Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026 - Apply Online
What is SET?
A State Eligibility Test is a state-level exam to qualify candidates as Assistant Professors or for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) in state universities and colleges. SET is conducted for testing subject knowledge and teaching aptitude for higher education roles. Each state conducts its own SET, following guidelines similar to UGC-NET but with state-specific reservation policies. The eligibility requires a Master's degree with around 55% marks for general categories and 50% for reserved categories in the relevant subject. In Himachal, Public Service Commission conducted this examination.
Notification Overview
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released the official notification for the State Eligibility Test (SET) 2026 for candidates seeking eligibility for Assistant Professor positions in the state. This state eligibility test is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is mandatory for appointment as lecturers and assistant professors in universities and colleges across Himachal Pradesh. The test will be conducted in 22 subjects.
Aspiring candidates must complete the state eligibility test registration through the official HPPSC portal within the specified timeframe. The exam is also commonly known as the state eligibility test (SET) and the upcoming state eligibility test exam date will be announced by HPPSC.
- Conducting Authority: Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC)
- Exam Name: State Eligibility Test (SET)-2026
- Mode of Application: Online
- Mode of Examination: Offline
- Job Role: Eligibility for Assistant Professor Posts
- State: Himachal Pradesh
Important Dates
- Start of Online Application: 3 January 2026
- Closing Date for Online Applications: 30 January 2026 (11:59 PM)
- State Eligibility Test (SET) Exam Date: To be notified soon
Vacancy Details
The state eligibility test 2026 is not a recruitment exam for vacancies, but a qualifying examination to determine the eligibility of candidates for Assistant Professor and equivalent positions in colleges and universities within Himachal Pradesh. Candidates who qualify in the SET exam will be eligible to apply for academic jobs where qualification criteria include SET clearance.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility conditions before applying for the state eligibility test. The eligibility is primarily based on educational qualifications from a recognized university or institution.
- Educational Qualification: Master’s Degree or equivalent with at least 55% marks (for General / EWS / OBC) and 50% marks for SC / ST / PWD; as per UGC norms.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in SET.
- Candidates must appear in the subject of their Master’s degree or a related subject listed in the notification.
Exam Pattern
The state eligibility test (SET) is designed to test a candidate’s teaching and research aptitude. It consists of two papers with objective type multiple choice questions:
- Paper-I: General Aptitude (100 marks / 50 questions). Timing 1 hour
- Paper-II: Subject-specific (200 marks / 100 questions). Timing 2 hours
- Both papers are mandatory and are conducted in offline mode at various centres.
- No negative marking for wrong answers.
Application Fee
Candidates need to pay an examination fee at the time of state eligibility test registration. The fee structure is as follows:
- General Category: Rs. 1150/-
- General-EWS / OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Rs. 600/-
- SC / ST / PWD / BPL: Rs. 325/-
- Payment Mode: Online (Internet Banking / Debit / Credit Card)
- Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Selection Process
The selection for the state eligibility test 2026 is based on performance in both Paper-I and Paper-II. Candidates must obtain the minimum qualifying marks to be eligible for the SET certification. The qualifying criteria are as per UGC and HPPSC guidelines, and the final list will be published after the declaration of results.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps to complete state eligibility test registration:
- Visit the official HPPSC website: hppsc.hp.gov.in
- Click on the “State Eligibility Test (SET)-2026” notification link
- Register with valid details and create the online application
- Upload required documents (photo, signature, qualification certificates)
- Pay the examination fee online
- Submit the application before the closing date and take a printout
Important Links
- Official Notification PDF - State Eligibility Test 2026
- HPPSC Official Website
- SET 2026 Exam Application Portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the State Eligibility Test?
The state eligibility test, or SET, is conducted to determine eligibility for Assistant Professor posts in colleges and universities of Himachal Pradesh.
When will the SET exam be conducted?
The SET exam 2026 date will be announced by HPPSC soon after the application window closes on 30 January 2026.
What qualification is required for SET?
A Master’s degree with the required minimum marks is needed to appear in the state eligibility test (set). There is no age limit for candidates.
How can I apply for SET 2026?
Candidates must complete online registration through the official HPPSC website and pay the fee before the deadline.