The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) conducts the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) exam to recruit candidates for various administrative posts. The exam is competitive, demanding a clear understanding of its structure, a strategic study plan, and consistent effort. Whether you’re a beginner or reattempting the exam, this guide will help you create a comprehensive roadmap to crack HCS successfully.
How To Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Structure
The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) exam, conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), is a prestigious state-level competitive examination. It selects candidates for various administrative positions in Haryana. The exam is designed to test a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, personality, and suitability for civil services.
Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Objective type (Multiple Choice Questions or MCQs)
- Purpose: Screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main exam.
- Marks obtained in Prelims do not count towards final merit; the focus is on qualification only.
Papers in Prelims
- Paper I: General Studies
- Covers a wide range of topics including History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, and Haryana-specific General Knowledge.
- Total questions: Usually 100 questions
- Total marks: 100 marks
- Duration: 2 hours
- Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
- This paper is of qualifying nature only.
- It tests basic skills like comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and aptitude.
- Marks required to qualify: Usually 33%
- Total questions: Around 100 questions
- Total marks: 100 marks
- Duration: 2 hours
Main Examination (Mains)
- Descriptive type (written subjective answers)
- The marks in Mains are counted towards the final merit list.
Papers in Mains
- English (Compulsory)
- Tests language proficiency, grammar, comprehension, precise writing, and essay skills.
- Total Marks: 100
- Hindi (Compulsory)
- Similar structure as English paper but in Hindi.
- Tests command over the Hindi language, grammar, comprehension, precise writing, and essay.
- Total Marks: 100
- General Studies
- This paper tests candidates on a broad range of subjects including Indian History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Haryana-specific affairs, Environment, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs.
- Total Marks: 200
- Optional Subject (Two Papers)
- Candidates choose one optional subject from a list provided by HPSC.
- Two papers in the chosen optional subject, each carrying 150 marks.
- Total Marks for Optional Subject: 300
Interview / Personality Test
- This is the final stage of the HCS selection process.
- It is conducted only for candidates who qualify the Mains exam.
Purpose:
- To assess the candidate’s overall personality, communication skills, attitude, mental alertness, leadership qualities, intellectual capabilities, and suitability for civil services.
- To evaluate the candidate’s awareness of current issues, especially those relevant to Haryana.
Marks:
- Total Marks: 75
Also Read: HCS Syllabus
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Prelims
The candidates how to prepare HPSC HCS Exam Prelims is the first stage of selection and acts as a screening test. While marks obtained in Prelims are not counted in the final merit, it is critical to qualify this stage with a focused strategy.
Structure of HCS Prelims Exam
Structure of HCS Prelims Exam are;
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
| Paper II | CSAT (Aptitude Test) | 100 | 100 | 2 hours |
HPSC HCS Prelims Preparation Strategy
HPSC HCS syllabus—History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Tech, and Current Affairs, with a focus on Haryana-specific GK. Use standard books like Laxmikanth for Polity, Ramesh Singh or NCERTs for Economy, Spectrum and NCERTs for History, GC Leong and Geography NCERTs, and NCERT Science (6–10).
For CSAT, practice comprehension, reasoning, and maths with RS Aggarwal, Drishti CSAT, and past papers. Stay updated with The Hindu, Indian Express, Vision/Drishti magazines, and local Haryana news. Regularly solve PYQs and join a test series. For Haryana GK, refer to Dainik Jagran (Haryana), Punjab Kesari, Drishti Haryana GK, and Haryana Yearbook.
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Mains
The Candidates how to prepare HPSC HCS Exam Mains is descriptive and forms the core of your final merit. It requires structured writing, deep understanding, and Haryana-centric analysis.
Structure of HCS Mains Exam
Structure of HCS Mains Exam Are;
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper I | English | 100 |
| Paper II | Hindi | 100 |
| Paper III | General Studies | 200 |
| Paper IV & V | Optional Subject(2 Papers) | 300 (150+150) |
Also Read: HCS Exam Pattern
HPSC HCS Mains Preparation Strategy
Practice writing two essays weekly on current events, social issues, and Haryana-specific themes. Begin daily answer writing for GS topics and join a Mains Test Series for evaluation, emphasizing intro-body-conclusion format with relevant data and examples. Prepare well for compulsory English and Hindi papers by focusing on grammar, comprehension, précis, and essays using Lucent’s English Grammar and Samanya Hindi by Hardev Bahri. Choose an optional subject based on your graduation, interest, and resource availability—popular choices include Geography, Public Administration, History, and Sociology. Stick to core books and solve previous year papers.
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Offline
Preparing for the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) exam offline requires a disciplined approach, focused study, and consistent practice. Here’s an effective strategy to help you prepare systematically without relying on digital resources:
Syllabus Mastery and Study Plan
- Understand the syllabus: Know all subjects and topics for Prelims and Mains.
- Create a study plan: Make a realistic timetable, focusing more on weak areas.
- Start with NCERT books: Build foundation with classes 6-12 NCERTs for core subjects.
- Make concise notes: Write brief handwritten notes for quick revision and better retention.
Practice and Assessment
- Regular mock tests and previous papers: Practice offline papers to get exam familiarity and manage time well.
- Time-bound answer writing: Practice writing answers within set time to improve speed and clarity for Mains.
How To Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Online
In today’s digital era, online coaching has become an essential and effective way to prepare for the HPSC HCS exam. Among the many platforms available, UPSC Akhada stands out as a comprehensive and aspirant-friendly coaching provider, especially for state civil services like HCS.
Specialized HCS Courses: UPSC Akhada offers tailored courses specifically designed for Haryana Civil Services aspirants, covering Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. These courses break down the vast syllabus into manageable modules, focusing on Haryana-specific topics and general studies.
Experienced Faculty: The platform brings expert faculty members who deliver interactive lectures, making complex topics easier to understand. Many teachers have years of experience with state and national-level civil services exams.
Flexible Learning: You can access recorded lectures anytime, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revise difficult topics multiple times. This is especially useful if you are balancing work or studies.
Comprehensive Study Material: UPSC Akhada provides well-curated PDFs, notes, and practice questions aligned with the latest syllabus and exam pattern. This saves you the hassle of searching for authentic study materials.
Regular Updates and Notifications: Being an online portal, they keep aspirants updated with exam notifications, syllabus changes, and current affairs relevant to Haryana and national issues.
How To Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Step-by-Step
The first step in preparing for the HPSC HCS exam is to thoroughly understand the exam structure and syllabus. The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Interview. It is crucial to download the latest official syllabus and exam pattern from the HPSC website and break down each subject into smaller, manageable topics.
Start with the Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Download the Official Syllabus:
Visit the official HPSC website and download the latest official syllabus and exam pattern for HCS Prelims and Mains. This ensures you are following the correct and updated guidelines. - Break Down Each Subject:
Divide every paper into smaller, manageable subtopics. For example, in General Studies, break it into History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Haryana-specific topics, etc.
For optional subjects, list down every chapter or theme clearly. - Understand the Weightage:
Analyze previous year question papers (if available) to understand which topics carry more marks or are frequently asked. For example, certain topics in Haryana’s history or polity might have higher importance. - Prioritize Topics:
Based on the weightage and your own strengths and weaknesses, rank topics in order of priority. Give more time to high-weightage topics but do not ignore smaller sections. - Familiarize with the Exam Pattern:
Understand the structure of each stage:- Prelims: Objective questions on General Studies and CSAT (qualifying).
- Mains: Descriptive papers including English, Hindi, General Studies, and Optional subject.
- Interview: Personality assessment.
Create a Study Plan for HPSC HCS Exam
A good study plan is key to consistent and effective preparation.
Daily Hours:
- Allocate 5 to 6 hours per day exclusively for HPSC HCS preparation.
- Break the study hours into focused sessions with short breaks to maintain concentration.
HCS Exam Study Materials and Resources
Here are HCS Exam Study Materials and Resources for Prelims & Mains;
HCS Prelims Study Material (GS & CSAT):
- NCERT Books (Class 6–12) – History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science
- Standard Books:
- Indian Polity – M. Laxmikanth
- Indian Economy – Ramesh Singh or NCERT + Economic Survey
- Modern History – Spectrum (Rajiv Ahir)
- Geography – GC Leong + NCERTs
- CSAT: RS Aggarwal or Drishti CSAT Book, and practice comprehension, reasoning & numeracy
- Test Series: Enroll in a good Prelims test series for practice
HCS Mains Study Material;
- English & Hindi: Focus on essay, précis, comprehension, and grammar
- General Studies: Same resources as prelims but with analytical understanding
- Essay Writing: Practice essays on current and static topics weekly
- Optional Subject: Choose based on your graduation or interest; stick to one source
How to Prepare for HCS Exam: What Are the Best Newspapers to Read?
When preparing for the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) – Haryana Civil Services (HCS) exam, staying updated with current affairs is a vital part of your preparation. Both the Preliminary and Main exams, especially the General Studies papers, contain a significant number of questions related to national, international, and Haryana state-specific events. Therefore, selecting the right newspapers and magazines plays a crucial role in your overall preparation strategy.
Why Newspaper Reading Is Important for HCS
- Helps you stay informed about important government policies, economic developments, and international affairs.
- Builds your understanding of current social and political issues relevant to Haryana and India.
- Improves your comprehension and vocabulary skills, essential for the descriptive Mains exam.
- Assists in developing opinions and perspectives for essay writing and interviews.
Best Newspapers for HCS Preparation
- The Hindu: Considered the gold standard for UPSC and state civil services aspirants alike, it offers balanced coverage of national and international news, editorials, and analytical articles that are crucial for both Prelims and Mains.
- The Indian Express: Known for in-depth political and economic news, it provides critical insights and government updates that are beneficial for exam preparation.
- Dainik Jagran / Punjab Kesari: These regional newspapers cover Haryana state news extensively, helping you keep track of local governance, policies, and socio-economic issues. Reading a reliable Hindi newspaper alongside English ones is advisable.
Conclusion
Preparing for the HPSC HCS exam is a journey that demands clarity, consistency, and commitment. It begins with understanding the exam’s structure—Prelims, Mains, and Interview—and aligning your preparation with the unique demands of each stage. Building a strong foundation through NCERTs, standard reference books, and reliable current affairs sources is essential. Equally important is focusing on Haryana-specific knowledge, which plays a vital role across all stages.
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam FAQs
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam While Working or Studying Full-Time?
Time management is key. Use early mornings and weekends for dedicated study hours. Focus on daily revision, Haryana current affairs, and practice MCQs for Prelims. Allocate time for optional subject preparation during weekends. Rely on concise, high-quality materials and use online mock tests for performance analysis.
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Optional Subject Effectively?
Choose an optional subject based on your academic background and interest. Refer to HPSC HCS previous year papers to understand the trend. Stick to one or two standard books, make short notes, and practice answer writing regularly. Popular optionals like Sociology, Geography, and Public Administration have structured content and guidance available.
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Without Coaching?
Self-study can be equally effective with the right approach. Follow a structured study plan, use online platforms for lectures, and subscribe to current affairs magazines. Attempt regular mock tests, join online answer writing groups, and refer to topper strategies for guidance. Focus on continuous evaluation and self-improvement.
How to Prepare HPSC HCS Exam Haryana GK and Current Affairs?
Read local newspapers like Dainik Bhaskar (Haryana Edition) and monthly compilations like Drishti Haryana Current Affairs. Focus on topics like Haryana history, geography, economy, policies, and schemes. Create short, crisp notes and revise them frequently, especially before the Mains and Interview stages.
