HAS Exam 2025
Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) Exam: Complete Guide
Welcome to this easy-to-understand guide on the HAS Exam! If you want to join the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services, this blog will help you understand everything—from qualifications, age limits, and exam patterns to preparation tips and important books.
About HAS Exam
The Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HAS) Exam is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) according to the Rules specified in the “HIMACHAL PRADESH ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE RULES, 1973”. It selects candidates for various administrative roles like Sub Division Magistrate (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP), Tehsildar, and Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Excise & Taxation-Officer(ETO), Block Development Officer (BDO) and other various posts in Himachal Pradesh.
Qualification for HAS Exam: To apply for the HAS Exam, the Commission will invite applications for permission to take the competitive examination. These applications must be submitted in the format and manner specified by the Commission, along with any required documents or papers.
Age Limits for HPAS Exam:
Basic Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 21 years old and no older than 35 years as of January 1, 2023.
Age Relaxation:
- The upper age limit is relaxed by 5 years for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Persons with Disabilities (PWD), and children/grandchildren of Freedom Fighters from Himachal Pradesh, as per government guidelines.
- Ex-Servicemen: For Ex-servicemen applying for HPAS or Himachal Pradesh Police Service (HPPS), age relaxation is granted according to the “Ex-Servicemen Rules, 2020.” For other posts filled through HPAS Competitive Examination-2023, age relaxation is granted as per the “Demobilized Armed Forces Personnel Rules, 1972.”
Age Relaxation to Government Employees:
- employees in permanent, temporary, or contractual positions with the Himachal Pradesh Government, High Court, or Public Sector Undertakings can apply if they have a Bachelor’s degree and meet the following age criteria as of January 1:
- For HPAS and other posts like Tehsildar, Block Development Officer, etc.: 45 years.
- For HP Police Service: 42 years.
- For District Controller (Class-I): 42 years.
Important Notes:
- Date of Birth Proof: Only the date of birth recorded on your Matriculation (10th) certificate will be accepted. No changes will be allowed later.
- Multiple Applications: Only one application per candidate will be accepted. If multiple are submitted, the Commission will decide which to consider.
- Candidates in Government Service: If you’re already working in a government job, inform your Head of Department before applying and submit an undertaking to that effect. If your department withholds permission, your application will be canceled.
- Examination Centre: Carefully choose your exam center while filling the form. If you submit multiple applications with different centers, only one will be considered.
Education Qualification for HAS Exam:
- Citizenship: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Essential Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree: The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent from a recognized university.
- Final Year Students:
- (a) Candidates who have appeared for their qualifying exam but haven’t received their result can apply.
- (b) Candidates planning to appear for their final exam can also apply, provided they complete it before the HPAS exam starts. Admission will be provisional and canceled if proof of passing isn’t provided within two months of the exam’s start.
- Medical Graduates: Candidates who have passed the final M.B.B.S. or equivalent medical exam but haven’t completed their internship can apply. They need to submit proof of passing the exam when applying. During the Personality Test, they must show a certificate confirming their internship completion.
Important Notes:
- Proof of Qualification: Candidates must prove that they obtained the required degree by the given date. The date mentioned on the certificate or its issue date will be considered as the qualification date. No extra time will be given to submit certificates during the Personality Test.
- Equivalent Qualification: If a candidate claims their qualification is equivalent to the required one, they must provide official documentation proving this. Without such proof, the application may be rejected.
How to Apply for HPAS Exam:
- Online Application: Candidates must apply online through the official website of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC): http://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc. Applications sent through any other means will be rejected.
- Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official website and click on “Apply Online” on the homepage.
- For first-time users, click on “One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations” and create a profile by selecting “New Registration.” If already registered, log in to your OTR account.
- Once logged in, a list of available posts will appear on your dashboard. Select the post you want to apply for.
- Upload the required documents as per the advertisement and submit the application.
- Document Verification: Before submitting the application, candidates must confirm that all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and accurate. They must give a declaration stating: “I certify that I have reviewed all the uploaded documents, and they are readable and correct. I understand that my application may be rejected if the documents are not readable or scanned properly.”
- No Changes Allowed: After submitting the application, no additional documents will be accepted, and no changes can be made, except for a change in category as per the rules.
- Application Fee: The application is only considered successfully submitted once the fee has been paid and confirmed.
- Choosing Optional Subjects: Candidates must choose an optional subject for the HPAS Mains Examination from the list of subjects in the exam scheme. No changes in the optional subject will be allowed after submitting the application.
Note: If a large number of candidates apply, the HPAS Preliminary Examination may also be conducted at the Sub-Divisional level in Himachal Pradesh. However, the final decision on the location of exam centers rests with the Commission.
Examination Fees for HAS Exam
Sr. No. | Category | Fees |
1 | Male candidates of General, General Physically Disabled (orthopedically disabled, Deaf & Dumb, Hearing Impaired), Economically Weaker Section (EWS) (not BPL), Wards of Freedom Fighters (WFF), Wards of General Ex-Servicemen (sons, daughters, wives), and General Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh who left Defense Services on their own before completing their tenure | ₹600/- |
2 | Candidates from Other States (including all reserved category candidates from other states) | ₹600/- |
3 | Male candidates of SC, ST, OBC, Wards of SC/ST/OBC Freedom Fighters (WFF), Wards of SC/ST/OBC Ex-Servicemen (sons, daughters, wives), EWS covered under UR-BPL categories of Himachal Pradesh, and SC/ST/OBC Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh who left Defense Services on their own before completing their tenure | ₹150/- |
4 | Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh who completed their full service tenure, and Blind/Visually Impaired male candidates of Himachal Pradesh | No Fee |
- Mode of Payment for HPAS:
Eligible candidates must pay the examination fee, which varies by category, online through debit/credit card, UPI, or any other available digital mode. This payment must be made before the closing date for submitting the online application via the OTR portal. Candidates should carefully read and accept the “Terms and Conditions to apply online” before making the payment. Once the fee is paid, it cannot be refunded or used for any other exam or selection process.
Note: Only the payment methods mentioned above are valid. Any fee paid through other methods will not be accepted, and applications submitted without the correct fee or payment method will be rejected.
Scheme of Examination for HAS:
- Preliminary Examination:
(i) Objective Type Papers: The HAS Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers (multiple choice questions) with a maximum of 200 marks each. These papers are:
- General Studies (Paper-I)
- Aptitude Test (Paper-II)
The exam serves as a screening test, and the marks obtained will not be counted towards the final merit list of HPAS.
(ii) Selection for Mains: Candidates who qualify the HPAS Preliminary Examination will be eligible for the Main Examination. The number of candidates selected will be approximately 20 times the number of vacancies. However, only those declared qualified by the HPPSC will proceed to the HAS Mains.
Aptitude Test (Qualifying Paper): The Aptitude Test (Paper-II) is a qualifying paper, and candidates need to secure at least 33% marks. Marks from Paper-II will not count towards the merit list; only the marks from General Studies (Paper-I) will be considered for HPAS Mains admission.
(iii) Disqualification Criteria: Any candidate scoring zero or negative marks in General Studies (Paper-I) will not qualify for HPAS Mains.
Important Notes:
Note I: In case a candidate wrongly encodes their Roll No., Application No., or Test Booklet series on the OMR sheet, the answer sheet will not be evaluated. After results, a message will appear against such candidates:
“You have written and encoded your Roll No., Application No., and Test booklet series wrongly on the OMR Answer Sheet. Hence your OMR Answer Sheet was not checked.”
Note II: Negative Marking:
- Incorrect Answers: For every wrong answer, one-third of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
- Multiple Answers: If a candidate selects more than one answer, it will be treated as incorrect, and the same penalty will apply.
- Unanswered Questions: No penalty for leaving a question blank.
Duration: The HPAS Preliminary Examination papers (General Studies and Aptitude Test) will each have a duration of two hours.
- Syllabus for Preliminary Exam :
Paper | Details of Questions and Marks | Syllabus |
Paper-I: General Studies (Code No. 01) | 200 marks, 100 objective-type (multiple choice) questions | – History, Geography, Political, Art & Culture, and Socio-Economic Development of Himachal Pradesh. – Current events of National and International importance. – History of India and Indian National Movement. – Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, and 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 (not requiring subject specialization). – General Science. |
Paper-II: Aptitude Test (Code No. 02) | 200 marks, 100 objective-type (multiple choice) questions | – 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). |
Scheme of HAS Main Examination:
(i) Compulsory and Optional Subjects: The HPAS Main Examination consists of both compulsory subjects and one optional subject. Candidates must choose their optional subject while filling out the application form. Any change in the optional subject can be notified to the HPPSC Secretary before the last date for fee payment. The optional subject can be answered in either English or Hindi, based on the candidate’s preference.
(ii) Qualifying Marks: To qualify, candidates must score at least 40% marks in both the Hindi and English compulsory papers, and 45% marks overall (excluding Hindi and English papers).
(iii) Interview Selection: After the HPAS Main written exam, candidates will be called for an interview/personality test. The number of candidates selected for the interview will be up to three times the number of vacancies. In case of a tie in marks, all candidates with the same score will be called for the interview.
(iv) Final Ranking and Selection: The final ranking for HPAS will be based on the combined marks of the written exam and the interview/personality test. Services or posts will be allotted according to the candidate’s rank and the preferences they indicated.
(a) Compulsory Papers
Paper No. | Subject | Max. Marks |
Paper-I | English | 100 |
Paper-II | Hindi | 100 |
Paper-III | Essay | 100 |
Paper-IV | General Studies-I | 200 |
Paper-V | General Studies-II | 200 |
Paper-VI | General Studies-III | 200 |
(b) Optional Subject
Paper No. | Subject | Max. Marks |
Paper-VII | Paper-I (Optional subject opted) | 100 |
Paper-VIII | Paper-II (Optional subject opted) | 100 |
(c) Optional Subjects List
Sr. No. | Optional Subject | Sr. No. | Optional Subject |
1 | Indian History | 17 | Mechanical Engineering |
2 | Political Science and International Relations | 18 | Electrical Engineering |
3 | Mathematics | 19 | Civil Engineering |
4 | Statistics | 20 | Hindi |
5 | Economics | 21 | Sanskrit |
6 | Commerce and Accountancy | 22 | Urdu |
7 | Chemistry | 23 | English Literature |
8 | Botany | 24 | Psychology |
9 | Zoology | 25 | Geology |
10 | Philosophy | 26 | Physics |
11 | Law | 27 | Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
12 | Sociology | 28 | Anthropology |
13 | Public Administration | 29 | Forestry |
14 | Management | 30 | Horticulture |
15 | Geography | 31 | Medical Sciences |
16 | Agriculture | – | – |
- Syllabus
HAS Mains Syllabus
COMPULSORY PAPERS
PAPER-I ENGLISH (100 MARKS)
Objectives:
This paper is designed to test candidate’s knowledge/aptitude in the following: —
- Comprehension of English Language
- Correct grammatical expression
- Clarity and precision in expression
Areas of Testing:
Candidates will be tested in the following areas:
- English Grammar – (20 Marks)
- Usage and vocabulary – (20 Marks)
- English Composition Letter / Application/ Report / Note writing – (20 Marks)
- Comprehension of unseen passages – (20 Marks)
- Precise Writing – (20 Marks)
Evaluation / Marking:
Credit will be given for the following: –
- Writing of précis, comprehension, composition and usage according to requirements of format.
- Coherence and sequence in expression.
- Correctness of grammatical structures.
- 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:
- Ability to compose a well-argued piece of writing
- Ability to express coherently and sequentially
- Awareness of the subject chosen
Evaluation / Marking:
Credit will be given for the following:
- Observing established rules and format for essay writing
- Grammatical correctness of expression
- Originality of thought and expression
PAPER-IV: GENERAL STUDIES-I (200 MARKS)
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).
Note: All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.
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 Disaster Management 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, 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.
Note: All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State 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-able 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.
Note: All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State
of Himachal Pradesh.
PAPER-V: GENERAL STUDIES-II (200 MARKS)
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 and 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 Government.
- 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.
Note: All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State
of Himachal Pradesh.
UNIT-III
SUB UNIT-I
- Bilateral, Regional and Global groupings and agreements involving India and affecting India’s interests.
- India’s look east policy.
- India’s relations with United States of America (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 for a, 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.
Note: All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.
PAPER-VI: GENERAL STUDIES-III (200 MARKS)
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.
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 (e.g. Swach 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).
SUB UNIT-3
- Economy of Himachal Pradesh:
- Demographic profile and Human resource, Sectorial distribution of Gross State Domestic Product (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.
Note: All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.
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 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 Himachal State Wide Area Network (HIMSWAN), State plans of e-governance, concept of LokMitra 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 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.
Note: All the topics / subjects covered under SUB UNIT-3 are relevant to the State of Himachal Pradesh.
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.
9. Interview/Personality Test for HPAS:
- Interview Process: The candidate will be interviewed by the Commission, which will have a record of their career. They will be asked questions on general topics. The goal is to assess whether the candidate is suitable for the service they have applied for.
- Purpose of the Personality Test: The test aims to evaluate the candidate’s mental ability, intellectual qualities, social traits, and interest in current affairs. It also checks their knowledge of Himachal Pradesh’s customs, manners, and dialects. Key qualities assessed include mental alertness, critical thinking, logical reasoning, balanced judgment, leadership ability, and moral integrity.
Note I: Marks from the Preliminary Examination are not considered for the final merit. However, marks from the Main Examination and Personality Test will determine the final selection. Marks from the English and Hindi compulsory papers do not count towards overall ranking.
Note II: In case of a tie in final marks, candidates with higher interview marks will rank higher. If interview marks are also tied, the one with higher marks in compulsory papers (excluding English and Hindi) will rank higher. If the tie persists, marks in the Essay Paper will be considered. If still tied, the older candidate will be placed higher in merit.
- Important Booklist for HAS Exam : Here is the Important Booklist for HPAS Exam in a standard table format:
Subject | Recommended Books |
History | – NCERT Books (Class 6th to 12th) – India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra |
Geography | – NCERT Books (Class 6th to 12th) – Geography of India by Majid Hussain |
Political Science | – NCERT Books (Class 6th to 12th) – Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth |
Economics | – NCERT Books (Class 6th to 12th) – Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh |
Environment | – Environment by Shankar IAS |
General Studies (all subjects) | – NCERT Books (Class 6th to 12th) |
Important books for Himachal GK : Here is a list of Recommended Books for Himachal Pradesh General Knowledge (GK):
Book Title | Author/Publisher |
My State Himachal Pradesh | Nimbus Academy for IAS Coaching |
Himachal Pradesh History, Culture & Economy | Mian Goverdhan Singh |
The Wonderland Himachal Pradesh | Jag Mohan Bhalta |
- FAQs About HAS Exam
Q1. How often is the HAS Exam conducted?
- The HAS Exam is held once a year by HPPSC.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the Preliminary Exam?
- Yes, there is negative marking for wrong answers in the Prelims.
Q3. Can I change my optional subject after submitting the form?
- No, once you’ve chosen an optional subject, it cannot be changed.
Q4. Are working professionals eligible for age relaxation?
- Age relaxation is given only to specific categories like SC/ST, OBC, and ex-servicemen.
Q5. How many attempts are allowed for the HAS Exam?
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts as long as you are within the age limit.
With focused preparation and the right strategy, you can ace the HAS Exam and secure a prestigious role in the Himachal Pradesh government. Best of luck!