HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 – Rs.29,500 Salary, 23 Vacancies, Apply by 22 Oct

HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026

HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 is officially open — the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released Advertisement No. 63/9-2026 for 23 Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Group-A (Job Trainee) posts in the Department of Agriculture, HP. This guide is for agriculture graduates (B.Sc. + M.Sc. Agriculture) who are bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh and wards of Ex-Servicemen seeking a Group-A government agriculture job. This article covers salary, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, selection stages, documents, and important dates — everything you need to apply correctly before the 22 October 2026 deadline.

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✅ Quick Answer
HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 is open for 23 backlog vacancies (Group-A Job Trainee) under the HP Department of Agriculture, with a fixed monthly emolument of Rs. 29,500. Eligible candidates — B.Sc. + M.Sc. Agriculture holders aged 18–45 who are bonafide HP residents and wards of Ex-Servicemen — can apply online at hppsc.hp.gov.in before 22 October 2026, 11:59 PM.
📋 HPPSC ADO 2026 — Key Facts at a Glance
  • Conducting Body: Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
  • Advertisement No.: 63/9-2026
  • Post Name: Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Group-A (Job Trainee)
  • Department: Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh
  • Total Vacancies: 23 (All Backlog)
  • Monthly Emoluments: Rs. 29,500/- (Fixed)
  • Application Start Date: 25 September 2026
  • Last Date to Apply: 22 October 2026 (11:59 PM)
  • Application Fee: Rs. 600 (All Categories)
  • Age Limit: 18–45 Years (as on 1 January 2026)
  • Application Mode: Online via OTR Portal
  • Official Website: hppsc.hp.gov.in

📋 Table of Contents

What is HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026?

HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026
HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026

HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 is a state-level government recruitment drive conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) to fill 23 backlog vacancies for the post of Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Group-A (Job Trainee) in the Department of Agriculture, Himachal Pradesh. The recruitment is governed under the HP Government’s Job Trainee Scheme, which means selected candidates are appointed as Job Trainees — not directly as regular officers — with fixed monthly emoluments of Rs. 29,500.

The Agriculture Development Officer plays a crucial role in implementing government agricultural schemes, providing technical guidance to farmers, and monitoring crop production activities at the block/district level in Himachal Pradesh. This post offers genuine career growth potential, as job trainees are eventually regularized based on performance and government policy.

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These 23 vacancies are backlog posts, meaning they were previously unfilled and are now being advertised again. All vacancies are reserved exclusively for Wards of Ex-Servicemen from specific categories as defined under HP Government reservation rules.

Who Should Apply for HPPSC ADO 2026?

This recruitment is specifically targeted. Before applying, confirm you match all of the following profiles:

  • 🎓 Agriculture graduates with a 4-year B.Sc. (Agriculture) degree from a recognized university
  • 🏅 M.Sc. Agriculture (2nd Class or above) holders from ICAR-recognized or State/Central Government-approved institutions
  • 🪖 Wards of Ex-Servicemen (sons/daughters of retired/deceased Army/Navy/Air Force personnel) who are bonafide residents of HP
  • 📅 Candidates aged 18–45 years as on 1 January 2026
  • 🏔️ Bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh — non-HP candidates are treated as General category and will not be considered under reserved posts
  • 🧾 SC (HP)/OBC (HP) wards of Ex-SM who are eligible for their respective reserved category
  • 💼 Freshers and experienced agriculture professionals who meet the qualification requirements
  • 🖥️ Candidates comfortable applying online through the HPPSC OTR (One Time Registration) portal

HPPSC ADO Vacancy Details 2026 — Category-Wise Breakdown

All 23 vacancies under HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 are backlog posts, reserved exclusively for Wards of Ex-Servicemen in Himachal Pradesh. Here is the complete category-wise vacancy breakdown:

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CategoryTypeVacancies
UR — Ward of Ex-Servicemen (HP)Backlog19
SC of HP — Ward of Ex-ServicemenBacklog3
OBC of HP — Ward of Ex-ServicemenBacklog1
Total VacanciesBacklog23

Important: Candidates from outside Himachal Pradesh who belong to reserved categories (SC/OBC/OBC-Non-Creamy Layer of other states) will be treated as General/UR candidates for the purposes of this recruitment. Only bonafide HP residents are eligible for category-based reservation benefits.

HPPSC ADO Salary & Emoluments 2026 — Complete Breakdown

Selected candidates appointed as Agriculture Development Officers under the Job Trainee Scheme will receive a fixed monthly emolument of Rs. 29,500. This is a consolidated pay figure with no additional allowances during the job trainee period — it is not a pay band or grade pay structure.

ComponentAmount
Fixed Monthly Emoluments (Job Trainee)Rs. 29,500/-
Annual Earnings (approx.)Rs. 3,54,000/-
Post ClassificationGroup-A
Pay Structure TypeFixed (Job Trainee Scheme)
Expected Pay Scale (Post-Regularization)As per HP Govt. Grade Pay Structure for ADO
💡 Pro Tip — Job Trainee vs Regular Pay
The Rs. 29,500/month figure is the Job Trainee emolument. After the trainee period concludes and regularization happens (subject to HP Government policy), the Agriculture Development Officer (Group-A) is placed on the regular HP Government pay scale, which is significantly higher. Track the official HP Agriculture Department notifications and hppsc.hp.gov.in for regularization timelines.

HPPSC ADO Eligibility Criteria 2026 — Qualification, Age & Domicile

Candidates must satisfy ALL eligibility conditions to apply. Meeting partial requirements leads to rejection at any stage of the process.

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Educational Qualification

  • Essential (Mandatory): B.Sc. (Agriculture) under a 4-year degree programme from a recognized university, AND M.Sc. (Agriculture) with at least Second Class from a college/university recognized by the State/Central Government or ICAR
  • Desirable (Preferred): M.Sc. (Agriculture) First Class or above is listed as a desirable qualification — candidates with First Class M.Sc. Ag. have a competitive advantage
  • Candidates must also have knowledge of the customs, manners, and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and be suitable for appointment under the conditions prevailing in the state

Age Limit (As on 1 January 2026)

CategoryAge LimitRelaxation
General / UR (Ward of Ex-SM)18–45 YearsNone
SC of HP (Ward of Ex-SM)18–45 Years+5 Years (up to 50 years)
OBC of HP (Ward of Ex-SM)18–45 Years+5 Years (up to 50 years)
PwD (Himachal Pradesh)18–45 Years+5 Years (up to 50 years)
HP Govt. EmployeesAs per relevant HP Govt. instructions

Domicile / Reservation Condition

  • All 23 posts are reserved for Wards of Ex-Servicemen who are bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh
  • Candidates must produce a valid Bonafide Himachali Certificate and a Dependent/Ward Certificate proving their status as a ward of an Ex-Serviceman
  • Candidates from outside HP falling under SC/OBC categories will be considered as UR/General candidates — they will NOT qualify under reserved category posts

Documents Required for Application

  • Matriculation certificate (for age proof)
  • B.Sc. Agriculture degree and mark sheets
  • M.Sc. Agriculture degree and mark sheets (with class/grade)
  • Category certificate (SC/OBC), if applicable
  • Bonafide Himachali Certificate
  • Dependent Certificate / Ward of Ex-SM Certificate
  • Required affidavit for Ex-SM-related reservation (as per notification)
  • NOC from current employer (if currently serving in government)
  • Experience certificate, if applicable

How to Apply for HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 — Step-by-Step

All applications must be submitted online only through the HPPSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal. No offline mode is available. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Visit the official HPPSC website at www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc or the OTR portal at hppsconline.hp.gov.in
  2. Complete One Time Registration (OTR) — register with your basic details, email ID, and mobile number if you have not already done so. Existing OTR users can skip this step.
  3. Log in to the OTR portal using your registered credentials (username and password)
  4. Select the ADO recruitment advertisement (Advt. No. 63/9-2026 / Agriculture Development Officer Group-A) from the list of live advertisements
  5. Fill in personal and educational details accurately — name, date of birth, educational qualifications, category, and Ex-SM dependent status
  6. Complete the live photograph process — the OTR portal requires a live photograph capture through webcam for biometric face authentication at the exam centre. Ensure your device has a working camera.
  7. Upload required documents — B.Sc./M.Sc. certificates, category certificate, Bonafide HP certificate, Ex-SM dependent certificate, etc.
  8. Pay the examination fee of Rs. 600 online (through net banking, UPI, debit/credit card)
  9. Submit the application form and download the confirmation page / application receipt for your records
  10. Keep the application number safe — you will need it for admit card download, result checking, and future correspondence

⚠️ Last Date Reminder: The application window closes on 22 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The portal link will be disabled after this deadline. Do not wait for the last day — server load on the final day often causes technical delays.

HPPSC ADO Application Fee 2026

CategoryApplication FeeMode
All Candidates (UR / SC / OBC)Rs. 600/-Online Only

Unlike many PSC recruitments, HPPSC does not offer a fee waiver for SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories in this particular recruitment. All candidates — regardless of category — must pay Rs. 600 as the examination fee. Payment can be made online through net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card via the OTR payment gateway. The fee once paid is non-refundable.

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HPPSC ADO Selection Process & Exam Pattern 2026

The HPPSC ADO selection process involves three distinct stages — a Screening Test (Paper-I CBT), a Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (Paper-II SAT), and a Personality Test (Interview). The final merit list is prepared based on Paper-II + Personality Test marks only (total 150 marks).

StagePaper / Test TypeDurationMarksFor Merit?
Stage 1Paper-I — Objective Screening Test (CBT)1 Hour100Qualifying Only
Stage 2Paper-II — Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT)3 Hours120Yes (Merit)
Stage 3Personality Test (Interview)—30Yes (Merit)
Final MeritPaper-II + Personality Test—150Yes

Negative Marking in Paper-I

Paper-I (Objective Screening Test) carries negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer. Each question has five options, including a designated “No Attempt” option. Candidates who mark the wrong answer, mark multiple options, or leave a question blank (without marking the official no-attempt option) will lose 0.25 marks. Attempt only questions you are confident about.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

StageGeneral CategoryReserved Category (SC/OBC/HP)
Paper-II (SAT) — 120 Marks45% (54 Marks)40% (48 Marks)
Personality Test — 30 Marks40% (12 Marks)30% (9 Marks)

HPPSC ADO Syllabus 2026 — Paper I & Paper II

Paper-I Syllabus (Objective Screening Test — 100 Marks)

SubjectMarks
General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh (History, Geography, Polity, Culture, Economy)30
General Knowledge — National & International Affairs30
Hindi Language20
English Language20
Total100

Paper-II Syllabus (Descriptive SAT — 120 Marks, 3 Hours)

Paper-II is a descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) covering core agriculture subjects at B.Sc. and M.Sc. level. Key subject areas include:

  • Agronomy — crop production, crop physiology, farming systems
  • Soil Science — soil fertility, soil health, fertilizer management
  • Horticulture — fruit, vegetable, and flower crops relevant to HP
  • Plant Pathology — disease identification and management
  • Agricultural Entomology — pest identification and IPM
  • Agricultural Economics — farm management, rural credit, markets
  • Agricultural Extension — technology transfer, rural development
  • Genetics and Plant Breeding — crop improvement methods

The detailed subject-wise syllabus is available in the official notification on the HPPSC website. Candidates are strongly advised to download the official notification PDF from hppsc.hp.gov.in to access the full prescribed syllabus before preparing.

Personality Test (Interview — 30 Marks, at Shimla)

Candidates who qualify Paper-I (screening) and Paper-II are called for the Personality Test, conducted at the HPPSC office in Shimla. The interview assesses general knowledge, communication skills, understanding of agriculture policies, and suitability for the ADO role in Himachal Pradesh. Candidates must carry all original documents for verification at the Personality Test stage.

HPPSC ADO 2026 vs Other Agriculture Government Jobs — Comparison

ParameterHPPSC ADO 2026 (HP)IBPS SO Agriculture Field OfficerNABARD Development Assistant
Conducting BodyHPPSC (State PSC)IBPS (Banking Sector)NABARD (Apex Dev. Bank)
Post LevelGroup-A (State)Scale-I OfficerGrade-A / Grade-B
Salary (Starting)Rs. 29,500/month (Trainee)Rs. 36,000–Rs. 63,840/monthRs. 44,500–Rs. 89,000/month
QualificationB.Sc. + M.Sc. Ag. (2nd Class)4-year B.Sc. Ag. / AlliedB.Sc./M.Sc. Ag. (60%+)
Age Limit18–45 Years20–30 Years21–30 Years (Grade-A)
Vacancies (2026)23 (Backlog)500+ (National)Several (as announced)
Selection StagesScreening + SAT + InterviewPrelims + Mains + InterviewPrelims + Mains + Interview
Geographical PreferenceOnly HP Bonafide ResidentsAll IndiaAll India
Application FeeRs. 600 (All Categories)Rs. 850 (General)Rs. 800 (General)
Best ForHP residents seeking state govt. agriculture roleBanking + agriculture career aspirantsRural development finance professionals
🔵 Expert Verdict
For bonafide HP residents who are Wards of Ex-Servicemen with an M.Sc. Agriculture background, HPPSC ADO 2026 is a low-competition, state-level Group-A opportunity with only 23 total vacancies. While the Rs. 29,500 trainee emolument is lower than NABARD or IBPS SO, the Group-A status, regularization potential, and extremely specific target pool (only wards of Ex-SM in HP) make the competition far thinner than national-level exams. If you are eligible, apply without hesitation.

Pros and Cons of HPPSC ADO Job Trainee Post 2026

Advantages

  • ✅ Group-A State Government Post — prestigious classification with career advancement potential
  • ✅ Low competition — only 23 vacancies exclusively for Wards of Ex-SM in HP, significantly reducing applicant pool
  • ✅ Fixed monthly income of Rs. 29,500 with regular government job security
  • ✅ Regularization potential — Job Trainees are eventually regularized under HP Government policy
  • ✅ Service in home state (HP) — no transfer risk to other states, work close to family
  • ✅ Older age limit (18–45 years) — makes the post accessible to candidates who missed NABARD/IBPS age limits

Disadvantages

  • ❌ Lower starting emolument (Rs. 29,500) compared to central government or banking sector agriculture posts
  • ❌ Job Trainee — not a regular appointment from day one; regularization timeline depends on HP Government policy
  • ❌ Highly restricted eligibility — only Wards of Ex-SM who are bonafide HP residents qualify; vast majority of agriculture graduates cannot apply
  • ❌ Backlog posts only — no fresh vacancies; these are previously unfilled positions

Important Terms Related to HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026

Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the notification, application process, and exam preparation:

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  • HPPSC (Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission): The constitutional body responsible for recruiting officers for Group-A and Group-B positions in the Himachal Pradesh Government services. Established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India.
  • ADO (Agriculture Development Officer): A Group-A state government officer responsible for agricultural scheme implementation, farmer guidance, and crop development at the block and district level in HP.
  • Job Trainee Scheme: An HP Government scheme under which officers are initially appointed as “Job Trainees” at a fixed emolument (Rs. 29,500) before regularization into the permanent pay scale. Governed by HP Job Trainee Policy.
  • OTR (One Time Registration): The HPPSC online portal (hppsconline.hp.gov.in) where candidates register once and apply for all HPPSC recruitments using the same account and live photograph.
  • Backlog Vacancy: A post that was reserved in a previous recruitment cycle but remained unfilled due to non-availability of eligible candidates in the specific category. Backlog vacancies are carried forward to future recruitment drives.
  • Ward of Ex-Serviceman (Ward of Ex-SM): The son or daughter of an Ex-Serviceman (person who served in the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force and has been discharged or retired) who is a bonafide resident of Himachal Pradesh.
  • SAT (Subject Aptitude Test): Paper-II of the HPPSC ADO exam — a descriptive-format test covering core agriculture subjects, designed to assess subject knowledge depth rather than speed. Duration: 3 hours, 120 marks.
  • Bonafide Himachali Certificate: An official document issued by the HP Government certifying that the candidate is a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh. Required for availing state reservation benefits.
  • ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research): The apex body governing agricultural education and research in India. University/college recognition by ICAR is a valid qualification qualifier for HPPSC ADO educational requirements.
  • Personality Test: The final selection stage (30 marks) — an interview conducted at the HPPSC office in Shimla to assess candidate suitability, communication, and domain knowledge.

HPPSC ADO Important Dates 2026 — Complete Timeline

EventDate
Official Notification Released24 September 2026
Online Application Starts25 September 2026
Last Date to Apply Online22 October 2026
Last Date for Fee Payment22 October 2026, 11:59 PM
HPPSC ADO Admit CardTo be announced
HPPSC ADO Paper-I (Screening Test)To be announced
HPPSC ADO Paper-II (SAT)To be announced
Personality TestTo be announced
Final ResultTo be announced
ResourceLink
Official HPPSC Websitewww.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc
Apply Online — OTR Portalhppsconline.hp.gov.in
Official Notification PDF (Advt. 63/9-2026)Download from hppsc.hp.gov.in
Telegram Notification Channel (Agrijob.in)t.me/agrijob_in/828
HP Agriculture Department Official Sitehimachal.nic.in/agriculture
ICAR — Official Site (for eligibility reference)www.icar.org.in
India.gov.in — HP Govt. Jobs Portalwww.india.gov.in

Conclusion — Should You Apply for HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026?

HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 is a rare Group-A state government opportunity for eligible agriculture graduates who are bonafide HP residents and Wards of Ex-Servicemen. With only 23 vacancies and a highly specific eligibility pool, the competition is genuinely thinner than most national-level agriculture recruitment drives. If you hold a B.Sc. + M.Sc. Agriculture degree, meet the age and domicile conditions, and qualify as a Ward of Ex-SM under HP Government rules — you should apply before 22 October 2026 without delay.

Next Step: Visit hppsc.hp.gov.in right now, download the official notification PDF, verify your eligibility, and begin your OTR registration. You can also follow our Telegram channel for admit card and exam date alerts as soon as they are released.

📌 Key Takeaways — HPPSC ADO 2026
  • 23 backlog vacancies for Agriculture Development Officer Group-A (Job Trainee) under HPPSC Advt. 63/9-2026
  • Fixed monthly emolument of Rs. 29,500 during the Job Trainee period, with regularization potential
  • Exclusive to Wards of Ex-Servicemen who are bonafide HP residents — non-HP candidates are not eligible for reserved posts
  • Educational qualification: B.Sc. Ag. (4-year) + M.Sc. Ag. (2nd Class minimum) from recognized institution
  • Age limit: 18–45 years as on 1 January 2026 (5-year relaxation for SC/OBC/HP/PwD)
  • Apply online only via hppsconline.hp.gov.in — last date 22 October 2026, 11:59 PM. Application fee: Rs. 600 for all categories.

Frequently Asked Questions About HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026

What is HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026?

HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 is an official government recruitment drive by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) for 23 Agriculture Development Officer (ADO) Group-A (Job Trainee) posts in the HP Agriculture Department, under Advertisement No. 63/9-2026. All 23 posts are backlog vacancies reserved for Wards of Ex-Servicemen who are bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh.

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What is the HPPSC ADO salary in 2026?

The fixed monthly emolument for HPPSC Agriculture Development Officer (Job Trainee) is Rs. 29,500 per month (approximately Rs. 3,54,000 per year). This is a consolidated pay under the HP Job Trainee Scheme. Upon regularization, the pay is revised to the standard Group-A government pay scale as applicable under HP Government rules.

Who is eligible to apply for HPPSC ADO 2026?

Candidates must hold a B.Sc. (Agriculture) 4-year degree AND an M.Sc. (Agriculture) with at least Second Class from an ICAR/State/Central Government recognized institution. They must be bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh and classified as Wards of Ex-Servicemen under the applicable HP Government definition. Age must be between 18 and 45 years as on 1 January 2026.

What is the last date to apply for HPPSC ADO 2026?

The last date to submit the HPPSC ADO 2026 online application and pay the examination fee is 22 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. After this deadline, the application portal link will be disabled, and no applications will be accepted through any other mode. Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

What is the application fee for HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026?

The application fee is Rs. 600 for all candidates — regardless of category (UR, SC, OBC). There is no fee waiver or reduction for any category. The fee is payable online through the OTR payment gateway via net banking, UPI, or debit/credit card. The fee once paid is non-refundable.

What is the selection process for HPPSC ADO 2026?

The HPPSC ADO selection process has three stages: (1) Paper-I — Objective Screening Test (100 marks, 1 hour, Computer-Based), which is qualifying in nature; (2) Paper-II — Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test/SAT (120 marks, 3 hours), counted in final merit; and (3) Personality Test/Interview (30 marks, conducted at Shimla). The final merit list is prepared out of 150 marks (Paper-II + Personality Test).

Is there negative marking in HPPSC ADO Paper-I?

Yes, Paper-I (Objective Screening Test) carries negative marking. A deduction of 0.25 marks (one-fourth) is made for each wrong answer, multiple marks, or for leaving a question blank without marking the official “No Attempt” option. Paper-II (SAT) is descriptive — there is no negative marking in the descriptive paper.

Can candidates from outside Himachal Pradesh apply for HPPSC ADO 2026?

No. All 23 vacancies in HPPSC ADO 2026 are reserved for bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh who are Wards of Ex-Servicemen. Candidates from other states — even if they belong to SC, OBC, or other reserved categories — will be treated as General/UR category and will not qualify under the reserved posts. A valid Bonafide Himachali Certificate is mandatory.

What is a Job Trainee in HPPSC ADO 2026?

Under the HP Government’s Job Trainee Scheme, selected candidates are initially appointed as Job Trainees at a fixed emolument of Rs. 29,500 per month, rather than being directly placed on a regular pay scale. The Job Trainee period is a probationary phase governed by state government policy. After successful completion, trainees are eligible for regularization as permanent Group-A Agriculture Development Officers under standard HP government service conditions.

Where can I download the HPPSC ADO 2026 official notification?

The official notification PDF for HPPSC ADO Recruitment 2026 (Advt. No. 63/9-2026) is available on the official HPPSC website at www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc. You can also get direct notification download alerts through the Agrijob.in Telegram channel.

Last Updated: September 2026 | This article is based on the official HPPSC Advertisement No. 63/9-2026 and is reviewed for accuracy. For the latest updates on admit card, exam dates, and result, bookmark this page or follow our Telegram channel.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All eligibility decisions, vacancy counts, fee details, and selection criteria are subject to the official HPPSC notification. Always verify from the official HPPSC website at hppsc.hp.gov.in before applying.

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