The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) exam is a state-level civil service competitive exam conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). It’s the main way to join the government administrative services in Himachal Pradesh. So if you want to make your state a better place you can definitely check more about state civil services exams. Every state conducts these state level exams in order to select the right candidates to serve the state and country. To crack the HPAS exam, joining the best hpas coaching institute in chandigarh – Raj IAS Academy – can be a game-changer, as expert teachers guide you through the preparation.
Before starting your HPAS preparation, you might have questions like: Who is eligible for HPAS? What posts come under HPAS? At Raj IAS Academy, we’ll answer all your questions so you can start your preparation with full knowledge of the HPAS or HAS exam.
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Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) Exam
Himachal Pradesh became a state on January 25, 1971. Before this, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) handled the civil services and administrative posts for Himachal Pradesh when it was a Union Territory. After becoming a state, Himachal Pradesh formed its own Public Service Commission.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) now conducts the Himachal Administrative Services (HAS) exam each year, also known as the HPAS exam.
What is HPAS?
The HPAS exam is a state-level civil service exam that recruits people for administrative jobs in Himachal Pradesh. The HPPSC HPAS exam offers many civil service job roles within the state government. Officers selected through the HPAS exam take on various administrative duties in different departments and districts.
Some of the main administrative posts under HPAS include:
Inspector and Sub-Inspector (Local Police)
Tehsildar (Naib Tehsildar and Tehsil Welfare Officer)
Himachal Pradesh Forest Service
Medical Officer (MO) and Ayurvedic Medical Officer
Assistant Professors (SET)
Other government administrative roles.
Eligibility for HPAS:
Must be a citizen of India.
Should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age limit: Between 21 to 45 years (with relaxation for reserved categories).
Preference is given to those 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
Other administrative roles within the Himachal Pradesh government.
HPAS Exam Stages:
The HPAS exam is held annually and has three stages: the preliminary exam, mains exam, and interview.
The HPAS syllabus has a range of topics like general studies, history, geography, economics, polity, and current affairs. Check out the official website for the latest notifications and syllabus.
HPAS Prelims Overview
The first stage of the selection process is HPAS Prelims. Many candidates take this exam, and it’s used as a screening test to move forward to the mains.
Prelims Exam includes:
Two Papers:
Paper I: General Studies (200 marks, 100 questions, 2 hours)
Paper II: Aptitude Test (200 marks, 100 questions, 2 hours, qualifying)
Effective preparation is key, and understanding the syllabus helps you manage time better and focus on the right subjects.
HPAS Mains Syllabus Overview
The HPAS Mains is the second stage. 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 (both qualifying)
General Studies Papers: GS I, GS II, GS III
Choose an optional subject as per your interest.
Note: Marks from English and Hindi papers are not counted toward the overall ranking.
HPAS Interview Pattern
The interview is the final stage of the HPAS exam and is worth 150 marks out of 1050 total marks.
Key Points:
Interview Panel: Conducted by the HPPSC commission.
Questions: General interest topics to assess your suitability for the service.
The knowledge about state: Your knowledge and awareness about state is most important. It includes cultural, economic, and political knowledge.
Tips to choose the Best HPAS Coaching Institute in Chandigarh
- Check Experience:
Look for coaching institutes that have teachers with a lot of experience in preparing students for the HPAS exam. Experienced teachers have the overall idea about exams. They know the best ways to study. Hence they can help you understand difficult topics better.
Example: If a teacher has been helping students for 10 years, they probably know what questions often come up in the exam. - Study Materials:
Make sure the institute provides high-quality study materials, such as books, notes, and online resources. Good study materials can make learning easier and help you grasp important concepts.
Example: An institute that gives you well-organised notes on current affairs can help you stay updated and prepared for the exam. - Success Rate:
Look into how many students from the institute have passed the HPAS exam in the past. A higher success rate means the coaching institute is effective in preparing students.
Example: If an institute has helped 80 out of 100 students pass the exam, it shows they have a strong program. - Mock Tests:
Choose a coaching institute that offers regular mock tests or practice exams. These tests help you get familiar with the exam format and improve your time management skills.
Example: If you take a mock test every week, you can learn to answer questions faster and identify areas where you need more practice. - Reviews and Feedback:
Read what other students say about the coaching institute. Their reviews can give you an idea of the teaching quality and how helpful the institute is.
Example: The first thing you must do is check the behaviour of teachers.If teachers are experienced, friendly and ready to guide you anytime, that’s the best coaching to join.
Raj IAS Academy has it all! We support each aspirant with experienced teachers, excellent study materials, a high success rate, regular mock tests, and positive student feedback. Along with that we make sure to guide each student on every step.
Raj IAS Academy – the best HPAS coaching institute in Chandigarh – specialises in preparing students for the HPAS exam. With our comprehensive study materials, experienced teachers, and regular mock tests, we help students excel in the competitive exam. Our focus is on smart study techniques and exam-oriented guidance to help you achieve your dream of joining the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services. Contact us today and enrol for a free 3-day demo class!
