HP SET 2026 Official Notification: Assistant Professor Jobs

Do you dream of a prestigious teaching career in the hills of Himachal Pradesh? 🏔️🎓

The wait is finally over! The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released the official notification for the State Eligibility Test (HP SET) 2026 as HP SET 2026 Official Notification.

This is not just another exam; it is your Golden Ticket to becoming an Assistant Professor in Universities and Colleges across Himachal Pradesh. And the best news? There is NO Negative Marking in this exam! This means you can attempt every single question without fear.

In this comprehensive 3000-word guide, we will decode every single detail of HP SET 2026—including the HP Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Hidden Rules, and a Step-by-Step Application Guide.

Bookmark this page now because this is the only guide you will ever need!

Table of Contents

1. HP SET 2026: Exam Overview
2. Important Dates (Don’t Miss the Deadline!)
3. HP Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria
4. Exam Pattern: The “No Negative Marking” Advantage
5. Subject List: Is Your Subject Included?
6. Exam Centers List
7. Application Fee & Payment Mode
8. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
9. Preparation Strategy: Tips to Crack in First Attempt
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. HP SET 2026: Exam Overview

Before we dive deep, let’s look at the key highlights of this recruitment.

2. Important Dates for HP SET 2026 Official Notification

The application window is short. Do not wait for the last day as the server might crash.

• Notification Released: 03rd January 2026
• Online Application Starts: 03rd January 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 30th January 2026 (till 11:59 PM)
• Himachal Pradesh SET Exam Date 2026: To be notified soon.

Urgent: The link will be disabled exactly at 11:59 PM on 30th Jan. Apply by 25th January to be safe!

Also Read: [Upcoming Govt Jobs in Himachal Pradesh 2026 – Check List Here]

3. HP Assistant Professor Eligibility Criteria

This is the most critical part. Many students get rejected because they miss the small details. Read this carefully to see if you qualify.

A. Educational Qualification

• General / EWS Categories: You must have a Master’s Degree with at least 55% Marks (without rounding off).
• Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD of HP): You need a Master’s Degree with at least 50% Marks.

B. Are Final Year Students Eligible?

YES! If you are pursuing your Master’s Degree or are in the final year/semester, you CAN APPLY.

• Condition: You must complete your Master’s degree with the required percentage within two years from the date of the SET result declaration.

C. Other State Candidates

Candidates from states other than Himachal Pradesh (like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi) can apply, but they will be treated as General Category candidates. You will have to pay the full fee and will not get reservation benefits, even if you are SC/ST in your home state.

4. Exam Pattern: The “No Negative Marking” Advantage

Unlike UGC NET (which is online), the HP SET 2026 will be conducted in Offline Mode using OMR Sheets. You will need to use a black/blue ballpoint pen.

Session Plan: The test consists of two papers held in two separate sessions on the same day.

Marking Scheme:

• Correct Answer: +2 Marks.
• Wrong Answer: 0 Marks (No Negative Marking).
• Language: Papers will be set in English and Hindi (except for language subjects like English, Hindi, Sanskrit).

5. Subject List: Is Your Subject Included?

HP SET is conducted for 22 specific subjects. You must choose the subject of your Post-Graduation.

1. Chemical Sciences
2. English
3. Life Sciences
4. Commerce
5. Economics
6. Geography
7. Hindi
8. History
9. Mathematical Sciences
10. Music
11. Physical Sciences
12. Physical Education
13. Sociology
14. Sanskrit
15. Political Science
16. Public Administration
17. Computer Science & Applications
18. Tourism Administration & Management
19. Mass Communication & Journalism
20. Psychology
21. Education
22. Environment Sciences

Note: If your PG subject (e.g., MBA or Hotel Management) is not explicitly on this list, you are not eligible for that specific SET subject. In such cases, you should check UGC-NET.

6. Exam Centers List

The exam will be held at the following centers across Himachal Pradesh. Choose the one nearest to you while filling out the form:

• Shimla, Solan, Mandi, Kangra (Dharamshala), Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Nahan, Una, Kullu, Chamba.

7. Application Fee & Payment Mode

You must pay the fee online via Debit/Credit Card or Internet Banking.

8. How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)

HPPSC uses the OTRS (One Time Registration System). Follow these steps to find the HPPSC SET Online Form Link and apply correctly:

Step 1: Visit the official website www.hppsc.hp.gov.in. Step 2: Click on the “Apply Online” link on the Home Page(check direct link in the end of the blog). Step 3: Register on the OTRS Portal. If you are already registered from a previous exam, login with your User ID. Step 4: Select “State Eligibility Test 2026” from the dashboard. Step 5: Upload scanned copies of:

• Latest Passport Size Photograph.
• Signature.
• Master’s Degree/Mark sheets.
• Category Certificate (if applicable). Step 6: Pay the application fee online. Step 7: Final Step: Download and PRINT the application form. You do not need to send it by post, but keep it for future reference.

9. Preparation Strategy: Tips to Crack in First Attempt

As there is no negative marking, your strategy should be aggressive!

1. HP SET Syllabus PDF Download: First, go to the HPPSC website and download the syllabus. It is very similar to the UGC NET syllabus.
2. Target Paper I: This is the scoring paper. Focus on Teaching Aptitude, Research Aptitude, and Data Interpretation. Aim for 70+ marks here.
3. Solve Previous Papers: Practice previous years’ HP SET and UGC NET papers. Questions are often repeated or follow similar patterns.
4. Attempt 100% Questions: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, do not leave a single question blank. Use the elimination method for doubtful questions.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there negative marking in HP SET 2026? A: No! There is zero negative marking in HP SET 2026. This is a huge advantage for candidates.

Q2: Can I apply if I am in the final year of my Master’s Degree? A: Yes, candidates pursuing their Master’s degree (Final Year/Semester) are fully eligible to apply.

Q3: Is HP SET valid in other states? A: No. HP SET eligibility is valid only for the post of Assistant Professor in Universities and Colleges located within Himachal Pradesh.

Q4: Can I change my exam center later? A: No. The choice of examination center filled in the online form is final. No request for change will be entertained.

Q5: What is the official website to apply for HP SET 2026 Official Notification? A: You can apply only through the official HPPSC website: www.hppsc.hp.gov.in.

Important Links

(Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Please verify all details from the official Advertisement No. 1/1-2026 before applying.)