HPSC HCS Syllabus 2025 – Complete Prelims & Mains Syllabus (Latest PDF)
Download the official HPSC HCS Syllabus 2025 PDF. Explore detailed Prelims (General Studies & CSAT) and Mains (English, Hindi, GS & Optional) topics, exam patterns, and expert preparation tips.
The HPSC HCS Exam is conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for various administrative posts in the state. The exam is held in three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview – and each stage has a defined syllabus and pattern.
Understanding the HPSC HCS Syllabus 2025 is key to focused preparation. It covers topics like General Studies, CSAT, English, Hindi, and a wide range of optional subjects. This guide provides the complete syllabus for all stages, along with exam pattern details and preparation tips.
HPSC HCS Prelims Syllabus 2025
The Preliminary Examination comprises two objective-type papers: General Studies and CSAT. Paper I is merit-ranking, while Paper II is qualifying.
Prelims Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 | 2 Hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Qualifying) | 100 | 2 Hours |
Paper I – General Studies (Detailed Syllabus)
| TOPIC | SUB-TOPICS & DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs |
|
| History of India |
|
| Indian & Haryana Geography |
|
| Indian Polity |
|
| Economy |
|
| Environment & Ecology |
|
| General Science |
|
| Haryana GK |
|
Paper II – CSAT (Qualifying Paper – 33% Required)
| TOPIC | SUB-TOPICS & DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Comprehension | Understanding passages in English, answering inference, vocabulary-based and fact-based questions |
| Interpersonal & Communication Skills | Basic communication, decision-making, empathy, leadership & group behavior |
| Logical Reasoning | Coding-decoding, number series, analogies, syllogisms, blood relations, seating arrangements |
| Numeracy | Basic arithmetic: Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Data Interpretation |
| General Mental Ability | Problem-solving, puzzles, patterns, analytical ability |
HPSC HCS Mains Syllabus 2025
The Mains Examination is descriptive and evaluates candidates’ depth of knowledge and writing skills. It includes four papers.
Mains Exam Pattern
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English | 100 | Descriptive |
| Paper II | Hindi (in Devanagari Script) | 100 | Descriptive |
| Paper III | General Studies | 200 | Descriptive |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject | 200 | Descriptive |
| Total (Written) | 600 | ||
| Interview / Personality Test | 75 | Oral | |
| Grand Total | 675 | ||
Paper I – English
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Essay on general topics (social, political, economic, philosophical) |
| Precis Writing | Summarizing a long passage into short format |
| Comprehension | Passage-based questions to assess understanding and analytical skills |
| Grammar | Tenses, sentence correction, idioms, prepositions, synonyms, antonyms |
| Sentence Reordering | Logical arrangement of jumbled sentences |
Paper II – Hindi
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Essay | Essay on current or general topics in Hindi |
| Grammar | Sandhi, Samas, Muhavare, Vilom, Paryayvachi, Tatbhav-Tatsam |
| Translation | English to Hindi and vice versa |
| Comprehension | Passage-based reading in Hindi |
Paper III – General Studies
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| History of India | Freedom movement, social and economic reforms, post-independence consolidation |
| Geography | Physical and economic geography of India and Haryana, natural resources, population |
| Polity | Constitutional development, Union and State legislature, Judiciary, DPSPs, governance |
| Economy | Budget, taxation, banking, economic reforms, Five-Year Plans, NITI Aayog |
| Science & Technology | Recent advancements, space, biotech, IT, robotics, applications in daily life |
| Current Affairs | Events of national and international importance, bilateral relations, government schemes |
| Haryana GK | Society, culture, literature, education, history, governance, and infrastructure |
Paper IV – Optional Subjects
Candidates can choose any one optional subject from the list provided by HPSC. Each subject is descriptive and carries 200 marks.
- Public Administration
- Geography
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Law
- Mathematics
- Commerce & Accountancy
Personality Test / Interview (75 Marks)
After clearing the Mains, candidates appear for a personal interview conducted by HPSC to assess personality, integrity, communication skills, leadership, and administrative capabilities.
Download HPSC HCS Syllabus 2025 PDF
Click here to download official HPSC HCS Syllabus PDF
Recommended Books & Study Materials
Below is a subject-wise list of the best books recommended for the HPSC HCS Exam preparation. These resources are essential for Prelims, Mains, and the Interview stages.
| Stage / Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| General Studies (History) | India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipan Chandra |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography – G.C. Leong |
| Polity | Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth |
| Economy | Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh |
| Science & Technology | General Studies Paper – Science and Technology – Arihant GK |
| Haryana-specific GK | Haryana Yearbook (Published by State Government or reputed publishers) |
| CSAT & General Mental Ability | Analytical Reasoning – M.K. Pandey; Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal |
| English & Hindi | Wren & Martin (Grammar); Essay Compilations (UPSC-level) |
| Optional Subjects | Standard textbooks per subject – McGraw Hill, IGNOU material, Political Theory by Andrew Heywood (for Political Science), etc. |
Preparation Strategy & Tips
A smart, consistent, and comprehensive approach is crucial to crack all stages of the HPSC HCS Exam. Below are expert-backed strategies for effective preparation:
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Analyze the Prelims (objective), Mains (descriptive), and Interview structure thoroughly.
- Create a Smart Timetable: Begin with General Studies. Interweave preparation of languages, optional subject, and CSAT topics.
- Daily Current Affairs: Use reliable newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and official government websites. Revise monthly compilations.
- Answer Writing Practice: Practice essays, précis, Hindi passages, and comprehension regularly to excel in descriptive papers.
- Master the Optional Subject: Focus on conceptual clarity and consistent revisions.
- Previous Year Papers: Analyze trends and practice extensively for both Prelims and Mains.
- Mock Tests: Join a test series to evaluate your performance and improve time management.
- Concise Notes: Make short notes and use mind maps for static topics and Haryana-specific information.
- Interview Preparation: Develop good communication skills, general awareness, and leadership qualities.
Specialization (Optional Subject Selection)
Choosing the right optional subject plays a vital role in HCS Mains success. Follow these tips for selecting and mastering your optional subject:
- Selection Criteria: Base your choice on personal interest, academic background, and scoring trends.
- Expert Advice: Seek guidance from mentors, coaching institutes, or successful candidates.
- Stick to One: Don’t change the optional subject mid-preparation. Stick to it and dive deep into the syllabus.
- Analyze Topper Copies: Understand their writing style and answer structure for maximum scoring.
Conclusion
The HPSC HCS Exam is a gateway to prestigious administrative roles in Haryana. Cracking it requires a well-thought-out strategy, deep subject knowledge, and persistent effort.
- Start early and be consistent.
- Rely on NCERTs, standard books, and updated state materials.
- Revise often and take regular mock tests.
- Balance GS, optional, language papers, and interview preparation.
With discipline, smart work, and regular feedback, success in HPSC HCS is achievable.
Stay motivated and committed—your rank is within reach!
