Haryana Cabinet clears HCS pattern change, optional dropped
Latest HCS Exam Pattern 2025 (HPSC) – Optional Subject Removed
The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) examination is conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) for top administrative posts in the state. As announced on 8 December 2025 by the Haryana Cabinet led by CM Nayab Saini, the HCS exam pattern has been updated—most notably removing the optional paper and expanding General Studies papers in Mains. The complete, updated structure is explained below with simple, mobile-friendly cards for quick reading.
You’ll find stage-wise details for Prelims, Mains and Interview, plus final merit calculation (675), eligibility criteria, and specific DSP height/chest standards—formatted for fast loading and great UX on mobile.
What Changed at a Glance
Optional Subject
Earlier: 1 optional (200) → Removed. Focus shifts fully to GS in Mains.
Source: HPSC update.
Mains Papers
Earlier: 4 papers → Now 6 (English, Hindi, GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, GS-IV).
Source: HPSC update.
Final Merit
Mains (600) + Interview (75) = 675. Prelims is qualifying/screening.
Source: HPSC update.
HCS Exam Stages (Prelims → Mains → Interview)
Preliminary Examination
The Prelims is a screening test with two objective papers: General Studies (Paper-I) for merit and CSAT (Paper-II) as qualifying with a 33% minimum. There is negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer, and the medium is English/Hindi.
Paper I – General Studies
100 marks • Objective • Counts for screening merit.
Paper II – CSAT
Qualifying (33%) • 100 marks • Not added to merit.
Mains Examination (Total 600)
The Mains now has six papers of 100 marks each: English (incl. Essay), Hindi (incl. Essay), GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, GS-IV. The optional paper is removed. Medium is English/Hindi; all papers are descriptive.
Interview (Personality Test)
The interview carries 75 marks. HPSC generally calls around three times the number of advertised posts plus bracketed candidates. Assessment includes leadership, integrity, awareness, decision-making and communication skills. Final merit = Mains (600) + Interview (75).
Impact of the New Pattern (Why This Matters)
Level Playing Field
With optional removed, scaling/normalization disputes reduce. Science and Humanities streams stand on equal footing.
Increased Writing Volume
Four GS papers mean higher answer-writing practice and stamina requirements in Mains.
UPSC Alignment
Closer overlap with UPSC GS. Parallel prep becomes more efficient for serious aspirants.
Broader GS Scope
Expect emphasis on areas such as Ethics, Disaster Management, Economy & Society (as notified in detailed syllabus).
HCS Eligibility Criteria (Education, Age & Relaxations)
Educational Qualification
A candidate must hold a graduate degree (any discipline) from a recognized university. Final-year students may apply, but the final result date must be before the application closing date and should clearly appear on the degree.
Age Limits & General Relaxations
The lower age limit is 21 years. The general upper age limit is 42 years (except for DSP). Multiple categories have relaxations as per state rules. Key examples below are reformatted without tables for mobile.
- SC/ST (Haryana): +5 years (max 47).
- Backward Classes A & B (Haryana): +5 years (max 47).
- Unmarried Women / Widows / Judicially Separated: +5 years (max 47).
- Wives of Disabled Military Personnel: +5 years (max 47).
- PwD (Haryana): +10 years (up to 50); if PwD + SC/BC/EWS then +15 (up to 55).
- Haryana Govt. Employees (Regular): up to 45; needs 4+ years of service, limited chances after 42.
- Haryana Govt. Employees (Ad-hoc/Contract): Age = Actual Age − Years of Service; max 52; one-time benefit.
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM): Age = Actual Age − (Military Service + 3 years break), subject to limits.
Specific Rules for DSP (Age + Physical Standards)
For DSP, base maximum age is 27 years. Relaxation of +5 years is available only for SC, ST, BC, EWS (max 32). Physical standards:
Male – Height 5’7” (170.18 cm), Chest 33” (unexpanded) & 34.5” (expanded);
Female – Height 5’2” (157.50 cm).
Medium & Common Questions
The examination is conducted in English and Hindi in both Prelims and Mains. Interviews assess personality traits rather than your language choice; you may speak in Hindi.
Is there any optional paper in HCS Exam?
No. The optional subject is removed as per the latest update.
Can final-year students apply for HCS Exam?
Yes, if the final result date is before the application’s closing date and appears on the degree.
Is there any Negative Marking in HCS Prelims ?
Yes, 0.25 per incorrect answer in both papers.
Can I prepare with an online degree in HCS?
Yes, if it’s from a recognized university; mode (online/offline) isn’t a disqualifier.
Need Structured Guidance for the New Pattern?
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