HPPSC invites applications for 06 Law Officer vacancies. Eligibility: Law Degree + 5 yrs experience, Age 18-45. Last Date: 28/03/2026. Apply at hppsc.hp.gov.in.
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released an official notification (Advertisement Number: 3/2-2026) inviting Online Recruitment Applications (ORA) for 06 vacancies of Law Officer (English), Group-B (Gazetted) (Job Trainee) in the Department of Personnel, H.P. This is a golden opportunity for eligible law graduates with experience to secure a prestigious government position in Himachal Pradesh. Interested candidates must ensure they meet the detailed eligibility criteria and apply online well before the closing date of March 28, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Quick Overview
| Organization | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Law Officer (English), Group-B (Gazetted) (Job Trainee) |
| Advertisement No. | 3/2-2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 06 |
| Application Start Date | 01/03/2026 |
| Application Last Date | 28/03/2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 28/03/2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc |
Vacancy Details
| Post Name | Total Vacancies | Category-wise Vacancies | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law Officer (English) | 06 | Unreserved: 03 UR Visually Impaired of H.P.: 01 UR Ex-Servicemen of H.P.: 01 Scheduled Tribe of H.P.: 01 |
Emoluments for Job Trainee (Rs. 28000/- per month) |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- A professional degree in Law from a recognized University.
- At least 5 years experience as an Advocate.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 18 to 45 years as on 01-01-2026.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Bonafide S.C. of H.P. / S.T. of H.P. / O.B.C. of H.P. | 5 years |
| W.F.F. of H.P. (Wards of Freedom Fighters) | 5 years |
| Persons with benchmark Disabilities of Himachal Pradesh | 5 years |
| H.P. Govt. Employees and Ex-Servicemen of H.P. | As per Government’s instructions issued from time to time |
Desirable Qualification
- Knowledge of customs, manners and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and suitability for appointment in the peculiar conditions prevailing in the Pradesh.
Application Fee
The application fee must be paid online via Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI/other digital modes. Fee once paid is non-refundable.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General, General Physically Disabled, EWS (not in BPL), Wards of Freedom Fighter, General Ex-Servicemen of HP (relieved before normal tenure), Candidates of Other States | Rs. 600/- |
| SC, ST, OBC, EWS (BPL) of Himachal Pradesh, Ex-Servicemen (SC, ST, OBC) of HP (relieved before normal tenure) | Rs. 150/- |
| Ex-Servicemen of HP (relieved after completion of normal tenure), Blind and Visually Impaired candidates of HP | No Fee |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release Date | 01/03/2026 |
| Online Application Closing Date | 28/03/2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Closing Date | 28/03/2026 (11:59 PM) |
Selection Process
The selection process for the HPPSC Law Officer (English) posts will involve a multi-stage process, depending on the number of applicants. The stages are:
- Objective Type Screening Test AND Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test: This stage will consist of two papers.
- Personality Test: Candidates qualifying the written tests will be called for a Personality Test.
Scheme of Examination
- Scenario 1 (Few Posts – Ratio 6 or below): If the ratio between eligible candidates and advertised posts is six or below, all eligible candidates will be directly called for a Personality Test.
- Scenario 2 (Ratio below 20): If the ratio is below 20, eligible candidates will only appear for Paper-II followed by a Personality Test.
- Scenario 3 (All other cases): The selection will involve two written papers (Paper-I & Paper-II) conducted on the same day in two sessions, followed by a Personality Test.
Paper-I: Computer Based Test (CBT) or Offline Screening Test
- Duration: 1 hour
- Total Marks: 100
- Type: Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
- Negative Marking: Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for each incorrect answer, multiple answer, or unattempted question (if option ‘E’ is not selected).
| Subject | 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 |
Paper-II: Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Total Marks: 120
- Type: Descriptive
- Syllabus: Will be decided and uploaded by the Commission from time to time.
Evaluation of Paper-II: Based on the merit of Paper-I, answer sheets for Paper-II will be evaluated. No candidate securing zero or negative marks in Paper-I will be included in the merit list for Paper-II evaluation. The number of answer sheets to be evaluated for Paper-II depends on the number of posts advertised:
| No. of Posts advertised | No. of Answer Sheets to be evaluated |
|---|---|
| Upto 25 | 20 times the number of vacancies advertised |
| 26 and above | 500 + 05 answer sheets for every subsequent post |
Minimum Qualifying Marks in SAT: 45% for General category candidates and 40% for reserved category candidates.
Personality Test
- Marks: 30
- Venue: Commission’s office at Shimla
- Minimum Pass Marks: 40% (12 marks) for General category and 30% (9 marks) for reserved categories.
The final ranking and selection will be determined by the marks obtained in the Subject Aptitude Test (120 marks) plus the marks obtained in the Personality Test (30 marks).
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through the official website of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official HPPSC website: hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc.
- Click on the “Apply Online” link on the homepage.
- If you are a new user, click on “One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations” and then “New Registration” to create your profile.
- If already registered, log in to your OTR account using your User ID and password.
- On the dashboard, the list of live advertisements will be displayed. Select the advertisement for Law Officer (English).
- Fill in all the required details in the online application form carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of all requisite documents, including your latest photograph and signature, as per the specifications mentioned in the advertisement.
- Before final submission, carefully review all entered details and uploaded documents. An undertaking/declaration is required stating that all uploaded documents are legible, readable, and true.
- Submit the application form and proceed to pay the examination fee online through the available payment gateways (Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI/Net Banking).
- After successful submission and payment, take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Documents Required for Uploading (OTRS Portal)
Candidates must upload clear and legible copies of the following documents on the OTRS portal:
- Matriculation certificate (for age proof).
- Degree certificates along with Marks Sheets of all years / Consolidated mark sheet in support of Essential Educational Qualifications.
- Experience certificate(s) wherever required (minimum 5 years as an Advocate).
- Valid category certificate(s) in support of their eligibility (S.C., S.T., O.B.C., E.W.S., Ex-Servicemen, WFF, PwD).
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate (essential for claiming reservation benefits).
- Valid EWS/BPL Certificate (if applying under EWS category).
- Ex. Servicemen Discharge Certificate/Service Book (for Ex-Servicemen category).
- Latest scanned photograph and signature.
- Aadhar No. (optional) in the appropriate field.
Note: Original certificates will be verified during the Personality Test/Document Verification. Failure to produce original valid certificates will lead to rejection of candidature.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc |
| Apply Online (Direct Link – to be active on 01/03/2026) | hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Download Here (Link from typical HPPSC structure, verify on site) |
Job Profile & Career Scope
A Law Officer (English) in the Department of Personnel, H.P., Group-B (Gazetted) plays a crucial role in providing legal expertise and support to the state government. As a Job Trainee, the initial years will involve intensive learning and practical application of legal principles within the government framework. Key responsibilities typically include:
- Providing legal opinions and advice to various government departments.
- Drafting and vetting legal documents, contracts, and legislative proposals.
- Representing the government in legal proceedings if required.
- Assisting in policy formulation and implementation from a legal perspective.
- Handling legal queries and ensuring compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Career progression for Law Officers in government departments is generally structured, with opportunities to advance to higher ranks based on experience, performance, and further departmental examinations. The role offers stability, respectable pay, and the satisfaction of contributing to public service.
Preparation Tips
To excel in the HPPSC Law Officer recruitment, a strategic and comprehensive preparation approach is essential:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus:
Thoroughly analyze Paper-I (General Knowledge, Hindi, English) and keep an eye on the official website for the detailed syllabus of Paper-II (Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test). Tailor your study plan accordingly.
2. General Knowledge (HP, National, International):
- Himachal Pradesh GK: Focus on history, geography, economy, culture, and current affairs of HP. Refer to specific HP-focused GK books.
- National & International GK: Stay updated with current events, national policies, international relations, and static GK (history, polity, economy, science) using reliable sources like Lucent’s GK or daily newspapers.
3. Hindi & English Language:
- Hindi: Practice grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and basic writing skills.
- English: Improve grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and essay writing. Read newspapers and magazines regularly.
4. Law Subject Aptitude (Paper-II):
Once the detailed syllabus is released, focus on key legal subjects such as Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Criminal Law, Civil Procedure Code, Contract Law, etc., relevant to government functioning. Practice descriptive answer writing.
5. Time Management:
Allocate sufficient time to each section based on its weightage and your strengths/weaknesses. Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, especially for the objective paper.
6. Document Preparation:
Start gathering all required certificates (educational, experience, category, bonafide Himachali) well in advance. Ensure they are in the prescribed format and ready for uploading and eventual verification.
7. Stay Updated:
Regularly visit the HPPSC official website for any updates, corrigendum, or changes related to the examination or syllabus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can candidates from other states apply for HPPSC Law Officer posts?
Yes, candidates from other states can apply, but they will be treated as General Category candidates and will not be eligible for reservation benefits or fee concessions meant for Himachal Pradesh domiciles.
Q2: Is there any negative marking in the HPPSC Law Officer exam?
Yes, as per the notification, there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer, multiple answer, or unattempted question (if option ‘E’ is not selected) in the Objective Type Screening Test (Paper-I).
Q3: What are the minimum marks required to qualify for the Personality Test?
Candidates must score at least 45% in the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) for General category and 40% for reserved categories to qualify for the Personality Test. In the Personality Test itself, minimum passing marks are 40% (12 marks) for General and 30% (9 marks) for reserved categories.
Q4: What documents are required for the application?
Candidates need to upload their Matriculation, Law Degree & Mark Sheets, experience certificates, category certificates, Bonafide Himachali certificate, EWS/BPL certificate (if applicable), Ex-Servicemen discharge book (if applicable), and a recent photograph and signature.
Q5: What if I make a mistake in my online application?
Once the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) is submitted, no corrections/modifications are allowed except for a change of category under specific rules laid down by the Commission, which requires depositing the difference in fee. Candidates are advised to fill all fields carefully before submission.
Q6: Will the detailed syllabus for Paper-II be available?
Yes, the detailed syllabus for Paper-II (Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test) will be uploaded on the official website of the Commission shortly. Candidates are advised to regularly check the website for updates.
Q7: What is the emolument for a Law Officer (Job Trainee)?
Selected candidates will receive emoluments of Rs. 28,000/- per month as a Job Trainee.
Q8: Where will the examination be conducted?
The primary examination station/city mentioned is SHIMLA. However, the Commission reserves the right to change examination centers at its discretion, including allotting centers anywhere in Himachal Pradesh for CBT.
