HP SET: Exam Overview & Similarities between HP SET & UGC NET Exam

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is responsible for conducting National Eligibility Test (NET) for multiple subjects. After clearing this test candidate qualifies for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) or becoming Assistant Professor. The UGC has sanctioned the State Governments or their agencies to organize the State Eligibility Test (SET) for recruiting the Assistant Professors. As per the UGC guidelines, The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission is responsible to conduct the Himachal Pradesh State Eligibility Test (HP SET) to recruit for the Assistant Professor in Government Universities & Colleges of Himachal Pradesh. It is the best opportunity for the candidates who wants to peruse their career in teaching in Himachal Pradesh.

After clearing the HP SET Exam, candidates are eligible to be appointed as an Assistant Professor in a Government University or an affiliated college of Himachal Pradesh, as long as they come under all the UGC-prescribed qualification guidelines and are selected by the appropriate Selection Committee. Candidates qualifying HP SET are only eligible for Assistant Professor Positions and not for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) unlike NET or UGC-CSIR Combined Test.

Apply Online for HP SET Exam

Aspiring candidates can apply online for the HP SET Exam. Here is the step by step guide to register for the Himachal Pradesh SET Exam:

• First, go to the HP SET's official website.
• Next, if you've already signed up for other HPPSC exams, use your old login stuff.
• Then, put in all the stuff they ask for in the application as per the HP SET notice.
• Check over your form to make sure it's right.
• Now pay the application fee as per your category.
• Lastly, when you're done with the HP SET 2024 Application Form, print it out for later.

HP SET Examination Fee

HP SET Exam Pattern

The Himachal Pradesh SET is divided in two papers. Both the papers are objective in nature and are held in two different sessions. Let’s discuss the HP SET Exam pattern in details:

Exam Pattern for HP SET Paper-1

HP SET Paper-I is a general paper for all the candidates. It is mainly set to analyse the research aptitude and teaching skills of the aspiring candidates. The Paper-1 mainly focus on Reasoning Ability, comprehension, divergent thinking & general awareness. Paper-1 consists 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) which carries 2 marks each. All questions are compulsory. Complete details about HP SET Paper-I Exam Pattern are provided in the table below:

Exam Pattern for HP SET Paper-II

HP SET Paper-II is a subject-oriented exam. Question papers are given to the candidates according to their preferred subject. A total of 24 subjects are there in Paper-II. The subjects are chosen by the candidates according to their expertise in post graduation level. Candidates must choose the subject while registering for the HP SET Exam. Paper 2 is comprised of 100 Multiple Choice Questions and all questions are compulsory. Complete details about exam pattern of the HP SET Paper-II is provided in the table below:

It is compulsory for the candidate to turn up for both the Paper-I & Paper-II. OMR Sheet will be given to the candidates to mark-up their answers of Paper-1 and Paper-2 separately. The examinees has to return their original OMR Sheet of Paper 1 and Paper 2 to the examiner before leaving. The candidates can keep the duplicate copy of their Paper 1 and Paper 2 OMR response sheet with them.

Syllabus of HP SET Exam

It is important for aspiring candidates to grep the complete HP SET Syllabus for better preparation. The detailed paper-wise syllabus of HP SET Exam in provided below.

HP SET Paper-1 Syllabus

Candidates should possess perceptual skills such as analysis, comprehension, evaluation, and reasoning abilities to effectively tackle the examination paper.

Here is the complete HP SET Paper-I Syllabus:

HP SET Paper-2 Syllabus

The HP SET Syllabus for Paper-2 varies as per the subject selected by the candidate. A total number of 24 different subjects are there for the HP SET Paper 2. The subject list of HP SET Paper II is provided in the table below:

Checkout complete subject-wise syllabus here: HP SET Paper 2 Syllabus

Procedure & Criteria of HP SET Result

HPPSC is responsible for the HP SET Result declaration and follows the guidelines declared by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Candidates must meet the UGC criteria to qualify for the eligibility for Assistant Professor/Lectureship:

• The results will include the top 6% of all candidates who appear for both papers and score at least 40% aggregate marks (for General Category) or at least 35% aggregate marks (for reserved categories).
• In case of a tie at the last qualifying HP SET Cut Off marks in any subject, all tied candidates will qualify, potentially increasing the number of qualified candidates beyond six percent.
• The qualifying criteria set by the UGC/Commission are final and mandatory for everyone involved.

Qualifying Marks Required for HP SET Exam

HPPSC has set the minimum qualifying marks for the HP SET Exam:

HP SET Eligibility Criteria

HPPSC has set multiple eligibility factors for the HP SET Exam. Aspiring candidates must come under these factors to become eligible for the HP SET Exam:

• There is no age-limit for HP SET Exam.
• Candidates from general category need to score at least 55% in their Master’s Degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Computer Science & Applications from UGC-recognized universities.
• Candidates from general category need to score at least 55% in their Master’s Degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, and Computer Science & Applications from UGC-recognized universities.
• Aspirants who belong to SC/ST/OBC (Non-creamy layer)/PWD category must have at least 50% aggregate marks in their post graduation.
• Candidates those who belongs to the reserved category from outside Gujarat will be treated as General category.
• Candidates who are currently pursuing or waiting for results of their Master’s degree can apply provisionally. But, they must pass their Master’s within two years from the HP SET result date to be considered eligible for Assistant Professor roles.
• Ph.D. holders who got their degree before 1991 are eligible for a relaxation of 5% in their aggregate marks.
• Candidates must take the exam in their Post-Graduation subject. If your subject is not available in HP SET Exam the go for UGC NET Exam.
• Candidates with foreign degrees must verify equivalence degree from AIU, New Delhi.

Examination Centres of HP SET Exam

HP SET Exam is conducted in 11 cities:

HP SET Preparation Tips

• Candidates must go through the syllabus thoroughly for the better preparation of HP SET Exam.
• Candidates should prioritize effective time management and ensure accuracy during the HP SET Exam, given the strict time constraints.
• It is crucial for candidates to practice solving question papers within specified time limits to familiarize themselves with the exam format and optimize their performance.
• Additionally, candidates are advised to stay well-informed about current affairs, particularly those pertaining to education and technology. This knowledge will be beneficial in understanding contemporary issues that may be relevant to the exam content.
• Furthermore, candidates should actively engage in practicing previous years' question papers and participate in mock tests. This preparation strategy will help them familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, identify areas needing improvement, and build confidence in tackling the actual exam.

Similarities between HP SET & UGC NET Exam

• Objective: Both exams are designed to determine eligibility for the Assistant Professor role.
• Conducting Bodies: UGC NET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), while the HP SET is conducted by the The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara.
• Syllabus: The syllabus for both exams is quite similar. Both cover various subjects in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, and Sciences. Paper I tests teaching and research aptitude in both exams, while Paper II is subject-specific.
• Exam Pattern: Both exams have multiple-choice questions (MCQs). They consist of two papers:
  • Paper I: General paper on teaching and research aptitude.
  • Paper II: Subject-specific paper based on the candidate's chosen subject.
• Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria regarding educational qualifications (Master’s degree with a minimum percentage of marks) are similar for both exams.

Tips for Preparing for Both UGC NET & HP SET Exams Simultaneously

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
  • Carefully review the syllabus and exam pattern for UGC NET and HP SET Exams. Since the syllabus overlaps significantly, this will make your preparation easy.
• Focus on Paper I:
  • Paper I is common to both exams and focuses on teaching and research aptitude. Develop a strong foundation in this section to help in both exams.
  • Topics include teaching aptitude, research aptitude, reading comprehension, communication, reasoning (including mathematical), logical reasoning, data interpretation, information and communication technology (ICT), people and environment, and higher education system.
• Subject-Specific Preparation:
  • Choose your subject for Paper II and focus on it thoroughly. Since the subject content for Paper II in both exams is largely the same, a single preparation strategy will suffice.
  • Use UGC NET study materials, question papers from previous years, and mock tests for your subject.
• Time Management
  • Create a study timetable that allocates specific times for preparation for Paper I and Paper II.
  • Divide your time efficiently to cover the entire syllabus and leave ample time for revision.
• Practice and Revision:
  • Practice previous years' question papers and take mock tests for both exams to understand the actual exam environment.
  • Regular revision is crucial. Make summary notes for quick revision.