Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Recruitment 2026 Notification Released: Apply for SDM, DSP, Excise Officer & Other Posts

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has officially released the notification for the prestigious Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Examination 2026. This recruitment drive aims to fill various senior administrative positions in the state, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Excise & Taxation Officer, Assistant Registrar, and other allied services. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website hpsc.gov.in.

The Preliminary Examination is scheduled for 26 April 2026, and the Main Examination will be conducted from 27 June to 29 June 2026.

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HCS 2026: Post Details & Career Path

This examination is conducted to recruit candidates for the Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) and other allied services. Successful candidates will be appointed to Group-A and Group-B posts in the Haryana State Administration.

Key Posts to be Filled:

• Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)

• Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

• Excise & Taxation Officer

• Assistant Registrar (Co-operative Societies)

• Block Development & Panchayat Officer (BDPO)

• Traffic Manager

• And other administrative positions

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HCS 2026: Educational Qualification

• Essential: A Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline (BA, B.Sc, B.Com, etc.) from a recognized university.

• Final Year Candidates: Those appearing in the final year examination are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of passing before the Main examination.

Additional Requirement for DSP Post:
Candidates applying for the DSP position must meet the following Physical Standards:

Note: Physical measurement is mandatory only for candidates applying for the DSP post.

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HCS 2026: Age Limit (as on 01 January 2026)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years

• Maximum Age: 42 Years (General Category)

Special Age Limit for DSP:

• Maximum age for DSP post: 27 Years (as on 01 January 2026)

Age Relaxation:

• SC/ST/BC/EBP Candidates of Haryana: 5 years

• Women Candidates (General): 3 years

• Women Candidates (SC/ST/BC/EBP of Haryana): 8 years

• Ex-Servicemen: Deduction of military service period from actual age

• PwD Candidates: 10 years (up to 52 years for General, 57 years for SC/ST/BC)

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HCS 2026: Application Fee

Payment Mode: Online through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.

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HCS 2026: Salary Structure

Selected candidates will receive salaries as per the 7th Pay Commission:

Includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance, and other government benefits.

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HCS 2026: Selection Process

The selection comprises three rigorous stages:

1. Preliminary Examination: Objective type screening test (Qualifying only)

2. Main Examination: Descriptive written examination

3. Interview/Personality Test: Final selection round

Only candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Exam will be eligible to appear for the Main Exam. Final selection is based on combined marks of Main Exam and Interview.

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HCS 2026: Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination

• Date: 26 April 2026

• Type: Objective (MCQs)

• Papers: 2

• Duration: 2 hours each (Total 4 hours)

• Total Marks: 200 (100 per paper)

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer

*CSAT is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% required). Marks of Paper-I are considered for Prelims cutoff.*

Stage 2: Main Examination

• Dates: 27 to 29 June 2026

• Type: Descriptive (Conventional)

• Papers: 5 Compulsory + 1 Optional Subject (2 papers)

• Duration: 3 hours per paper

• Total Marks: 600

Compulsory Papers (500 Marks):

1. English (Essay & Comprehension) – 100 Marks

2. Hindi (Essay & Comprehension) – 100 Marks

3. General Studies-I – 100 Marks

4. General Studies-II – 100 Marks

5. General Studies-III – 100 Marks

Optional Subject (100 Marks): Choose one subject from the prescribed list (2 papers of 50 marks each)

Stage 3: Interview/Personality Test

• Marks: 75

• Final selection based on: Main Exam (600) + Interview (75) = Total 675 Marks

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How to Apply Online for HCS 2026?

1. Visit Official Website: hpsc.gov.in

2. Find Notification: Click on “Recruitment” → “HCS Examination 2026”

3. New Registration: Click “Apply Online” and register with basic details

4. Login: Use Registration ID and Password

5. Fill Application: Enter personal, educational, and post preference details

6. Upload Documents:

   • Recent passport photo (JPEG, < 50KB)

   • Signature (JPEG, < 30KB)

   • Left thumb impression (JPEG, < 30KB)

   • Handwritten declaration (JPEG, < 50KB)

7. Pay Fee: Complete online payment

8. Submit & Print: Final submit and take printout of application

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Important Dates

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Documents Required

1. 10th Certificate (Date of Birth)

2. 12th Marksheet & Certificate

3. Graduation Marksheets & Degree

4. Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable)

5. Haryana Domicile Certificate

6. EWS Certificate (if applicable)

7. PwD Certificate (if applicable)

8. Ex-Servicemen Certificate (if applicable)

9. Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID)

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Preparation Strategy

1. Understand Syllabus: Thoroughly study HPSC prescribed syllabus

2. Current Affairs: Focus on national, international, and Haryana-specific news

3. Standard Books: NCERTs (Class 6-12) for basics, standard reference books

4. Previous Papers: Analyze last 5 years’ question papers

5. Mock Tests: Regular practice for Prelims and answer writing for Mains

6. Optional Subject: Choose carefully based on interest and scoring potential

7. Interview Preparation: Develop personality, communication skills, and awareness

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the last date to apply for HCS 2026?
Ans: The last date will be announced in the official notification, typically 30-35 days from the release date.

Q2. Is the HCS exam similar to UPSC?
Ans: Yes, the pattern is similar with Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages, but the syllabus is more focused on Haryana.

Q3. Can candidates from other states apply?
Ans: Yes, but they won’t get reservation benefits and need to check specific eligibility for certain posts.

Q4. How many attempts are allowed?
Ans: There’s no restriction on attempts as long as candidates meet age criteria.

Q5. What is the success rate in HCS?
Ans: Typically less than 1%, making it one of the most competitive state civil service exams.

Q6. Is coaching necessary for HCS?
Ans: While not mandatory, guidance helps in systematic preparation.

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About HPSC

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) is the constitutional body responsible for recruiting candidates for various civil services and posts in the state government. Established in 1966, it ensures fair and transparent selection through competitive examinations.

This is a golden opportunity for graduates aiming for administrative careers in Haryana. With strategic preparation and dedicated effort, candidates can achieve success in this prestigious examination. Start your preparation early and stay consistent.