About

Every year Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission conducts Civil Services Exams across the state. And there are around 35-40 thousand applications for the HAS exam. Out of these, 60% appear in the preliminary test on average. However, 20 times of total vacancies are called for mains written test and 3 times are called for interviews. Here, you will find details about the HAS syllabus and the selection process.

HPPSC HPAS Exam Pattern for Prelims

• The exam will have two papers of 200 marks each and a total of 400 marks.
• Each paper will be of 200 marks.
• There will be a negative marking of ⅓ marks of the prescribed marks per question.
• No deductions are done for unanswered questions.

 

 

HPPSC HPAS pattern for Main Written Exam

• The Main exam will have 8 papers.
• English (Paper-I) and Hindi (Paper-II) are of qualifying nature.
• There will be a choice of optional subjects (Paper VII, VIII) for the candidates.

 

 

 

HPPSC HPAS Personality Test/ Interview

The last stage in the selection process is the Personality Test/ Interview. The personality test is conducted for 150 marks by the Commission. Candidates should be aware of the local languages spoken in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Centric issues of the state, and other basic regional information. The final list of candidates selected for the HPAS post mainly depends on the Mains Exam and the Viva-Voce. 

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for Preliminary Examination

The HPPSC Prelims is a qualifying exam that candidates must pass in order to take the mains. The prelims exam for the HPPSC comprises 2 sections- General Studies, and Aptitude Test.  The detailed syllabus for the same is presented below.

 

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for General Studies

 

• History, geography, political, art & culture and socio economic development of Himachal Pradesh.
• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and Indian national movement.
• Indian and World Geography- physical, social, economic geography of India and the world.
• Indian polity and governance- Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights issues, etc.
• Economic and social development- sustainable development poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives, etc.
• General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change that do not require subject specialization
• General Science.

 

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for Aptitude Test

 

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability.
• Decision-making and problem-solving 
• General mental ability 
•  Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc. (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level). 
•  English Language comprehension skills (Class X level) 

 

 

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for Mains Examination

 

The HPPSC HPAS Mains Exam has 8 papers. Of these, the English and Hindi papers are qualifying in nature. The detailed syllabus of the Mains Exam is presented below.

 

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for English

 

• Grammar (20 Marks)
• Usage and Vocabulary (20 Marks)
• Composition Letter /Application /Report /Note writing (20 Marks)
• Comprehension of unseen passages (20 Marks)
• Precis Writing (20 Marks).
•  

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for Hindi

 

• Translation of English passage into Hindi.
• Translation of Hindi passage into English.
• Explanation of Hindi passage in prose and poetry in the same language.
• Composition (Idioms, corrections, etc.)

 

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for Essay

 

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

 

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for General Studies I

 

Unit 1: 

 

Sub Unit-I

 

• 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 the mid-18th century to 1980.
• Freedom Struggle: its various stages and the role of eminent personalities from different parts of India.

 

Sub Unit-2

 

• 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 concept of Modernity.

 

Sub Unit-3

 

• Emergence and growth of early medieval states: Kangra, Kullu and Chamba. The Hill States and their relations with the Mughals and the Sikhs.
• Gorkha invasion- its nature and consequences, Treaty of Sagauli.
• The Hill States under 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). 

 

Unit-II:

 

Sub Unit-1

 

• Introduction to Disasters: Concepts, definitions, disaster classifications including natural and man-made disasters.
• Social and Environmental impacts of disasters.
• Disaster profile of the country.
• Approaches to Disaster Risk Reductions.
• Disaster management models. Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders including community, Concept of first responders.
• Interrelationship of disaster and development.
• Disaster management in India including the Disaster Management Act 2005, National and state policies, Plans and institutional mechanism in the country.

 

Sub Unit-2

 

• Geographical Introduction to India, India as a unit of Geographical Study.
• Aspects of the Physical Geography of India – Structure and Relief, Climate, Soils and Vegetation, Geomorphic set up (Mountain Ranges and Rivers and other 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 in Himachal Pradesh.
• Geographical Regions of Himachal Pradesh (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 Policies, Growth of Industrial areas and types of Industries in Himachal, Employment generation and potential, Scope of future Industrialization, Hazard Vulnerability and Risk Profile of Himachal Pradesh. 

 

 

Unit-III:

 

Sub Unit-1

 

• Salient features of Indian Society, Unity in Diversity.
• Social Institutions: Family, Marriage, Kinship, Religion and Social stratification in India.
• Women empowerment and social justice: Policies for women Empowerment in India, Laws for protection of women, women security and safety initiatives in India.
• Child Rights and Right to Education.
• Rights of differently-abled persons and quality of life for them.

 

Sub Unit-2

 

• Core Values in public service/governance.
• Philosophical basis of public service/governance and 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, and religious beliefs and practices, recreation and amusement.
• Tribes of Himachal Pradesh: their historical, social, cultural, economic and legal aspects.
• Family, marriage, kinship, and caste system in Himachal Pradesh.

 

HPPSC HAS Syllabus for General Studies II

 

Unit-I:

 

Sub Unit-1

 

• Constitution of India: Historical underpinning, evolution, salient features.
• Significant provisions including Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Fundamental Duties.
• Amending process and important Constitutional Amendments and theory of basic structure.

 

Sub Unit-2

 

• Parliament and State legislatures, Structure, Organization and functioning of the Union and State Executive and the Judiciary.
• Functions and responsibilities of Union and States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up-to local level 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

 

• Reorganization and politics of statehood.
• Development of political parties, major Political parties and 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. 

 

Unit-II:

 

Sub Unit-1

 

• Institutional framework, Policies and Interventions for development in various sectors in India.
• Governance, Good governance, Citizen Charters, effective public service delivery, transparency, accountability and ethics in governance in India.
• District Administration: Changing role of 
• Deputy Commissioner.
• Local self-government in urban and rural areas in India.

 

Sub Unit-2

 

• Role of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs),
• Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Civil Society in Governance in India.
• Bodies constituted, Policies, Programmes and Schemes for welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes,
• Women, Minorities, Backward classes, Differently-abled persons, and children in India.
• Issues relating to quality of life: livelihood, poverty, hunger, disease and social inclusiveness.

 

Sub Unit-3

 

• Governance in Himachal Pradesh
• The 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 in Himachal Pradesh.
• Implementation of 73rd& 74th Constitutional amendments in Himachal Pradesh.
• Issues and Challenges. Programmes and policies for the welfare of differently-abled persons, women and children in Himachal Pradesh.

 

Unit-III:

 

Sub Unit-1

 

• Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India’s interests.
• India’s look east policy.
• India’s relations with the United States of America (U.S.A.), Russia, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Maldives and Middle East Countries. 

 

Sub Unit-2

 

• Effects of the policies of developed and developing countries on India’s interest, Indian Diaspora.
• Important international Institutions, agencies and fora, their structure and mandate.

 

Sub Unit-3

 

• Cyber crime and drug menace – mechanism to detect and control it in Himachal Pradesh.
• Enactments made by Himachal Pradesh Government to protect and promote the interests of agrarian society.
• Various policies framed by the Government of Himachal Pradesh for the socioeconomic development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the State.
• Tribal welfare administration, Tribal sub-plan and Single line administration in Himachal Pradesh.

 

HPPSC HAS Syllabus for General Studies III

 

Unit-I:

 

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 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. Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Ayog etc.).
• 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), Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (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 landholdings.
• Industrialization in the state.
• Skilled / Unskilled labour.
• 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.

 

Unit-II:

 

Sub Unit-1

 

• Applications of space technology in natural resources, development and communications.
• Important missions and programmes of 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

 

• 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 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, the concept of Lok Mitra 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. 

 

Unit-III:

 

Sub Unit-1

 

• 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

 

• Latest developments in science and technology for harnessing agriculture, horticulture, medicinal and herbal resources in the country. 
• National mission for sustainable agriculture, the mission for integrated development of horticulture.
• Concept of organic farming, seed certification, rainwater harvesting, techniques of irrigation and soil conservations and soil health cards.

 

Sub Unit-3

 

• Tourism policy, potential and initiative in Himachal Pradesh.
• Types of tourism: religious, adventure, heritage, 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, both positive and negative effects including climate change with reference to Himachal Pradesh.

 

 

Tips to crack HPAS Prelims

• Aspirants should try to finish HPAS prelims preparation within a few months. This preparation should not be haphazard but be focused on the demands of the examination process. Thus it is a must for all aspirants to go through the detailed topics listed on HPPSC’s official website.
• The prelim exam is the first stage in the selection process and it will be based on objective-type questions. But the Main Exam which is the second stage requires candidates to write long descriptive essay-type answers. Thus both stages require aspirants to be highly selective about the study material and to study smart and save time. Even though the syllabus for the stages is almost the same the type of questions asked is different.
• Devise a strategy/study plan and maintain a timetable. Allot time for each subject topic-wise. This will enable you to track your progress. After each study session keeps 1 hour for revision of topics.
• Never neglect the newspaper.  Read newspapers every day to stay updated on nation and international issues, polity, economy, and important announcements regarding programs and policies of the government, etc.
• Studying in a stretch for long hours without hours can be tedious and will lead to diminishing returns. Thus study in 2-hour slots and take a 10-minute break after every 45 minutes and 20 20-minute break after 2 hours.
• It is very important to maintain proper mental and physical health, to ensure your good performance on the big day. Give your brain an appropriate time to refresh. Sleep for 8 hours, take breaks, eat nutritious food, and do light exercise.
• Don’t over-exhaust yourself regularly. Manage your stress. Take it slow and steady.
• Attempt mock tests regularly and revise regularly.

 

The pattern of HPAS Prelims

Paper 1: General Studies

 

Time: 2 Hours | Max Marks: 200 | Questions: 100

1. Ancient History + Medieval History + Culture + Modern History (10-20 Questions )

 

In Ancient History:

Prehistoric India, Historic India, Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic India, Mahajanapadas, Mauryan Period, Gupta Period etc 

In Medieval History :

The Classical Age, Pala Empire, Rashtrakuta Empire, Islam in India, Delhi Sultanate, Vijayanagara Empire, Guru Nanak, Mughals, Arrival of Europeans etc 

Culture:

Visual Arts (Paintings, Architecture, Sculpture), Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama, etc), Religions (Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism), Society, etc.

 

In Modern History:

 

1st War of Independence, Formation of Indian National Congress, Moderates and Extremists, Muslim League, Gandhian Phase, Non-Co-operation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement, Cripps Mission, Cabinet Mission, Mount Batten Plan, Partition of India Indian Constitution, etc.

Modern History dominates in this section with 8-10 Questions, although the number of questions varies each year, so can be 10-20.

 

Indian Polity + International Relations  (10-12 Questions)

 

Constitution, History, Features, Preamble of the Constitution, Union &Territory, Citizenship, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, Fundamental Duties, President, Vice-president, Prime Minister, Parliament, Supreme Court, Governor, Chief Minister, State Legislature, High Court, Subordinate Courts, Federal System, Center-State Relations, Inter-State Relations, Scheduled and Tribal Areas, Panchayati Raj, Urban Local Governments, Emergency Provisions, Special Status of J& K, Election Commission, UPSC, Finance Commission, CAG of India, AG & SG of India, Subjects of Union, State and Concurrent Lists, Precedence Oaths, Definitions under the Constitution, Constitutional Amendments etc

International Relations questions are asked from Current events.

Polity dominates this section with 10-12 questions in which 2-3 current events

 

Geography (10-15 Questions)

Geography can be divided into three – Physical Geography, Economic Geography, and Social Geography. The major sub-topics under Physical Indian Geography are Physio-graphic divisions, Drainage, Climate, Vegetation, Natural Resources, etc. Topics related to an environment like wildlife, Soil, Flora, etc should be given stress too. Economic and Social Geography-related aspects of Indian Geography should be studied in parallel with Physical Geography.

Economic & Social Development (12-18 Questions)

Indian Economy topics: issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment, Government Budgeting, cropping patterns, Public Distribution System, Technology missions, Food processing, Land reforms, Liberalization, Infrastructure, and Investment models.

Social welfare Schemes etc.

Science and Technology (12-20 Questions)

Physics: 4-5 Questions

Chemistry: 4-5 Questions are asked mainly on metal, non-metals, and Organic Chemistry or products

Biology: 4-5 Questions are asked related to DNA, body parts, Diseases, etc,

Computer: 1-2 Questions

Current Discoveries or Noble Prize-related

Space and Defense related to Current

A very important section, although several questions may vary each year

Environment and Biodiversity (10-12 Questions)

Ecology-related aspects :

Ecosystem, Keystone species, Niche, Food chain, Food web, etc.

Biodiversity-related aspects :

Heavy areas like flora and fauna, endangered species, wildlife parks, sanctuaries, bio-diversity hot spots, biosphere reserves, IUCN, summits, etc.

Climate change/Environment degradation-related aspects :

Global warming, ozone hole depletion, acid rain, etc.

Current questions

News related to conventions or protocols like the Ramsar Convention, Montreal Protocol, Kyoto Protocol, etc.

 

Himachal General Knowledge (20-25 Questions)

History of Himachal Pradesh

Geography of Himachal 

Administrative & Political History of Himachal Pradesh

Art, Culture, Customs & Manners of Himachal

Environment & Biodiversity of Himachal

Social and Economic Development of Himachal Pradesh

Current Affairs of Himachal Pradesh

most scoring an important section

 

Current Events [National as well as International] (5-10 Questions)

In this section, Current events of National and International are asked.

Some Polity, Economic, Social, Geographic, and Environmental current events are asked as their related theories too. So, this is very important to read the newspaper daily and keep relating current affairs with the static part.

 

Misc (Awards, Organizations, etc) (4-5 Questions)

Total Questions

A total number of questions in all the sections varies every year.

 

Paper 2: General Aptitude Test

 

Time : 2 Hours | Max Marks : 200 | Questions: 100

Topics

Logical Reasoning

(Weak-Strong Argument, Analogy, Odd man, Coding, Calendar, Direction test, Blood test, Sitting Arrangement, Syllogism, Data Sufficiency, etc)

Mathematical Ability

( Data Interpretation, Numbers, Series, Data Sufficiency, Divisibility, Percentage, Time-Work, Mode, Median, etc )

Behavioral Psychology + Interpersonal Skills + Decision Making & Problem Solving

English (Comprehension, blanks)

 

Total Questions   100

 

Essential Books to Read for Preparation of HPAS Prelims

 

General Studies Paper – 1

 

GS Prelims Syllabus and Topics

Books/Study material

Himachal Pradesh General Studies/ Himachal GK:

“The Wonderland Himachal” – by Jag Mohan Bhalokhra

 

“Himachal Pradesh: History, Culture, and Economy”: by Mian Govardhan Singh (also a Good Book, but not sufficient.)

 

Ancient History

• India’s Ancient Past New (also Called Old NCERT) (Must have the book)
• NCERT New

Medieval History

 

• History Of Medieval India (also Called Old NCERT)
• NCERT New

Modern History

• History of Modern India – Spectrum  (Very Brief one) (Must have the book)

Culture

• Indian Art & Culture – Nitin Singhania
• NCERT 11th & 12th

Geography

• Certificate Physical and Human Geography – Goh Cheng Leong.  (Physical Geography) Important Book
• The Orient BlackSwan School Atlas / Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press (Choose one Atlas) (Must have the book)
• NCERT class 6th to 10th social science/ or ICSE Board Books 7th to 10th
• NCERT Geography class 11th, 12th (Very Important)

Indian Polity

• Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth (Must have the book)

or

Introduction to the Constitution of India – DD Basu

NCERT/NIOS of Class 6th-10th Social Science

NCERT/NIOS of Class 11th-12th Political Science

Economic & Social Development

• Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh (Must have the book)
• Economic Survey  (Economy) Very Important
• Yojna & Kurukshetra
• NCERT 10th 11th, 12th Economics

 

Environment & Biodiversity

• Environment – Shankar IAS /

General Science

Lucent’s manual

Or

 Latest technology related News read Magazines/Newspaper, Internet

Current Affairs

India Yearbook

Newspapers: The Hindu, The Indian Express