Haryana Government Revises HCS Examination Syllabus, Introduces Four General Studies Papers in Main Exam

Chandigarh, January 8 — In a significant move to streamline and enhance transparency in the recruitment process for top administrative positions, the Haryana government has carried out a comprehensive revision of the syllabus for the Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) and allied services examination.
An official notification in this regard has been issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi.
As per the revised pattern, the preliminary examination will now comprise two objective-type papers of 200 marks each, making a total of 400 marks. Paper I (General Studies) will cover general science, national and international current affairs, Indian history and the freedom movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity, economy, culture, and logical reasoning. Topics related to Haryana’s economy, society, culture, and language will also be an integral part of this paper.
Paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test) will assess candidates’ comprehension, logical reasoning, decision-making ability, problem-solving skills, general mental ability, quantitative aptitude up to the Class 10 level, and data interpretation.
The main written examination will consist of six descriptive papers, each of three hours’ duration and carrying 100 marks, taking the total to 600 marks. Under the revised structure, the optional subject system has been abolished and replaced with four General Studies papers.
Paper I (English and Essay) will evaluate comprehension, précis writing, vocabulary, grammar, composition, and the ability to write a concise and well-structured essay on a given topic. Paper II (Hindi and Hindi Essay—Devanagari script) will include translation, letter and précis writing, prose and poetry explanation, idioms, correction, and topic-based essay writing.
General Studies Paper I will cover Indian art, literature, and architecture from ancient to modern times, Indian history from the 18th century onwards, the freedom struggle, post-independence nation-building, world history, diversity of Indian society, social issues, physical and human geography, along with topics related to Haryana.
General Studies Paper II will focus on the evolution, features, amendments, and federal structure of the Indian Constitution; the functioning of Parliament and state legislatures; the executive and judiciary; constitutional and statutory bodies; governance; welfare schemes; e-governance; the role of civil services; international relations; and contemporary issues related to Haryana.
General Studies Paper III will include the Indian economy, agriculture, industrial policy, infrastructure, science and technology, environmental conservation, disaster management, internal security, and Haryana-specific subjects.
General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) will assess ethical values in public life through case studies, including integrity, probity, accountability, empathy, emotional intelligence, conduct in public service, transparency, the Right to Information, and challenges related to corruption.