Over 93K to appear for HCS prelims, biometric verification at centres
April 17, 2026
Chandigarh: Haryana chief secretary Anurag Rastogi on Friday reviewed administrative and logistical preparations for the Haryana Civil Services (Execu.
More than 93,000 candidates are expected to appear for the highly anticipated Haryana Civil Services (HCS) preliminary examination scheduled for April 26. In an effort to ensure a fair and transparent process, the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has implemented stringent security measures at all 337 test centers, including mandatory Aadhaar-based biometric verification for every aspirant. This move is part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent impersonation and other malpractices during the state's most prestigious recruitment exam. The test will be conducted in two sessions across eight districts to accommodate the large number of participants.
The HCS examination is the gateway to coveted administrative roles within the Haryana state government, including positions such as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Excise and Taxation Officer. These Group A and Group B services are crucial for the state's governance and policy implementation, making the selection process intensely competitive. The significant number of applicants this year, 93,696 in total, underscores the immense value placed on a career in public service and the challenge candidates face in securing one of the limited vacancies announced by the commission.
The focus on enhanced security protocols, reviewed by Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, is a direct response to challenges that have marred previous recruitment cycles. Beyond biometric verification, authorities will utilize CCTV surveillance, mobile network jammers, and thorough frisking of candidates. Police have been instructed to ensure tight security at strong rooms where exam materials are stored and to monitor nearby businesses like hotels and photocopy shops. These measures are designed to restore public confidence and uphold the integrity of the examination process, which has faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of question paper leaks and other irregularities.
For the aspirants, the examination on April 26 marks the first crucial hurdle in a rigorous, multi-stage selection process. The preliminary test consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies and the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Those who achieve the minimum qualifying score in the CSAT and rank high enough in the General Studies paper will be eligible to appear for the HCS Main examination. The Mains, which are descriptive in nature, are scheduled to be held from June 27 to June 29.
Successfully conducting this large-scale examination is a significant logistical undertaking for the state administration. Nodal officers have been appointed in each district to oversee operations, and Section 144 will be enforced around examination centers to prevent unauthorized gatherings. For the tens of thousands of candidates who have dedicated months to preparation, this weekend represents a critical moment in their professional aspirations. Following the exam, the commission will release an answer key, and results will later determine who advances to the main written examination in their pursuit of a career in the Haryana civil services.
Source: toi