Shimla: The HP Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has adopted the final draft of micro level syllabus to switch over from HAS to IAS pattern which was approved by the State Cabinet last week.

In preliminary examination, there would be two papers, one of General Studies and another of Aptitude Test of 200 marks each. Minimum 33 percent qualifying marks have been fixed for Aptitude Test. Merit for qualifying preliminary examination would be prepared on basis of marks obtained in General Studies paper. The same pattern was applicable in Civil Services preliminary examination.

Main examination would include paper of English and Hindi of 100 marks each which would be of qualifying nature with minimum 40 percent qualifying marks. There would be three papers of General Studies of 200 marks each, one paper of English Essay of 100 marks and Paper 1 and 2 of Optional Subjects of 200 marks. Interview would be of 150 marks. In this way, aggregate marks in main examination would be 1050.

The pattern would come into force from January, 2017.

Chairman HPPSC K.S. Tomar believe the new pattern would ensure level playing field which was earlier loaded in favour of those candidates who scored very high marks in two optional subjects. Now, performance in Common General Studies Papers carrying 600 marks would determine the merit more and not optional subject, which would carry only 200 marks, he said.

The HPPSC has uploaded the new micro syllabus alongwith the sample papers on its website. The Commission has also approved sample papers of new syllabus which had been approved by the experts from Himachal Pradesh University and Central University.