HPSC HCS Exam Date 2026 Announced; Prelims Schedule Released

The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has officially released the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) Prelims exam date for 2026. As per the schedule, the preliminary examination will be conducted on 22 February 2026 at designated centres across the state. Candidates preparing for the prestigious civil services examination should align their preparation strategies according to the announced timeline.

HCS Prelims 2026 Exam Schedule and Mode

The HCS Prelims examination will be held in offline (OMR-based) mode and will consist of two objective-type papers. Both papers will be conducted on the same day in separate sessions.

• HCS Prelims Exam Date: 22 February 2026
• Mode of Examination: Offline (pen and paper)
• Papers:
  • General Studies
  • Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

The CSAT paper will be qualifying in nature, while marks obtained in the General Studies paper will be considered for merit ranking for the Main examination.

HPSC HCS Selection Process 2026

The HCS recruitment process is conducted in three stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to progress further in the selection cycle.

1. Preliminary Examination – Screening test
2. Main Examination – Descriptive papers
3. Personality Test / Interview

Candidates who qualify the Prelims will be shortlisted for the HCS Main Examination, which will be scheduled separately by HPSC.

Admit Card and Exam Instructions

The HCS Prelims admit card 2026 will be released a few weeks before the examination date. Candidates will need to download and print the admit card to gain entry into the exam hall. On the exam day, candidates must carry:

• Printed admit card
• Valid photo identity proof
• Blue or black ballpoint pen

Electronic devices, study material and smart accessories will not be permitted inside the examination venue.

What Candidates Should Do Next?

With the exam date now confirmed, aspirants should:

• Focus on Prelims-oriented revision
• Practise previous years’ question papers
• Strengthen weak areas in General Studies and CSAT