The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released Advertisement No. 61/9-2026 for recruitment to 5 posts of Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Anthropology, Group-A (Job-Trainee) in the Department of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh. The advertisement is dated 19 September 2026, and the last date to submit the online application and pay the examination fee is 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
The recruitment is for candidates with a Master’s degree in the relevant subject, the prescribed minimum marks and the required NET/SLET or applicable exemption. The notification also provides specified relaxations in Master’s-level marks for certain categories and eligible Ph.D. holders.
This JobDekho.co guide explains the vacancy, qualification, age limit, salary, application fee, exam pattern, selection process, documents, category conditions and online application procedure in a candidate-focused format.
HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Recruiting Organization | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Number | 61/9-2026 |
| Post | Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Anthropology |
| Group | Group-A (Job-Trainee) |
| Department | Department of Higher Education, H.P. |
| Total Vacancies | 5 |
| Category of Vacancies | UR – 5 Posts |
| Monthly Emoluments | ₹35,000 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee | 16 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Application Fee | ₹600 for all candidates |
| Examination City | Shimla |
| Official Website | hppsc.hp.gov.in |
The official HPPSC website also lists Advertisement No. 61/9-2026 (Assistant Professor – Anthropology) with the publication date of 19 September 2026.
HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Vacancy 2026
According to the notification, there are 5 vacancies, and all 5 posts are listed under the Unreserved (UR) category. The post is under the Department of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh.
| Post | Total Posts | Category | Emoluments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Anthropology | 5 | UR – 5 | ₹35,000/month |
Important: The notification states that the number of posts is tentative and may increase or decrease.
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Time |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Date | 19 September 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 19 September 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 16 October 2026, 11:59 PM |
| Screening Test Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
| Subject Aptitude Test Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
| Personality Test Date | Not specified in the provided notification. |
The closing date and fee deadline are explicitly given in the first page of the notification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Anthropology post must fulfil the prescribed academic conditions.
Essential Qualification
The notification requires:
- A good academic record.
- At least 55% marks or equivalent at Master’s Degree level in the relevant subject from an Indian University or an equivalent degree from a recognized foreign university.
- Candidates must have cleared the NET conducted by UGC, CSIR or a similar test accredited by the State Public Service Commission.
- NET/SLET remains the minimum eligibility condition, subject to the exemptions specifically provided in the notification.
Important Percentage Relaxations
The notification provides a 5% relaxation, reducing the Master’s-level requirement from 55% to 50%, for specified categories and circumstances.
These include:
- SC candidates
- ST candidates
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates
- Physically and Visually Handicapped persons
- Eligible Ph.D. degree holders who passed their Master’s degree before September 1991
Grade Equivalence
Where the university follows the specified seven-point grading scale, Grade B (3.50–4.49) is treated as equivalent to 55%. The notification provides the complete grade-to-percentage conversion table.
NET / SLET Requirement and Ph.D. Exemption
The notification specifically states that candidates should have cleared the eligibility test for Assistant Professor conducted by UGC, CSIR or a similar test accredited by the State Public Service Commission.
However, an exemption from NET/SLET/SET is provided for certain candidates who registered for an M.Phil./Ph.D. programme before 11 July 2009, subject to all the conditions mentioned in the notification.
The notification lists conditions including:
- Ph.D. degree awarded in regular mode.
- Thesis evaluated by at least two external examiners.
- Open Ph.D. viva voce conducted.
- Two research papers published from the Ph.D. work, including at least one in a refereed journal.
- At least two conference/seminar presentations based on the Ph.D. work.
Candidates relying on this exemption should carefully verify that they satisfy all applicable conditions rather than assuming that possession of a Ph.D. alone automatically removes the NET requirement.
Desirable Qualification
The notification mentions the following desirable qualification:
Knowledge of the customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and suitability for appointment under the peculiar conditions prevailing in the Pradesh.
This is listed as a desirable, not the essential academic qualification.
Age Limit
The prescribed age is 18 to 45 years.
The age is calculated as on 01 January 2026.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 Years |
| Maximum Age | 45 Years |
| Age Cut-off Date | 01 January 2026 |
Age Relaxation
The notification provides five years of upper-age relaxation for Bonafide SC, ST, OBC, WFF and Persons with Disabilities of Himachal Pradesh, subject to the stated conditions.
For HP Government employees and Ex-Servicemen of Himachal Pradesh, relaxation is governed by applicable government instructions. The notification also states that the relaxation for the specified HP categories is available only where a post is reserved for that category.
Salary / Emoluments
The post carries ₹35,000 per month as fixed emoluments for the Job Trainee.
| Post | Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Anthropology |
|---|---|
| Status | Group-A (Job-Trainee) |
| Monthly Emoluments | ₹35,000 |
The recruitment and engagement are governed by the Himachal Pradesh Government’s scheme for engagement of job trainees on a fixed amount, as referred to in the notification.
Application Fee
HPPSC has prescribed a uniform examination fee of ₹600 for all candidates, irrespective of category or gender.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | ₹600 |
Fee Payment Mode
The examination fee can be paid online through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
- Other prescribed online digital modes
The fee must be paid through the prescribed online mode by the closing date. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable and cannot be kept in reserve for another examination or selection.
HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Selection Process 2026
For this Assistant Professor recruitment, the notification provides a written examination process followed by a Personality Test.
Selection Stages
- Paper-I – Objective Type Screening Test
- Paper-II – Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Personality Test
The notification specifically states that recruitment to Assistant Professor posts in the College Cadre/Higher Education will follow the prescribed method rather than the general direct-Personality-Test exception for posts having very few eligible candidates.
HPPSC Assistant Professor Exam Pattern 2026
Paper-I – Objective Screening Test
Paper-I is:
- Computer Based Test (CBT) or Offline Screening Test
- Duration: 1 hour
- Total Marks: 100
- Objective-type MCQs
- Negative marking applicable
| Paper-I Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh | 30 |
| General Knowledge of National and International Affairs | 30 |
| Knowledge of Hindi Language | 20 |
| Knowledge of English Language | 20 |
| Total | 100 |
Paper-II – Subject Aptitude Test
Paper-II is a descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT).
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 120
- Syllabus: To be decided/prescribed by the Commission
- Both papers are conducted on the same day in morning and evening sessions, as per the Commission’s decision.
Anthropology SAT Syllabus
The notification states that the detailed syllabus of the descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (Paper-II) will be uploaded on the official HPPSC website separately.
Therefore:
Detailed Anthropology Paper-II syllabus: Not specified in the provided notification.
Candidates should rely on the official HPPSC syllabus when it is uploaded rather than using an unofficial syllabus.
Negative Marking
Negative marking applies to the objective-type screening examination.
For every incorrect answer, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. The same penalty applies where:
- More than one answer is marked.
- A question is left completely blank without selecting the prescribed Option E.
Option E – Important
HPPSC provides an Option E for candidates who do not want to answer a question. If a candidate wants to avoid negative marking, the prescribed procedure requires selecting/marking Option E rather than leaving the question blank.
Paper-I and Paper-II Evaluation
The notification provides a merit-based screening mechanism for deciding which Paper-II answer sheets are evaluated.
For up to 25 advertised posts, Paper-II answer sheets are evaluated up to 20 times the number of vacancies.
Since this recruitment has only 5 advertised posts, the applicable provision is the one for up to 25 posts.
The notification also states that no candidate securing zero or negative marks in Paper-I will form part of the merit list for Paper-II evaluation.
Qualifying Marks in Subject Aptitude Test
Candidates must obtain the prescribed minimum marks in Paper-II to qualify for the Personality Test:
| Category | Minimum Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 45% |
| Reserved Categories | 40% |
Candidates who obtain less than the prescribed minimum marks are disqualified from the remaining selection process.
Personality Test
The written examination is followed by a Personality Test carrying 30 marks.
The Personality Test will be held only at the HPPSC Commission office in Shimla.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 40% – 12 marks |
| Reserved Categories | 30% – 9 marks |
The notification states that the marks obtained in Paper-II (120 marks) + Personality Test (30 marks) determine the final ranking/selection, subject to the Commission’s prescribed procedure.
Examination Centre
The notification lists:
Examination Station/City: Shimla
However, HPPSC reserves the right to change examination centres. In case of a CBT, the centre may be allotted anywhere in Himachal Pradesh depending on availability of computer-test laboratories.
How to Apply for HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Recruitment 2026
Applications must be submitted online through the official HPPSC website. Applications submitted through any other mode will be rejected.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Visit the official HPPSC website.
Step 2: Click on Apply Online.
Step 3: Select One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations.
Step 4: If you do not already have an OTR profile, click New Registration.
Step 5: Complete your registration and log in.
Step 6: The dashboard will display the list of live advertisements.
Step 7: Select Advertisement No. 61/9-2026 – Assistant Professor (Anthropology).
Step 8: Fill in the required application details carefully.
Step 9: Upload the required certificates, latest photograph and signature.
Step 10: Pay the ₹600 examination fee through the prescribed online mode.
Step 11: Carefully check the preview and confirm that uploaded documents are legible and readable.
Step 12: Submit the application before 16 October 2026, 11:59 PM.
HPPSC specifically states that once the application is submitted, candidates generally cannot make corrections or modifications, so all information should be checked before final submission.
Documents Required
Candidates need to upload the applicable supporting documents on the OTRS portal.
Main Documents
- Matriculation certificate for age proof
- Master’s degree certificate
- Marks sheets of all years / consolidated marks sheet
- NET/SLET/SET certificate, where applicable
- Ph.D. documents where claiming applicable exemption
- Valid category certificate, if applicable
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate for eligible reserved-category claims
- EWS/BPL certificate where applicable
- Other prescribed certificates/undertakings, wherever applicable
Photograph and Signature
The application must contain the required scanned latest photograph and signature. HPPSC states that an application without the prescribed scanned photograph or signature can be rejected.
Important Category Rules
Reservation benefits are available only to eligible Bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh for the categories specified in the notification.
These include:
- SC
- ST
- OBC
- EWS
- Ex-Servicemen
- Wards of Ex-Servicemen
- Wards of Freedom Fighters
- Persons with benchmark disabilities
Candidates belonging to reserved categories from other states are treated as General Category candidates and do not receive the reservation or fee concession applicable to HP reserved categories.
Who Meets the Key Conditions to Apply?
A candidate should verify the following before submitting the application:
- Master’s degree in the relevant subject with the prescribed marks.
- Required NET/SLET/SET qualification or a valid exemption under the notification.
- Age between 18 and 45 years, subject to applicable relaxation.
- Required certificates available for upload.
- Correct category information, where applicable.
- Latest photograph and signature ready.
- Ability to submit the online application and fee before the closing deadline.
Who Should Avoid Applying for This Particular Post?
Candidates should not submit an application if they do not satisfy the essential educational qualification or prescribed eligibility conditions.
Particular attention should be given to the Master’s-level percentage and NET/SLET/SET requirement or applicable exemption. A candidate should not assume that a general Ph.D. qualification automatically provides a NET exemption; the notification specifies particular conditions for the exemption.
Candidates should also avoid making unsupported category claims or uploading unclear documents because HPPSC can reject candidature when eligibility cannot be established from the submitted documents.
E-Admit Card
HPPSC will not send admit cards by post.
Provisionally admitted candidates must download their e-Admit Cards and examination instructions from the official HPPSC website using their OTR login details.
The notification further states that a passport-size photograph must be pasted on the downloaded e-Admit Card as prescribed; failure to comply can prevent the candidate from appearing in the written examination.
Answer Key and Objection Process
For the objective examination, HPPSC provides an online answer-key objection mechanism.
Candidates can submit objections within 5 days, excluding the day of publication of the answer key. The prescribed objection fee is ₹100 per question, and supporting documents/references must be uploaded.
The final answer key is prepared after consideration by subject experts/paper setters. The notification states that no objection/representation is entertained against the final answer key.
Important Points Candidates Should Check
1. Check your Master’s marks carefully
The normal requirement is 55% at Master’s level, with the specific 5% relaxations mentioned in the notification.
2. Verify NET/SLET/SET status
NET/SLET is the minimum eligibility condition unless an applicable exemption is established under the notification.
3. Paper-II syllabus is not yet in the notification
The Commission states that the detailed descriptive SAT syllabus will be uploaded separately.
4. Do not leave objective questions blank
If a candidate does not want to answer a question, the notification provides Option E. Leaving the question completely blank can also attract the negative-marking penalty.
5. Original documents matter
Candidates provisionally admitted to the Personality Test/Document Verification must produce their original certificates.
6. Application cannot normally be edited after submission
Candidates should carefully verify every field and uploaded document before final submission.
Disqualifications
According to the notification, a candidate will not be eligible for admission to the examination if, among other specified conditions, the candidate:
- Has been dismissed from previous Government/Semi-Government service.
- Has been convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or permanently debarred/disqualified from an examination or selection.
- Attempts to influence the selection process.
- Is an undischarged insolvent.
The notification also contains detailed provisions concerning unfair means, impersonation, false documents, prohibited electronic devices and other misconduct during the examination/selection process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How many posts are available in HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Recruitment 2026?
Ans: HPPSC has advertised 5 posts of Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Anthropology, Group-A (Job-Trainee), in the Department of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM. The fee payment deadline is also 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Q3. What is the educational qualification?
Ans: Candidates need a good academic record with at least 55% marks or equivalent at Master’s Degree level in the relevant subject, along with the prescribed NET/SLET or applicable exemption conditions.
Q4. Is NET compulsory for HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Recruitment 2026?
Ans: NET/SLET is the minimum eligibility condition, subject to the specific exemptions mentioned in the notification, including the detailed exemption conditions for certain pre-11 July 2009 M.Phil./Ph.D. candidates.
Q5. What is the age limit?
Ans: The age limit is 18 to 45 years, calculated as on 01 January 2026, subject to applicable relaxation provisions.
Q6. What is the salary for Assistant Professor Anthropology?
Ans: The notification specifies ₹35,000 per month as emoluments for the Job Trainee.
Q7. What is the application fee?
Ans: The examination fee is ₹600 for all candidates, irrespective of category or gender.
Q8. What is the HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology exam pattern?
Ans: The selection includes Paper-I, an objective screening test of 100 marks and one hour, followed by Paper-II, a descriptive Subject Aptitude Test of 120 marks and three hours, and then a 30-mark Personality Test.
Q9. Is there negative marking?
Ans: Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer in the objective-type screening examination.
Q10. What is the minimum qualifying percentage in Paper-II?
Ans: The minimum qualifying marks are 45% for General candidates and 40% for reserved-category candidates.
Q11. How many marks is the Personality Test worth?
Ans: The Personality Test carries 30 marks. The minimum qualifying requirement is 40% for General candidates and 30% for reserved candidates.
Q12. When will the Anthropology Paper-II syllabus be released?
Ans: Not specified in the provided notification. The notification states that the detailed syllabus will be uploaded on the official HPPSC website shortly.
Q13. Where will the Personality Test be held?
Ans: The Personality Test will be held at the HPPSC Commission office in Shimla.
Q14. Can candidates from other states claim HP reserved-category benefits?
Ans: No. Reserved-category candidates belonging to other states are treated as General Category candidates and are not eligible for the reservation and fee concession applicable to eligible HP reserved categories.
Q15. Can the application be edited after submission?
Ans: Candidates should carefully check all information before submission because the notification states that corrections/modifications are generally not allowed after submission, except for the specific category-change procedure mentioned in the advertisement.
Final Words
HPPSC Advertisement No. 61/9-2026 is a recruitment notification for 5 Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Anthropology, Group-A (Job-Trainee) posts under the Department of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh. The prescribed academic requirement includes the relevant Master’s degree with the required marks and the applicable NET/SLET eligibility or exemption conditions.
Candidates should pay particular attention to the NET/exemption conditions, Master’s percentage, age cut-off, category documents and Paper-II syllabus update before applying. The online application must be completed through the HPPSC OTR system by 16 October 2026 at 11:59 PM.
The official HPPSC website is the appropriate source for subsequent updates, admit cards, answer keys and the detailed Anthropology SAT syllabus.
Official Links – HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Recruitment 2026
The HPPSC official website currently lists Advertisement No. 61/9-2026 (Assistant Professor – Anthropology), published on 19 September 2026.
HPPSC Assistant Professor Anthropology Recruitment 2026 – Important Links
Candidates should apply only through the official HPPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) / OTR system. Check the latest official notice and updates before submitting the application.
