State PSC · Updated Oct 2026
HPAS Combined Competitive Examination (Himachal Pradesh): syllabus, topic-wise weightage and study plan
Every topic of the HPAS Combined Competitive Examination (Himachal Pradesh) syllabus with its weightage and a first-pass study time, so preparation follows where the marks are.
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Exam pattern at a glance
- Prelims: Papers
- 2
- Prelims: Gs Questions
- 100
- Prelims: Gs Marks
- 200
- Prelims: Gs Duration hours
- 2
- Prelims: Aptitude Questions
- 100
- Prelims: Aptitude Marks
- 200
- Prelims: Aptitude Duration hours
- 2
- Prelims: Aptitude Qualifying pct
- 33
- Prelims: Marking
- 1/3 of the question's marks deducted per wrong answer (multiple answers = wrong; blanks not penalised)
- Prelims: Qualifying papers
- Aptitude Test (Paper II), 33% (as reported by coaching sources)
- Prelims: Counts for final merit
- No
- Prelims: Typical exam month
- HPAS 2026 prelims tentatively 13 Dec 2026 (HPPSC press note 24 Sep 2026)
- Mains: Papers
- 8
- Mains: Format
- descriptive, 3 hours each
- Mains: Merit papers Essay
- 100
- Mains: Merit papers Gs1
- 200
- Mains: Merit papers Gs2
- 200
- Mains: Merit papers Gs3
- 200
- Mains: Merit papers Optional 1
- 100
- Mains: Merit papers Optional 2
- 100
- Mains: Qualifying papers English
- 100
- Mains: Qualifying papers Hindi
- 100
- Mains: Written total
- 900
- Mains: Interview marks
- 150
- Mains: Grand total
- 1050
- Mains: Marking
- descriptive; no negative marking
Check the latest notification before the exam. Official syllabus ↗
Chapter-wise weightage and study hours
Weightage is the chapter's share of past-paper questions, normalised within its subject; hours are a first pass without revision.
No reliable weightage exists for this exam's topics yet, so weights follow the official syllabus structure. Treat them as a planning aid.
HPPSC notice No.3-15/1998-PSC(E-I): GS paper = UPSC GS heads + 'history, geography, political, art & culture and socio-economic development of Himachal Pradesh'; Aptitude paper = UPSC CSAT items + English comprehension (100 questions). Official HPPSC site was not reachable from our tools; PDFs read from Testbook's mirror. Subject shares and splits are our estimates (*).
One optional subject (2 papers x 100) from 31; English and Hindi are qualifying (reported 900-mark merit total excludes them). GS I-III each have 3 units with explicit Himachal Pradesh sub-sections, listed here. Sources disagree on some marks (100 vs 200 for GS papers); we follow Testbook's 2026 table. Official HPPSC site was not reachable; verify with the HPAS 2026 advertisement (59/8-2026). Equal weights within each paper (*).
* Estimated weight: no reliable past-paper figure exists for this chapter, so the number is our estimate from the paper structure.
Prelims: Himachal Pradesh (History, Geography, Polity, Art and Culture, Economy) 97 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | History of Himachal: Hill States, Gorkha Invasion, Praja Mandal, Formation of HP* | 17% | 22 |
| 2 | Geography of HP: Relief, Rivers, Climate, Forests, Hazards* | 17% | 17 |
| 3 | Art, Culture, Fairs, Festivals, Temples and Tribes of HP* | 17% | 17 |
| 4 | Polity and Administration of HP* | 17% | 12 |
| 5 | Economy of HP: Horticulture, Hydropower, Tourism, State Schemes* | 17% | 17 |
| 6 | HP Current Affairs* | 17% | 12 |
| Total | 97 |
Prelims: Current Events (National and International) 46 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Current Affairs* | 50% | 29 |
| 2 | International Current Affairs* | 50% | 17 |
| Total | 46 |
Prelims: History of India and Indian National Movement 58 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ancient and Medieval India; Art and Culture* | 50% | 29 |
| 2 | Modern India and National Movement* | 50% | 29 |
| Total | 58 |
Prelims: Indian and World Geography 43 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physical Geography of India and the World* | 50% | 26 |
| 2 | Social and Economic Geography of India and the World* | 50% | 17 |
| Total | 43 |
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance 47 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Constitution and Political System* | 50% | 32 |
| 2 | Panchayati Raj, Public Policy and Rights Issues* | 50% | 15 |
| Total | 47 |
Prelims: Economic and Social Development 44 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Economy and Sustainable Development* | 50% | 29 |
| 2 | Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives* | 50% | 15 |
| Total | 44 |
Prelims: Environment, Ecology and Climate Change 27 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecology, Biodiversity and Himalayan Ecosystem* | 50% | 15 |
| 2 | Climate Change and Pollution* | 50% | 12 |
| Total | 27 |
Prelims: General Science 38 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physics, Chemistry and Biology Basics* | 50% | 26 |
| 2 | Science and Technology Applications* | 50% | 12 |
| Total | 38 |
Prelims: Aptitude Test (Paper II, qualifying) Qualifying · 101 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Comprehension and English Language Comprehension (Class X)* | 17% | 22 |
| 2 | Interpersonal and Communication Skills* | 17% | 6 |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability* | 17% | 22 |
| 4 | Decision Making and Problem Solving* | 17% | 7 |
| 5 | General Mental Ability* | 17% | 15 |
| 6 | Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation (Class X)* | 17% | 29 |
| Total | 101 |
Mains: English (qualifying) Qualifying · 18 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Grammar | 20% | 4 |
| 2 | Usage and Vocabulary | 20% | 4 |
| 3 | Composition: Letter, Application, Report, Note | 20% | 4 |
| 4 | Comprehension of Unseen Passages | 20% | 3 |
| 5 | Precis Writing | 20% | 3 |
| Total | 18 |
Mains: Hindi (qualifying) Qualifying · 16 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Translation English to Hindi* | 25% | 4 |
| 2 | Translation Hindi to English* | 25% | 4 |
| 3 | Explanation of Hindi Prose and Poetry Passages* | 25% | 4 |
| 4 | Composition: Idioms, Corrections* | 25% | 4 |
| Total | 16 |
Mains: Essay 42 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Essay structure, examples and Himachal content bank* | 50% | 12 |
| 2 | Weekly full essay practice* | 50% | 30 |
| Total | 42 |
Mains: GS Paper I (History, Geography, Society incl. Himachal) 109 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Cultural Heritage, Modern History and Freedom Struggle* | 11% | 20 |
| 2 | World History: Industrial Revolution, World Wars, Decolonisation* | 11% | 12 |
| 3 | HP History: Kangra, Kullu, Chamba States; Gorkha Invasion and Treaty of Sagauli; Colonial Rule* | 11% | 12 |
| 4 | HP: Beth, Begar and Reet; Praja Mandal Movements; Statehood and Development Plans* | 11% | 10 |
| 5 | HP Temples, Monasteries and Paintings* | 11% | 6 |
| 6 | Indian Geography and Disaster Management* | 11% | 15 |
| 7 | Geography of HP: Relief, Drainage, Climate, Population, Forest/Industrial/Tourism Policies, Hazards* | 11% | 12 |
| 8 | Indian Society, Public Service Values and Gandhian Thought* | 11% | 12 |
| 9 | HP Society and Culture: Fairs, Festivals, Tribes, Family, Marriage, Caste* | 11% | 10 |
| Total | 109 |
Mains: GS Paper II (Polity, Governance, IR incl. Himachal) 77 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Constitution, Union and State Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Federalism, Constitutional Bodies* | 17% | 20 |
| 2 | HP Politics: Reorganisation, Statehood, Parties, Sub-regionalism, Pressure Groups, Statutory Bodies* | 17% | 10 |
| 3 | Governance, Citizen Charters, Local Self-Government, NGOs, Welfare of Vulnerable Groups* | 17% | 15 |
| 4 | HP Governance: Public Service Guarantee Act 2011, RTI Rules, Administrative Reforms, 73rd/74th Amendments* | 17% | 10 |
| 5 | International Relations and Groupings* | 17% | 12 |
| 6 | HP: Cyber Crime and Drug Menace, Agrarian Laws, SC/ST Policies, Tribal Sub-Plan* | 17% | 10 |
| Total | 77 |
Mains: GS Paper III (Economy, S&T, Environment incl. Himachal) 72 h
| # | Chapter / topic | Weightage (% of subject) | Study hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Economy: Planning, Banking, Fiscal Policy, Growth* | 17% | 18 |
| 2 | Economy of HP: GSDP, Agriculture, Horticulture, Hydropower, Tourism, Special Category Status* | 17% | 14 |
| 3 | Space, Energy, Biotechnology, IT and e-Governance* | 17% | 14 |
| 4 | HP: Biotechnology Policy, HIMSWAN, IT Policy, Biodiversity Strategy, GI and IPR* | 17% | 8 |
| 5 | Environment, Climate Change, Himalayan Ecology, Organic Farming* | 17% | 12 |
| 6 | HP: Tourism Policy, Eco-tourism and Environmental Impact* | 17% | 6 |
| Total | 72 |
A sample first week
A first week at 6 hours a day, built from the weightage above: each subject gets sessions in proportion to its marks, starting with its heaviest chapters, mixed so no day is one subject only. Your real plan in the app fits your own hours and exam date.
| Day | Session 1 (2 h) | Session 2 (2 h) | Session 3 (2 h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Prelims: Himachal PradeshPolity and Administration of HP | Prelims: Current EventsInternational Current Affairs | Prelims: History of India and Indian National MovementAncient and Medieval India; Art and Culture |
| Tue | Prelims: Indian and World GeographySocial and Economic Geography of India and the World | Prelims: Indian Polity and GovernancePanchayati Raj, Public Policy and Rights Issues | Prelims: Economic and Social DevelopmentPoverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives |
| Wed | Prelims: Environment, Ecology and Climate ChangeClimate Change and Pollution | Prelims: General ScienceScience and Technology Applications | Mains: EssayEssay structure, examples and Himachal content bank |
| Thu | Mains: GS Paper IHP Temples, Monasteries and Paintings | Mains: GS Paper IIHP Politics: Reorganisation, Statehood, Parties, Sub-regionalism, Pressure Groups, Statutory Bodies | Mains: GS Paper IIIHP: Tourism Policy, Eco-tourism and Environmental Impact |
| Fri | Prelims: Himachal PradeshPolity and Administration of HP (contd.) | Mains: GS Paper IHP Temples, Monasteries and Paintings (contd.) | Mains: GS Paper IIHP Politics: Reorganisation, Statehood, Parties, Sub-regionalism, Pressure Groups, Statutory Bodies (contd.) |
| Sat | Mains: GS Paper IIIHP: Tourism Policy, Eco-tourism and Environmental Impact (contd.) | Mains: GS Paper IHP Temples, Monasteries and Paintings (contd.) | Mains: GS Paper IIHP Politics: Reorganisation, Statehood, Parties, Sub-regionalism, Pressure Groups, Statutory Bodies (contd.) |
| Sun | Revise this week's chapters, take one timed mock or sectional test, and log the score. | ||
How Daily Tayyari plans your day
Pick your exam and date
Choose the exam (and GATE paper or UPSC optional) and your exam date. The full official syllabus loads with every chapter listed above.
Tell it your daily hours
Say how many hours you can study on weekdays and weekends. The plan only ever fills that time.
Get today's tasks
Each morning you see a short list of tasks: new chapters weighted by marks, plus practice and revision, sized to fit your day.
Spaced revision, automatically
Finished chapters come back after 1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days, and sooner if a chapter felt hard.
Green, yellow, red status
See whether you are on track, slightly behind or behind, and when the syllabus will be finished at your real pace.
Mock test tracking
Log scores from any test series. Chapters that went badly are marked weak and revised sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Which chapters carry the most weight in HPPSC?
Going by our compiled weightage, the heaviest chapters are Constitution, Union and State Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Federalism, Constitutional Bodies, HP Politics: Reorganisation, Statehood, Parties, Sub-regionalism, Pressure Groups, Statutory Bodies, Governance, Citizen Charters, Local Self-Government, NGOs, Welfare of Vulnerable Groups, HP Governance: Public Service Guarantee Act 2011, RTI Rules, Administrative Reforms, 73rd/74th Amendments, International Relations and Groupings. They are worth starting early, but past papers vary from year to year, so plan to cover the whole syllabus.
Is this HPPSC weightage official?
No. Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) publishes the syllabus, not chapter weightage. These numbers come from analyses of previous years' papers, so treat them as a guide to priority, not a promise of what will be asked.
How many hours does the HPPSC syllabus take?
Our first-pass estimate adds up to about 840 hours of study, before revision and mock tests. At 6 hours a day, 6 days a week, that is roughly 5.4 months. Daily Tayyari replaces these defaults with your actual pace after the first week or two.
Is Daily Tayyari free, and does it work in Hindi?
Yes. It is free with no ads and no payment; you sign in with Google only so your plan is saved. You can switch between Hindi and English at any time, and chapter names are shown in both.