The HP Police SI exam is a highly sought-after competitive exam conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission (HPSSC) or HP Police Department, depending on the notification. It offers a prestigious position with job security and respect. With increasing competition, having a structured approach is key to cracking the exam.
Exam Overview
The recruitment process typically involves:
- Written Examination
- Physical Standard Test (PST)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Personality Test (Interview)
- Document Verification & Medical Test
The process aims to assess both intellectual capabilities and physical fitness.
Exam Pattern
Written Exam:
- Total Questions: 170
- Total Marks: 85
- Duration: 2 hours
- Type: Objective MCQ
- Subjects Covered:
- General English
- Hindi
- General Awareness (HP-specific + National)
- Reasoning
- Mathematics
Each question carries ½ mark, and there may be negative marking as per notification.
Syllabus
General English:
- Comprehension, Synonyms/Antonyms, Sentence Correction, Active-Passive Voice, One-word Substitution
Hindi:
- Grammar, Essay writing, Sentence usage, Vocabulary, Translation
General Awareness:
- Indian History, Geography, Economy, Polity
- HP-specific GK (rivers, temples, wildlife, districts, festivals)
- Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
Reasoning:
- Series, Analogy, Classification, Coding-Decoding, Direction Test, Blood Relations, Logical Diagrams
Mathematics:
- Number System, HCF & LCM, Time and Work, Simple Interest, Average, Ratio & Proportion, Profit and Loss
Study Plan
Here’s a structured 3-month study plan:
Month 1: Foundation
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern
- Cover basics of each subject
- Read HP GK daily
- Start reading English/Hindi newspapers
Month 2: Strengthen & Practice
- Attempt previous year questions
- Practice 1 mock test every 3 days
- Start revision of weak areas
- Solve reasoning and math daily
Month 3: Revision + Mock Focus
- Attempt 4–5 mock tests per week
- Revise short notes and static GK
- Practice essay and precis writing (for interview prep)
- Increase physical test practice
Time Table
For Full-Time Aspirants:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 – 7:00 AM | Morning Physical Training |
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | English + Hindi |
| 9:30 – 10:30 AM | General Awareness (Static + HP) |
| 11:00 – 12:00 PM | Mathematics Practice |
| 2:00 – 3:00 PM | Reasoning Practice |
| 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Mock Test |
| 6:00 – 6:30 PM | Current Affairs Revision |
| 9:00 – 9:30 PM | Light Revision or HP GK Video |
For Working Aspirants:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 – 7:00 AM | Physical Practice |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | English/Hindi + Reasoning |
| 9:00 – 10:00 PM | GK + Short Mock + Revision |
| Weekends | Full-Length Mocks + Math Practice |
Physical Test Preparation
You must qualify the Physical Standard and Physical Efficiency Tests. Practice regularly and track your performance.
Physical Standard Test (PST):
- Height: 5’6’’ (Male), 5’2’’ (Female)
- Chest (Male): 31″ unexpanded, 32.5″ expanded
- Weight: Proportionate to height
Physical Efficiency Test (PET):
- Males:
- 1500m run in 6 mins 30 secs
- High Jump: 1.25m
- Broad Jump: 4m
- Females:
- 800m run in 4 mins 15 secs
- High Jump: 1m
- Broad Jump: 3m
Tips:
- Start slow and increase intensity
- Mix cardio (running, skipping) with strength training (pushups, squats)
- Maintain a balanced diet and proper hydration
Mock Tests
Mock tests are crucial for:
- Building speed and accuracy
- Understanding the real exam pattern
- Improving time management
Start with one mock per week and gradually increase to 3–4 per week. Analyze every test and revise the weak sections.
Last Minute Strategy
- Revise short notes, formulas, key facts
- Attempt only known questions in mocks to build confidence
- Stay mentally and physically relaxed
- Practice light jogging and deep breathing
Final Tips
- Stick to your plan, but be flexible
- Don’t ignore HP-specific GK – it carries weight
- Keep practicing essay and communication for the interview round
- Stay positive and motivated throughout
- Balance written and physical test prep equally
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: Graduation from a recognized university and age between 21–26 years (varies by category).
A: Yes, usually 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer (check notification).
A: With regular study, 3–4 months is sufficient.
A: No, self-study with discipline and mock tests can help you clear the exam.
A: Yes, plan your day with a morning physical session and rest of the day for study.