HSSC CET Phase 2 Group C Recruitment 2026: Notification for 3367 Vacancies

HSSC CET Phase-II Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) has released a major recruitment notification, Advertisement No. 04/2026, to fill a vast number of Group C posts across various departments of the Haryana Government. This recruitment drive, known as CET Phase-II, is exclusively for candidates who have already qualified the Common Eligibility Test (CET) conducted under Advt. No. 01/2025. With a total of 3367 vacancies spread across roles like MPHW, Nurse, Radiographer, Forest Guard, Junior Engineer, and more, this is a significant opportunity for eligible candidates to secure a government job in Haryana. The application process is entirely online, and notably, no application fee is required for this phase.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

Candidates must be CET-qualified (Advt. 01/2025, Group-C) to be eligible to apply for these posts. The essential age limit is 18 to 42 years, with standard relaxations for reserved categories as per Haryana government rules, subject to a maximum ceiling of 52 years. The selection will be based on the candidate's performance in a post-specific written/skill examination, for which shortlisting will be done based on their CET score. It is crucial for applicants to carefully choose their post preferences during the application process, as preferences once submitted are final. All educational and category certificates must be valid as of the closing date, 23rd February 2026.

About Important Dates

The timeline for this recruitment is tight and strictly defined. The 9-day window from 9th to 23rd February 2026 is the only opportunity to submit your online application. A critical point for candidates to note is that no correction window is provided after submission. This makes it imperative to fill the form with absolute accuracy the first time. All eligibility criteria, including age, educational qualifications, and category certificate validity, will be calculated as of the closing date, i.e., 23.02.2026. The exam and admit card dates will be communicated later, so candidates must regularly monitor the official HSSC website for updates after applying.

About Application Fees

In a significant relief to applicants, the Haryana Staff Selection Commission has announced that no application fee is required for this specific recruitment advertisement (Advt. No. 04/2026). This applies uniformly to candidates of all categories—General, SC, BC, EWS, and PwBD. It removes a potential financial barrier and simplifies the application process. However, it is vital to understand that this fee waiver is only for this post-CET application phase. Candidates had to pay a one-time fee while registering for the initial Common Eligibility Test (CET) under Advt. 01/2025, which remains valid for three years.

About the Age Limit and Relaxations

The age policy for this recruitment is governed by detailed Haryana government instructions. The standard age bracket is 18-42 years, but the notification provides a comprehensive set of relaxations for different categories. A crucial rule is the overall upper cap of 52 years, which applies after adding all permissible relaxations (like for SC, BC, PwBD, etc.), except for the unique calculation method for Ex-Servicemen. For example, a candidate from the SC category can get 5 years relaxation, and if they are also a PwBD, they may get an additional 10 years, but their final age must not exceed 52 years. Candidates claiming relaxation for ad-hoc service must provide valid proof, and this benefit can be availed only once in a career.

About Post-Wise Eligibility

Each of the 27 post categories has specific essential educational and professional qualifications that must be met as of the closing date. A universal requirement for all posts is having Hindi or Sanskrit as a subject in Matriculation or a higher examination. Beyond this, qualifications vary from 10+2 with vocational training for MPHW roles to professional degrees like B.Sc Nursing, B.Tech, or LL.B. for specialized posts. It is imperative for candidates to not only possess the required degree/diploma but also ensure it is from an institution recognized by the concerned statutory body (e.g., AICTE for engineering, State Nursing Council for nursing). Misinterpreting experience requirements or lacking mandatory registration (like with the Haryana Nurses Council) are common reasons for rejection.

About the Unique Exam Pattern

The examination pattern for this recruitment has a distinctive feature regarding negative marking. Unlike typical exams that penalize wrong answers, this test deducts marks for questions left blank. If a candidate does not wish to attempt a question, they must darken a dedicated fifth bubble (often marked 'X' or 'Not Attempted'). Failure to darken any bubble for a question results in a 1-mark deduction. This system encourages candidates to make a conscious choice for every question. The qualifying marks are set at 50% for General category and 40% for all reserved categories (vertical and horizontal), providing a standardized benchmark for all posts.

About the Syllabus and Preparation Strategy

The syllabus is strategically divided to assess both general aptitude and job-specific knowledge. The 70% subject-specific portion is the most critical and requires focused preparation based on the candidate's chosen post group. For instance, a candidate applying for a Junior Engineer (Civil) post must thoroughly study the Civil Engineering diploma-level syllabus outlined for Group 7. The 20% general section tests awareness and reasoning, while the 10% computer section evaluates basic digital literacy. Candidates should prioritize the 70% professional syllabus but not neglect the 30% common section, as it can significantly impact the final score. Using previous years' question papers and the official syllabus outline is the best preparation approach.

Beyond the standard details, this HSSC notification includes several critical operational and compliance-related points that can make or break a candidate's application.

Strict Adherence to Certificate Validity Dates

A common pitfall for candidates is presenting category certificates that are not valid as per the advertisement's specific cut-off dates. For BCA/BCB and EWS, the certificate must be issued on or after 1st April 2025 and on or before 23rd February 2026. For the newly introduced DSC/OSC sub-categories, the certificate must be issued after 13th November 2024. For family members of Ex-Servicemen, the Eligibility Certificate must be issued/renewed on or after 10th February 2025. Using an expired or pre-dated certificate, even if valid in a general sense, will lead to automatic rejection. Candidates must proactively get their certificates renewed to meet these exact date conditions.

Critical Warnings Regarding Exam Conduct and Debarment

The notification outlines a strict code of conduct with severe penalties for violations. Possession of a mobile phone (even switched off) inside the exam hall leads to 5 years of debarment from all HSSC exams and potential legal action under the Haryana Public Examination Act. Similarly, attempts at impersonation, damaging OMR sheets, using unfair means, or threatening staff attract debarment periods ranging from 2 to 5 years. The commission uses biometric verification, and any mismatch can be treated as impersonation. Candidates must understand that these rules are rigorously enforced to ensure fairness, and ignorance is not an excuse.

The Finality of Post Preferences and Application Data

This recruitment operates on a preference-based system for post allocation. The choices you make during the online application are final and binding. There is no option to change them later. If you are selected for a higher preference post but are found ineligible during document verification, you will not be automatically considered for your next preference; that seat will go to another candidate. Therefore, it is vital to only select posts for which you are unequivocally eligible and to prioritize them according to your true preference. Furthermore, after the final submission of the online form, no request for correction in any detail will be entertained under any circumstances.

1. I have not given the CET. Can I apply for these Group C posts?

No. This recruitment (Advt. 04/2026) is exclusively for candidates who have already qualified the Common Eligibility Test (CET) conducted under HSSC Advt. No. 01/2025. Without a valid CET score, you are not eligible to apply.

2. Is there any application fee for this advertisement?

No. The Haryana Staff Selection Commission has clearly stated that no application fee is required from any candidate for applying to any post under Advertisement No. 04/2026.

3. My BCA Non-Creamy Layer certificate was issued in March 2025. Is it valid?

No, it is not valid. For this recruitment, the BCA/BCB NCL certificate must be issued on or after 1st April 2025. A certificate issued in March 2025 is before the cut-off date and will be rejected. You must obtain a fresh certificate.

4. What is the negative marking scheme in the written exam?

There is no negative marking for a wrong answer. However, if you leave a question completely blank (without darkening the designated 'Not Attempted' bubble), 1 mark will be deducted for that unattempted question.

5. Can I apply for posts in multiple groups, like MPHW and Junior Engineer?

Yes, you can apply for multiple posts provided you meet the separate eligibility criteria for each post/group. You will need to indicate your preferences for all eligible posts during the single online application process.

6. Is there a physical test for the Forest Guard post?

The notification specifies the physical standards (height, chest, walking test) for the Forest Guard post. Candidates will likely have to clear a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) based on these standards, the details of which will be announced later.

7. I am an Ex-Serviceman from Punjab. Can I claim the ESM quota in Haryana?

To avail the Ex-Serviceman reservation in Haryana, you must be a bonafide resident of Haryana and possess a valid domicile certificate. ESM candidates from other states are treated as General category candidates for Haryana recruitments.

8. What happens if my uploaded documents are unclear?

It is the candidate's responsibility to upload clear, legible, and complete scanned copies of all documents. If any uploaded document is illegible, incomplete, or mismatched with the original during verification, your candidature is liable to be cancelled.

9. How will the final merit list be prepared?

The final merit will be based solely on the marks obtained in the written/skill examination conducted for this recruitment. The CET score is used only for initial shortlisting to call candidates for this exam.

10. Is there any correction window after submitting the application?

No. The notification explicitly states that no correction window will be provided after the final submission of the online application form. Candidates must review all details carefully before clicking the final submit button.

11. What is the salary for a Staff Nurse post?

The Staff Nurse post is in Functional Pay Level 7 (FPL-7) of the Haryana Pay Matrix. The exact salary will include basic pay plus applicable allowances like DA and HRA, as per the state government rules prevailing at the time of appointment.

12. My category is SC. Should I apply under DSC or OSC?

You must apply under the specific sub-category (Deprived SC or Other SC) as mentioned on your caste certificate issued by the competent authority of Haryana after 13.11.2024. The certificate must clearly state "DSC" or "OSC".

13. Can I use a scribe for the written exam?

Yes, candidates with benchmark disabilities of 40% and above who need a scribe must submit Annexure-VI (Medical Certificate) and Annexure-VII (Undertaking for own scribe) at the time of examination, as per the rules.

14. Where will the exam centers be located?

The examination centers will be located across Haryana. The exact venue details will be mentioned on the admit card, which will be available for download from the official HSSC website in due course.

15. If selected, can I be transferred to any department in Haryana?

No. Your appointment will be specifically for the post and department you are selected for, as mentioned in the advertisement (e.g., Nurse in DMER, JE in Police Housing Corporation). Transfers are governed by the respective department's service rules post-appointment.