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Here's a comprehensive overview of the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HPAS) exam conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC):

1. Notification

• The HPPSC releases the HPAS exam notification annually, typically in the first quarter of the year. The notification details vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam dates, and the application process.
• Stay updated on the HPPSC official website for the latest announcements.

2. Eligibility Criteria

• Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
• Age Limit: Generally between 21 and 35 years, with age relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms.
• Educational Qualification:
  • A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
  • Certain positions may have additional qualifications specified.

3. Selection Procedure

The HPAS selection process is divided into three stages:

• Preliminary Examination: Objective-type screening exam.
• Main Examination: Descriptive-type exam with several papers, including General Studies and optional subjects.
• Interview/Personality Test: The final stage assesses overall suitability, personality, and general awareness.

4. Exam Pattern

• Preliminary Exam:
  • Paper I: General Studies – 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours
  • Paper II: Aptitude Test (CSAT) – 100 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours (qualifying, requiring a minimum of 33% marks)
  • Both papers are objective, and there is negative marking for incorrect answers.
• Main Exam:
  • English (Compulsory) – 100 marks, 3 hours
  • Hindi (Compulsory) – 100 marks, 3 hours
  • Essay – 100 marks, 3 hours
  • General Studies I, II, and III – Each paper carries 200 marks, 3 hours each
  • Optional Subject (2 papers) – Each paper carries 100 marks, 3 hours each
• Interview:
  • Carries 150 marks.
  • The final merit list is based on marks scored in the Main Exam and Interview.

5. Preparation Tips

• Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with each topic in detail, especially the sections on Himachal Pradesh’s history, culture, and geography.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly follow national and state-level current affairs. Focus on Himachal Pradesh-related news for additional preparation.
• Strengthen Basic Concepts: Build a strong foundation in Indian history, polity, economy, geography, science, and environment.
• Practice Essay Writing: For the Mains, essay writing on current issues, both national and state-specific, is essential.
• Mock Tests: Practice mock exams for both Prelims and Mains to improve time management and accuracy. Identify your weaknesses and refine your strategy based on the mock results.
• Answer-Writing Practice: Develop good answer-writing skills, especially for the descriptive General Studies and Optional papers. Practice clear and concise expression within time limits.

6. Syllabus Overview

• Preliminary Exam Syllabus:
  • Paper I: General Studies, covering Indian History, Himachal Pradesh-specific history and geography, Polity, Economy, Geography, General Science, Environmental issues, and Current Affairs.
  • Paper II: Aptitude Test, covering comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills.
• Main Exam Syllabus:
  • Compulsory Language Papers:
    • English: Essay writing, precis writing, comprehension, and vocabulary.
    • Hindi: Grammar, usage, essay writing, and comprehension.
  • Essay Paper: Requires essays on various national and international topics, including social, economic, and political issues.
  • General Studies Papers:
    • GS Paper I: History, Geography (with emphasis on Himachal Pradesh), and Indian Society.
    • GS Paper II: Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance, and International Relations.
    • GS Paper III: Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, and Disaster Management.
  • Optional Subject: Choose one subject from the HPPSC’s provided list (such as Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science, etc.).
    

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.

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