2025 on June 29, 2025. The previous cycle (2025) recruited for 32 vacancies, with the final result declared in December 2025.
Important dates
HPAS 2025 Final Result declared
passedTue, 30 Dec, 2025
Interviews conducted 22–30 Dec 2025
Application start date
passedTue, 25 Aug, 2026
Online applications through HPPSC OTR portal
HPAS 2026 notification released
passedTue, 25 Aug, 2026
Advertisement No. 59/8-2026 for 22 posts; could not verify on official HPPSC site directly
Application closing date
11 days awayTue, 22 Sept, 2026
Last date to apply: 11:59 PM on September 22, 2026
Prelims admit card release (expected)
51 days awaySun, 1 Nov, 2026
Typically released 10-15 days before exam; exact date awaited from HPPSC
📍Prelims exam (expected)
65 days awaySun, 15 Nov, 2026
Tentatively projected for November 2026; exact date to be announced by HPPSC
Prelims answer key (expected)
70 days awayFri, 20 Nov, 2026
Typically released within 3-5 days of exam
Prelims result (expected)
110 days awayWed, 30 Dec, 2026
Based on typical HPPSC timeline; usually 4-6 weeks after Prelims
📍Mains exam (expected)
185 days awayMon, 15 Mar, 2027
Multi-day descriptive examination; typically 2-3 months after Prelims result
Mains result (expected)
292 days awayWed, 30 Jun, 2027
Usually 2-3 months after Mains exam completion
Interview/Personality Test (expected)
338 days awaySun, 15 Aug, 2027
Final stage; typically 1-2 months after Mains result
Syllabus
Tap any topic for its study notes + a 10-question topic test
General Studies (Paper I)
Ancient India
Indus Valley, Vedic age, Mauryas, Guptas, Buddhism and Jainism.
Medieval India
Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, Bhakti and Sufi movements, Vijayanagar.
Modern India and freedom struggle
1857, INC, Gandhian movements, partition and independence.
Ancient Himachal — Janapadas
Audumbaras, Trigarta, Kuluta, Kulindas; references in Mahabharata and Puranas.
Katoch dynasty of Kangra
One of oldest surviving Rajput dynasties; Kangra fort; Maharaja Sansar Chand II — golden age (1775-1823).
Bushahr state
Erstwhile princely state of Kinnaur-Shimla region; only HP ruler hostile to British in 1857; capital Sarahan/Rampur.
Bilaspur (Kahlur) state
Founded by Bir Chand; merged with India 1948; later submerged by Bhakra dam reservoir.
Chamba and Mandi states
Chamba — founded by Sahil Varman c. 920 CE; Bhuri Singh Museum; Mandi 'Kashi of the Hills'.
Suket, Kullu and Sirmaur
Suket and Kullu Pal dynasties; Sirmaur of Nahan; Raja Shamsher Prakash.
Gorkha invasion (1803-15)
Gorkhas under Amar Singh Thapa; defeat by British in Anglo-Gorkha war; Treaty of Sugauli 1816.
Anglo-Sikh wars and British rule
Maharaja Ranjit Singh's annexation of Kangra 1809; British takeover after First Anglo-Sikh war 1846.
Praja Mandal and freedom movement
Dhami firing 1939, Pajhota agitation 1942; Yashwant Singh Parmar; Suket satyagraha 1948.
Formation and statehood of HP
Part C state 1948 from 30 hill states; reorganisation 1966 (Punjab hill areas); full statehood 25 January 1971 — 18th state.
World geography
Continents, oceans, climatic zones, world physical features.
Indian geography
Himalayas, peninsular plateau, rivers, monsoon, agriculture.
Location and physiography of HP
Western Himalayas; bordered by China (Tibet); 12 districts; three altitudinal zones — Shivalik, Inner, Greater Himalayas.
Rivers of Himachal Pradesh
Five perennial — Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna; tributaries Spiti, Parbati, Tons, Pabbar.
Climate and rainfall
Sub-tropical to alpine; Dharamshala among wettest; Spiti-Lahaul cold desert in rain shadow.
National parks and wildlife
Great Himalayan NP (UNESCO), Pin Valley NP, Inderkilla, Khirganga, Simbalbara; snow leopard, Western Tragopan (state bird).
Glaciers and lakes
Bara Shigri, Beas Kund, Chandra; lakes — Chandratal, Suraj Tal, Renuka, Khajjiar, Manimahesh.
Tribes of Himachal Pradesh
Gaddi, Gujjar, Kinnaura, Lahaula, Pangwala, Bhot, Swangla — distribution in tribal districts.
Indian Constitution
Preamble, Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, basic structure, amendments.
Indian polity and governance
Union, state and local government; panchayati raj; constitutional bodies.
HP Legislative Assembly
68-seat unicameral assembly; CM, Council of Ministers; HP HC at Shimla.
Special provisions and panchayati raj
HP Land Reforms and Tenancy Act; Section 118 restricting non-Himachali land purchase; PRI structure.
Indian economy
GDP, banking, RBI, GST, Union Budget, NITI Aayog.
Economic and social development
Sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics.
HP economy overview
Hydropower, tourism, horticulture (apple), pharma cluster of Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh.
Hydroelectric power
27,000 MW potential; Bhakra-Nangal, Pong, Nathpa Jhakri (1500 MW), Karcham Wangtoo, Parbati, Koldam.
Tourism and hill stations
Shimla (summer capital of British India), Manali, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kullu, Khajjiar, Spiti.
Horticulture — apple state
Apple bowl of India (Shimla, Kinnaur, Kullu); Y.S. Parmar — Father of Green Revolution in HP apples; cherry, plum, kiwi.
HP state schemes
Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashraya Yojana, HIMCARE, Mukhya Mantri Swavalamban Yojana, Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi.
Environment and ecology
Ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, environmental laws.
Climate change
UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, IPCC, India's NDCs and Net Zero by 2070.
Himalayan ecology and glacier melt
Glacier retreat in Lahaul-Spiti; cloudbursts and flash floods; HP State Disaster Management Authority.
Physics in everyday life
Force, motion, electricity, light, sound.
Chemistry basics
Periodic table, acids/bases, polymers, fertilizers.
Biology and human body
Cells, organ systems, nutrition, diseases.
Science and technology
ISRO, AI, biotechnology, IT — recent advances.
Folk dances of Himachal Pradesh
Nati (Sirmauri Nati — Guinness record 2016), Chham (Lahaul), Kayang (Kinnaur), Dangi (Chamba), Losar Shona Chuksam.
Fairs and festivals
Kullu Dussehra (international), Minjar (Chamba), Lavi (Rampur), Shivratri (Mandi), Phulaich (Kinnaur), Halda.
Temples and monasteries
Hidimba Devi (Manali), Jwalamukhi, Chamunda Devi, Naina Devi, Baijnath; Tabo, Key, Dhankar monasteries.
Crafts and shawls
Kullu and Kinnauri shawls (GI), Chamba rumal (GI), Kangra miniature painting, Pashmina, woollens.
HP current affairs
State schemes, budget, sports, awards, recent appointments and policies.
National current affairs
Government schemes, awards, sports, appointments — last 12-18 months.
Aptitude Test (Paper II)
Reading comprehension
Passage-based questions on inference, vocabulary, main idea.
Interpersonal and communication skills
Effective communication and group behaviour.
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Statement-conclusion, syllogism, deductive reasoning.
Decision-making and problem-solving
Ethical and managerial decision-making situations.
General mental ability
Series, analogy, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions.
Basic numeracy
Numbers and orders of magnitude — Class X level.
Data interpretation
Charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency — Class X level.