HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026 has been officially released by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) for Paper I of the Assistant Professor (College Cadre) screening test across multiple subjects including Physics, Philosophy, Geology, Zoology, Psychology, Public Administration, Geography, Sanskrit, Physical Education, and more. This guide is for candidates who appeared in the HPPSC Assistant Professor College Cadre exam 2026 and want to check their answers, understand the objection process, and know the exact deadlines.
The answer keys are being released subject-by-subject on the official portal at hppsc.hp.gov.in and the applicant login portal at hppsconline.hp.gov.in. Candidates have a 5-day window to raise objections at a non-refundable fee of Rs.100 per question.
HPPSC has released the provisional Paper I answer key for Assistant Professor (College Cadre) across 22 subjects in phases from September to October 2026. Candidates can raise objections online within 5 days of key release at Rs.100 per question (non-refundable) on hppsconline.hp.gov.in.
- Conducting Body: Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
- Post Name: Assistant Professor (College Cadre), Group-A (Job Trainee)
- Total Vacancies: 369 across 22 subjects
- Salary: Rs.35,000 per month (Job Trainee fixed emolument)
- Paper I: Objective-type Screening Test — 50 questions, qualifying in nature
- Answer Key Type: Provisional (released 1 day after exam)
- Objection Fee: Rs.100 per objected question (non-refundable, online only)
- Objection Window: Typically 5 days after answer key release
- Official Portal: hppsc.hp.gov.in / hppsconline.hp.gov.in
- Selection Process: Paper I (qualifying) → Paper II (120 marks) → Personality Test (30 marks)
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is the HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026?
- Subject-Wise Exam Dates and Answer Key Release Dates
- Who Should Check the HPPSC Answer Key 2026?
- How to Download HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026
- How to Raise an Objection Against the HPPSC Answer Key
- Objection Fee and Payment Details
- Salary and Selection Process Details
- Eligibility Criteria for HPPSC Assistant Professor 2026
- HPPSC vs Other State PSC Assistant Professor Answer Keys
- Pros and Cons of HPPSC Answer Key Objection Process
- Important Terms Related to HPPSC Answer Key
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026?

The HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026 is the official list of correct answers for the Paper I (Objective-Type Screening Test) conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission for recruitment to 369 Assistant Professor (College Cadre) posts in government degree colleges across Himachal Pradesh. The answer key is released subject-by-subject, typically within 24 hours of the examination date, on the HPPSC official portal.
Paper I is a qualifying test of 50 objective-type questions worth 100 marks. Candidates who score above the qualifying threshold in Paper I are eligible to sit for Paper II (Subject Aptitude Test). Paper I marks do not count in the final merit — only Paper II (120 marks) and the Personality Test (30 marks) determine the final rank. The answer key serves as the candidate’s tool to verify their Paper I responses and challenge any discrepancy before the final key is published.
The provisional key can be challenged by paying Rs.100 per objected question. After reviewing all valid objections, HPPSC releases a final answer key, which is then used to prepare the Paper I result and shortlist candidates for Paper II.
Subject-Wise Exam Dates and Answer Key Release Dates 2026
HPPSC has been conducting the Assistant Professor College Cadre screening test on a rolling schedule from September to October 2026. The table below covers confirmed subjects with their exam dates, answer key release dates, and objection windows.
| Subject | Exam Date | Answer Key Released | Objection Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit | 14 September 2026 | 15 September 2026 | 16–20 September 2026 |
| Public Administration | 16 September 2026 | 17 September 2026 | 18–22 September 2026 |
| Geography (Revised Key) | 18 September 2026 | 21 September 2026 (revised) | 22–26 September 2026 |
| Zoology | 25 September 2026 | 26 September 2026 | 27 September – 1 October 2026 |
| Philosophy and Geology | 28 September 2026 | 30 September 2026 | 1–5 October 2026 |
| Physics | 29 September 2026 | 30 September 2026 | 1–5 October 2026 |
| Physical Education | 07 October 2026 | 08 October 2026 | 10–14 October 2026 |
Note: Dates for subjects not listed here (Psychology, Commerce, English, Hindi, etc.) will be updated as HPPSC releases them. Always verify at the official HPPSC portal before the deadline.
Who Should Check the HPPSC Answer Key 2026?
The HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026 is essential for the following candidates:
- 🎓 Postgraduate holders with UGC-NET/CSIR-NET qualification who appeared in the Paper I screening test for any of the 22 subjects.
- 📚 PhD holders exempted from NET who appeared in the exam under UGC PhD exemption norms as per 2009 regulations.
- 🏫 College lecturers and academic professionals from Himachal Pradesh who applied for the 369 government college posts.
- 📝 Candidates who believe a Paper I answer is incorrect and want to file an official objection before the provisional key is finalised.
- 📊 Candidates calculating their expected score to estimate whether they qualify Paper I cutoff and will be called for Paper II (Subject Aptitude Test).
- 🔎 Candidates who appeared in multiple subjects (if eligible) and need to track separate answer keys for each subject.
- 📋 Aspirants monitoring the HPPSC 2026 recruitment cycle to understand the timeline from answer key to result to Paper II date.
- 🧑⚖️ Coaching institute faculty and students who want to analyse the Paper I difficulty level for future exam preparation.
How to Download HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026 — Step by Step
Follow these steps to download the provisional answer key for your subject from the official HPPSC portal:
- Visit the official HPPSC website at hppsc.hp.gov.in on your device.
- Click on “What’s New” or “Notices” on the homepage — all provisional answer key notices are listed here in reverse chronological order.
- Find the notice for your subject — look for text reading “Provisional answer key in respect of Paper-I to the post of Assistant Professor (College Cadre) [Subject Name]”.
- Click on “View/Visit Link” corresponding to your subject’s notice to open the answer key PDF.
- Download and save the PDF — the key lists the correct answer (A, B, C, or D) for all 50 questions across four series (Series A, B, C, D).
- Match your question series from your admit card with the corresponding column in the answer key to check your responses accurately.
Your question paper series (A, B, C, or D) is printed on your admit card and the top of your OMR sheet. Always use the correct series column when cross-checking. A mismatch in series is the most common mistake candidates make when self-checking with an answer key.
How to Raise an Objection Against the HPPSC Answer Key 2026
HPPSC accepts answer key objections through the online applicant portal only. Follow these steps to file a valid objection within the 5-day window:
- Log in to the HPPSC applicant portal at hppsconline.hp.gov.in using your registered candidate credentials.
- Locate the Objection Link for your subject — it appears in your dashboard under the specific recruitment advertisement number for your subject.
- Select the question number you wish to challenge and enter your objection with a clear explanation of why the printed answer is incorrect.
- Attach supporting proof — upload a scanned page from a standard textbook, UGC study material, NCERT book, or other credible published source supporting your objection. Objections without supporting documents are rejected.
- Pay the non-refundable objection fee of Rs.100 per question using the online payment gateway available on the portal.
- Submit and save the confirmation — note the transaction ID and submission confirmation for future reference.
Important: Objections submitted after the window closes are not entertained under any circumstances. The fee is non-refundable even if the objection is accepted. HPPSC’s decision on all objections is final, and no further representation is accepted after the final key is published.
Objection Fee and Payment Details 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fee per objected question | Rs.100 (non-refundable) |
| Payment mode | Online only (via hppsconline.hp.gov.in) |
| Refund on accepted objection | No — fee is non-refundable in all cases |
| Maximum questions to object | No stated limit (fees apply per question) |
| Supporting document required | Yes — mandatory; standard textbook or published reference |
| Objection mode | Online only (no in-person or postal submissions accepted) |
| Objection window duration | 5 days from answer key publication date |
Salary and Selection Process Details — HPPSC Assistant Professor 2026
Understanding the salary and selection process is crucial for candidates assessing whether Paper I qualification leads to a financially rewarding career. HPPSC Assistant Professor posts are offered on a Job Trainee basis with a fixed monthly emolument during the training period.
| Pay Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Salary (Job Trainee) | Rs.35,000 per month (fixed emolument) |
| Pay Scale (Regular) | Academic Pay Level 10 (Rs.57,700 – Rs.1,82,400 approx.) |
| Paper I Marks | 100 marks (qualifying — not counted in merit) |
| Paper II Marks | 120 marks (Subject Aptitude Test — counted in merit) |
| Personality Test Marks | 30 marks (Interview — counted in merit) |
| Total Merit Marks | 150 marks (Paper II + Personality Test) |
| Department | Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh |
The three-stage selection process works as follows: Paper I is a qualifying screening test — candidates who score above the qualifying cutoff in Paper I are called for Paper II on the same day. Paper II is a 3-hour descriptive Subject Aptitude Test carrying 120 marks. Candidates who qualify Paper II are then called for a 30-mark Personality Test (interview). Final merit is calculated using only Paper II + Personality Test marks (total 150 marks) — Paper I does not contribute to the final score.
Eligibility Criteria for HPPSC Assistant Professor (College Cadre) 2026
Candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to apply and appear in the HPPSC Assistant Professor recruitment 2026:
- ✅ Educational Qualification: Master’s degree in the relevant subject with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC non-creamy layer/PwD candidates as per UGC norms).
- ✅ Eligibility Test: Must have cleared NET conducted by UGC or CSIR, or SLET/SET accredited by HPPSC as minimum eligibility condition.
- ✅ PhD Exemption: Candidates who hold a PhD degree awarded in accordance with UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of M.Phil./Ph.D. Degree) Regulations, 2009 are exempted from NET/SLET/SET requirement.
- ✅ Himachal Pradesh Domicile: Category-based reservations (SC HP, ST HP, OBC HP, EWS HP, Ex-SM HP) apply — candidates must hold valid category certificates from HP.
- ✅ Age Limit: As per HP Government rules — age relaxation applicable for reserved categories per State Government norms.
- ✅ Application Fee: Rs.600 for all candidates (irrespective of category or gender).
HPPSC vs Other State PSC Assistant Professor Answer Key Process
| Feature | HPPSC (Himachal Pradesh) | HPSC (Haryana PSC) | MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Answer Key Release | Within 24 hours of exam | Next working day | Within 1–3 days |
| Objection Fee | Rs.100 per question | Rs.250 per question | Rs.100 per question |
| Objection Window | 5 days | 2–3 days | 7 days |
| Objection Mode | Online only | Online only | Online only |
| Supporting Doc Required | Yes (mandatory) | Yes (mandatory) | Yes (mandatory) |
| Fee Refundable | No | No | No |
| Paper I Type | Objective (qualifying) | Objective (marks counted) | Objective (qualifying) |
| Official Portal | hppsconline.hp.gov.in | hpsc.gov.in | mppsc.mp.gov.in |
HPPSC’s Rs.100 objection fee is one of the lowest among state PSCs, making it more accessible for candidates who genuinely believe an answer is wrong. However, the 5-day objection window is shorter than MPPSC’s 7-day window — candidates should prepare their supporting documents immediately after the answer key is released and not wait for the last day to submit.
Pros and Cons of the HPPSC Answer Key Objection Process
Filing an objection can benefit candidates if a genuinely incorrect answer is published. However, there are also limitations to be aware of:
✅ Pros
- Low objection fee of Rs.100 per question — one of the most affordable among state PSCs.
- Completely online process — no physical submission required, accessible from anywhere in India.
- Transparent system — HPPSC publishes a revised/final answer key after reviewing all valid objections.
- Fair correction mechanism — if a question is found wrong or has multiple correct answers, it may be deleted or bonus marks may be awarded to all candidates.
- Quick resolution — final key is usually published within 2–3 weeks of the objection window closing.
❌ Cons
- Fee is non-refundable even if the objection is accepted and the answer is corrected.
- Short 5-day window gives limited time to research and compile strong supporting evidence.
- No grievance redressal after the final key is published — HPPSC’s decision is binding and final.
Important Terms Related to HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026
Understanding these key terms will help you navigate the HPPSC answer key and objection process effectively:
- Provisional Answer Key: The first version of the answer key released by HPPSC after the exam. It is subject to revision based on candidate objections and is NOT final.
- Final Answer Key: The corrected and confirmed answer key published by HPPSC after reviewing all objections. This is used to prepare the Paper I result. Once published, it cannot be challenged further.
- Paper I Screening Test: A 50-question, 100-mark objective-type test that is qualifying in nature. Marks are not counted in the final merit. Candidates who score zero or below are excluded from Paper II.
- Paper II Subject Aptitude Test (SAT): A 120-mark descriptive exam on the subject-specific syllabus. Conducted on the same day as Paper I. These marks are counted in the final merit.
- Personality Test: A 30-mark interview conducted for candidates who qualify Paper II. Combined with Paper II for the final merit list of 150 marks.
- UGC-NET: National Eligibility Test conducted by the University Grants Commission. Clearing UGC-NET is the minimum eligibility requirement for Assistant Professor posts unless the PhD exemption applies.
- SLET/SET: State Level Eligibility Test / State Eligibility Test accredited by HPPSC as equivalent to NET for HP state-specific recruitment.
- Job Trainee: The service category under which Assistant Professor College Cadre posts are filled. Fixed emolument of Rs.35,000/month applies during the training period before regular pay scale absorption.
- Objection Fee Rs.100: Non-refundable fee payable online per question challenged. This fee is one of the most candidate-friendly among all state PSCs.
- hppsconline.hp.gov.in: HPPSC’s applicant login portal — the only platform for downloading answer keys and submitting objections.
Important Links — HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026
| Link / Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Official HPPSC Website | hppsc.hp.gov.in |
| HPPSC Applicant Login (Answer Key + Objection) | hppsconline.hp.gov.in |
| HPPSC What’s New (Answer Key Notices) | hppsc.hp.gov.in/Home/HomeWhatsNew |
| UGC Official Website (NET Details) | ugcnet.nta.ac.in |
| HP Government Higher Education Dept | himachal.nic.in |
Conclusion — HPPSC Assistant Professor College Cadre Answer Key 2026
The HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026 is your most important tool in the post-exam phase of the College Cadre recruitment. With Paper I answer keys being released within 24 hours of each subject exam and a 5-day objection window at just Rs.100 per question, HPPSC has created a transparent and accessible process for 369 posts across 22 subjects. Candidates must act quickly — check the answer key as soon as it is published, compare carefully using the correct question series, and file objections with proper supporting documents if you believe an answer is wrong.
Bookmark the official portal hppsc.hp.gov.in and check it daily around the time of your subject’s exam to avoid missing the narrow objection window. Remember: Paper I is only a gateway — the real battle is Paper II (Subject Aptitude Test) and the Personality Test that together decide the final merit for Rs.35,000/month government college teaching positions in Himachal Pradesh.
- HPPSC released Paper I provisional answer keys for 22 subjects in phases from September–October 2026 for 369 total vacancies.
- Objection fee is Rs.100 per question (non-refundable, online only) with a 5-day challenge window per subject.
- Paper I is qualifying only — Paper II (120 marks) + Personality Test (30 marks) = 150 marks total determine final merit.
- Salary for selected candidates is Rs.35,000/month as Job Trainee; regular pay scale is Rs.57,700–Rs.1,82,400 (Level 10).
- Always use the correct question series (A/B/C/D) from your admit card when checking answers against the key.
- Download answer keys and file objections only via the official HPPSC portal: hppsconline.hp.gov.in.
Frequently Asked Questions About HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026
When was the HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026 released?
HPPSC has been releasing the provisional answer key within 24 hours of each subject’s Paper I exam. For example, the Physical Education Paper I answer key (exam held on 7 October 2026) was released on 8 October 2026. Physics, Philosophy, and Geology keys were released on 30 September 2026 for exams held on 28–29 September 2026. Each subject has its own release date — check the official HPPSC portal’s “What’s New” section.
What is the objection fee for the HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key?
The objection fee for the HPPSC Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Answer Key 2026 is Rs.100 per objected question. The fee is non-refundable even if the objection is accepted and the answer is corrected by HPPSC. Payment must be made online through the HPPSC applicant portal at hppsconline.hp.gov.in. Objections submitted without payment are rejected.
What is the last date to raise objections against the HPPSC Answer Key?
The objection window is typically open for 5 days after the provisional answer key release date. For Physical Education (key released around 8 October 2026), the last date is 14 October 2026. For Physics, Philosophy, and Geology (key released 30 September 2026), the window closed on 5 October 2026. Each subject has its own objection window — check the specific notice on the official website.
Does Paper I score count in the HPPSC Assistant Professor merit list?
No. Paper I is purely qualifying in nature and its marks are not included in the final merit list. Candidates who clear the Paper I cutoff are allowed to sit for Paper II (Subject Aptitude Test). The final merit is calculated based only on Paper II (120 marks) + Personality Test (30 marks) = 150 marks total. However, candidates who score zero or below in Paper I are excluded from Paper II and the recruitment process.
How many questions are in the HPPSC Assistant Professor Paper I?
The HPPSC Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Paper I Screening Test consists of 50 objective-type questions worth 100 marks. The paper is set in four series — A, B, C, and D — with the same questions arranged in different orders. The answer key lists the correct option for all 50 questions for each series. The exam duration is typically 1 hour (11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon).
Is UGC-NET mandatory for HPPSC Assistant Professor 2026?
Yes, UGC-NET (or CSIR-NET) is the minimum eligibility requirement for HPPSC Assistant Professor (College Cadre) 2026. However, candidates holding a PhD degree awarded under UGC 2009 Regulations are exempted from the NET/SLET/SET requirement. SLET and SET accredited by HPPSC are also accepted as equivalent to NET for HP state recruitment.
What is the salary of HPPSC Assistant Professor (College Cadre) 2026?
Selected candidates are appointed as Job Trainees with a fixed monthly emolument of Rs.35,000 per month during the training period. Upon regularisation after completing the training period, candidates are absorbed into the regular Academic Pay Level 10 scale of approximately Rs.57,700 to Rs.1,82,400 per month as per the 7th Pay Commission, plus applicable allowances under Himachal Pradesh Government rules.
How do I know my question series for checking the HPPSC answer key?
Your question series (A, B, C, or D) is printed on your admit card and also appears on the top of your OMR answer sheet as received in the examination hall. When checking the provisional answer key PDF, locate the column corresponding to your series and match each question number’s given answer with your responses. Always confirm your series first — using the wrong series column is the most frequent mistake in self-verification.
What happens after the HPPSC objection window closes?
After the objection window closes, HPPSC’s expert committee reviews all filed objections with supporting documentation. Within 2–3 weeks, HPPSC releases the final answer key on the official portal. This final key is binding, and no further objections are accepted. Based on the final key, HPPSC prepares the Paper I result and shortlists candidates for Paper II (Subject Aptitude Test), which is then scheduled separately.
Last Updated: October 2026. This page is reviewed and updated regularly for accuracy as HPPSC releases answer keys for additional subjects. Bookmark this page for the latest information on HPPSC Assistant Professor Answer Key 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All dates, fees, and procedures are based on official HPPSC notices published on hppsc.hp.gov.in. Candidates must verify all information directly from the official HPPSC website before taking any action. Agrijob.in is not responsible for any discrepancy arising from changes made by HPPSC after publication of this article.






