The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) is a state-level civil service examination conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). The HPAS exam is the primary route to join the administrative services of the Himachal Pradesh government. To crack the HPAS exam, an aspirant can join the best hpas coaching institute in Chandigarh– Raj IAS Academy and prepare with expert teachers.
Before starting HPAS preparation, a student might ask who is eligible for HPAS. Who is eligible for the HP set exam? What posts come under HPAS? Raj IAS Academy will answer all the questions so that you can start your preparation with complete knowledge of HPAS or HAS exam.
Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) Exam
Himachal Pradesh (HP) achieved statehood on January 25, 1971. Before this, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) managed the civil services and administrative posts for the Union Territory of Himachal Pradesh under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. As a newly formed state, Himachal Pradesh was required to establish its Public Service Commission.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) annually conducts the Himachal Administrative Services (HAS) exam, also known as the “HPAS exam.”
What is HPAS?
The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) is a state-level civil service examination conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). It is the primary route to joining the administrative services of the Himachal Pradesh government.
The HPPSC recruits candidates for various administrative positions in the state, including:
Inspector and Sub-Inspector Posts (Local Police)
Tehsildar (Naib Tehsildar and Tehsil Welfare Officer)
Himachal Pradesh Forest Service
Medical Officer (MO) and Ayurvedic Medical Officer
Assistant Professors (SET)
And other administrative posts.
Eligibility for HPAS:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Age limit: Minimum 21 and maximum 45 years (with some relaxation for reserved categories).
- Preference is given to candidates familiar with Himachal dialects, traditions, and customs.
Posts under HPAS:
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Tehsildar
- Block Development Officer (BDO)
- Employment Officer
- And other administrative posts in the Himachal Pradesh government.
HPAS Exam
- The HPAS exam is a competitive examination conducted annually by the HPPSC.
- It consists of multiple stages, including a preliminary examination, mains examination, and an interview.
- The syllabus for the HPAS exam covers a wide range of subjects, including general studies, history, geography, economics, polity, and current affairs.
HPAS Prelims Overview
The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) Prelims exam is the first stage of the HPAS selection process conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). A large number of candidates participate in the prelims exam, which serves as a screening test to determine who will advance to the mains examination.
- Number of Papers: Two papers
- Subject Matter:
- Paper I: General Studies (200 marks, 100 questions, 2 hours)
- Paper II: Aptitude Test (200 marks, 100 questions, 2 hours, qualifying)
Effective Preparation:
A thorough understanding of the syllabus is essential for success in the HPAS Prelims exam. It allows for efficient time management and focused revision. By familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and subject matter, you can optimize your preparation and increase your chances of qualifying for the HPAS Mains.
HPAS Mains Syllabus Overview
The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) Mains exam is the second stage of the selection process. It consists of eight papers, including two language papers (English and Hindi), one essay paper, three general studies papers, and two optional subject papers.
Key Points:
- Language Papers: English and Hindi (qualifying in nature)
- General Studies Papers: GS I, GS II, GS III
- Optional Subject Papers: Choose two from 31 options
Note: The marks obtained in English and Hindi Compulsory Papers will not be counted for the overall ranking.
HPAS Interview Pattern
The interview is the final stage of the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) exam. This stage contributes 150 marks to the total score of 1050 marks.
Key Points:
- Interview Panel: The candidate will be interviewed by the HPSC commission, who will have access to their career record.
- Nature of Questions: Questions will be on general interest topics to assess the candidate’s suitability for the service.
- Purpose: The interview aims to evaluate candidates’ suitability for the administrative services they have applied for.
- Assessment Areas: The interview judges the candidate’s mental calibre, intellectual qualities, and social traits.
Focus Points:
Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh’s customs, manners, and dialects
Mental alertness and critical assimilation
Logical exposition and balance of judgments
Variety and depth of interests
Potential for social cohesion and leadership
Intellectual and moral integrity
Marks Allotted: The interview is worth 150 marks.
Raj IAS Academy– the best HPAS coaching institute in Chandigarh specialises in preparing candidates for the HPAS exam. We Offer comprehensive study materials, experienced faculty, and regular mock tests to help students excel in the competitive examination. With a focus on effective study techniques and exam-oriented guidance, Raj IAS Academy aims to equip aspirants with the necessary skills to achieve their goal of joining the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services.
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