HPPSC exploring possibility to adopt UPSC pattern for HAS exam

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission is exploring possibilities of adopting the Union Public Service Commission pattern for holding combined examinations for Himachal Administrative Services.
In a meeting of full commission today, under the chairmanship of HPPSC Chairman K S Tomar, a three-member committee -- headed by Prof J C Sharma the senior most Member of Commission -- has been formed to explore the possibilities of introducing new pattern of written examinations adopted by UPSC.
"The Committee would finalise a report within three months after seeking guidance of UPSC in this regard," Tomar said.
Dwelling upon the deliberations, he said, "we have decided to study the pros and cons of shifting from the HAS pattern of written examination to UPSC system which will avoid the duplicity of efforts of the candidates."

He said that since the existing scheme of HAS Combined Competitive (Main) Examination is similar to that of the Civil Services (Main) Examination organised by UPSC, "it has become imperative for the Commission to consider the change made by the UPSC for the conduct of the Civil Services (Main)".
The new pattern would bring rationality and the candidates would be tested for their suitability as a Civil Servant and not as a source of information, he added.
"Only those subjects need to be tested which would give a fair idea of their administrative skills and since all the candidates would answer the same papers, their answers would be evaluated on the same standards," he said.