The Haryana (HCS) Mains Examination 2025, conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), is a crucial phase for aspirants to join the state’s prestigious civil services. After qualifying the Preliminary stage, candidates appear for the Mains exam, which is descriptive and plays a decisive role in the final selection. 

HCS Mains 2025 Overview

The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Mains Exam is an important stage in the selection process for the HCS exam, and it plays a crucial role in determining the final merit list. To help candidates prepare efficiently, we provide a detailed syllabus, subject list, preparation tips, and advice on daily answer writing. The exam includes four papers: English, Hindi, General Studies, and an Optional Subject, totaling 600 marks. Candidates are evaluated on comprehension, analytical ability, and written expression.

HCS Mains 2025 Exam Pattern 

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) conducts the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Mains Examination as the second and most significant stage of the selection process. The Mains Exam is descriptive and is designed to evaluate a candidate’s intellectual depth, language proficiency, general awareness, and ability to present thoughts clearly and effectively.

The HCS Mains Exam consists of four descriptive papers:

1. English and English Essay
2. Hindi and Hindi Essay
3. General Studies
4. Optional Subject

Each of these papers assesses the candidate’s ability to understand, analyze, and express their thoughts effectively. The marks obtained in the Mains Exam are added to the final merit list, which also includes the Personality Test (Interview).

Also Read: HCS Exam Pattern

HCS Mains 2025 Marking Scheme

The HCS Mains comprises four papers, each of descriptive/essay-type format, carrying a total of 600 marks.

HCS Mains 2025 Syllabus

The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Mains Examination 2025, conducted by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC), is the pivotal written phase in the selection process for recruitment to prestigious administrative posts in the state. Unlike the preliminary stage, which is objective, the HCS Mains is entirely descriptive, evaluating a candidate’s ability to think critically, structure thoughts, and articulate them coherently in written form.

Paper I English and English Essay

English

• Precis Writing
  Candidates must condense a given passage into a summary while retaining all essential information. This tests the ability to identify core ideas and express them concisely.
•  Comprehension of Given Passages
    Based on unseen passages, this section evaluates the candidate’s ability to understand, interpret, and draw inferences from written content. Questions may be factual or analytical.
• Usage and Vocabulary
  This section includes exercises on synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic usage, word substitution, and sentence correction. The aim is to gauge command over vocabulary and language fluency.
• General Grammar and Composition
  Grammar questions may include error correction, sentence improvement, fill-in-the-blanks, and rephrasing. Candidates may also be asked to write formal/informal letters, reports, or notices.

Essay Writing

Candidates must write an essay on one topic chosen from a list of several subjects. Essays should demonstrate clarity of thought, logical structuring, critical insight, and linguistic precision. It is advisable to use factual support, examples, and well-constructed arguments.

Paper II Hindi and Hindi Essay (in Devanagari Script)

• Hindi Translation (English to Hindi)
  A passage in English is to be translated into grammatically accurate and contextually meaningful Hindi. This tests bilingual proficiency and translation skills.
• Letter Writing / Precis Writing
  Candidates may be asked to write official or personal letters in Hindi. Precis writing involves condensing a Hindi passage into a shorter version with the key points preserved.
• Explanation of Hindi Passages (Prose and Poetry)
  Extracts from Hindi literature (prose or poetry) are provided, and candidates must explain their meaning, context, and literary significance in simple and accurate language.
• Composition (Idioms, Correction, Usage)
  This includes correcting grammatical errors, using idiomatic expressions, rewriting sentences, and demonstrating proper sentence construction and syntax.
• Essay Writing
  Candidates are to choose a topic from a list and write an essay in Hindi. The focus should be on thematic coherence, fluency in language, originality, and clarity in presentation.

Paper III General Studies

 Part I

• History of Modern India and Indian Culture: Freedom movement, prominent personalities, social reforms, and the culture of India.
• Geography of India: Physical, economic, and social geography of India.
• Indian Polity: Constitution of India, political system, governance, and related matters.
• Current National Issues: Social relevance topics, human rights, child labor, gender equality, environment, corruption, etc.

Part II:

• India and the World: Foreign affairs, external security, nuclear policy, and India’s role abroad.
• Indian Economy: Planning, economic development, international trade, IMF, World Bank, and WTO.
• International Affairs: World events, international institutions.
• Science and Technology: Innovations in science, technology, communications, and space.
• Statistical Analysis: Graphs, tables, data interpretation, and logical reasoning.

Paper IV Optional Subject (Choose One)

Candidates need to select one subject from the list of 29 Optional Subjects. Some of the options include:

Agriculture, Anthropology, Botany, Civil Engineering, Economics, Geography, History, Law, Public Administration, Sociology, Zoology

HCS Mains 2025 Syllabus PDF 

Looking for the HPSC HCS Mains 2025 Syllabus PDF? Get the complete and updated subject-wise syllabus for the HCS (Haryana Civil Services) Mains Examination 2025 in one place. This PDF includes the detailed syllabus for all four General Studies papers, optional subjects, and compulsory language papers (English and Hindi). 

Also Read: HCS Foundation Course 2025-26, HCS Mains PYQ

HCS Mains 2025 Subject List

The Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Mains Exam 2025 is designed to assess a candidate’s academic knowledge, analytical ability, and expression skills through a series of descriptive papers. The exam is divided into two categories of subjects: Compulsory Subjects and Optional Subjects.

Compulsory Subjects: English (including Essay)
This paper evaluates candidates’ command over the English language, including comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and essay writing. The focus is on clear expression and logical presentation of ideas.

Hindi (including Essay, in Devanagari Script)
Candidates are tested on their proficiency in Hindi through translation, composition, grammar, and essay writing. The aim is to measure fluency, accuracy, and the ability to write formally in the official language of the state.

General Studies
This paper assesses knowledge in areas like modern Indian history, Indian polity, geography, economy, international affairs, science & technology, and current national issues. It is crucial for testing the candidate’s general awareness and analytical understanding of socio-political dynamics.

HCS Mains Optional Subjects List (Choose ONE)

Here is a list of HCS Mains Optional Subjects List; 

How to Prepare HCS Mains Exam?

Understand the Syllabus: Read the syllabus thoroughly for English, Hindi, General Studies, and your chosen Optional Subject. Break it into manageable weekly targets.

Focus on Compulsory Papers: Practice essays, precis writing, comprehension, and grammar for both English and Hindi regularly to build strong language skills.

Master General Studies: Cover core topics like Modern History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Science & Technology, and Current Affairs. Use NCERTs, standard books, and newspapers (like The Hindu, Indian Express).

Choose the Right Optional Subject: Select a subject you’re familiar with or interested in. Go through past papers and standard reference materials.

Practice Answer Writing Daily: Simulate exam-like conditions, focus on clear structure (Intro–Body–Conclusion), and review your answers to improve writing quality.

Revise Regularly: Make concise notes weekly to retain facts and key concepts.

Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and state-specific issues, especially those related to Haryana.

Check Out HCS Mains Test Series

HCS Mains Study Material & Books

      English & Hindi

• Wren & Martin – High School English Grammar
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
• NCERT Hindi Grammar (Class 9–12)
• Hindi Nibandh Mala

      General Studies

• NCERT Books (Class 6–12) – History, Polity, Geography, Economics, Science
• Laxmikanth – Indian Polity
• Spectrum – Modern Indian History
• Nitin Singhania – Indian Art & Culture
• Economic Survey & Budget Highlights (latest)
• PIB, Yojana, Kurukshetra magazines

    Optional Subjects

• Refer to standard university-level textbooks or UPSC-specific books for each subject.
• Use IGNOU notes or NIOS material where applicable.
• Solve previous year HCS/UPSC Mains questions in the optional subject.

Check OUT UPSC Akhada HCS Mains PYQ Book

HCS Mains Daily Answer Writing

Daily Answer Writing Strategy (30–60 mins/day)Pick 1–2 Topics Daily

• Choose from General Studies or your Optional Subject
• Rotate between subjects weekly for balanced coverage.

Write 2–3 Answers Daily

• Word Limit: 150–200 words for short answers, 250–300 for long answers
• Time Limit: 15–20 minutes per answer

Enroll HCS Mains Daily Answer Writing 2025

Conclusion

The HCS Mains 2025 requires thorough preparation, discipline, and regular practice. By understanding the syllabus in detail, following a structured study plan, and focusing on daily answer writing, you can significantly improve your chances of success. Be consistent with your preparation, stay updated on current affairs, and focus on strengthening both your knowledge and writing skills. Good luck with your preparation for the HCS Mains 2025.

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