HPSC HCS Syllabus 2026, Check Prelims and Mains Topics

Q: Ques: Is there a negative marking in HPSC HCS Prelims Exam?

Ans: Yes, there is negative marking in HPSC HCS Preliminary Exam. 0.25 marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect answer.

Q: Ques: Can candidates rely on NCERT for HPSC HCS exam?

Ans: Yes, candidates can rely on NCERT-type questions for HPSC HCS exam, especially for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Science. They help in forming the base for many questions in both Prelims and Mains.

Q: Ques: Is Mathematics included in HPSC HCS syllabus?

Ans: Yes, Mathematics is included indirectly in HPSC HCS syllabus through the CSAT paper in the Preliminary Exam. It covers topics such as basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

Q: Ques: Is the optional subject in HPSC HCS descriptive or objective?

Ans: The optional subject in HPSC HCS Mains Exam is descriptive in nature. Candidates are required to answer long-form questions that test their in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and writing ability in the chosen subject.

Q: Ques: Does HPSC HCS Interview have a separate syllabus?

Ans: No, HPSC HCS Interview does not have a separate syllabus like the Prelims or Mains. It is designed to assess a candidate’s overall personality, communication skills, general awareness, confidence, etc.

Shilpa S

Feb 5, 2026

HPSC HCS Syllabus 2026 for Prelims is divided into two objective papers as General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), designed to evaluate general awareness and reasoning skills of the candidates. The Mains exam includes topics on English, Hindi, General Studies, and optional subjects, testing candidates’ depth of knowledge and writing ability. Candidates must prepare for essay questions in both language sections. It is also compulsory for the applicants to choose any one of the optional subjects for HPSC HCS Mains exam.

HPSC HCS Prelims Syllabus 2026

HPSC HCS Prelims is divided into 2 papers: General Studies and CSAT. Candidates can check the table below for HPSC HCS Prelims syllabus:

Paper	Topics Covered
Paper 1: General Studies	General Science Current events of national and international importance History of India and Indian National Movement Indian and World Geography Indian Culture, Indian Polity, and Indian Economy General Mental Ability Haryana – Economy and people, Social, economic, and cultural institutions, and language of Haryana
Paper 2: CSAT	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, order of magnitude, etc. – Class X level) Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. – Class X level)

HPSC HCS Mains Syllabus 2026

HPSC HCS Mains Syllabus is divided into 3 papers as English, Hindi and General Studies. Candidates must additionally choose an optional subject from the ones provided. Check the tale below for HPSC HCS Mains Syllabus:

Paper	Topics
Paper 1: English	Precise writing Comprehension skills Essay Word usage and vocabulary General Grammar knowledge Composition or Essay
Paper 2: Hindi	Translation of English passage to Hindi Letter or precise writing Explanation of Hindi passage (with reference to poetry or prose) Composition (idioms, proverbs, etc.) Essay (choice of topics will be given)
Paper 3: General Studies	Part 1: History of Modern India & Indian Culture Geography of India Indian Polity Current National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance
Paper 3: General Studies	Part 2: India and the World Indian Economy Developments in the fields of Science and Technology, Communication and Space Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams

Candidates are supposed to choose an optional subject from any of the subjects given below:

Agriculture
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Service
Botany
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Commerce and Accountancy
Economics
Electrical Engineering
English Literature
Geography
Hindi Literature
Indian History
Law
Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Physics
Political Science and International Relations
Psychology
Public Administration
Punjabi Literature
Sociology
Sanskrit Literature
Zoology

Candidates get a duration of 4 hours to complete HPSC HCS Prelims Paper, which is evaluated on a total of 200 marks. HPSC HCS 2026 Mains exam, on the other hand is totalled out of 600 marks, in which the optional paper carries 200 marks.

Relevant Links
HPSC HCS Exam Pattern	HPSC HCS Application Process
HPSC HCS Previous Year Papers	HPSC HCS Eligibility

HPSC HCS Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Ques: Is there a negative marking in HPSC HCS Prelims Exam?

Ans: Yes, there is negative marking in HPSC HCS Preliminary Exam. 0.25 marks assigned to a question are deducted for each incorrect answer.

Ques: Can candidates rely on NCERT for HPSC HCS exam?

Ans: Yes, candidates can rely on NCERT-type questions for HPSC HCS exam, especially for subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Science. They help in forming the base for many questions in both Prelims and Mains.

Ques: Is Mathematics included in HPSC HCS syllabus?

Ans: Yes, Mathematics is included indirectly in HPSC HCS syllabus through the CSAT paper in the Preliminary Exam. It covers topics such as basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.

Ques: Is the optional subject in HPSC HCS descriptive or objective?

Ans: The optional subject in HPSC HCS Mains Exam is descriptive in nature. Candidates are required to answer long-form questions that test their in-depth knowledge, analytical skills, and writing ability in the chosen subject.

Ques: Does HPSC HCS Interview have a separate syllabus?

Ans: No, HPSC HCS Interview does not have a separate syllabus like the Prelims or Mains. It is designed to assess a candidate’s overall personality, communication skills, general awareness, confidence, etc.