
HP SET 2026 Notification: The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially announced the HP SET 2026 Notification. This State Eligibility Test is crucial for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in universities and colleges across Himachal Pradesh. The application process for HP SET is entirely online, with submissions accepted until January 30, 2026. This notification provides a significant opportunity for eligible candidates to establish their qualifications for academic positions within the state.
The HP State Eligibility Test-2026 is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) to determine the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professor positions in higher education institutions. The application process is online, while the examination itself will be conducted offline. Detailed information regarding the exam is provided below.
| HP SET 2026 Notification Overview | |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | HP SET 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Professor(s) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | hppsconline.hp.gov.in |
| Notification Release Date | January 3, 2026 |
| Application Form Date | January 30, 2026 (11:59 pm) |
| Exam Date | To be released |
HP SET 2026 Notification PDF has been made available in a downloadable format on the official website. Candidates who want to appear in the HP SET entrance test should carefully check the details mentioned regarding the application dates, eligibility criteria, and exam pattern.
The authority has provided the HP SET Application Form Link 2026 on the website. Candidates can register online to fill out the application forms before January 30, 2026. The forms will be accepted only after making the non-refundable application fee payment. It can be done through the online modes, debit card/credit card/net banking payment gateways.
General / Unreserved Category: ₹1,150/-
General–EWS of H.P. / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) of H.P: ₹600/-
SC of H.P. / ST of H.P. / PWD of H.P. / BPL of H.P. / EWS (BPL) of H.P: ₹325/-
Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply for the HP SET. HP SET Eligibility Criteria include nationality, age limits, and educational qualifications
Candidates should meet the HP SET educational qualification requirements as mentioned in the official document notification to apply for the exam.
Applicants must hold a Master's Degree from a UGC-recognised university or institution. General, Unreserved, and General-EWS category candidates need a minimum of 55% marks (without rounding off) in their Master's Degree. Reserved category candidates (SC of H.P., ST of H.P., OBC of H.P., and PWD of H.P.) require at least 50% marks (without rounding off).
Candidates awaiting their Master's degree results can apply provisionally, but must complete their degree within two years of the SET result with the required marks.
PhD holders whose Master's was completed by September 19, 1991, receive a 5% relaxation in aggregate marks. Candidates are advised to apply for their postgraduate subject
Candidates from other states who belong to reserved categories will be considered as General category candidates within Himachal Pradesh. They will receive a SET certificate only if their qualifying marks meet the General category cut-off. Fee concessions are exclusively applicable to SC, ST, OBC (Non-creamy layer), and PWD candidates from Himachal Pradesh.
There is no upper age limit for candidates applying for the HP SET 2026. However, applicants must be at least 18 years old. Candidates can attempt the SET examination any number of times, as there is no restriction on the number of attempts.
| HP SET Age Limit | |
|---|---|
| Category | Age Limit |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Upper Age Limit | No Bar |
HP SET 2026 Selection Process comprises a single test featuring two objective-type multiple-choice papers. Both papers are conducted offline, and there is no negative marking for incorrect responses. The combined performance in both papers determines qualification.
Written Exam: The test includes two papers. Paper I (General Awareness) assesses teaching/research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, and general awareness.
Qualifying Criteria: Candidates must appear in both papers and secure at least 40% aggregate marks if they belong to the General category, or 35% aggregate marks if they belong to reserved categories. The top 6% of appearing candidates meeting these criteria are then declared qualified.
HP SET 2026 exam pattern covers the question format and marking scheme for the candidates' understanding, who want to appear for the exam. There are two papers: General Awareness and Concerned Subject-related papers. Candidates need to appear for the two papers in a single day. No negative marking is in the exam.
| HP SET 2026 Exam Pattern | ||||||
| Paper | Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Session | Nature of Questions |
| Paper I | General Awareness | 50 | 100 | 1 Hour | First Session | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| Paper II | Concerned Subject | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | Second Session | Objective Type (MCQs) |
| Total | — | 150 | 300 | 3 Hours | — | — |