In a major development for aspirants of the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Examination, the Haryana Government has announced a significant revision in the exam pattern for the 2026 recruitment cycle. As per the new structure, the Preliminary Examination will now carry 400 marks, while the Main Examination will consist of six descriptive papers.
The updated pattern has been officially shared by the Department of Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture, Haryana, through its social media platform.
What Has Changed in the HCS Exam Pattern?
According to the official update, the HCS Preliminary Examination will now include two objective-type papers, together carrying 400 marks. This marks a substantial increase from the earlier 200-mark structure.
The Main Examination will continue to be of 600 marks, but the number of papers has been increased to six descriptive papers, each of 100 marks and three hours duration.
New HCS Exam Pattern 2026 (At a Glance)
Preliminary Examination
- Total Marks: 400
- Number of Papers: 2
- Nature: Objective Type
Main Examination
- Total Marks: 600
- Number of Papers: 6
- Each Paper: 100 Marks | 3 Hours
- Nature: Descriptive
Four of the six papers will be based on General Studies, while the remaining papers will cover language and other prescribed subjects.
Earlier HCS Exam Pattern
Old Prelims Structure
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 100 |
| Paper II | CSAT | 100 |
Old Mains Structure
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | English | 100 |
| Paper II | Hindi | 100 |
| Paper III | General Studies | 200 |
| Paper IV | Optional Subject | 200 |
Under the previous system, candidates appeared for a 200-mark Preliminary Exam and four papers in the Main Examination.
What Aspirants Should Do Now
With the revised structure, candidates preparing for the HCS 2026 Examination will need to realign their preparation strategy according to the new pattern. The inclusion of additional papers in the Main Examination means broader syllabus coverage and deeper subject understanding.
The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) is expected to release the detailed syllabus for the revised pattern soon. Aspirants are advised to regularly visit the official website hpsc.gov.in for the latest updates and notifications.
This change is expected to bring the HCS examination closer in structure to other major civil services exams, emphasizing comprehensive knowledge, analytical ability, and consistent preparation.
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