HPSC conducts exams for recruiting state civil servants. HPSC stands for Haryana Public Service Commission. At the Centre, there is UPSC. UPSC recruits members for Central Services. It also recruits members for the All India Services. Whereas, State Civil Service Commissions recruit officers for the state only. The HCS exam is similar to UPSC. However, there are minor differences. We shall look at them further in this article. Every civil services exam has a minimum of 3 stages. Likewise, the Haryana PSC exam is divided into 3 stages. Firstly, there is a Preliminary Exam. Then, there is a Mains Exam. Finally, there is an interview stage. Only candidates passing the first stage are allowed for the next stages. Haryana Civil Services is one of the most celebrated professions in India. Recently, HPSC has updated its prelims exam pattern. You can read about all the details underneath! Let’s take a tour!
About HPSC
Public Service Commissions have their origin during the British rule. The GOI Act, 1935 provided the establishment of PSC for each province. This led to the formation of various PSC. Similarly, a PSC for Punjab and Northwest was formed. However, HPSC came into being only after independence. State Reorganization led to the formation of Haryana. This formed the Haryana PSC subsequently. Currently, there is a chairman of HPSC. In addition to this, there are 6 other members. This commission conducts exams once a year. The mode of exam is offline. The language of the exam is Hindi and English. Candidates need to register themselves to appear for this exam. We will now discuss the eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for HPSC
Like many govt exams, Haryana PCS has its own criteria. HPSC exam defines many parameters for selection. Therefore, these can be classified into age, education, and physical standards. Let’s look at them one by one.
Age Criteria of HPSC
| Category | Highest Age allowed |
| SC/ST | 47 years |
| Backwards Class A and B (of Haryana only) | 47 years |
| Unmarried Female Candidates | 45 years |
| Physically Handicapped and People with Disabilities | 50 years |
| PH and PwD ( SC/ST ) | 55 years |
The age limit for unreserved categories is different. The minimum age is 21 years. Age is counted from January 1st of the exam year. However, the Upper age limit for the general category is 42 years. Thus, there is a different limit for the post of a DSP in Haryana. Hence, the upper age limit for a general category DSP is 27 years.
Educational Criteria for Haryana Public Service Commission
Graduation from a university is a must. However, the stream of graduation can be any. But, Candidates in their final year can apply as well. After the notice, candidates can apply for only up to 30 days. Hence, the application closes after this duration. UPSC requires the candidate to be 21 years of age during the exam. Similarly, HPSC sets 21 years as the minimum age for HSC Exam. Candidates need to present their mark sheet before the closing date. However, it is difficult to procure the certificate in such a short time. Therefore, most candidates prefer to appear for the HCS Exam on completing their graduation.
Physical Eligibility for DSP
The minimum age for applying for the post of DSP is 21 years. Whereas, it is capped at a maximum of 27 years for the general category by HPSC. Hence, the criteria vary as per gender. Let’s first look at the male category requirements. The minimum height for men is 5ft. 7 inches or 170.18 cm. Further, a chest measuring 33” is required. Secondly, let’s look at the female category requirements. Females require a minimum height of 5ft. 2 inches or 157.50 cm. Hence, there is no chest measurement required for this category.
Haryana Civil Services Posts for Recruitment
Haryana Public Service Commission conducts the HCS Exam for the following posts:
- Block Development and Panchayat Officer.
- Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer.
- Excise and Taxation Officer. (ETO)
- District food and supplies controller.
- Assistant Registrar Cooperative Societies.
- Class A Tehsildar.
- HCS Executive Branch.
- DSP.
- Assistant Employment Officer.
- District food and supplies officer.
Vacancies at HCS
After looking at the posts available, let’s move to the vacancies for 2020-21. There are a total of 166 vacancies only. These vacancies are divided as follows. Firstly, comes the HCS Executive Branch. There are a total of 48 vacancies for this position. Then, there is the post of DSP. There are 7 vacancies for this post. Hence, it is a tough matter to get selected for this position. Moreover, this is also one of the most reputed posts of HCS. Thus, HPSC chooses its candidates carefully. The post of ETO has eleven vacancies. Further, there are 18 seats for Class A Tehsildars. In addition to this, there are 44 vacancies for Asst. ETO. Other posts sum up to 56 remaining vacancies. Hence, we can see that the executive branch has a higher recruiting capacity. On the other hand, there is less room left for DSPs.
Application Process for HCS Exam
Candidates must check the latest notices on the official website. The official website of HPSC contains all the data. However, new bees may face some issues. Do not worry, we’re here to ease things for you. To start with first go to the official HPSC site: Read More. Look for the application notice at the Haryana Public Service Commission website. Once you find the dates to apply, you can proceed. On the release date, you must visit the site and look for the application form. You will find an application form. Then, register yourself with an Email ID and Password. Afterward, fill in the mentioned details.
Do not fill in the wrong data as this might cause mistakes in your Admit Card later. Hence, make sure to cross-check once you complete filling the form. Further, you need to upload a few documents and signature. You have to upload a scanned photo as well. Pay application fees.
On payment, you shall receive a reference number. Further, candidates must note down this number. This will successfully complete your application process. Looking at the process, it is better to keep all documents and photos handy. Hence, make sure you fill in all details properly and then submit the form. Later, candidates will receive an admit card for the Haryana Civil Services exam. Re-check the admit card details. Moreover, you should print your admit card. Also, do not hesitate to keep some extra copies handy.
HPSC Prelims
Like UPSC, Haryana PSC conducts prelims. This is the first stage of the HCS Exam. The syllabus is more or less on the lines of UPSC. However, there is only one limitation to the Haryana Civil Services. Hence, this exam is geographically limited only to Haryana. Hence, this limits the Haryana PSC exam only to the state’s boundaries. But, certain subjects do demand the countrywide analysis of topics for the Haryana PSC exams. The prelims is an objective type test. It consists of 2 papers. GS Paper I and GS Paper-II.
GS Paper I
Firstly, let us look at what does the GS Paper I of the Haryana PSC exams contain:
- Latest National Events.
- Latest Foreign Events.
- General Science.
- General Mental Ability.
- Haryana’s Economy and People.
- Indian History and National Movement.
- India and World Geography.
Thus, we can see that the first paper is about General Studies. Candidates must focus on current affairs. Hence, a current affairs magazine/newspaper shall cover maximum notes. However, candidates must refer to static books. But, it is advisable to begin with NCERT Books: Read More. Moreover, this syllabus is similar to the UPSC prelims syllabus. Hence, you can prepare for UPSC and HPSC at the same time. However, you must filter and focus more on Haryana oriented data. But, in cases of subjects like history and geography, the orientation extends to all over India.
GS Paper II
Topics for Haryana PSC GS Paper II:
- Communication Skills.
- Comprehension.
- Analytical Ability.
- General Mental Ability.
- Logical Reasoning.
- Numeracy.
- Data Interpretation.
- Problem Solving.
GS Paper II or The General Aptitude paper is similar to UPSC CSAT paper. Hence, you can refer to the same notes for this paper as UPSC prelims CSAT paper. Additionally, get the tips and tricks as well as the latest study material here: Read more. Both these papers are 100 marks each. However, the second paper is qualifying in nature. Thus, the Haryana Public Service Commission follows negative marking. Therefore, making the HPSC prelims similar to UPSC prelims.
HPSC Mains Exam
We already discussed the first stage of the exam. Now, let’s talk about the second stage. This stage is the Main exam of the Haryana Civil Services. Unlike prelims, it is a subjective test. HCS Mains Exam has a total of five papers. Candidates need to choose 2 optional subjects. Firstly, there are two language papers. There is English as Paper I for 100 marks. Then there is Hindi for 100 marks. Both these papers are inclusive of essays. The third paper is a General Studies paper. This paper is for 100 marks. Further, there is Optional Paper I. In addition to this, there is one more optional paper. This is Optional Paper-II. Moreover, both optional papers carry 150 marks each. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare well for optional papers. These two papers will help you stand out in your exam from others.
FAQs
Yes, you must pay application fees. This fees varies for reserved and unreserved categories.
You can visit the official HPSC website: Here. However, you may also take help from Google for the latest updates.
Yes, with true dedication and hard work it is possible to clear the exam. However, you must not rush into things. Hence, it is advisable to test your skills through mocks regularly. Attempt the exam when you’re fully confident.
Editor’s Note | HPSC
In conclusion, we’d like to say that HPSC is one of the most celebrated exams. Therefore, one must be well prepared for it. Keeping in mind the diverse structure of the syllabus, you must prepare wholesomely. It is important to keep oneself updated with current affairs. Do not lose out on essential static material. Check the latest posts on HPSC for updates. This will secure your application process. It’s advisable to practice mock tests for prelims. You can attempt tests from UPSC and HPSC previous year’s question papers. Don’t fail to make a timetable. This will help you to stay organized and will save your time. Do not stress. Just be calm and study hard.
