The Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (HP SET) 2026 is a crucial examination for candidates aspiring to become Assistant Professors in colleges and universities located in Himachal Pradesh. The exam is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) as the authorized nodal agency.
As per the latest official notification, online applications for HP SET 2026 are open, and the HP SET Exam Date 2026 will be announced soon on the official HPPSC website. This article provides complete and updated details about the HP SET Exam Date 2026, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and other important information.
HP SET Exam Date 2026 & Important Events
Candidates preparing for the Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (HP SET) 2026 must keep track of all important dates related to the examination to plan their preparation and application process effectively. The HP SET is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) to determine eligibility for the post of Assistant Professor in colleges and universities of Himachal Pradesh.
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 03 January 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 03 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be notified |
| HP SET Exam Date 2026 | To be announced |
| Provisional Answer Key | After exam |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
What is HP SET 2026?
The Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (HP SET) is a state-level examination conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC). It determines the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professor positions in universities and colleges within Himachal Pradesh.
This exam is similar to the UGC NET, but its validity is limited to colleges and universities in Himachal Pradesh only.
HP SET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for HP SET 2026, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility requirements:
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must have a Master’s degree from a UGC-recognized university.
- General Category: Minimum 55% marks in postgraduation.
- SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)/PwD (HP Candidates): Minimum 50% marks (without rounding off).
- Candidates who completed their Master’s before 19th September 1991 with a Ph.D. degree get a relaxation of 5% (from 55% to 50%).
Final Year Candidates
- Students in the final year of their Master’s degree can also apply.
- However, they must complete their degree with the required percentage within two years of the result declaration.
Age Limit
- No age limit applies to HP SET candidates.
Subject Selection
- Candidates must choose their postgraduation subject for the exam.
- If their subject is not available in the HP SET subject list, they must appear for UGC-NET or CSIR-NET.
HP SET 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the HP SET 2026 exam pattern is essential for candidates preparing for the examination, as it helps in planning an effective preparation strategy. The Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (HP SET) 2026 is conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) in offline mode to assess the teaching and subject knowledge of candidates aspiring for the post of Assistant Professor.
As per the official notification, the HP SET 2026 examination consists of two compulsory papers, both held on the same day in separate sessions. Candidates must appear in both Paper I and Paper II to be considered for qualification.
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Paper 1 | General Aptitude | 50 | 100 | 1 Hour |
| Paper 2 | Subject-Specific | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
Important Points:
- Paper 1 tests teaching and research aptitude, reasoning, comprehension, and general awareness.
- Paper 2 is based on the candidate’s chosen subject.
- There is no negative marking in the exam.
- The exam is conducted in offline mode (pen and paper).
HP SET Exam Syllabus 2026
The syllabus for HP SET 2026 follows the UGC NET syllabus. Below are the key topics:
Paper 1: General Aptitude
- Teaching & Research Aptitude
- Logical Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation
- Communication & ICT
- Higher Education System
Paper 2: Subject-Specific
Candidates must study the syllabus for their respective postgraduation subjects. The full syllabus is available on the HPPSC website.
HP SET 2026 Reservation & Certificates
Candidates claiming reservation benefits (SC/ST/OBC/PwD) must submit valid certificates issued by the competent authority.
Important Rules:
- The reservation certificate must be based on the parental category, not marital status.
- Candidates with foreign degrees must get their qualification equivalency certificate from AIU (Association of Indian Universities), New Delhi.
Exemption from HP SET 2026
Certain candidates are exempted from appearing in HP SET:
- Ph.D. Degree Holders (as per UGC Regulations, 2009) are exempted from NET/SET for Assistant Professor positions.
- Candidates who qualified NET before 1st June 2002 are also exempted.
- Those who qualified SET after 1st June 2002 can apply only for Assistant Professor positions in the same state where they qualified.
How to Apply for HP SET 2026?
The HP SET exam date 2026 is in August, and the application process is online through the HPPSC official website.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply
- Visit the HPPSC official website – www.hppsc.hp.gov.in
- Click on HP SET 2026 Notification and read the instructions.
- Register by providing your basic details.
- Fill in the application form with educational details.
- Upload scanned copies of your documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Conclusion
The HP SET Exam Date 2026 announcement is eagerly awaited by thousands of aspirants aiming for Assistant Professor positions in Himachal Pradesh. With applications already open, candidates should focus on syllabus-based preparation, revise UGC NET concepts, and stay updated with official HPPSC notifications.
HP SET Exam Date 2026 FQAs
Where will the HP SET Exam Date 2026 be announced?
The official HP SET Exam Date 2026 will be announced on the HPPSC website at www.hppsc.hp.gov.in. Candidates are advised to regularly check the website for the latest updates and notifications.
When will the admit card be released in relation to the HP SET Exam Date 2026?
The HP SET admit card 2026 is expected to be released a few weeks before the HP SET Exam Date 2026. Candidates will be able to download the admit card online using their registration credentials.
Can the HP SET Exam Date 2026 be changed after announcement?
Yes, the HPPSC reserves the right to change the HP SET Exam Date 2026 due to administrative or unavoidable reasons. Any change in the exam schedule will be officially notified on the HPPSC website.
How should candidates prepare while waiting for the HP SET Exam Date 2026?
While waiting for the official HP SET Exam Date 2026, candidates should continue preparing according to the UGC NET-based syllabus, practice previous year question papers, and stay updated with HPPSC notifications to avoid missing any important announcement.
