1️⃣ Himachal Pradesh GK (Very High Priority)

This section typically accounts for 20–30% of the paper.

👉 A. Geography of Himachal Pradesh

Physiography: Himachal’s ranges (Shivalik, Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, Zanskar)
Major rivers and tributaries (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Yamuna origins and valleys)
Lakes (Chandra Tal, Suraj Tal, Rewalsar, Khajjiar, Renuka, Gobind Sagar)
Passes (Rohtang, Baralacha La, Kunzum La, Jalori, Shinku La)
Glaciers (Sonapani, Chhota Shigri, Bara Shigri)
Climate zones
Soil types and altitude zones (Mountain Soil etc.)
Natural vegetation zones

👉 B. History of Himachal Pradesh

Ancient tribes (Kulindas, Audumbaras, Trigarta)
Hill states and their integration
Revolts and resistances (Dodra-Kwar, 1857 events in HP)
British administration (settlements, Lyall’s report on Kangra)
Freedom movement in HP
Formation and reorganization of HP (1948–1971)
Important personalities (Y.S. Parmar, Padam Dev, S.C. Negi, Shivanand Ramaul)

👉 C. Polity and Administration

Administrative divisions (districts, sub-divisions, tehsils)
Panchayati Raj structure
State Legislature and Governor
HP Public Service Commission
Important acts (HP Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act)

👉 D. Economy of HP

Agriculture and horticulture (apple belts, stone fruits, floriculture)
Irrigation projects
Industry (hydropower, tourism, handicrafts)
Schemes specific to HP (Mukhya Mantri Swalamban Yojana, Nai Rahein Nai Manzilein)
Tribal economy and special areas (Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi)

👉 E. Culture, Art, and Heritage

Folk dances (Nati, Kayang, Bakayang)
Fairs and festivals (Minjar, Shivratri Mandi, Kullu Dussehra, Renuka Fair)
Temples and monasteries (Hidimba Devi, Baijnath, Tabo Monastery)
Languages and dialects
Handicrafts (Kullu shawls, Chamba Rumal, woodcraft)

👉 F. Environment and Ecology

National Parks and Sanctuaries (Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley, Simbalbara)
Biosphere reserves (GHNP)
Ramsar Sites (Renuka Lake, Pong Dam)
Conservation projects (Snow Leopard, Musk Deer)
Recent environmental issues (landslides, flash floods)

👉 G. Current Affairs of HP (must cover)

Budget announcements for HP
New schemes launched
Major infrastructure projects
Important committees/reports on HP
Recent disasters and mitigation steps

✅ 2️⃣ Other GS Subjects – Topic-wise List

🌟 A. Indian Polity

Preamble, Features of Constitution
Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Fundamental Duties
Parliament and State Legislatures
President, Governor, Executive powers
Supreme Court & High Courts
Local Self-Government
Schedules of Constitution
Constitutional amendments (especially recent ones like 103rd for EWS)
Election Commission, CAG
Important doctrines (Basic Structure, Judicial Review)
Emergency provisions
Center-State relations
Recent Polity current affairs (laws, bills, amendments)

✅ Trend: Assertion-Reason questions on Articles, powers of Governor/Speaker, Cut Motion.

🌟 B. Indian Economy

Sectors of Economy
GDP, GNP, inflation, fiscal deficit
Budget concepts (Vote on Account, Cut Motion)
Banking: RBI, CRR, SLR, Repo/Reverse Repo
Financial Inclusion schemes
Subsidies, DBT
NITI Aayog and indices
Industrial Policies
Make in India, Startup India, PLI scheme
Twin Balance Sheet problem
Agriculture: MSP, Rythu Bandhu-type schemes
External sector: BoP, FDI, WTO
Economic Survey highlights
Budget 2025–26 (for 2026 exam)

✅ Trend: Application-based questions, government schemes, recent Budget/Eco Survey points.

🌟 C. History (India)

Ancient India (Vedic age, Maurya, Gupta)
Art & Architecture (temples, caves)
Medieval India (Delhi Sultanate, Mughals)
Bhakti & Sufi movements
Modern India
- Advent of Europeans
- 1857 Revolt (causes, leaders, significance)
- Socio-religious reform movements
- INC Sessions and Moderates/Extremists
- Gandhi Era (non-cooperation, civil disobedience, quit India)
- Important Acts (1919, 1935)
- Constituent Assembly
Post-Independence (Integration of states)

✅ Trend: 1857 details, personalities, statement questions.

🌟 D. Geography (India & World)

Physical geography (earthquakes, volcanoes, rocks)
Indian drainage system
Soil types and zones
Agriculture regions
Climatic zones of India
Natural Vegetation
Mineral resources
Population distribution
Urbanization trends
World geography features (straits, important passes)
Map-based questions

✅ Trend: Location-based questions (Marble Falls, Bab-el-Mandeb).

🌟 E. Environment and Ecology

Ecosystem and its components
Food chains/webs
Biodiversity hotspots
National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries
Biosphere reserves
Ramsar sites in India
Conservation projects (Project Tiger, Elephant)
Environmental issues (pollution, climate change)
Renewable energy initiatives
Important summits (UNFCCC COP, CBD)
Government schemes (CAMPA, Green India Mission)

✅ Trend: Assertion-reason, recent Ramsar accreditations.

🌟 F. Science and Technology

Basics of Physics, Chemistry, Biology (school-level)
Recent ISRO missions (Aditya-L1, XPoSat)
Nuclear technology in India
Space technology milestones
Biotechnology applications
Health programmes (Polio, Mission Indradhanush)
Digital India, AI, IoT
Defence technologies
Cyber security

✅ Trend: Space missions, scientific awards, basic concepts.

🌟 G. Current Affairs (India + International)

National policies & schemes
Government initiatives
Sports events & awards
India’s rank in global indices (Democracy Index, HDI)
Summits & conferences (G20, COP)
Defence deals
International relations (Quad, ISA, CDRI)
Important committees, reports

✅ Trend: Rankings, match-the-following, chronological events.

🌟 H. Miscellaneous

Important days (National Science Day, National Youth Day)
Cultural heritage sites (UNESCO)
Awards and honours (Padma, Bharat Ratna)
Sports milestones

✅ Trend: Chronological arrangement questions.

🟢 HOW TO USE THIS LIST

✅ Make a checklist with these topics
✅ Divide them month-wise in your preparation plan
✅ Use HP-specific sources (HP GK books + newspapers like Divya Himachal, The Tribune HP edition)
✅ Practice with past papers – they follow these exact patterns!

HPAS 2026