Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially announced the recruitment for the State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026, aimed at qualifying candidates for the position of Assistant Professor in universities and colleges across Himachal Pradesh. This comprehensive guide provides all pertinent details about the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, application procedure, examination pattern, and important dates to assist candidates in preparing and applying successfully.
HPPSC SET 2026: Official Recruitment Details
Overview of the Notification
The HPPSC SET 2026 examination serves as an eligibility test recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Successfully qualifying this test makes candidates eligible for recruitment as Assistant Professors within Himachal Pradesh’s higher education institutes. The exam will be conducted in offline mode across multiple examination centers in Himachal Pradesh.
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
| Post Name | State Eligibility Test (SET) for Assistant Professor |
| Total Subjects Available | 22 (e.g., Chemical Sciences, English, History, Education, Computer Science, etc.) |
| Start Date for Application | 03/01/2026 |
| Last Date for Application | 30/01/2026, till 11:59 PM |
| Official Website | http://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in |
| Examination Mode | Offline |
| Examination Centers | Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kangra at Dharamshala, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Nahan, Una, Kullu, Chamba |
| Result Notification | To be announced |
| Application Fee |
|
| Last Date to Submit Applications | 30/01/2026 (11:59 PM) |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | 03/01/2026 |
| Online Application Start | 03/01/2026 |
| Last Date for Submission | 30/01/2026, till 11:59 PM |
| Examination Date | To be notified in due course |
| Provisional Answer Keys Release | After examination completion |
| Objection Window | 5 days from answer key release |
| Result Declaration | To be announced on official website |
Eligilibility Criteria for HPPSC SET 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have secured the following minimum marks in their Master’s Degree from recognized UGC-approved universities:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved/General-EWS | 55% (without rounding off) |
| SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PWD of Himachal Pradesh | 50% (without rounding off) |
Additional Eligibility Conditions
- Master’s Degree must be in Humanities (including languages), Social Sciences, Computer Science & Applications, or recognized equivalent.
- Candidates pursuing their Master’s Degree or awaiting results can apply provisionally, provided they complete their degree within two years of the SET result date with the required percentage.
- Ph.D. degree holders whose Master’s examination was completed before 19th September 1991 are eligible for a 5% relaxation in marks, i.e., from 55% to 50%.
- The test is only valid for the subject in which the candidate has obtained their Master’s degree. If the subject is not listed in the SET subjects, candidates can appear for UGC-NET/Joint CSIR-UGC tests.
Age Limit
There is no age limit for appearing in the HPPSC SET 2026. Candidates of any age can take the exam multiple times as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Application Process for HPPSC SET 2026
Step-by-step Submission Procedure
- Visit the official HPPSC website: http://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in
- Click on the “Apply Online” link on the homepage.
- Register and create your account through the “One Time Registration” system (OTRS).
- Log in using your credentials.
- Select the relevant advertisement for SET 2026.
- Fill in the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of:
- Recent passport-sized photograph
- Signature
- Matriculation certificate (for age proof)
- Master’s Degree marks sheets
- Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PWD)
- Bonafide Himachali certificate (for reserved category candidates)
- Income & Asset certificates (for EWS category)
- Pay the examination fee through the online gateway using Debit Card/Credit Card/Internet Banking.
- Preview your application thoroughly before submission.
- Declare that all information is accurate and true; then submit the application.
Application Fee Payment
Payments are accepted exclusively through the online payment gateway. No other payment mode is valid. Ensure the fee is paid before the application deadline, as it is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Examination Structure
| Paper | Type | Marks | Questions | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Objective | 100 | 50 | 1 Hour | Focuses on General Awareness, Teaching & Research Aptitude, Reasoning, and Comprehension. |
| Paper-II | Objective | 200 | 100 | 2 Hours | Domain-specific questions based on the candidate’s Master’s subject. |
Marking Scheme & Cut-off
- Each correct answer carries 2 marks.
- No negative marking for incorrect answers.
- Unattempted questions receive zero marks.
- The top 6% of candidates who clear both papers will be declared qualified.
- Qualifying marks:
- General category: 40% aggregate
- Reserved categories: 35% aggregate
Selection & Results
Result Declaration & Merit List
The declaration of results will be made available on the official HPPSC website. Candidates who qualify will be placed in the merit list based on their performance, adhering to the eligibility and cut-off criteria.
Objections & Finalization
Provisional answer keys will be published shortly after the exam. Candidates may challenge the answer keys by paying Rs. 100/- per question within 5 days. The final merit list and qualification status will be based on the revised answer keys.
Important Instructions & Guidelines
Before Examination
Ensure your application details are correct. Download and print your admit card from the official website and verify all details. Carry your admit card, valid photo ID proof, and passport-sized photograph to the examination center.
On the Day of Exam
- Arrive at the designated examination center well in advance.
- Bring the printout of your admit card and original ID proof.
- Follow all instructions of the invigilators.
- Use only the permitted materials; calculators and electronic devices are not allowed.
Post-Examination
The answer keys will be released on the official website, and candidates can raise objections if any discrepancies are noticed. Results will be published subsequently.
Additional Support & Help Desk
For further assistance, candidates can contact the HPPSC facilitation counter at Tel: 0177-2629738 or Toll-Free: 1800-180-8004 during working hours (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Official Notifications & Useful Links
For detailed syllabus, instructions, and updates, visit the official website regularly.