📋 Complete Advertisement & Guidelines
HPRCA Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) has released the official notification (Advt No. 04/2026) for the recruitment of 331 various posts including Panchayat Secretary, Pharmacist, Medical Social Worker, and more. This is a significant opportunity for candidates seeking government jobs in Himachal Pradesh. The recruitment is conducted via a Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Screening Test followed by skill tests (where applicable) and document verification.
Recruitment Type
This recruitment involves a Competitive Examination (CBT/Screening Test) followed by specific skill tests for certain posts (e.g., Typing Test for Panchayat Secretary). It is not a direct interview-only recruitment.
Key Highlights
| Organization Name | Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Panchayat Secretary, Pharmacist, Radiographer & More |
| Total Vacancies | 331 |
| Application Start Date | 10/03/2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Application End Date | 04/04/2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | hprca.hp.gov.in |
Vacancy Details
The total vacancies are distributed across various departments of the Himachal Pradesh Government. Note that the number of posts is tentative.
| Post Name | Department | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Panchayat Secretary (Job Trainee) | Department of Panchayati Raj, HP | 119 |
| Operation Theatre Assistant (Job Trainee) | Dept. of Health Services / Medical Education | 176 |
| Senior Laboratory Technician / MLT Gr-II | Department of Medical Education & Research | 10 |
| Radiographer (Job Trainee) | Dept. of Health Services / Medical Education | 10 |
| Pharmacist/Pharmacy Officer (Job Trainee) | Department of Medical Education & Research | 04 |
| Psychiatric Social Worker (Job Trainee) | Department of Medical Education & Research | 05 |
| Medical Social Worker (Regular) | Department of Medical Education & Research | 02 |
| Speech Therapist (Job Trainee) | Department of Medical Education & Research | 03 |
| Audiometric Technician (Job Trainee) | Department of Medical Education & Research | 01 |
| Litho Artist (Trainee) | Department of Printing & Stationery | 01 |
Note: District-wise breakup for Panchayat Secretary is available in the official notification PDF.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit
- General Age Limit: 18 to 45 years for most posts.
- Specific Posts: 18–38 years for Speech Therapist and Audiometric Technician.
- Cut-off Date: Age is reckoned as on 01.01.2026.
- Age Relaxation: Upper age relaxation of 5 years is applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD candidates domiciled in Himachal Pradesh, HP Government employees, and Ex-servicemen of HP.
2. Educational Qualification (Post-wise)
| Post Name | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| Panchayat Secretary | Bachelor's Degree + Typing Speed (30 wpm English / 25 wpm Hindi) + Word Processing knowledge. |
| Medical Social Worker | Post Graduate Degree in Social Science/Sociology. |
| Psychiatric Social Worker | Master Degree in Psychology or Social Work. |
| Operation Theatre Assistant | 10+2 (Science) with 50% + OTA Training Course OR B.Sc. Medical Tech (Anesthesia & OT). Must be registered with HP Paramedical Council. |
| Radiographer | 10+2 (Science) + B.Sc. Medical Tech (Radiology) OR equivalent. Must be registered. |
| Pharmacist | 10+2 (Science) + Degree/Diploma in Pharmacy. Must be registered with Pharmacy Council. |
| Speech Therapist | B.Sc. Degree in Speech & Hearing. |
| Senior Lab Technician | 10+2 (Science) + B.Sc. Medical Lab Tech. Must be registered. |
| Audiometric Technician | B.Sc. Degree in Speech & Hearing. |
| Litho Artist | 10+2 + Diploma in Fine Arts (3 years) + 3 years experience in commercial design/offset printing. |
3. Nationality & Domicile
- Candidates must be Indian Citizens.
- Reservation benefits are strictly for bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh.
- Candidates from reserved categories of other states will be treated as General (UR).
- Educational Requirement: Must have passed Matriculation and 10+2 from an institution within Himachal Pradesh (unless a Bonafide Himachali).
Selection Process & Exam Structure
The selection involves a multi-stage process:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Screening Test: Objective type, 120 marks, 1.5 hours duration.
- Typing/Skill Test: Mandatory for Panchayat Secretary (Post Code 26005). Qualifying in nature.
- Document Verification: For shortlisted candidates.
Exam Pattern
| Mode | Duration | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (CBT) or Offline (OMR) | 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours) |
| 120 |
Negative Marking
While the text does not explicitly state the negative marking scheme, candidates should verify this in the detailed official notification. Usually, HPRCA exams follow a standard marking scheme.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
- General Category: 45%
- SC/ST/OBC/WFF: 40%
Note: Scores will be normalized using the Z-Score Method for multi-shift exams.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Categories (Gen/OBC/SC/ST/PwD) | ₹800/- (₹100 Exam + ₹700 Processing) |
| Correction Window Fee | ₹100/- (Open for 7 days starting 3 working days after closing date) |
Payment Mode: Online (Credit Card / Debit Card / Net Banking). Fees are non-refundable.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official website: hprca.hp.gov.in.
- Click on "Sign Up" to create a username and password on the HPRCA portal.
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) by providing personal info, educational details, and uploading photo/signature.
- Update your profile completely. Only complete profiles can apply.
- Click on "Apply" for the desired post under Advertisement No. 04/2026.
- Select your preferred Exam District from the dropdown.
- Review the auto-filled details and confirm.
- Pay the application fee of ₹800/- via the online gateway.
- Download and print the application form for your records.
Important: No offline applications are accepted. Only one application per post is allowed.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 28/02/2026 |
| Online Application Start | 10/03/2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Online Application End | 04/04/2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 04/04/2026 |
| Correction Window | 3 working days after closing date (Valid for 7 days) |
| Exam Date | To be notified |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF (Download)
- Apply Online (Link Active 10/03/2026)
- Official Website
- Check Other HP Government Jobs
Important Instructions
- Eligibility Date: Essential qualifications and experience must be met as of the closing date (04/04/2026).
- Caste Certificates: SC/ST/OBC candidates must possess certificates on a parental basis.
- Correction Window: A correction window of 7 days will open 3 days after the application closes, subject to a ₹100 fee.
- Contact: For queries, contact HPRCA at 01972-222204 or email [email protected] (10 AM - 5 PM).