The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially released the notification for the State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026. This examination is conducted to determine the eligibility of candidates for the post of Assistant Professor in Universities and Colleges across Himachal Pradesh. Eligible candidates with a Master’s Degree can apply online through the HPPSC website. The online application process starts on 03 January 2026 and will close on 30 January 2026.
This article provides complete and clear details about HPPSC SET 2026 including eligibility, subjects, application fee, exam pattern, and application process in a simple and reader-friendly format.
HPPSC SET 2026 Overview
Conducting Authority
Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
Examination Name
State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026 for Assistant Professor
Qualification Required
Master’s Degree with required percentage
Application Start Date
03 January 2026
Last Date to Apply Online
30 January 2026 (up to 11:59 PM)
Official Website
hppsc.hp.gov.in
About HPPSC SET 2026
The HPPSC SET is a UGC-accredited eligibility test. Candidates who qualify this test become eligible for recruitment as Assistant Professors in colleges and universities located within Himachal Pradesh. The examination will be conducted in offline mode at various centers across the state.
There is no age limit to appear for the SET examination, and candidates can attempt it any number of times.
HPPSC SET 2026 Subject List
Available Subjects
Chemical Sciences
English
Life Sciences
Commerce
Economics
Geography
Hindi
History
Mathematical Sciences
Music
Physical Sciences
Physical Education
Sociology
Sanskrit
Political Science
Public Administration
Computer Science and Applications
Tourism Administration and Management
Mass Communication and Journalism
Psychology
Education
Environmental Sciences
A total of 22 subjects are available under HPPSC SET 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for HPPSC SET 2026
Educational Qualification
General / General-EWS candidates must have secured at least 55% marks in a Master’s Degree.
SC / ST / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) / PWD candidates of Himachal Pradesh must have secured at least 50% marks in a Master’s Degree.
The Master’s Degree must be from a UGC-recognized University or Institution.
Candidates who are appearing in the final year of their Master’s Degree or whose result is awaited may also apply provisionally.
Ph.D. degree holders who completed their Master’s Degree examination by 19 September 1991 are eligible for a 5% relaxation in aggregate marks.
Subject Requirement
Candidates must appear in the SET subject that matches their post-graduation subject. Appearing in an unrelated subject will make the candidate ineligible.
Age Limit
There is no age restriction for appearing in the HPPSC SET examination.
HPPSC SET 2026 Application Fee
Examination Fee Structure
General Category – ₹1,150
General-EWS / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) of HP – ₹600
SC / ST / BPL / PWD categories of HP – ₹325
The application fee must be paid online through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Internet Banking. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable.
Important Dates for HPPSC SET 2026
Key Schedule
Notification Release Date – 03 January 2026
Online Application Start Date – 03 January 2026
Last Date to Apply Online – 30 January 2026
Examination Date – To be announced
HPPSC SET 2026 Exam Pattern
Paper-I
Marks: 100
Questions: 50 (Objective type)
Duration: 1 Hour
Purpose: Teaching and Research Aptitude, Reasoning, Comprehension, and General Awareness
Paper-II
Marks: 200
Questions: 100 (Objective type)
Duration: 2 Hours
Purpose: Subject-specific knowledge based on chosen subject
Each correct answer carries 2 marks. There is no negative marking for incorrect or unanswered questions.
Qualifying Criteria
The top 6% of candidates appearing in both papers will be declared qualified.
General category candidates must score at least 40% aggregate marks.
Reserved category candidates must score at least 35% aggregate marks.
Selection Process
Selection is purely based on performance in Paper-I and Paper-II of the SET examination. Candidates must appear in both papers to be considered.
How to Apply for HPPSC SET Recruitment 2026
Visit the official website hppsc.hp.gov.in
Click on the “Apply Online” link
Complete One Time Registration (OTRS) if not already registered
Log in using User ID and Password
Select the HPPSC State Eligibility Test 2026 advertisement
Fill in the application form carefully
Upload required documents such as photograph and signature
Pay the application fee online
Submit the application before 30 January 2026
Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference
No changes can be made after final submission.
Final Note
HPPSC SET 2026 is a crucial opportunity for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in Himachal Pradesh. Interested applicants are advised to apply well before the closing date and regularly check the official website for updates related to examination dates and admit cards.