Choosing the right HPAS optional subject can make a big difference in your overall score and selection chances. In the Himachal Pradesh Administrative Services (HPAS) Mains exam, you have to pick one optional subject from the list provided by the HPPSC.

HPAS Optional Subjects

Some popular choices include:

💡Tip: Choose a subject that overlaps with UPSC preparation or your graduation background to save time.

HPAS Optional Subject Syllabus

The syllabus for each optional subject is available on the HPPSC official website. Make sure to download and study the detailed syllabus to avoid reading irrelevant topics. CivilsTap also provides syllabus-oriented guidance so you focus only on what matters for scoring high.

Strategy to Ace Your Optional Subject

• Understand the syllabus deeply – break it into topics and sub-topics.

• Refer to toppers’ notes – learn the answer-writing style.

• Integrate current affairs – link news with your optional subject topics.

• Practice previous year papers – HPAS repeats patterns.

Recommended HPAS Optional Subject Booklist

Here’s a sample booklist for two popular optionals:

History

• “India’s Ancient Past” – R.S. Sharma

• “Medieval India” – Satish Chandra

• “Modern India” – Bipan Chandra

Geography

• NCERTs (Class 6–12)

• “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” – G.C. Leong

• “Oxford Atlas”

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