The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) conducts the highly competitive Haryana Civil Services (HCS) exam to recruit dynamic individuals for various prestigious administrative posts across the state. This rigorous selection process is divided into three distinct stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective Type): A screening test to shortlist candidates.
- Main Written Examination (Descriptive Type): Assesses in-depth knowledge and analytical skills.
- Personality Test / Interview: Evaluates personality, aptitude, and suitability for public service.
This comprehensive guide will break down each stage, providing detailed insights into the exam pattern, extensive syllabi, and crucial information to help you strategize your preparation effectively.
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective)
The Prelims act as a screening stage. Marks obtained in this stage do not count towards the final merit list. Candidates are shortlisted for the Mains based solely on their performance in Paper I, provided they qualify Paper II.
📊 Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type | Negative Marking |
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (MCQ) – Merit-based | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Paper II | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) | 100 | 2 hours | Objective (MCQ) – Qualifying (33% required) | 0.25 per wrong answer |
Key Points:
- Both papers are bilingual (English & Hindi).
- Candidates are shortlisted approximately 12 times the number of vacancies based only on the marks obtained in Paper I (General Studies), provided they secure at least 33% in Paper II (CSAT).
📚 Prelims Syllabus Overview
Paper I: General Studies This paper aims to test the candidate’s general awareness and intellectual capabilities across a broad spectrum of subjects.
- General Science: Covers general appreciation and understanding of science, including matters of everyday observation and experience, as expected from a well-educated person who has not done special study of any scientific discipline. Topics include basic Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with recent developments in science and technology.
- Current Events of National & International Importance: Knowledge of significant national and international events, government schemes and policies, sports, awards, summits, appointments, defense exercises, and international relations.
- History of India & Indian National Movement: Emphasis will be on a broad general understanding of the subject in its social, economic, and political aspects. Questions on the Indian National Movement will relate to the nature and character of the nineteenth-century resurgence, growth of nationalism, and attainment of independence. Indian culture will cover all aspects from ancient to modern times.
- Indian and World Geography: Emphasis will be on the Geography of India. Questions on the Geography of India will relate to physical, social, and economic geography of the country, including the main features of Indian agriculture and natural resources.
- Indian Polity, Economy & Culture: This section includes questions on the Constitution of India, the Political system, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, economic developments, and Indian culture.
- General Mental Ability: Focuses on logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, and general mental aptitude.
- Haryana-Specific Topics: This is a crucial segment covering the Economy, People, Social, Economic and Cultural Institutions, and Language of Haryana. This includes the history, culture (folk dances, festivals, music, crafts), economy (agriculture, industries), geography (rivers, soil, climate, flora & fauna), and polity & governance (state legislature, administrative structure, welfare schemes) of Haryana.
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) This paper is qualifying in nature and assesses the candidate’s aptitude and analytical skills.
- Comprehension: Ability to understand and interpret given passages.
- Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills: Tests communication effectiveness and social awareness.
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Deductive and inductive reasoning, patterns, puzzles, and analytical problem-solving.
- Decision Making and Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems, evaluate options, and make sound decisions.
- General Mental Ability: Similar to Paper I, but with more emphasis on reasoning capabilities.
- Basic Numeracy (Class X level): Numbers and their relations, order of magnitude, percentages, ratios, averages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, time-speed-distance, time & work.
- Data Interpretation (Class X level): Includes questions based on charts, graphs, tables, and data sufficiency.
2. Main Written Examination (Descriptive)
The Mains exam is descriptive and plays a pivotal role in determining your final selection. It assesses a candidate’s intellectual depth, language proficiency, general awareness, and ability to present thoughts clearly and effectively.
📝 Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration | Type |
| Paper I | English (including Essay) | 100 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| Paper II | Hindi (including Essay, in Devanagari script) | 100 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| Paper III | General Studies | 200 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject (choose one) | 200 | 3 hours | Descriptive |
| Total | Written Examination | 600 |
Qualifying Criteria for Mains:
- Candidates must secure a minimum of 45% aggregate marks in the Mains written examination.
- A minimum of 33% marks is required in both the English and Hindi compulsory papers.
- The answers to all papers (except the language papers which are to be answered in English/Hindi respectively) can be written in either English or Hindi, but consistently in one language.
📚 Detailed Mains Syllabus
Paper I – English (100 Marks) This paper aims to test the candidate’s ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and to express their ideas clearly and correctly in English.
- Precis Writing: Summarizing a given passage into a concise form, retaining all essential information.
- Comprehension of given passages: Answering questions based on provided passages to assess understanding and analytical skills.
- Essay Writing: Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. A choice of subjects will be given. Candidates are expected to stick to the subject, arrange their ideas orderly, and write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
- Usage and Vocabulary: Testing knowledge of English grammar, idioms, phrases, synonyms, antonyms, and correct word usage.
- General Grammar/Composition: Sentence correction, reordering of sentences, tenses, prepositions, etc.
Paper II – Hindi (including Essay, in Devanagari script) (100 Marks) This paper assesses the candidate’s proficiency in the Hindi language.
- Translation of an English passage into Hindi: Tests bilingual proficiency and translation skills.
- Letter/Precis writing: Candidates may be asked to write official or personal letters in Hindi or condense a Hindi passage into a shorter version.
- Explanation of Hindi passages (Prose and Poetry) in the same language: Extracts from Hindi literature are provided, and candidates must explain their meaning, context, and literary significance.
- Composition (idioms, correction etc.): Grammar rules, correct usage of words, idioms, proverbs, and sentence formation.
- Essay Writing: An essay on a specific topic will be asked to write (in Devanagari script). Choice of subjects will be given.
Paper III – General Studies (200 Marks) This paper covers a wide range of subjects relevant to a career in Civil Services, divided into two parts.
Part I:
- Modern Indian History & Culture: History of the country from about the middle of the nineteenth century. Includes questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom movement and social reforms. Indian Culture will cover all aspects from ancient to modern times.
- Geography of India: Physical, economic, and social geography of India.
- Indian Polity & Constitution: Questions on the Constitution of India, Political system, and related matters.
- Current National Issues & Topics of Social Relevance: Tests awareness of current national issues and topics of social relevance in present-day India. This includes:
- Demography and Human Resources and related issues.
- Behavioural and social issues and social welfare problems (e.g., child labor, gender equality, adult literacy, rehabilitation of the handicapped and other deprived segments of society, drug abuse, public health).
- Law enforcement issues, human rights, corruption in public life, communal harmony.
- Internal Security and related issues.
- Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national heritage.
- The role of national institutions, their relevance, and the need for change.
Part II:
- India and the World: Awareness of India’s relationship with the world in various spheres, including Foreign Affairs, External Security and related matters, Nuclear Policy, and Indians abroad.
- Indian Economy: Planning and economic development in India, economic and trade issues, foreign trade, the role and functions of IMF, World Bank, WTO, etc.
- International Affairs and Institutions: Important events in world affairs and on international institutions.
- Developments in the field of Science & Technology, Communications and Space: Questions will test awareness of developments in these fields and basic ideas about computers.
- Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams: Exercises to test the candidate’s ability to draw common-sense conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical, or diagrammatic form and to point out deficiencies, limitations, or inconsistencies therein.
Paper IV – Optional Subject (200 Marks) Candidates must choose one optional subject from the list below. The syllabus for each optional subject generally aligns with a degree level. It is advised to review the detailed official syllabus for your chosen optional subject on the HPSC website.
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
- Anthropology
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Commerce & Accountancy
- Economics
- Electrical Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- Indian History
- Law
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical Science
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science & International Relations
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Zoology
- Literature of any one of the following languages:
- English
- Hindi
- Punjabi
- Sanskrit
- Urdu
Detailed subject-wise syllabus pages for each optional can be downloaded from link given at the end.
3. Personality Test / Interview
Candidates who successfully clear the Main Written Examination are invited for the Personality Test (Interview). This stage carries 75 marks and is designed to assess the candidate’s overall suitability for a career in civil services.
🎤 Interview Focus Areas
The Interview is not a test of book knowledge but a measure of personality, presence of mind, and suitability. The Board assesses:
- Mental Alertness: Ability to grasp complex situations and respond appropriately.
- Logical Exposition: Coherent and logical presentation of thoughts.
- Integrity, Leadership, and Social Commitment: Evaluation of moral values, leadership potential, and sense of public service.
- Communication Skills: Clarity, fluency, and effectiveness in expressing ideas.
- Judgment and Awareness: Sound judgment and awareness of current events, especially those related to Haryana.
- Overall Personality: General demeanor, confidence, and suitability for high-pressure administrative roles.
Shortlisting: Approximately 3 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the interview based on the Mains merit list.
📊 Final Merit Calculation
The final merit list for selection is prepared based on the combined scores of the Main Written Examination and the Personality Test/Interview.
- Mains Written Total: 600 Marks
- Interview: 75 Marks
- Grand Total: 675 Marks
Top scorers in this combined tally are appointed to the Haryana Civil Services (HCS), Haryana Police Service (HPS), and other allied services.
✅ Quick Highlights for Aspirants
- Prelims is a Screening Test: Only Paper I (General Studies) marks count for shortlisting; CSAT is a qualifying paper (33% minimum).
- Mains is Crucial: Comprises 4 descriptive papers (English, Hindi, General Studies, and one Optional Subject).
- Single Optional Paper: Unlike some other civil services exams, HPSC HCS Mains has only one optional subject paper, carrying 200 marks.
- Language Paper Thresholds: A minimum of 33% is required in both English and Hindi papers in Mains.
- Mains Aggregate: An overall aggregate of 45% in Mains papers is necessary to qualify for the Interview.
- Interview Weightage: The Interview carries significant weight (75 marks) in the final selection process.
📎 Effective Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Go through each topic in detail for both Prelims and Mains.
- NCERTs as Foundation: Begin your preparation with NCERT books (Classes 6-12) for History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science to build a strong conceptual base.
- Standard Reference Books: Supplement your study with standard texts like M. Laxmikanth for Indian Polity, Bipan Chandra/Spectrum for Modern Indian History, and Ramesh Singh for Indian Economy.
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with national and international current events by regularly reading reputable newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, The Indian Express), magazines (Yojana, Kurukshetra), and government publications (PIB). Pay special attention to Haryana-specific news and developments.
- CSAT Practice: Practice reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and basic numeracy regularly. RS Aggarwal and TMH publications can be helpful.
- Answer Writing Practice: For Mains, consistent practice of answer writing is critical. Focus on structuring answers, adhering to word limits, and presenting information clearly and concisely.
- Optional Subject Choice: Choose your optional subject wisely based on your academic background, interest, and availability of study material.
- Previous Year Question Papers: Solve past HCS Prelims and Mains papers to understand the exam pattern, question trends, and identify high-weightage topics.
- Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions, improve time management, and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
⬇️ Download & Stay Tuned!
You can access the official HPSC HCS syllabus PDF on the Haryana Public Service Commission’s official website or reliable educational platforms.
Click here to download the Full Syllabus .
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