The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially released the HP State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026 notification on 3rd January 2026. HP SET 2026 is conducted to determine eligibility for recruitment to the post of Assistant Professor in Universities and Colleges within Himachal Pradesh. Interested candidates can apply online from 3rd January 2026 to 30th January 2026 through the official HPPSC website.
Applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The examination will be conducted in offline mode across 22 subjects at various centers in Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kangra (Dharamshala), Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Nahan, Una, Kullu and Chamba.
HP SET 2026 Notification
The HP SET 2026 Notification PDF is provided below for candidates’ reference. This PDF contains complete details about the test, eligibility criteria, application process, important dates, exam pattern, and selection procedure. Aspirants can refer to it to ensure they meet all requirements before applying. The notification also includes instructions for OTR registration, exam fee payment, and document upload.
Download HP SET 2026 Notification PDF
HP SET 2026: Overview
HP SET 2026 provides an opportunity for candidates to gain eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor in Himachal Pradesh under UGC accreditation. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026 |
| Purpose | Eligibility for Assistant Professor in HP Universities/Colleges |
| Total Subjects | 22 |
| Advertisement No. | 1/1-2026 |
| Application Dates | 3rd January 2026 to 30th January 2026 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen-Paper / OMR) |
| Selection Process | Objective Test (Two Papers) |
| Official Website | www.hppsc.hp.gov.in |
| Application Portal | HPPSC OTR Portal |
| Eligibility | Master’s Degree with 55% (General) / 50% (Reserved) |
| Exam Date | To be Notified |
| Last Date to Apply | 30th January 2026 (11:59 PM) |
HP SET 2026 Subjects
HP SET is an eligibility test and does not have specific vacancies. However, qualifying makes candidates eligible to apply for Assistant Professor posts in Himachal Pradesh. The test is conducted in the following 22 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
- Environment Sciences
HP SET Apply Online 2026
The HP SET Apply Online 2026 process is now open for all eligible candidates. Aspirants can fill the application form and complete the registration through the official HPPSC OTR portal. Make sure to upload all necessary documents and pay the required fees to successfully submit your form. Candidates are advised to double-check all details before submission, as no changes will be allowed afterward. Below, we have provided the direct link to apply online for HP SET 2026.
Direct Link to Apply for HP SET 2026
How to Apply for HP SET 2026?
Candidates applying for HP SET 2026 must complete the process online only. A valid personal email ID and contact number are mandatory, as all communications including admit cards will be sent via email/SMS and website upload.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a valid personal Email ID and mobile number and keep them active. |
| 2 | Register on the HPPSC OTR portal at www.hppsc.hp.gov.in. |
| 3 | Log in using your OTR credentials. |
| 4 | Find the HP SET 2026 advertisement and fill in required personal, educational, and category details. |
| 5 | Upload scanned photograph (recent), signature, and supporting documents (category certificate, Master’s marksheet). |
| 6 | Pay the examination fee online via Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking. |
| 7 | Submit the application carefully and take a printout for future reference. |
| 8 | For queries, contact HPPSC Helpline: 0177-2629738 or Toll Free: 1800-180-8004. |
HP SET 2026 Application Fee
Candidates applying for HP SET 2026 are required to pay a non-refundable examination fee. The fee varies according to the category of the applicant and must be paid online during the application process.
| Category of Applicant | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| General | Rs. 1150 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL (HP) | Rs. 600 |
| SC of HP, ST of HP, BPL, PWD (HP) | Rs. 325 |
Note: Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
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HP SET 2026 Eligibility
The HP SET 2026 has defined clear eligibility criteria for all candidates. Applicants must meet requirements related to educational qualification and category as on the closing date of application. Only candidates fulfilling these conditions can successfully apply.
HP SET Educational Qualification 2026
| Category | Minimum Marks in Master’s Degree |
|---|---|
| General / UR / General-EWS | 55% |
| SC / ST / OBC-NCL / PWD (of HP) | 50% |
- Master’s degree must be from a UGC-recognized university.
- Candidates appearing in the final year of Master’s can apply provisionally.
- Ph.D. holders who completed Master’s by 19th September 1991 get 5% relaxation.
Age Limit
- There is no upper age limit to appear for HP SET.
HP SET Reservation Policy
- Reservation benefits are applicable only to candidates belonging to Himachal Pradesh.
- SC/ST/OBC/PWD/EWS certificates must be issued by competent authority of HP.
HP SET Exam Pattern 2026
The HP SET Selection Process 2026 includes an offline objective test for all candidates who successfully complete their application and fee payment. The exam evaluates candidates on General Teaching/Research Aptitude (Paper I) and Subject-specific knowledge (Paper II). Both papers are compulsory and conducted on the same day.
| Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I (General Awareness) | 50 | 100 | 1 Hour | English & Hindi |
| Paper II (Subject Concerned) | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours | English & Hindi* |
*Except language subjects, Computer Science, and Environmental Science.
- Marking Scheme: +2 marks for each correct answer. No negative marking.
- Candidates must appear in both papers. Absence in Paper I disqualifies from Paper II.
- Qualifying Criteria: Minimum 40% aggregate for General, 35% for Reserved categories. Top 6% qualified.
HP SET Result & Certificate 2026
- Result will be declared on the HPPSC website.
- SET certificate will be issued to qualified candidates based on information provided in the application.
- Validity: Eligible for Assistant Professor posts in Himachal Pradesh indefinitely as per UGC norms.
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FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for HP SET 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the HP SET 2026 application form is 30th January 2026 (11:59 PM).
Q2. How can I apply for HP SET 2026?
Ans: Candidates must register on the HPPSC OTR portal and then fill the HP SET online application form.
Q3. Is there an application fee for HP SET 2026?
Ans: Yes, the exam fee is Rs. 1150 for General, Rs. 600 for Gen-EWS/OBC, and Rs. 325 for SC/ST/PWD/BPL of HP.
Q4. What is the exam pattern?
Ans: Two papers (Paper I – 100 marks, Paper II – 200 marks) with objective questions. No negative marking.
Q5. Is there any age limit for HP SET?
Ans: No, there is no upper age limit.
