HAS/HPAS Coaching in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh — Online & Offline
Complete HPAS coaching by Raman Academy, Sanjauli (Shimla) — Prelims, Mains & Interview under one roof. Live online classes for students, offline classroom batches in Shimla, and a recorded self-paced course. HP-focused content, daily answer writing, test series and DAF-based mock interviews.
- 4.9★Google rating — 100+ reviews
- 50+Selections in HPAS & HP Allied exams
- 10+ yrsTurning Aspirants into Officers
- 3 ModesOffline @Shimla · Live Online · Recorded
What is the HAS/HPAS exam?
HPAS stands for Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (popularly called HAS — Himachal Administrative Service). It is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) through the Combined Competitive Examination to recruit officers for administrative, police, revenue and allied posts in the HP Government — SDM (HPAS), DSP, Tehsildar, District Panchayat Officer and other equivalent positions.
The exam runs in three stages — an objective Prelims (screening only), a descriptive Mains, and a final Personality Test (Interview). Final merit is prepared from Mains + Interview marks. What makes HPAS different from most state services exams is its heavy emphasis on Himachal Pradesh–specific content — HP history, geography, polity, economy, culture and current affairs — which is exactly where Shimla-based, HP-focused coaching gives you an edge.
| Exam name | HPAS / HAS (Combined Competitive Exam) |
| Conducting body | HPPSC, Shimla |
| Stages | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Posts covered | HPAS (SDM), DSP, Tehsildar & others as notified |
| Eligibility | Graduate, 21–35 years (relaxations apply) |
| Negative marking | ⅓ mark per wrong answer (Prelims) |
| Coaching modes | Recorded · Live Online · Offline (Shimla) |
HPAS Exam Pattern 2026 — Prelims, Mains & Interview
Three stages, three different skills. Prelims filters, Mains ranks, Interview confirms. Here is the complete marks distribution.
Stage 1 — HPAS Prelims (objective, screening only)
| Paper | Subject | Max marks | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies (incl. HP-specific GK) | 200 | Objective (MCQ) |
| Paper II | Aptitude Test (CSAT) | 200 | Objective (MCQ) |
Negative marking: one-third (⅓) of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every wrong answer. Prelims marks are used only to qualify for Mains — they do not count in the final merit.
Stage 2 — HPAS Mains (descriptive) & Stage 3 — Interview
| Paper | Max marks | Counted in merit? |
|---|---|---|
| English (compulsory) | 100 | Qualifying — min. 40% |
| Hindi (compulsory) | 100 | Qualifying — min. 40% |
| Essay | 100 | Yes |
| General Studies – I | 200 | Yes |
| General Studies – II | 200 | Yes |
| General Studies – III | 200 | Yes |
| Optional Subject – Paper I | 100 | Yes |
| Optional Subject – Paper II | 100 | Yes |
| Interview (Viva-Voce) | 150 | Yes |
| Total (merit) | 1050 | Essay + GS + Optional + Interview |
Roughly 20× the number of vacancies are called to Mains, and up to 3× vacancies to the Interview. Pattern, marks and durations should always be verified against the latest HPPSC notification — we update this page after every official change.
HPAS Eligibility Criteria & Age Limit
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India. Bonafide/domicile of Himachal Pradesh is relevant for category-based reservation and fee concessions as per the HPPSC notification.
Education
A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university in any stream. Final-year students may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing as per HPPSC rules.
Age limit
Minimum 21 years and maximum 35 years. Age relaxation of up to 5 years applies for SC, ST, OBC, Ex-servicemen and other categories notified by the HP Government.
There is no cap on the number of attempts — you can appear as many times as you like within the age limit. Always confirm details in the latest HPPSC HPAS notification.
HPAS Syllabus 2026 — paper-wise breakdown
One unified HPPSC syllabus covers all three stages. Expand each paper below, or open the complete HPAS syllabus organised paper by paper with marks distribution.
Prelims Paper I — General Studies
History of India (Ancient, Medieval, Modern & National Movement) · Indian & World Geography · Indian Polity & Governance — Constitution, Panchayati Raj, public policy, rights · Economic & Social Development · Environment & Ecology, biodiversity, climate change · General Science · current events of national and international importance.
Special emphasis on Himachal Pradesh — history, geography, polity, economy, culture and HP current affairs. This is the section that decides ranks, and the core of our HPAS coaching.
Prelims Paper II — Aptitude / CSAT
Comprehension · interpersonal and communication skills · logical reasoning and analytical ability · decision-making and problem-solving · basic numeracy (Class X level) · data interpretation.
Mains — Essay & Language papers
General Essay — social, political, economic, cultural and Himachal-specific themes; structure, balance and depth carry weight. Hindi & English — qualifying papers: comprehension, précis, translation, short composition.
Mains GS Paper I — Heritage, History, Geography & Society
Indian heritage & culture, world and Indian history, geography and Indian society — with detailed emphasis on Himachal Pradesh: its history, art, architecture, temples, fairs and festivals, tribal communities and demographic profile.
Mains GS Paper II — Polity, Governance & IR
Constitution, governance, social justice and international relations — including HP state government structure, local self-government, Panchayati Raj in HP, and welfare schemes for hill and tribal areas.
Mains GS Paper III — Economy, Environment, Security & Disaster Management
Economic development, biodiversity, environment, internal security and disaster management — including the HP economy (horticulture, tourism, hydro-power, forest economy) and the disaster vulnerability of a Himalayan hill state.
Mains — Optional Subject (one, two papers)
One optional subject from the HPPSC list, tested in two papers of 100 marks each. Choose based on graduation background, genuine interest, scoring trend and availability of material — our counsellors help you decide during the demo class.
Interview — Personality Test (150 marks)
Assessment of personality, mental alertness, integrity, leadership and administrative suitability — with detailed questions on your DAF and Himachal-specific socio-economic and administrative issues.
HPAS Posts & Salary
Clearing the HPAS exam opens the most prestigious careers in the Himachal Pradesh Government. Posts filled through the Combined Competitive Exam typically include:
| Post | Department | Typical starting role |
|---|---|---|
| HPAS | Administration | SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) |
| DSP | HP Police | Deputy Superintendent of Police |
| Tehsildar | Revenue | Tehsildar |
| DPO | Panchayati Raj | District Panchayat Officer |
| Other allied posts | Treasury, Co-operative, Excise etc. | As per each year's notification |
An entry-level HPAS (SDM) officer draws pay as per the HP Government pay matrix along with DA, HRA and official facilities — the in-hand salary is typically in the range of ₹70,000–₹90,000 per month at the start, rising with grade promotions up to senior secretariat and IAS-conferred positions. Exact pay depends on the pay level notified for each post in the official HPPSC notification.
Your HPAS preparation journey at Raman Academy
Six stages, one structured path. From HPAS foundation classes to HPPSC interview guidance — your preparation, sequenced.
- I
Foundation Classes
Subject-wise classroom teaching from scratch.
- II
Prelims MCQs
Topic tests and PYQ practice.
- III
Current Affairs
Daily and HP-specific compilations.
- IV
Mains Answer Writing
Daily practice with structured feedback.
- V
Test Series
Full-length Prelims and Mains tests.
- VI
Interview Guidance
DAF-based mock interview programme.
HPAS Coaching Fees & Course Modes — Online, Offline & Recorded
Select the learning format that suits your preparation — Recorded, Live Zoom or Offline Classroom support by Raman Academy, Shimla. Same HPAS syllabus, same faculty and same Himachal-specific content — only the learning mode changes.
← swipe to compare all modes →
Recorded HPAS Course Best for self-paced students |
Most Popular Online HPAS Course Best for students outside Shimla | Offline Classroom Course Best for classroom discipline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classes | Recorded Prelims, Mains & Interview classes | Live Zoom classes + recorded backup | Live classroom classes + recorded backup |
| Books | Delivered to your address View Book List | Delivered to your address View Book List | Provided / delivered View Book List |
| Prelims Test Series | PDF tests View Sample Prelims Test | Printed tests delivered to your address View Sample Prelims Test | Printed classroom tests View Sample Prelims Test |
| Mains Test Series | PDF tests View Sample Mains Test | Printed tests delivered to your address View Sample Mains Test | Printed classroom tests View Sample Mains Test |
| Class Tests | PDF class tests | PDF class tests | Regular classroom tests (Printouts) |
| Answer Writing | Practice material included | Online answer checking & support | Live answer checking + personal feedback |
| Doubt Support | Support on message or call | Live Zoom doubt meetings | Live doubt sessions with teachers |
| Interview Support | Recorded interview guidance | Online interview guidance | Live mock interview guidance |
| Fee | ₹29,999one-time / EMI | ₹44,999one-time / EMI | ₹74,999one-time / EMI |
| Enquire on WhatsApp | Enquire on WhatsApp | Enquire on WhatsApp |
- Books shipped across India
- Live + recorded access
- Himachal-specific content
- Prelims + Mains + Interview
Not sure which mode fits you? The goal is the same in every mode — clearing HPAS with structured Prelims, Mains and Interview prep. Only the way you learn changes.
A special discount is currently available. Talk to our counsellor or drop us a message, and we’ll help you choose the right mode with the best available offer.
Why Raman Academy is the best HPAS coaching institute in Himachal Pradesh
Most HPAS coaching centres run from Chandigarh and treat HP content as an add-on. We are built in Shimla, for Himachal — the HP-specific portion that decides ranks is our core, not our sidebar.
Himachal-focused preparation
HP geography, polity, economy, history and current affairs taught with the depth HPPSC actually demands — by people who live where the exam is set.
PYQ-based teaching
Every topic is taught with previous-year-question context. You don't just study Polity — you study the Polity HPPSC actually asks. 10+ years of solved PYQs included.
Daily answer writing
Daily Mains answer writing with structured, personal feedback — introductions, body, conclusions and word limits drilled into habit.
Daily current affairs — free
Daily curated current affairs from The Hindu plus monthly Himachal-specific compilations, published free on our site every single day.
DAF-based mock interviews
Mock interviews with experienced panellists modelled on the real HPPSC board — the same programme our selected toppers went through.
Experienced faculty, reachable
Faculty with years of HPAS teaching experience — present in the classroom, on Zoom and on WhatsApp when you're stuck.
Raman Academy vs a typical HPAS coaching institute
| What you get | Raman Academy | Typical institute |
|---|---|---|
| 25 books provided for preparation | ✓ | ✗ |
| Question-focused teaching (PYQs & MCQs) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Support till final selection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Guidance from retired HPAS & IAS officers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Recorded + Live Online + Offline modes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Daily answer writing with personal feedback | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free daily current affairs & HP monthly magazine | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free MCQ practice, notes & 10+ yrs PYQ library | ✓ | ✗ |
| Books & printed tests shipped to your home | ✓ | ✗ |
| DAF-based mock interview programme | ✓ | ✗ |
HPAS toppers' mock interviews at Raman Academy
Watch real mock interview sessions of selected HAS/HPAS toppers — their answers, presentation and board-facing approach, recorded at our Shimla centre.
Free HPAS study material & premium resources
Build your foundation with free notes and current affairs. When you're ready to commit, upgrade to our full course and test series.
Daily Current Affairs
Curated from The Hindu, every day.
FreeHP Monthly Current Affairs
Himachal-specific monthly compilation.
FreeMCQ Practice
Topic-wise MCQs with answers.
FreePYQ Library
10+ years of previous year papers.
FreeStrategy Articles
Topic-wise preparation tips.
FreeYouTube Lectures
Concept videos & mock interviews.
FreeHPAS Complete Course
Prelims + Mains + Interview integrated.
PremiumHPAS Test Series
Prelims and Mains full-length tests.
PremiumPrinted Notes
Subject-wise comprehensive notes.
PremiumSolved PYQ Book
Detailed solutions and trend analysis.
PremiumHP Economic Survey Course
Survey + Budget classes & tests.
PremiumMock Interview Programme
DAF-based with expert panel.
PremiumHAS/HPAS coaching for students from every district of Himachal Pradesh
You don't have to move to Chandigarh — or even to Shimla — to get serious HPAS coaching. Our live online HPAS classes bring the same faculty, the same tests and the same answer-writing feedback to aspirants preparing from Mandi, Kangra (Dharamshala), Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur (Nahan), Una, Kullu, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti — with printed books and test copies delivered to your address. Students in and around Shimla can join our offline classroom batches in Sanjauli, and working aspirants anywhere in India can prepare through the recorded course.
What our HPAS aspirants say
"I am deeply grateful to Raman Academy for being a guiding light during my mains preparation phase for the civil services exam. In an environment where personalized mentorship is rare, Raman Academy stood out for its honest feedback, real-time paper evaluation, and depth-oriented approach to answer writing."
"Raman sir is the best mentor and guide for Himachal Pradesh state competitive exams and UPSC here. Keep students motivated always, and helps to bring out the best in his students."
"As a working professional I chose the recorded + live support option. I watch lectures after work and ask doubts on weekends. The pace is realistic and notes are to the point. Raman Academy has made it possible for me to stay consistent."
"The institute provides you with all the arsenal to be a strong-footed warrior in your preparation process. Be it the everyday motivational thoughts or the in-depth discussions and individual feedbacks- everything augments your preparedness levels in a great way! Would highly recommend for State Civil Service examinations."
"This academy has an excellent teaching approach. The faculty is knowledgeable, approachable, and always ready to clear doubts. The environment is motivating, and the study material is very helpful. I truly appreciate the efforts they put into every student’s growth."
"Raman Academy is the best Institute for aspirants, preparing for HAS and NT examination. Updated Study material and excellent mentorship of Raman Sir . Highly recommended for freshers as this Institute will make their preparations for both prelims and mains very smooth.."
HPAS coaching — frequently asked questions
Which is the best HAS/HPAS coaching in Shimla?
Raman Academy in Sanjauli, Shimla is rated 4.9★ on Google and focuses exclusively on Himachal Pradesh exams — HPAS, Allied Services and Naib Tehsildar. Being based in Shimla, our teaching treats HP-specific history, geography, polity, economy and current affairs as the core of the course, which is where HPAS ranks are actually decided. You can judge for yourself with a free demo class before paying anything.
What is the fee for HPAS coaching at Raman Academy?
Our HPAS coaching fees are published openly: ₹29,999 for the Recorded Course, ₹44,999 for the Live Online (Zoom) Course, and ₹74,999 for the Offline Classroom Course in Shimla. All modes include books, test series and interview guidance, with one-time and EMI payment options. Discounts are often available — ask our counsellor on WhatsApp.
Does Raman Academy offer HPAS online coaching?
Yes. The Live Online HPAS Course runs on Zoom with recorded backups of every class, printed books and test copies delivered to your address, online answer checking with feedback, live doubt meetings and online interview guidance — designed for aspirants preparing from any district of Himachal or anywhere in India.
What is the difference between HAS and HPAS?
Nothing — they are two names for the same exam. HAS (Himachal Administrative Service) is the popular name and HPAS (Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service) is the formal one. Both refer to the Combined Competitive Examination conducted by HPPSC.
How many attempts are allowed in the HPAS exam?
HPPSC does not limit the number of attempts. You can appear as many times as you like, as long as you are within the age limit of 21–35 years (with category-based relaxations of up to 5 years).
What is the age limit and eligibility for HPAS?
You must be an Indian citizen, hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, and be between 21 and 35 years of age on the cut-off date. Age relaxation of up to 5 years applies to SC, ST, OBC, Ex-servicemen and other notified categories. Final-year students can apply provisionally.
What is the salary of an HPAS (SDM) officer?
An entry-level HPAS officer posted as SDM typically takes home around ₹70,000–₹90,000 per month including allowances, along with official residence, vehicle and staff facilities. Pay rises with grade promotions, and senior HPAS officers can be conferred into the IAS. Exact pay levels are specified in each HPPSC notification.
Is coaching necessary to clear the HPAS exam?
Not compulsory — but structured guidance saves attempts. The HPAS syllabus is vast and heavily HP-specific, and Mains demands daily answer-writing discipline that is hard to build alone. Good coaching gives you a sequenced plan, PYQ-based teaching, test series and honest feedback. Start with our free resources — daily current affairs, MCQs and solved PYQs — and take a free demo class to decide.
Where can I get HPAS previous year question papers with solutions?
Our free PYQ library at ramanacademy.in has 10+ years of HPAS previous year papers with solutions, and our store offers a printed solved PYQ compilation with trend analysis for serious aspirants.
Can students from Mandi, Kangra or other districts join without coming to Shimla?
Yes. The Live Online and Recorded courses are built exactly for this — students from Mandi, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Solan, Una, Kullu, Chamba, Sirmaur, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti attend the same classes as Shimla students, with books and printed tests couriered home and doubt support on Zoom and WhatsApp.
Is HPAS coaching available in both Hindi and English medium?
Yes. Raman Academy provides HPAS preparation support in a bilingual manner, so students from both Hindi and English medium backgrounds can prepare comfortably.
Does the HPAS course include printed books?
Yes, printed books are included with the HPAS course. Books are provided at the centre for offline students and delivered to the address of online and recorded-course students.
Does Raman Academy provide HPAS Mains answer checking?
Yes. HPAS Mains answer writing practice and feedback are included, especially for online and offline students.
Can I join HPAS coaching after the batch has already started?
Yes, students can join through recorded backup support. Speak to our counsellor to understand the best starting point for you.
Is the course useful for HP Allied Services and Naib Tehsildar too?
Yes. The foundation classes, HP GK, current affairs, MCQs and test practice are useful for HPAS as well as other HPPSC exams like Allied Services and Naib Tehsildar.
From syllabus to the final interview — one structured place.
Raman Academy, Sanjauli (Shimla) brings everything an HAS/HPAS aspirant needs into a single, well-thought-out preparation system. Talk to our counsellor and find the right starting point for your attempt.
Talk to HPAS Counsellor on WhatsAppResponse within working hours · +91-7649911100 · North Oak, Sanjauli, Shimla — 171006
