Haryana Cabinet clears HCS pattern change, optional dropped
HCS Exam Pattern 2025–26: Optional Subject Removed, New GS Papers & Updated Selection
Haryana Civil Services (HCS) by HPSC now follows a revised structure announced on 8 Dec 2025. The new HCS exam pattern removes the optional subject in Mains and expands General Studies.
Candidates should note CSAT remains qualifying, negative marking applies in Prelims, and final merit is based on Mains plus Interview. Details below explain Prelims, Mains, Interview, and eligibility in simple language.
Use this page to understand HCS optional subject removal, the HCS new syllabus direction, and how to plan your preparation for the updated format without confusion.
HCS Exam Pattern – Key Changes (2025–26)
The latest HCS pattern aligns closer to UPSC while keeping a state focus. HCS optional subject removal simplifies evaluation and widens General Studies coverage. Candidates should adapt study plans accordingly.
The new HCS Mains now has six papers: English, Hindi, and GS I–IV, each at 100 marks. Total Mains marks remain 600, but distribution changes alter preparation strategies for writing and revision.
HCS Prelims continues with two objective papers, with CSAT qualifying at 33% and negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. Final merit is computed from Mains and Interview only.
| Component | Old Pattern | New Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Total Mains Papers | 4 | 6 (English, Hindi, GS I–IV) |
| Optional Subject | 1 subject (200 marks) | Removed |
| General Studies | 1 Paper (200) | 4 Papers (100 each) |
| Total Mains Marks | 600 | 600 (redistributed) |
HCS Prelims Pattern: GS (Merit) & CSAT (Qualifying)
HCS Prelims is a screening stage comprising two objective papers. General Studies (Paper I) counts for merit, while CSAT (Paper II) is qualifying at 33%. Both papers follow bilingual mode—English and Hindi.
There is negative marking of 0.25 for each incorrect answer. Focus on accuracy, elimination techniques, and time management. Keep PYQs handy to understand question framing.
A systematic revision plan with short notes helps you consolidate static topics and current affairs. CSAT practice should be regular even though it is qualifying.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature | Counts in Merit? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 | Objective (Merit Based) | Yes |
| Paper II | CSAT | 100 | Objective (Qualifying — 33%) | No (Qualifying only) |
Note: Negative marking 0.25 per incorrect answer; Medium: English & Hindi.
HCS Mains Pattern: Six Papers, 600 Marks (Optional Removed)
Students who clear Prelims move to Mains. The updated HCS Mains has six descriptive papers—English, Hindi, and GS I–IV—each carrying 100 marks. The optional paper is removed from the structure.
This change requires broader coverage across general studies and better answer-writing stamina. Plan value-addition using reports, schemes, and state-specific examples where relevant.
Use timed writing practice, previous year questions, and structured notes for high-yield revision. Keep language clear and crisp in both English and Hindi mediums.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English (Including Essay) | 100 | Subjective |
| Paper II | Hindi (Including Essay) | 100 | Subjective |
| Paper III | General Studies I | 100 | Subjective |
| Paper IV | General Studies II | 100 | Subjective |
| Paper V | General Studies III | 100 | Subjective |
| Paper VI | General Studies IV | 100 | Subjective |
HCS Interview / Personality Test (75 Marks)
After Mains, shortlisted candidates appear for the Interview. The board assesses personality traits like leadership, integrity, decision-making, awareness, and communication.
HPSC typically calls candidates around thrice the number of posts, plus bracketed candidates. Prepare with mock interviews and state-specific awareness for better performance.
Final merit equals HCS Mains marks (600) plus Interview marks (75), totalling 675. Focus on clarity, poise, and examples that show administrative aptitude.
HCS Eligibility: Education, Age Limit & Relaxations
A graduate degree from a recognized university is required. Final-year students are eligible if the result date precedes the application closing date printed on the HPSC notification.
The general age band for HCS (except DSP) is 21 to 42 years, with relaxations for reserved categories as per state policy. Keep category documents updated and consistent.
For government employees, ad-hoc/contract workers, and Ex-servicemen, special calculations apply. Read the notes carefully to compute effective age correctly before applying.
| Category | Relaxation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SC/ST (Haryana) | +5 years (up to 47) | — |
| BC A & BC B (Haryana) | +5 years (up to 47) | — |
| Unmarried Women / Widows / Judicially Separated | +5 years (up to 47) | — |
| Wives of Disabled Military Personnel | +5 years (up to 47) | Husband disabled while in service |
| PH/PwD (Haryana) | +10 years (up to 50); +15 if PwD + SC/BC/EWS (up to 55) | — |
| Haryana Govt Employees (Regular) | Up to 45 years | 4+ years service; 3 chances after age 42 |
| Haryana Govt Employees (Ad-hoc/Contract) | Service duration deduction | Age = Actual Age − Years of Service (max 52), one-time benefit |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Service duration deduction | Age = Actual Age − (Service + 3 years break); within limits |
Specific Rules for DSP: Age & Physical Standards
For the Deputy Superintendent of Police post, the base maximum age is 27 years. A relaxation of five years is available for SC, ST, BC, and EWS categories up to a maximum of 32.
Candidates should also meet minimum physical standards. Male candidates require height and chest measurements as notified, while female candidates require only height.
Always cross-check official HPSC notifications for the exact format of measurements and any category-wise exceptions announced for an ongoing cycle.
| Category | Minimum Height | Chest (Unexpanded) | Chest (Expanded) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 5’7” (170.18 cm) | 33” (83.82 cm) | 34½” (87.63 cm) |
| Female | 5’2” (157.50 cm) | — | — |
Impact of HCS Optional Subject Removal & Prep Strategy
Removal of the optional subject creates a level playing field and reduces scaling issues. The focus shifts to strong fundamentals in General Studies and consistent writing practice.
Aspirants should adopt a balanced plan for GS I–IV with weekly answer-writing. Use PYQs to understand demand, and maintain concise notes for faster second and third revisions.
Expect broader GS coverage in the HCS new syllabus. Topics like Ethics, Disaster Management, and World History may feature in some form; track official syllabus PDFs when released.
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Level playing field across backgrounds; simpler evaluation; stronger alignment with UPSC patterns for integrated preparation and shared resources. | Increased writing volume across four GS papers; need for more structured notes, stamina building, and targeted value-addition in answers. |
FAQs on HCS Exam Pattern, CSAT & Syllabus
These answers summarise frequent queries around HCS optional subject removal, CSAT qualifying rules, and merit calculation. Use them as a quick reference during application and preparation.
For official clarifications, always read the latest HPSC notice. Policies can change between cycles, so verify dates, eligibility rules, and documentation requirements carefully.
If you are preparing alongside UPSC, align your GS coverage and keep a separate file for Haryana-specific facts, schemes, and recent state developments.
Is there any optional paper in HCS Mains now?
Is CSAT qualifying in HCS Prelims, and is there negative marking?
How is the HCS final merit calculated now?
Can I write HCS Mains and Interview in Hindi medium?
Plan Your Prep for the New HCS Pattern
If you want guided coverage for GS I–IV with practice and feedback, explore our HCS online course and mentorship. Both are designed for structured, exam-oriented preparation.
Combine daily targets with weekly writing and regular CSAT practice. Keep Haryana-specific notes for quick value addition during Mains and Interview stages.
For more HCS resources, check official HPSC releases and our updated explainers as the new syllabus PDF is notified.
