The Haryana government has announced important changes to the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) examination. These new rules will change how candidates prepare for the state civil services. The updated exam pattern will apply to all HCS recruitment cycles announced after January 7, 2026 . This means students aiming for these government jobs will follow a revised structure and syllabus.
Overview of the HCS Exam
The HCS exam has three main stages: the Preliminary Examination (Prelims), the Main Examination (Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview). The new pattern focuses on testing a candidate's broad understanding of general knowledge and skills for government work.
New Exam Structure at a Glance
Here is a simple look at the revised marks and papers for the Prelims and Mains exams:
| Exam Stage | Total Marks | Number of Papers | Type of Questions |
| Preliminary Exam (Prelims) | 400 marks | 2 objective papers | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Main Examination (Mains) | 600 marks | 6 descriptive papers | Written answers (long form) |
Preliminary Examination Details
The HCS Preliminary Examination will now be for a total of 400 marks . It will have two objective-type question papers. Objective-type means questions will have multiple choice answers, and candidates pick the correct one. The Prelims exam works as a screening test. Candidates must score well to move to the Main Examination stage.
Subjects in Prelims:
- General Awareness: Knowledge about various subjects.
- Current National and International Events: Important news from India and around the world.
- Indian Government System and Economy: How India is governed and its economic situation.
- Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Testing logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Haryana-Specific Knowledge: History, geography, economy, and culture of Haryana state.
Main Examination Details
The Main Examination has been fully restructured to carry a total of 600 marks . This stage will have six compulsory descriptive papers. Descriptive papers require candidates to write detailed answers. Each of these six papers will be worth 100 marks , and candidates will have three hours to complete each paper.
Compulsory Papers in Mains:
- English Language paper
- Hindi Language paper
- Four General Studies papers
What the New General Studies Papers Cover:
The four General Studies papers in the Mains exam are designed to test a candidate's understanding of key areas important for a civil servant. These topics include:
- Society and Social Justice: Issues related to Indian society and fairness for all citizens.
- Governance and Constitutional Issues: How the government works and matters related to India's Constitution.
- Economic Development: Topics about the growth of the economy and related policies.
- Environment and Agriculture: Understanding environmental protection and farming practices.
- Science and Technology: Developments in science and technology.
- Ethics, Integrity, and Administrative Aptitude: Questions on moral values, honesty, and skills for administration.
No More Optional Subjects
One of the biggest changes is that optional subjects have been removed. In the past, candidates chose a specific subject for the Mains. Now, the exam will focus entirely on the comprehensive General Studies papers. This change aims to ensure all candidates are evaluated on common knowledge directly useful for public service roles.
The Final Step: Personality Test
Candidates who successfully pass the Main Examination will be called for a Personality Test, also known as an Interview. In this final stage, experts will check a candidate's overall personality, communication skills, mental alertness, and suitability for the civil services. This stage follows the existing selection rules.
