HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026: The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has opened online applications for 3 Scientific Officer posts in the Directorate of Forensic Services, Department of Home, Himachal Pradesh. The recruitment is advertised under Advertisement No. 65/10-2026, dated October 7, 2026.
The commission requires a relevant postgraduate degree and at least three years of post-qualification experience in research, training, and analytical work, subject to the prescribed eligibility conditions.
The engagement is for a Group-B Scientific Officer post under the Job Trainee scheme, with fixed monthly emoluments of ₹28,000. The last date to submit the online application and pay the examination fee is November 3, 2026, by 11:59 PM.
HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission |
| Advertisement Number | 65/10-2026 |
| Post Name | Scientific Officer |
| Group | Group-B |
| Department | Department of Home |
| Directorate | Directorate of Forensic Services |
| Total Vacancies | 3 |
| Category | Unreserved (UR) |
| Monthly Emoluments | ₹ 28,000 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 45 years |
| Age Calculation Date | January 1, 2026 |
| Application Last Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Official Website | https://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc |
HPPSC Scientific Officer Vacancy 2026
The commission has advertised three vacancies for the Scientific Officer post in the Directorate of Forensic Services.
| Post | Group | Vacancies | Category | Monthly Emoluments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Officer | Group-B (Job Trainee) | 3 | Unreserved | ₹ 28,000 |
All three advertised vacancies are unreserved. Candidates should read the notification carefully to understand the applicable eligibility and reservation rules.
The Himachal Pradesh Government’s scheme for engaging job trainees on a fixed amount, along with subsequent applicable orders and guidelines, will govern recruitment and engagement.
HPPSC Scientific Officer Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must fulfil the prescribed educational qualification, experience, and age requirements by the closing date of the online recruitment application.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess at least a second-class postgraduate qualification in one of the following:
Option 1: M.Sc. in Forensic Science
- M.Sc. in Forensic Science with specialization, dissertation work, coursework, or project work in the field of Chemical Sciences.
OR
Option 2: Relevant postgraduate qualification
- M.Sc. in Chemistry
- M.Sc. in Biochemistry
- M.Sc. in Pharmacy
- M.S. (Pharm.)
- M.Pharm.
The degree must be from a recognised university and meet the notification’s second-class requirement.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least three years of post-qualification experience in research, training and analytical work in the specified subjects.
Important conditions include:
- The experience must be acquired after obtaining the required degree.
- The work must fall within the subjects specified in the essential qualification criteria.
- The experience certificate must be formally issued and signed by the Research Supervisor or Head of the Organisation/Department.
- Research work conducted specifically for completion of a PhD degree may be counted towards the required three years of experience.
Applicants should verify that their experience certificate clearly establishes the nature and duration of their qualifying work.
Desirable Qualifications
The notification lists the following as desirable:
- A Ph.D. degree in one of the specified subjects.
- Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh, along with suitability for engagement under the conditions prevailing in the state.
These are desirable qualifications, not substitutes for the essential educational qualification and experience requirements.
HPPSC Scientific Officer Age Limit 2026
The prescribed age limit is:
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 45 years |
| Age Reckoning Date | January 1, 2026 |
The HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 provides five years of upper-age relaxation for eligible candidates, bona fide residents of Himachal Pradesh belonging to the specified categories, including SC, ST, OBC, Wards of Freedom Fighters, and persons with disabilities, subject to the applicable rules.
Age relaxation for eligible Himachal Pradesh government employees and ex-servicemen will be governed by the relevant government instructions.
Candidates belonging to reserved categories of other states will be treated as unreserved candidates for this recruitment and will not receive the associated reservation benefits or fee concessions.
HPPSC Scientific Officer Salary 2026
Selected candidates will receive fixed monthly emoluments of ₹28,000 under the Job Trainee scheme.
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly Emoluments | ₹ 28,000 |
| Annualised Amount | ₹ 3,36,000 |
The annualised amount is calculated by multiplying the stated monthly emoluments by 12. It is not a separate salary promise or confirmation of additional benefits.
Candidates should note that this is a job trainee engagement on a fixed amount, as specified in the advertisement. They should refer to the notification and applicable government orders for the terms of engagement rather than assuming that the post follows a regular pay scale.
Also read: DAV CBT Exam Pattern 2026.
HPPSC Scientific Officer Application Fee 2026
The HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 specifies a uniform examination fee for all candidates, irrespective of category or gender.
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| All candidates | ₹ 600 |
The fee must be paid online using an accepted digital payment method, such as a debit card, credit card, or UPI.
Important: The examination fee is non-refundable. Applications submitted without the prescribed fee or through an unapproved payment method may be rejected.
HPPSC Scientific Officer Selection Process 2026
The selection process may include a screening test, a descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT), and a Personality Test.
However, the commission’s general selection scheme also states that when the number of eligible candidates is six or fewer for the advertised posts, candidates may be called directly for the Personality Test. The actual procedure will depend on the applicable selection conditions and the commission’s decision.
Stage 1: Objective Screening Test
Where a written screening test is required, Paper I will be conducted as a computer-based test or an offline objective test.
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh | 30 |
| National and International Affairs | 30 |
| Hindi Language | 20 |
| English Language | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
- Duration: 1 hour
- Question type: Objective multiple-choice questions
- Negative marking: Yes
The HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 specifies a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for each wrong answer. It also states that leaving a question blank attracts the same penalty. Candidates who do not wish to answer should select option E, where provided, to avoid the penalty.
Stage 2: Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test
Paper II is a descriptive Subject Aptitude Test.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Marks | 120 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Format | Descriptive |
| Syllabus | To be uploaded by HPPSC |
The notification states that the detailed syllabus for Paper II will be uploaded on the commission’s official website separately.
The minimum qualifying marks in the SAT for eligibility for the Personality Test are:
- General category: 45%
- Reserved categories: 40%
Candidates scoring below the applicable qualifying marks will not be considered for the remaining selection process.
The notification also provides for a modified selection route when the number of eligible candidates is below the specified ratio. Candidates should therefore check subsequent HPPSC instructions for the procedure applicable to this recruitment.
Stage 3: Personality Test
The Personality Test carries 30 marks and is conducted at the commission’s office in Shimla.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 12 out of 30 |
| Reserved categories | 9 out of 30 |
Where the written-test route applies, the final ranking is determined using the marks obtained in the 120-mark SAT and the 30-mark Personality Test, subject to the commission’s prescribed selection rules.
How to Apply for HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates must apply online through the official HPPSC website. Applications submitted through other modes will not be accepted.
Follow these steps:
- Visit https://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc.
- Click on Apply Online on the homepage.
- Open the One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations section.
- If you are a new applicant, select New Registration and create your profile. Existing registered candidates can log in directly.
- Find Advertisement No. 65/10-2026 in the list of live advertisements.
- Select the Scientific Officer post and fill in the required details.
- Upload the required educational, experience, age, and category documents, wherever applicable.
- Upload your latest photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the examination fee of ₹600 using an accepted online payment method.
- Preview the application and uploaded documents carefully.
- Submit the application before the deadline and retain a copy for your records.
Important: The notification states that an application cannot ordinarily be corrected after submission, except for the permitted category-change procedure. Check every field and ensure that all uploaded documents are legible before final submission.
Documents Required for HPPSC Scientific Officer Application
Candidates should prepare the following documents, as applicable:
- Matriculation certificate for age proof
- Degree certificates
- Marksheets for all years or consolidated marksheets
- Experience certificate issued by the authorised Research Supervisor or Head of the Organisation/Department
- Valid category certificate, if claiming a reservation benefit
- Bonafide Himachali certificate where required for the relevant category claim
- Valid EWS/BPL certificate, where applicable
- Required ex-servicemen or other supporting certificates, where applicable
- Recent photograph and signature
Candidates should ensure that the certificates are in the formats prescribed by the Himachal Pradesh Government, where required. Original documents must be produced at the relevant verification or Personality Test stage.
Important Dates for HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | October 7, 2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Fee Payment Closing Date | November 3, 2026 |
| Application and Fee Deadline | 11:59 PM |
The HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 does not specify the screening test date or the personality test schedule. Candidates should monitor the official website for further announcements.
Important Instructions for Applicants
- Read the complete notification before applying.
- Ensure that the required postgraduate degree and three years of qualifying experience are completed by the application closing date.
- Upload readable documents in the prescribed formats.
- Enter a correct email address and mobile number for recruitment-related communication.
- Keep your OTR login credentials safe for downloading the e-admit card.
- E-admit cards will not be sent by post.
- Candidates in regular government service must follow the applicable employer-intimation and No Objection Certificate requirements.
- The notification states that the examination centre is Shimla, although the commission may change centres at its discretion.
- The examination fee will not be refunded.
Also read: UGC NET December 2026 Application Process.
In The End
HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026 offers three Group-B Job Trainee positions in the Directorate of Forensic Services, Himachal Pradesh, with fixed monthly emoluments of ₹28,000. Applicants must meet the specified postgraduate qualification and three-year experience requirements before applying.
Eligible candidates should complete their applications and fee payment by November 3, 2026, and regularly check the official HPPSC website for updates regarding the examination, detailed syllabus, and selection schedule.
FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available under HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026?
There are three Scientific Officer vacancies, all advertised under the unreserved category.
2. What is the last date to apply for HPPSC Scientific Officer Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application and pay the examination fee is November 3, 2026, by 11:59 PM.
3. What is the required qualification?
Candidates need at least a second-class M.Sc. in Forensic Science with the specified Chemical Sciences component, or a second-class postgraduate qualification in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, M.S. (Pharm.) or M.Pharm. from a recognised university.
4. Is work experience compulsory?
Yes. A minimum of three years of qualifying post-qualification experience in research, training, and analytical work is required.
5. What is the salary for the Scientific Officer post?
The stated fixed monthly emoluments are ₹28,000 under the Job Trainee scheme.
6. What is the selection process?
Depending on the selection conditions, recruitment may involve an objective screening test, a descriptive Subject Aptitude Test, and a Personality Test. The notification also allows direct Personality Test consideration when the eligible-candidate-to-vacancy ratio is six or below.
7. Where can candidates apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official HPPSC website: https://www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc.
