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Two objective-type (MCQ) papers, bilingual (English & Hindi), 2 hours each, with 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer.
Paper
Subject
Marks
Paper I
General Studies
100
Paper II
CSAT (qualifying)
100
Only Paper I marks count for shortlisting. Minimum 33% required in CSAT to qualify. Candidates equal to 12 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for Mains.
Important Note: Each question has 5 options (A–E). Candidates must darken E if not attempting a question. Leaving more than 10% of questions without darkening any circle leads to disqualification.
Paper I: General Studies Syllabus
General Science – Everyday scientific understanding expected of a generally educated person, without requiring specialised knowledge.
Current Affairs – Significant national and international events of importance.
History of India & National Movement – Broad understanding of India’s social, economic, and political history; nature of 19th-century resurgence; growth of nationalism and attainment of independence.
Indian & World Geography – Physical, social, and economic geography of India; key features of Indian agriculture and natural resources; broader world geography.
Indian Culture, Polity & Economy – India’s political system and Constitution; Panchayati Raj; social systems; economic developments in India.
General Mental Ability – Reasoning and analytical thinking.
Haryana – Economy & People : Social, economic, and cultural institutions, and languages of Haryana.
Paper II: CSAT Syllabus (Qualifying – 33% required)
Comprehension, interpersonal and communication skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy (Class X level), and data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables – Class X level).
Stage II: Mains Written Examination (Total: 600 Marks)
The HCS Mains has been revamped to mirror the UPSC Civil Services pattern. The optional subject has been removed and four separate General Studies papers introduced, including a new Ethics paper.
Paper
Subject
Marks
Duration
Paper I
English & English Essay
100
3 hours
Paper II
Hindi & Hindi Essay (Devanagari)
100
3 hours
Paper III
General Studies – I
100
3 hours
Paper IV
General Studies – II
100
3 hours
Paper V
General Studies – III
100
3 hours
Paper VI
General Studies – IV
100
3 hours
Answers may be written in Hindi or English (except language papers). Minimum 45% overall and 33% each in Hindi and English papers required to qualify for the Personality Test.
Paper I: English & English Essay
Tests reading comprehension, précis writing, essay composition, vocabulary, and general grammar. Essays must stay on topic, be logically structured, and demonstrate precise expression.
Paper II: Hindi & Hindi Essay (Devanagari Script)
Covers translation of English passages into Hindi, letter and précis writing, explanation of Hindi prose and poetry passages, composition (idioms and corrections), and essay writing on a given topic.
Paper III: General Studies – I
Indian Heritage, History & Geography
Indian art, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times
Modern Indian history from the mid-18th century — key events and personalities
Freedom struggle: stages and contributions from across the country
Post-independence consolidation and reorganisation of states
World history from the 18th century: industrial revolution, world wars, colonisation, decolonisation, and major political ideologies
Indian society: diversity, women’s roles, population issues, poverty, urbanisation, and globalisation’s effects
Social empowerment: communalism, regionalism, and secularism
World physical geography; natural resource distribution; industrial location factors
Geophysical events: earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, cyclones; changes in water bodies, ice caps, flora, and fauna
Haryana-specific issues
Paper IV: General Studies – II
Governance, Constitution, Polity & International Relations
Indian Constitution: evolution, core features, amendments, and basic structure
Federalism: Union-State responsibilities, devolution of power and finances
Separation of powers; dispute resolution mechanisms
Comparison of India’s Constitution with other countries
Parliament and State Legislatures: structure, powers, and functioning
Executive and Judiciary: organisation and role; ministries; pressure groups
Representation of People’s Act; constitutional posts and bodies
Statutory and quasi-judicial bodies; government development policies
Role of NGOs, SHGs, and civil society in development
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections; social sector issues (health, education, human resources)
Poverty and hunger; governance transparency, e-governance, and citizen charters
Role of civil services in a democracy
India’s neighbourhood relations; bilateral, regional, and global agreements
Impact of global politics on India; key international institutions
Haryana-specific issues
Paper V: General Studies – III
Technology, Economy, Environment & Security
Indian economy: planning, resource mobilisation, growth, and employment
Science and technology in everyday life; Indian achievements in S&T; indigenous technology
IT, space, computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, intellectual property rights
Environmental conservation, pollution, degradation, and impact assessment
Disaster management
Internal security: extremism, role of media, social networks, cyber security, money laundering
Border management; organised crime and terrorism linkages
Security forces and their mandates
Haryana-specific issues
Paper VI: General Studies – IV
Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude
Ethics in human life: its dimensions, consequences, and role in public and private relationships; lessons from great leaders and reformers; role of family and educational institutions in value formation
Attitude: its formation, influence on behaviour, and social dimensions
Civil service values: integrity, impartiality, objectivity, empathy, and compassion toward weaker sections
Emotional intelligence and its use in governance
Contributions of moral thinkers from India and the world
Public service ethics: dilemmas, accountability, RTI, codes of conduct, citizen charters, work culture, anti-corruption measures
Probity in governance: transparency, proper use of public funds, ethical governance
Case studies on all the above themes
Stage III: Personality Test / Viva-Voce (75 Marks)
Assesses mental alertness, analytical thinking, depth of interest, leadership qualities, social traits, and intellectual and moral integrity.
Final Selection
The merit list is prepared out of a grand total of 675 marks (600 Mains + 75 Interview). In case of a tie, the older candidate is ranked higher.
