The Himachal Pradesh Police Constable Exam is one of the most sought-after recruitment opportunities in the state. It offers a prestigious government job and a chance to serve the community. Every year, thousands of candidates appear for the exam, but only a few make it due to lack of structured preparation. In this article, we will give you a step-by-step strategy to crack the exam with confidence.
Exam Overview
The recruitment process for HP Police Constable typically involves the following stages:
- Physical Standards Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Written Examination
- Document Verification
- Medical Test
Candidates must clear all stages to secure the position.
Exam Pattern
Written Examination:
- Type: Objective MCQ
- Subjects:
- General Knowledge
- English & Hindi Language
- Reasoning
- Mathematics
- Marks: 80
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Language: English and Hindi
- Negative Marking: No
Candidates who qualify the physical test are eligible to appear for the written examination.
Syllabus
General Knowledge (HP + National):
- Himachal Pradesh Geography, History, Culture
- Indian Constitution, Polity
- General Science
- Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
- Economy & Sports
Mathematics:
- Number System
- Percentages, Averages
- Time & Work, Time & Distance
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss
Reasoning Ability:
- Series (Number/Alphabet)
- Analogy, Classification
- Direction Sense
- Coding-Decoding
- Puzzles and Blood Relations
English & Hindi Language:
- Grammar & Vocabulary
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Sentence Correction
- Reading Comprehension
- One Word Substitution
Study Plan
A 3-month plan is ideal for beginners and repeaters. Here’s a month-wise strategy:
Month 1 – Basics and Syllabus Coverage
- Read NCERT-level books for GK and Math basics
- Cover HP GK daily (1 district per day)
- Build vocabulary for both English and Hindi
Month 2 – Practice & Revision
- Start solving previous year question papers
- Attempt at least 3 subject-wise practice sets every week
- Focus on weak subjects
- Begin mock tests every weekend
Month 3 – Test Practice & Physical Focus
- Full-length mocks every 2 days
- Daily revision of short notes
- Increase intensity of physical training
- Focus on time management and accuracy
Time Table
Ideal Daily Schedule (For Full-Time Aspirants):
Time | Activity |
---|---|
6:00 – 7:00 AM | Physical Training (Running, Jumping) |
8:00 – 9:00 AM | HP GK + Current Affairs |
10:00 – 11:00 AM | Math Practice |
12:00 – 1:00 PM | Hindi Language |
2:00 – 3:00 PM | Reasoning Practice |
4:00 – 5:00 PM | English Grammar + Comprehension |
6:00 – 7:00 PM | Practice Mock Test or Topic Test |
9:00 – 9:30 PM | Light Revision / Video Lessons |
Time Table for Working Candidates:
- Morning (6:30 – 7:30 AM): Physical Practice
- Evening (8:00 – 10:00 PM): Study English + Reasoning + GK
- Weekend: Full-length mock test + HP GK deep dive
Physical Test Preparation
Physical Standards Test (PST):
- Height (Male): 5’6” (ST: 5’4”)
- Chest (Male): 31” (unexpanded), 32” (expanded)
- Height (Female): 5’2”
Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
For Male Candidates:
- 1500 meters run in 6 mins 30 secs
- High Jump: 1.25 meters
- Long Jump: 4 meters
For Female Candidates:
- 800 meters run in 6 minutes
- High Jump: 1 meter
- Long Jump: 3 meters
Tips for Physical Prep:
- Practice running daily; increase distance and reduce timing gradually
- Add skipping, push-ups, and stretching
- Stay hydrated and maintain a high-protein diet
Mock Tests
Mock tests are vital for assessing your preparation.
- Attempt 1–2 mocks per week in Month 2
- Increase to 4 mocks per week in Month 3
- Analyze each test to identify weak areas
- Use online test series and practice papers
Last Minute Strategy
- Focus only on revision—not new topics
- Revise formulas, shortcuts, and HP GK notes
- Avoid over-stressing yourself
- Stay confident and mentally calm
- Light physical training (not too intense)
Final Tips
- Maintain consistency from Day 1
- Prioritize HP GK—it’s a game-changer
- Balance physical and written exam prep
- Stay motivated and avoid procrastination
- Solve previous year papers thoroughly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: 12th pass from a recognized board.
A: 18 to 25 years (age relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules).
A: Yes, the recruitment includes vacancies for female candidates.
A: No, disciplined self-study, mocks, and practice can help you succeed.
A: 3–4 months of focused preparation is generally sufficient.
A: HP GK plays a crucial role; expect 15–20% of questions from this section.