The HCS Exam Pattern 2025, conducted by HPSC (Haryana Public Service Commission), has undergone some recent changes. Candidates preparing for the HPSC HCS 2025 must understand the detailed HCS exam pattern 2025 for both Prelims and Mains stages to maximize their chances of success. The HCS exam comprises three stages Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and the Personality Test (Interview). Let’s break down each section to give you a clearer picture.

HCS Exam Pattern 2025 Overview

The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Exam 2025 is conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) to recruit candidates for various administrative posts within the state. The examination process is divided into three stages—Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Personality Test/Interview. The exam is conducted in offline mode and is available in both English and Hindi. The total marks for selection include 600 marks for the Mains and 75 marks for the Interview, summing up to 675 marks. 

What is HCS Exam Pattern 2025?

The HCS exam pattern 2025 outlines the structure of the recruitment process. It consists of two written rounds (Prelims and Mains) followed by a Personality Test. The Preliminary Test is qualifying in nature and helps shortlist candidates for the Mains Examination. The Mains Test is descriptive and carries significant weight in the final selection.

HCS Exam Pattern 2025 Prelims 

The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Preliminary Examination 2025 serves as a screening test and is qualifying in nature. It comprises two objective-type papers, both conducted on the same day. The structure of the exam is as follows

How Many Papers in HCS Prelims?

The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Preliminary Examination conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) is the first stage of the HCS selection process. The Prelims serve as a screening test and are crucial for shortlisting candidates for the Mains examination. 

HCS Prelims 2025 Number of Papers

General Studies (Paper I)

This paper evaluates the candidate’s understanding of:

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography
• Indian Polity and Governance
• Economic and Social Development
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
• General Science

Civil Services Aptitude Test – CSAT (Paper II)

This paper tests the candidate’s:

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• General Mental Ability
• Numeracy and Data Interpretation

HCS Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

• Question Type: Objective, Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Medium: Bilingual – English and Hindi
• Negative Marking: Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
• Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper)

HCS Exam Pattern 2025 Mains

The HCS Exam Pattern 2025 Mains is a descriptive written examination. It includes five papers — three compulsory and two optional. The Mains examination carries a total of 600 marks, which forms the core component of the overall selection process. In addition to this, candidates who qualify the Mains are called for the Personality Test or Interview, which is allotted 75 marks. 

How Many Papers in HCS Mains?

The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Mains Examination consists of 5 papers: 3 compulsory papers (English, Hindi, and General Studies) and 2 optional papers based on a subject selected by the candidate. The compulsory papers are 100 marks each, while the optional papers are 150 marks each. Candidates can choose one subject from a list of 29 optional subjects, which includes Agriculture, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Commerce, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Zoology, Animal Husbandry, Civil Engineering, Geology, Home Science, Management, Public Health, and Statistics.

HCS Mains Marking Scheme 2025

The HCS Mains is a descriptive written examination with 5 papers:

• 3 Compulsory Papers (English, Hindi, General Studies) – 100 marks each
• 2 Optional Papers (Paper I & II of one chosen subject) – 150 marks each

HCS Mains Subjects Compulsory & Optional

Here are HCS Mains Compulsory & Optional Subjects; 

Compulsory Subjects

1. English
2. Hindi
3. General Studies

How Many Optional Subjects Are in HCS?

In the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) examination, there are a total of 29 optional subjects offered for the Mains examination. Candidates are required to choose one optional subject from this list based on their interest, background, and preparation strategy. These subjects are typically aligned with those offered in the UPSC Civil Services Examination and include disciplines such as History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, and more. 

HPSC HCS Optional Subjects List

There are 29 optional subjects, including

• Agriculture
• Anthropology
• Botany
• Chemistry
• Commerce and Accountancy
• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Law
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Medical Science
• Philosophy
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Public Administration
• Sociology
• Zoology
• Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
• Botany
• Civil Engineering
• Geology
• Home Science
• Management
• Public Health
• Sociology
• Statistics

Conclusion 

The HCS Exam Pattern 2025, as outlined by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), provides a well-structured and comprehensive approach to selecting candidates for various administrative roles in the state. The exam is conducted in three stages Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test each designed to assess different competencies of the candidates. The Preliminary stage is objective and qualifying in nature, while the Mains is a descriptive exam that plays a critical role in the final selection, along with the Interview. 

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HCS Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs