HPAS Exam 2023 Complete Study Notes

DIG :   

HPPSC is called Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission, which is a state-level government organization responsible for conducting various competitive examinations in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India.

The HPPSC exam is conducted for the recruitment of various positions such as HPAS Deputy Collector, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Assistant Director, Block Development Officer, and many more. The exam is conducted in three stages:

1. Preliminary Exam (Objective Type)
2. Main Exam (Descriptive Type)
3. Interview/Personality Test

The syllabus for the HPPSC exam generally covers topics related to Indian polity, history, economy, geography, environment, science and technology, current affairs, and general knowledge. The level of questions asked in the exam is generally of graduation level.

To prepare for the HPPSC exam, candidates should start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. They should then create a study plan and devote sufficient time to each subject. Candidates should also practice previous years' question papers and take mock tests to assess their preparation and identify areas of improvement.

Overall, the HPPSC exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates need to work hard and stay focused to crack it. They should stay updated with current affairs and read newspapers regularly to be aware of the latest happenings in the state and the country. Candidates can also take coaching from reputed coaching institutes or refer to study materials provided by them.

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HPAS Prelims & Main Exams Question Papers and Answer Key

Selection Process – Candidates selection will be made on the basis of marks obtained in Written Examination (Preliminary & Main Examination) which will be followed by Personal Interview.

HPAS Examination Pattern

Preliminary Examination

It consisting of 02 papers based on objective type questions will be held. The duration of Papers I (General Studies) and II (Aptitude Test) is of two hours each. Both Paper I and Paper II shall be of 200 marks and there shall be 100 multiple choice type questions.

This preliminary examination will consist of two objective type papers (multiple choice questions) and carry a maximum of 400 marks.

Negative Marking: There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate. For each wrong answer one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.

HPAS Preliminary Exam Pattern

A) Initially, Preliminary examination consisting of 02 papers based on objective type (multiple choices) questions on the following pattern will be held.

Paper-I General Studies (Code No.01) :This paper shall be of 200 marks and there shall be 100 objective type (Multiple choice) questions.

Paper-II Aptitude Test (Code No.02) :This paper shall be of 200 marks and in this paper there shall be 100 objective type (multiple choice) questions.

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HPAS Prelims Exam Syllabus

Paper-I : General Studies (Code No.01)

History, geography, political, art & culture and socio economic development of Himachal Pradesh.

Currents 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.

Paper - II : Aptitude Test (Code No.02)

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)

This preliminary examination will consist of two objective type papers (multiple choice questions) and carry a maximum of 400 marks. The number of candidates to be admitted to the Main Examination will be about 20 times the total approximate number of vacancies to be filled in the year in the Posts / Service. Only those candidates who have been declared to have qualified the preliminary examination by the H.P. Public Service Commission in a year will be eligible for admission to the main examination of that year provided they are otherwise eligible for admission to the Main Examination.

Note: There will be penalty (Negative Marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the objective type question papers.

(i) There are four alternatives for the answers to every question. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty.

(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the given answers happen to be correct and there will be same penalty as above for that question.

(iii) If a question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.

(D) The duration of Papers No.I and II (General Studies and Aptitude Test) will be two hours each.”

Main (Written) Examination Revised Pattern

Main Written Examination

The candidate shall specify in his/her application form the optional subject he/she desire to take. He /She may intimate any change of his/her intention to the Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission not later than the last date prescribed for the receipt of Application. A candidate shall answer the Optional Paper in English or in Hindi as per his/her option.

The compulsory and optional subjects and maximum marks fixed for each Subject shall be as shown in the statement below:-

Compulsory Subjects

English 100

Hindi 100

Essay 100

General Studies – I 200

General Studies – II 200

General Studies – II 200

Optional Subject (One)

Paper I 100

Paper II 100

Viva-Voce

Viva-Voce 150 Marks

The candidate will be interviewed by the Commission who will have before them a record of his/her career. He / She will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for the services or service for which he / she has applied to the Commission.

The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of candidate. In broad terms, this is really an assessment of not only his / her intellectual qualities but also social traits and his / her interest in current affairs including the knowledge of customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of
assimilation, care and logical exposition, balance of judgements, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity”.

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HPAS Main Exam Syllabus in details

COMPULSORY PAPERS

PAPER–I: ENGLISH (100 MARKS)

Objectives:
This paper is designed to test candidate’s knowledge/aptitude in the following:—

1. Comprehension of English Language
2. Correct grammatical expression
3.  Clarity and precision in expression 

Areas of Testing:
Candidates will be tested in the following areas:

 1.  English Grammar -     (20 Marks)
 2.  Usage and vocabulary  -    (20 Marks)
 3.  English Composition  Letter / Application    / Report / Note writing  -    (20 Marks)
4. Comprehension of unseen passages  -     (20 Marks)
5.  Precis Writing  -     (20 Marks)

Evaluation / Marking:

Credit will be given for the following:-

 1.  Writing of précis, comprehension, composition and usage according to requirements  of format.
 2.  Coherence and sequence in expression.
 3.  Correctness of grammatical structures.
 4.  Originality of thought and expression.

PAPER-II: HINDI IN DEVNAGRI SCRIPT (100 MARKS)

(i)  Translation of an English passage into Hindi.
(ii)  Translation of Hindi passage into English.
(iii)  Explanation of Hindi passage in Prose and Poetry in the same language.
(iv) Composition (Idioms, corrections etc.)

PAPER-III: ESSAY (100 MARKS)

Objective:
This paper is designed to test candidate’s (i) knowledge / awareness of a variety of  subjects and (ii) their ability to compose a sustained piece of writing in the form of an essay.
Contents:

A fair choice of topics covering (i) current affairs (ii) socio- political issues (iii) socioeconomic issues (iv) aspects of culture and history and (v) reflective topics will be given to test
the candidates’ understanding of these issues and their flair for expressing themselves in the
English or in Hindi language. The candidates are  required to attempt 2 Essays, choosing one each
from Section A and  B in about 900 words each.

Areas of Testing:
This paper would test the following:

 1. Ability to compose a well-argued piece of writing
 2. Ability to express coherently and sequentially
 3. Awareness of the subject chosen

Evaluation / Marking:

Credit will be given for the following:

 1.  Observing established rules and format for essay writing
 2.  Grammatical correctness of expression
 3.  Originality of thought and expression

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - I

Marks: 200
UNIT—I

Sub-Unit 1

• 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 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.
• Hill States and their relations with the Mughals and the Sikhs.
• Gorkha invasion- its nature and consequences, Treaty of Segauli.
• Hill States under the Colonial power: Political and Administrative History.
• Grants, Sanads and territorial aggression.
• Social  and  Economic  conditions  under  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,  Budhist  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 DM 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,Urbanization 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.

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - II

Marks: 200

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  &  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 Govt.
• 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  &  Global  groupings  and  agreements  involving  India  and affecting India’s interests.
• India’s look east policy.
• India’s  relations  with  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.

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER - III

Marks: 200

UNIT I

Sub-Unit 1

• Characteristics of Indian Economy:
• Demographic Profile, Demographic Dividend and Population Policy.
• Sectoral Composition with respect to contribution to GDP and Employment.
• Poverty and Inequality, Unemployment, Inflation in India.
• Industrial Growth in India.
• Regulatory  framework  for  money  and  banking:  RBI,  Commercial  banks  & Regional Rural Banks.
• Monetary policy, Foreign exchange, Balance of Payment Scenario.
• Foreign  Trade:  Policy,  Composition  &  Direction,  Impact  of Liberalization/Privatization & 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:  PQLI,  Millennium  Development  Goals, HDI/GDI/GEM.
• Latest/Current  Development  Schemes/Initiatives/Institutional  Changes  (e.g. Swach Bharat Mission,  Make in India,  Digital India,  Skill India,  Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, MGNREGS, NITI Ayog etc).
• International  Financial  &  Economic  Organizations:  IMF,  WTO,  IBRD,  IDA, UNCTAD, OECD, BRICS.

Sub-Unit 3

• Economy of Himachal Pradesh:
• Demographic profile & Human resource, Sectoral distribution of GSDP.
• Diversification  in  Agriculture  and  allied  activities,  Land  tenure  and  size  of  land holdings.
• 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 GIS for natural resources monitoring and applications benefiting common man.

Sub-Unit 2

• Developments in energy sectors such as Hydro power, 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 HIMSWAN, state plans of e-governance, concept of Lok Mitra Kendra and AGISAC.
• State Biodiversity strategy and Action Plan. Endangered and threatened species of Himachal Pradesh. Factors responsible for Bio diversity decline in Himachal Pradesh.
• Relevance and role of Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications and Traditional wisdom and knowledge in 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 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, mission for integrated development of horticulture.
• Concept of organic farming, seed certification, rain water 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  sustainable development of the state.
• Environmental  concerns  of  tourism  industry,  both  positive  and  negative  effects including climate change with reference to Himachal Pradesh.

Note:— All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.