Access the official HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026 for both General Studies (GS) and CSAT papers here. Review the marking scheme and exam difficulty level to evaluate your performance in this year's assessment.
The Haryana HCS (Executive Branch) & Other Allied Services Preliminary Examination 2026 took place on 26th April 2026, drawing thousands of registered candidates. With the exam now concluded, we have provided the official HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026 to help aspirants analyze the testing standards set by the commission.
HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026 Out
The HPSC Prelims 2026 comprised two objective-type papers: General Studies and CSAT. Each paper was allotted 2 hours to challenge candidates' conceptual knowledge and analytical reasoning. While the General Studies paper determines the merit list ranking, the CSAT paper serves as a mandatory qualifying hurdle.
Candidates who appeared for today's exam have reviewed the General Studies and CSAT papers as being of an easy to moderate difficulty level.
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting Body | Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) |
| Exam Name | HCS (Ex. Br.) & Other Allied Services Examination 2025–26 |
| Total Vacancies | 102 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 26th April 2026 (Sunday) |
| Shift Timings | Paper I (General Studies)- 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Paper II (CSAT)- 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR-based Objective Type) |
HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026 PDF (GS Paper 1)
The General Studies paper, held on 26th April 2026 from 10 am to 12 noon, is available below. Download the official PDF to review the specific questions asked in GS Paper 1.
| Subject | English PDF | Hindi PDF |
| General Studies | Question Paper PDF | Question Paper PDF |
HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026 PDF (CSAT Paper 2)
As CSAT is a qualifying paper, candidates must secure at least 33% (33 marks out of 100) to qualify for the merit-based selection process. Download the question paper PDF via the link below to evaluate the specific topics covered in the HPSC HCS exam held on 26th April.
HPSC HCS Prelims 26 April Exam Analysis 2026
Based on insights gathered from exam centers, here is a preliminary analysis of the question paper:
| Papers | Difficulty Level | Analysis |
| General Studies (Paper I) | Easy to Moderate | The paper was reported to be of moderate difficulty, consistent with previous years. Questions on Haryana GK and Current Affairs carried significant weightage. Topics from History, Polity, and Economy had a strong presence. A few questions on Science and Environment were also included. |
| Paper 2 | Easy to Moderate | Most candidates found the reading comprehension and reasoning sections manageable. Arithmetic-based questions required careful calculation. With a qualifying benchmark of just 33%, most serious candidates were expected to clear this paper. |
HPSC HCS General Studies Review
The General Studies paper in the HPSC HCS Prelims 2026 covers a comprehensive range of subjects, including:
- General Science — Basic concepts of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Current Events — National and International importance
- History of India and the Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography — Physical, Social, Economic
- Indian Culture and Heritage
- Indian Polity and Governance — Constitution, political system, panchayati raj
- Indian Economy — Planning, economic development, agriculture
- Haryana General Knowledge (GK) — History, culture, geography, and current affairs of Haryana
HPSC HCS CSAT Review
The CSAT paper evaluates candidate proficiency in the following key areas:
- Comprehension — Reading and understanding passages
- Interpersonal Skills — Communication and decision-making
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy — Numbers, arithmetic, data interpretation
- English Language Comprehension Skills
HPSC HCS 2026 Prelims Question Paper Structure
The HPSC HCS Preliminary Examination 2026 format consists of two objective-type papers:
Paper I — General Studies
- Total Questions: 100 MCQs
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 2 Hours (10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon)
- Nature: Merit-based (considered for shortlisting)
- Medium: Bilingual (English and Hindi)
Paper II — CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- Total Questions: 100 MCQs
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 2 Hours (03:00 PM to 05:00 PM)
- Nature: Qualifying (minimum 33% required)
- Medium: Bilingual (English and Hindi)
Benefits of Solving HPSC HCS Question Paper 2026
For those preparing for future HPSC HCS Prelims, solving Previous Year Questions (PYQs) is an essential strategy. Top rankers consistently emphasize that PYQs are the best way to decode the exam pattern, recurring topics, and question difficulty. Here is why analyzing the 26th April paper is crucial for your preparation:
For Candidates Who Appeared Today:
- Cross-check your answers against available unofficial keys to estimate your score.
- Identify which sections were easier or harder than past papers.
- Use the paper as a benchmark to understand where you stand.
For Future Aspirants:
- Many topics are repeated, directly or indirectly, every year in the HCS Prelims, especially in Polity, History, Geography, and Haryana GK. Online Result
- Understanding today’s paper will give next year’s aspirants an edge in prioritising their preparation.
FAQs
What are the minimum qualifying marks for HPSC HCS CSAT Paper?
To pass the CSAT paper, candidates are required to achieve a minimum of 33% qualifying marks.
What's Next After HPSC HCS Prelims 2026?
Candidates who successfully clear the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Mains Written Examination, currently scheduled for 27th June to 29th June 2026.
Also Read:
- HPSC HCS Prelims Result 2026 Out: Download Merit List & Marks PDF at hpsc.gov.in
- HPSC HCS Prelims Answer Key 2026 Released: Download Official PDF (Paper 1 & 2)
- HPSC ADA Admit Card 2026: Download Hall Ticket Starting June 25 at hpsc.gov.in
- HPSC HCS Mains Admit Card 2026 Released: Direct Link to Download Hall Ticket @ hpsc.gov.in
- HPSC AE Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: Civil Engineering Study Guide
- HPSC Veterinary Surgeon Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 162 Vacancies