The Haryana Government has revised the syllabus for the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Executive Branch and Allied Services Examination through an Extraordinary Gazette notification issued on January 9, 2026, by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.
According to the official notification, these changes apply to the recruitment process conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) for administrative positions in the state, aiming to enhance the evaluation of candidates’ general knowledge and aptitude.
Updated Preliminary Examination Pattern
The Preliminary examination remains a screening stage consisting of two objective-type papers, each carrying equal weightage for a total of 400 marks.
Key components:
Paper I – General Studies: Encompasses topics such as general science, current events of national and international importance, history of India and Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and economy, Indian culture, reasoning and mental ability, along with Haryana-specific aspects including its economy, society, culture, and language.
Paper II – Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT): Focuses on comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, decision-making, problem-solving, basic numeracy (Class X level), and data interpretation.
This stage serves as a qualifier for the Main examination, with the authority yet to specify negative marking details in the recent update.
The Main written examination now comprises six descriptive papers, each of three hours duration and 100 marks, totaling 600 marks—a shift from the previous format.
Notable changes:
Elimination of optional subjects previously available to candidates.
Introduction of four dedicated General Studies papers to broaden assessment of contemporary and analytical skills.
Compulsory papers include English (with essay) and Hindi (with essay in Devnagari script).
The English paper tests proficiency in precis writing, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and essay composition emphasizing clarity and structure. Similarly, the Hindi paper evaluates translation skills, explanations, idioms, and essay writing.
Implications for Aspirants
Candidates preparing for upcoming HCS recruitment cycles are advised to align their studies with the revised syllabus, available on the official HPSC website at hpsc.gov.in.
The authority has not announced further details yet regarding the specific recruitment advertisement or exam schedule to which these changes will first apply. Aspirants should monitor official notifications for updates on the selection process, including vacancies and examination dates.
This revision underscores efforts to standardize and modernize the evaluation framework for entry into Haryana’s civil services.
Abhijeet Chatterjee is a professional Content and Copy specialist with over five years of experience in crafting compelling content around the Edtech domain. His portfolio includes notable work for companies such as PhysicsWallah, Roar Media, Jagran Josh, etc. Academically, Abhijeet holds a Master's in Mass Communication, where he was awarded a gold medal for his outstanding performance. He has also qualified for the UGC NET in Mass Communication, demonstrating his expertise and a deep understanding of the field. His academic foundation is built on a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Beyond his professional work, Abhijeet is an avid writer and a cinephile. His personal interests include scriptwriting, film criticism, and reading novels.
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