HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) Exam Syllabus 2025

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus 2023

The selection process for HPPSC HPAS consists of three stages. The first stage is the Preliminary exam, which candidates must pass to proceed to the second stage, the main exam. After qualifying the Prelims and Mains, candidates will advance to the Interview/Viva-Voce round, the final stage of selection. Below is the detailed syllabus for all three stages:

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for Preliminary Examination

The HPPSC Prelims is a qualifying exam that precedes the mains. It includes two sections: General Studies and Aptitude Test. Here is the breakdown of the syllabus:

Overview of Topics:

• History, geography, political, art & culture, and socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh.
• Current events of national and international importance.
• History of India and the 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, biodiversity, and climate change that do not require subject specialization.
• General science.

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

• 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)

Comprehensive Overview of HPPSC HPAS Exam Syllabus

• 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)

HPPSC HPAS Syllabus for Mains Examination

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) conducts the HP Administrative Services (HPAS) Exam with a challenging Mains Exam structure. The Mains Exam consists of 8 papers, among which the English and Hindi papers are of a qualifying nature. Let's delve into the detailed syllabus of the Mains Exam:

With this structured syllabus, candidates are expected to demonstrate their proficiency in language, comprehension, and composition skills in both English and Hindi.

General Studies-I

• Unit 1: Historical perspective of Indian Cultural Heritage

  • Literature and Art forms from ancient times to 1947
  • Modern Indian history from the mid-18th century to 1980
  • Freedom Struggle: its various stages and the role of eminent personalities from different parts of India

• 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

• Unit 3: Emergence and growth of early medieval states

  • The Hill States and their relations with the Mughals and the Sikhs
  • Gorkha invasion- its nature and consequences, Treaty of Sagauli
  • Social and Economic conditions under the colonial period with special reference to social practices

Unit-II

• Sub Unit-1: Introduction to Disasters

  • Social and Environmental impacts of disasters
  • Disaster profile of the country
  • Approaches to Disaster Risk Reductions

• Sub Unit-2: Geographical Introduction to India

  • Aspects of the Physical Geography of India
  • Human Aspects

• Sub Unit-3: Geography of Himachal Pradesh

  • Relief, Drainage, Vegetation cover and types
  • Geographical Regions of Himachal Pradesh
  • Human Aspects

Unit-III

• Sub Unit-1: Salient features of Indian Society

  • Social Institutions
  • Women empowerment and social justice

• Sub Unit-2: Core Values in public service/governance

  • Philosophical basis of public service/governance
  • Gandhian Thought

• Sub Unit-3: Society and Culture in Himachal Pradesh

  • Culture, customs, fairs and festivals
  • Tribes of Himachal Pradesh

Unit 1:

Sub Unit-I

• 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 the 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.

Unit-II:

Sub Unit-3

• Emergence and growth of early medieval states: Kangra, Kullu and Chamba. The Hill States and their relations with the Mughals and the Sikhs.
• Gorkha invasion- its nature and consequences, Treaty of Sagauli.
• The Hill States under Colonial power: Political and Administrative History. Grants, Sanads and territorial aggression.
• Social and Economic conditions under the 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, Buddhist Monasteries and Paintings).

Unit: Disasters

• Sub Unit-1

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  • 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 the Disaster Management Act 2005, National and state policies, Plans and institutional mechanism in the country.

Unit: Geography Study

• Geographical Introduction to India, India as a unit of Geographical Study

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  • 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.

• 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, Urbanisation 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.

Salient Features of Indian Society

• Unity in Diversity

Social Institutions in India

• Family
• Marriage
• Kinship
• Religion
• Social Stratification

Women Empowerment and Social Justice in India

• Policies for Women Empowerment
• Laws for Protection of Women
• Women Security and Safety Initiatives

Child Rights and Right to Education

• Rights of Differently-Abled Persons
• Quality of Life for Them

Core Values in Public Service/Governance

• Philosophical Basis of Public Service/Governance
• 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

Society and Culture in Himachal Pradesh

• Culture, Customs, Fairs, and Festivals
• Religious Beliefs and Practices
• Recreation and Amusement

Tribes of Himachal Pradesh

• Historical, Social, Cultural, Economic, and Legal Aspects

Family, Marriage, Kinship, and Caste System in Himachal Pradesh

General Studies-II

Unit-I: Constitution of India

Sub Unit-1

• Historical Underpinning, Evolution, Salient Features
• Fundamental Rights
• Directive Principles of State Policy
• Fundamental Duties
• Amending Process and Important Constitutional Amendments
• Theory of Basic Structure

Sub Unit-2: Parliament and State Legislatures

• Structure, Organization, and Functioning
• Union and State Executive and 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
• Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act

Sub Unit-3: Reorganization and Politics of Statehood

• Development of Political Parties
• Major Political Parties and Their Support Base
• 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-I: Constitution and Governance in India

• Constitution of India: Historical Underpinning and Evolution

• Salient Features of the Indian Constitution

• Significant Provisions:

  • Fundamental Rights
  • Directive Principles of State Policy
  • Fundamental Duties

• Amending Process and Basic Structure Doctrine

• Parliament and State Legislatures:

  • Structure, Organization, and Functioning
  • Union and State Executive and Judiciary
  • Functions and Responsibilities
  • Issues and Challenges in Federal Structure
  • Devolution of Powers and Finances
  • Representation of People's Act
  • Appointments to Constitutional Posts
  • Powers and Functions of Constitutional Bodies

• Reorganization and Politics of Statehood

• Political Development in Himachal Pradesh:

  • Major Political Parties and Elections
  • Sub-regionalism and Pressure Groups
  • Statutory, Regulatory, and Quasi-Judicial Bodies

• Institutional Framework and Policies in India:

  • Development Sectors
  • Good Governance and Public Service Delivery
  • District Administration and Role Changes
  • Local Self-Government
  • NGOs, SHGs, and Civil Society
  • Welfare Policies for Various Groups
  • Quality of Life Issues

Governance in Himachal Pradesh

General Studies-III

• Unit-I: Sub Unit-1 Characteristics of Indian Economy

  • Demographic Profile, Demographic Dividend and Population Policy.
  • Sectoral Composition with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Employment.
  • Poverty and Inequality, Unemployment, Inflation in India.
  • Industrial Growth in India.
  • Regulatory framework for money and banking: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Commercial banks and Regional Rural Banks.
  • Monetary policy, Foreign exchange, Balance of Payment Scenario.
  • Foreign Trade: Policy, Composition and Direction, Impact of Liberalization / Privatization and Globalization.

• Unit-I: 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: Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI), Millennium Development Goals, Human Development Index (HDI) / Gender Development Index (GDI) / Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM).
  • Latest / Current Development Schemes / Initiatives / Institutional Changes.
  • International Financial and Economic Organizations.

• Unit-I: Sub Unit-3 Economy of Himachal Pradesh

  • Demographic profile and Human resource, Sectoral distribution of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
  • Diversification in Agriculture and allied activities, Land tenure and size of landholdings.
  • 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 Geographic Information System (GIS) for natural resources monitoring and applications benefiting the common man.

Characteristics of Indian Economy

• Demographic Profile, Demographic Dividend and Population Policy.
• Sectoral Composition with respect to contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Employment.
• Poverty and Inequality, Unemployment, Inflation in India.
• Industrial Growth in India.
• Regulatory framework for money and banking: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Commercial banks and Regional Rural Banks.
• Monetary policy, Foreign exchange, Balance of Payment Scenario.
• Foreign Trade: Policy, Composition and Direction, Impact of Liberalization / Privatization and Globalization.

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: Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI), Millennium Development Goals, Human Development Index (HDI) / Gender Development Index (GDI) / Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM).
• Latest / Current Development Schemes / Initiatives / Institutional Changes (e.g. Swachh Bharat Mission, Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Ayog etc.).
• International Financial and Economic Organizations: International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organization (WTO), International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS).

Economy of Himachal Pradesh

• Demographic profile and Human resource, Sectoral distribution of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
• Diversification in Agriculture and allied activities, Land tenure and size of landholdings.
• 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.

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 Geographic Information System (GIS) for natural resources monitoring and applications benefiting the common man.

Developments in energy sectors

• Hydropower, 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.

Modern and emerging technologies and initiatives in the State of Himachal Pradesh

• 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 Himachal State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN), State plans of e-governance, the concept of Lok Mitra Kendra and Aryabhatta Geo-Informatics Space Application Centre (AGISAC).
• State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Endangered and threatened species of Himachal Pradesh. Factors responsible for Biodiversity decline in Himachal Pradesh.
• Relevance and role of Intellectual Property Rights, Geographical Indications and Traditional wisdom and knowledge in the sustainable development of the State.

Issues, concerns, policies, programmes, conventions, treaties and missions aimed at environment protection

• 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 the use of Biotechnology.

Latest developments in science and technology for harnessing agriculture, horticulture, medicinal and herbal resources in the country

• National mission for sustainable agriculture, the mission for integrated development of horticulture.
• Concept of organic farming, seed certification, rainwater harvesting, techniques of irrigation and soil conservations and soil health cards.

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 the sustainable development of the State.
• Environmental concerns of the tourism industry, both positive and negative effects including climate change with reference to Himachal Pradesh.

HPPSC HPAS Exam Pattern Overview

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) conducts the HPPSC HPAS exam to recruit candidates for administrative services in the state. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for aspirants preparing for this prestigious exam.

HPPSC HPAS Exam Pattern 2023

The HPPSC HPAS exam consists of two stages: the Preliminary exam and the Main written exam. Let's delve into the details of each stage:

HPPSC HPAS Preliminary Exam Pattern

• The Preliminary exam comprises two papers, each carrying 200 marks, summing up to a total of 400 marks.
• Each paper is structured to be 200 marks.
• There is a negative marking scheme where 1/3 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
• No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.

Details of the Preliminary Exam:

Main Written Exam

• The Main exam consists of 8 papers, where English (Paper-I) and Hindi (Paper-II) are of qualifying nature.
• Candidates have the option to choose from a range of optional subjects for Papers VII and VIII.

Details of the Main Written Exam: