HPSC HCS (Executive Branch) & Allied Services Recruitment 2026 – 102 Posts Detailed Notification

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has released a major recruitment notification for the year 2026, inviting online applications for a total of 102 prestigious posts under Group A and Group B services of the Haryana Government. This comprehensive recruitment drive covers a wide spectrum of administrative, police, and revenue services, including the coveted Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO), and various other Tehsildar and Naib Tehsildar posts. For aspirants seeking a stable and respectable career in the Haryana government, this notification presents a significant opportunity. The selection process is thorough, involving a preliminary screening exam, a main written examination, and a personality test, ensuring that only the most capable candidates are selected for these important roles.

It is crucial for candidates to understand that eligibility for all posts hinges on possessing a basic Bachelor's degree from a recognized university, as per the HCS Rules of 2008. There are no specific stream or percentage requirements mentioned, making a wide pool of graduates eligible. However, strict adherence to age limits, domicile requirements for reserved posts, and physical standards for the DSP post are mandatory. The entire application process is online, and candidates must meticulously follow the guidelines regarding document uploads and fee payment. With the first stage (Preliminary Exam) tentatively scheduled for late April 2026, aspirants have a clear timeline to prepare systematically for this competitive examination.

The timeline for the HPSC HCS and other services recruitment 2026 is clearly outlined, with a three-week window for application submission. The entire process, from the release of the notification to the tentative date of the personality test, spans over eight months. The most critical date for applicants is 26th February 2026, 5:00 PM. This is the absolute deadline for completing the online application, depositing the application fee, and uploading the mandatory signed printout of the application form. The commission is strict about deadlines, and the online portal is likely to close exactly at the stipulated time, with no exceptions for last-minute submissions. Candidates should also note that the age and educational qualification will be reckoned as of this closing date.

A common pitfall is confusing the application closing date with the last date for eligibility. Remember, your age and qualifications must be valid as of 26.02.2026. Furthermore, the Preliminary Exam is tentatively scheduled for 26th April 2026, giving shortlisted candidates about two months to prepare after the application window closes. The Main Exam is planned for a three-day window in late June 2026, and the final Personality Test/Viva-Voce is expected in August or September 2026. Candidates should mark these tentative dates in their calendars and begin their preparation in a phased manner. It is advisable not to wait for the last day to apply, as technical glitches or server issues on the final day could jeopardize your application.

The application process commences on 6th February 2026 when the online registration portal on the HPSC website (http://hpsc.gov.in) becomes active. This is not just a form-filling exercise; it is a four-stage process that requires careful attention. The first step involves registration using your mobile number and Aadhaar details. It is imperative to ensure that your Aadhaar data is up-to-date, as it may be used for biometric verification later. Upon registration, you will receive credentials to log in and access the main application form. This form will have multiple sections requiring personal, educational, and category-related details. A critical task at this stage is to have all necessary documents—scanned copies of your photograph, signature, degrees, caste certificate (if applicable), domicile, etc.—ready in the prescribed format. Rushing to create these scans after starting the application can lead to errors or submission of poor-quality files.

Many candidates make the mistake of treating the application as a simple data entry job. However, the information you provide here is the basis for your entire candidature. Any discrepancy between the details entered (like name spelling, date of birth, parent's name) and your official documents can lead to rejection at any stage, even after clearing the exams. Therefore, use this time from the notification date (30th Jan) to the application start date (6th Feb) to gather and verify all your certificates. Double-check the specifics of your Bachelor's degree—the university name, year of passing, and degree name must match your marksheet exactly. Starting the application early also allows you to seek clarification on any doubts via the official helpline well before the deadline.

The deadline of 26th February 2026 at 5:00 PM is absolute and multi-faceted. It is the last moment to: 1) Submit your completed online application form, 2) Successfully complete the online fee payment through net banking, debit card, or credit card, and 3) Upload the mandatory signed printout/PDF of your application form. The notification explicitly warns that applications without the uploaded signed copy will be rejected. This means you must take a printout of the final submitted form, physically sign it in the designated space, scan it, and then upload it back to the portal—all before 5 PM on the 26th. This step is often overlooked in the final rush, leading to automatic rejection.

Another crucial aspect tied to this date is the validity of your supporting documents. For instance, caste certificates for SC/BC candidates must be issued on or after 13th November 2024. EWS and BC-Non Creamy Layer certificates must be valid for the financial year 2025-26 and issued after 1st April 2025. If you submit a certificate that is outdated or issued after the closing date (26.02.2026), it will be considered invalid. The fee payment confirmation should also be completed well in advance. Do not wait until 4:55 PM to initiate payment, as bank transaction delays or gateway issues could result in an unpaid status, rendering your application incomplete. Treat 5:00 PM on the 25th as your personal deadline to ensure a buffer for any unforeseen issues.

The age limit for HPSC recruitment 2026 varies by post and is calculated as of 1st January 2026. This is a crucial detail: your age on the 1st of January 2026 determines your eligibility, not your age on the date of application or exam. For most posts (like HCS, ETO, Tehsildar), the general age limit is 18 to 42 years. However, for the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) post, the limit is stricter, at 18 to 27 years. This means a candidate must have been born not earlier than 2nd January 1984 and not later than 1st January 2008 for general posts (42-year limit), and not later than 1st January 2009 for DSP (27-year limit).

The notification provides extensive age relaxation for various categories, which can be cumulative in some cases but is subject to an overall maximum cap of 52 years. For example, an SC candidate from Haryana gets a relaxation of +5 years. If that candidate is also a woman eligible for the women-specific relaxation, she may get an additional benefit. However, it is critical to read the fine print: the relaxation for ad-hoc/contract workers is equivalent to the years of service, and for Ex-Servicemen, it is the period of military service plus three years. All these relaxations are applicable only if supported by valid certificates uploaded during application. Candidates must calculate their age after applying all eligible relaxations to ensure they fall within the permissible limit.

The educational qualification for all 102 posts under this HPSC recruitment is uniform and straightforward: a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university. As per Rule 12(2)(b) of the HCS (Executive Branch) and other Allied Services Rules, 2008, any Bachelor's degree such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., or an equivalent qualification is acceptable. Notably, the notification does not specify any minimum percentage, particular stream of graduation, or requirement for a Master's degree. This broad criterion opens the door for a vast number of graduates across disciplines to apply. The eligibility of your degree will be reckoned as of the closing date for applications, i.e., 26th February 2026. This means you must have passed your final year examination and possess the degree certificate or provisional certificate on or before this date.

While the requirement seems simple, candidates must pay attention to the "recognized university" clause. Degrees obtained through distance education are acceptable only if the university is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). It is advisable to check the UGC list if in doubt. Furthermore, candidates who are in their final year and whose results are awaited are not eligible, as they must possess the degree by the closing date. Apart from the degree, there is a mandatory requirement to have passed Matriculation (10th class) as it serves as the primary proof of date of birth. For the DSP post, in addition to the degree, candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards (height and chest measurements for males, height for females). These standards are non-negotiable, and a medical fitness certificate as per Appendix-C will be required.

The HPSC has announced a total of 102 vacancies distributed across 10 different services. These include Group A posts like Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and several Group B posts like Excise & Taxation Officer (ETO), District Food & Supplies Controller (DFSC), and 'A' Class Tehsildar. The vacancies are further distributed among various reservation categories as per Haryana government policy. It is important to note that the total number of vacancies is "liable to variation," meaning the final number may be slightly different at the time of appointment. The commission will shortlist candidates in a ratio of 12 times the number of vacancies for the Main Exam and 3 times for the Personality Test.

Analyzing the vacancy table reveals key opportunities. The HCS (Ex. Br.) has 24 posts, making it the largest single cadre in this recruitment. ETO has 27 posts, and AETO (Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer) has 22 posts, indicating significant intake in the taxation department. The DSP has only 8 posts, making it highly competitive. Candidates should also note the horizontal reservations for Ex-Servicemen (ESM - 5 posts) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD - 7 posts, specifically for VH: Blind/Low Vision and HH: Deaf/Hard of Hearing). These horizontal reservations cut across vertical categories (like SC, BC, General). For example, a PwBD candidate who is also from the SC category will be considered against the SC vertical quota and also adjust the horizontal PwBD quota.

The detailed vacancy matrix provides a clear picture of vertical and horizontal reservations. Vertically, vacancies are reserved for Scheduled Castes of Haryana (DSC Hry & OSC Hry), Backward Classes (BC-A & BC-B), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). Horizontally, reservations are for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). A critical rule is that reserved posts (for SC/BC/EWS) will be filled only by candidates who are domiciles of Haryana. General (UR) category posts are open to all Indian citizens, but other state candidates will not get any age relaxation or fee concession.

For example, out of 24 HCS posts, 11 are for General (UR), 2 for DSC Hry, 2 for OSC Hry, 4 for BC-A, 2 for BC-B, and 3 for EWS. Additionally, horizontally, there is 1 vacancy reserved for ESM (from General pool) and 2 for PwBD (one for HH from General and one for HH from BC-B). This means a Deaf/Hard of Hearing (HH) candidate from the BC-B category can apply for the post reserved for PwBD (HH) which is horizontally reserved within the BC-B vertical quota. Candidates must carefully choose the correct category while applying, ensuring they possess the valid and latest certificate supporting their claim.

The official notification does not specify the exact pay scale, basic pay, or allowances for the advertised posts. It directs candidates to refer to the Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) and other Allied Services Rules, 2008, available on the official website csharyana.gov.in. However, based on prevailing government scales, Group A posts like HCS (Ex. Br.) and DSP typically fall in a higher pay level (like Level-10 and above of the 7th CPC pay matrix) with a handsome salary package including Basic Pay, Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other perks. Group B posts like ETO, Tehsildar, etc., also offer competitive salaries with all government benefits.

While the monetary compensation is attractive, the real value of these posts lies in job security, social prestige, authority, and the opportunity to contribute to public administration. Selected candidates will be governed by the rules and conditions of service applicable to the respective post. It is advisable for serious aspirants to visit the CS Haryana website and study the relevant service rules to understand the career progression, probation period, and other service conditions thoroughly before applying.

The Preliminary Exam is purely a screening test. Its marks are not added to the final merit. The exam consists of two objective-type papers (MCQs) to be held on the same day. Paper-I is General Studies (100 marks, 2 hours). Paper-II is the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (100 marks, 2 hours). It is mandatory to qualify in Paper-II by securing at least 33% marks. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. Furthermore, a critical rule states that if a candidate leaves more than 10% of the total questions unanswered, they may be disqualified. This is to prevent random guessing strategies. Only 12 times the number of advertised vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Examination based on marks in Paper-I, provided they have qualified in Paper-II.

The Main Exam is a conventional written (essay/descriptive) type examination consisting of six papers, each of 100 marks and 3 hours duration. The papers are: (1) English, (2) Hindi, (3) General Studies-I, (4) General Studies-II, (5) General Studies-III, and (6) General Studies-IV. Candidates must secure a minimum of 33% marks in both the English and Hindi papers. Furthermore, to be eligible for the Personality Test, a candidate must secure an aggregate of 45% in all six papers of the Main Exam (relaxable to 35% for PwBD candidates). The syllabus for the General Studies papers is extensive and will be available on the HPSC website. This stage tests the candidate's depth of understanding, analytical ability, and language skills.

Candidates who qualify in the Main Exam are called for the Personality Test (Viva-Voce) in a ratio of 3 times the number of vacancies. This stage carries 75 marks. The interview panel assesses the candidate's mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, intellectual and moral integrity, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for a career in public service. The final merit list is prepared by adding the marks obtained in the Main Exam (600) and the Personality Test (75), making a total of 675 marks. The service allocation (HCS, DSP, ETO, etc.) is then done based on this final merit rank and the candidate's preference of services, which is submitted after the Main Exam.

The HPSC notification includes stern warnings that candidates must heed to avoid disqualification. Firstly, no change in any detail is allowed after the final submission of the application. This includes category, name, photo, etc. Secondly, certificates issued after the closing date (26.02.2026) are invalid. Submitting fake or forged degrees will lead not just to rejection but to permanent debarment and possible prosecution. The use of mobile phones or any smart devices in the examination hall is strictly prohibited and will lead to debarment and criminal action under the Haryana Public Examination Act, 2021.

Applications will be auto-rejected if found incomplete, if the signed copy is not uploaded, if the fee is not paid, or if mandatory documents are missing. Submission of multiple applications for the same post can lead to the rejection of all applications; only the application with the highest application number may be considered. The commission's decision on eligibility, shortlisting, and selection will be final. There is no provision for withdrawal of the application after submission. Candidates are provisionally admitted to each stage; final eligibility is verified only after the Viva-Voce. Any false information or concealment of facts will result in cancellation of candidature at any stage.

Candidates must fulfill specific nationality criteria to be eligible for these posts. According to the official notification, the following categories are eligible to apply:
1. Citizen of India, OR
2. Subject of Nepal, OR
3. Subject of Bhutan, OR
4. Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling, OR
5. Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Important: Candidates belonging to categories (2), (3), (4), and (5) must possess a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India. This certificate must be produced at the time of document verification or interview. Failure to provide this certificate will lead to disqualification, even if the candidate has cleared all examination stages. Indian citizenship is the simplest and most straightforward eligibility; others must ensure their paperwork is complete and valid.

A Medical Fitness Certificate, as per Appendix-C of the HCS Rules, is mandatory for all selected candidates before their final appointment. This is particularly critical for the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) post and other field positions. The certificate must be issued by a Standing Medical Board constituted by the government. It is not required at the application or exam stage but becomes compulsory upon provisional selection, before joining.

The medical examination assesses overall fitness, visual acuity, hearing ability, and freedom from any disease or disability that may interfere with the efficient performance of duties. For DSP, it will specifically verify the declared physical standards (height, chest). Candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) selected against reserved posts will be assessed for their ability to perform the job with reasonable accommodation. Note: Provisional selection is contingent upon passing this medical examination. Any candidate found medically unfit will not be appointed, and the next candidate in the merit list will be considered.

In the event that two or more candidates secure equal total marks (Mains + Viva-Voce) in the final merit list, the Commission follows a specific tie-breaking rule to determine their ranking. This rule is explicitly stated in the notification and is crucial for final service allocation.

The Tie-Breaker Criteria are applied in the following order:
1. Higher Marks in Main Written Examination: The candidate with higher aggregate marks in the Main Examination (out of 600) will be ranked higher.
2. Older Age: If the tie persists even after comparing Mains marks, the older candidate will be placed higher in the merit list.

This rule underscores the importance of maximizing your score in the Main Exam, as it is the primary differentiator in a tie situation. Age is used as the final arbiter only when all else is equal. Candidates should be aware of this rule as it directly impacts their final rank and, consequently, their service preference fulfillment.

Correction & Clarification: Contrary to some assumptions, the preference for various services (HCS, DSP, ETO, etc.) MUST be indicated by the candidate at the time of filling the online application form itself. This is a critical step that cannot be modified or submitted later after the Main Exam.

You will be asked to rank the services in order of your preference during the application process. For example, you might rank 1 for HCS, 2 for DSP, 3 for ETO, and so on. This preference order is FINAL and binding. No request for change in service preference will be entertained after the final submission of the application.

The final allocation of posts is done based on your merit rank and this preference order. The candidate with the highest merit will be allocated their first preference. The next candidate will be allocated their highest preferred service that still has a vacancy, and so on. Therefore, choose your preferences wisely, considering your career goals, eligibility (like physical standards for DSP), and the competition level for each service.