HPPSC Medical Officer Recruitment 2025: Mega Drive for 232 Group-A Vacancies Out
Join the Himachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Department – Apply Online for Medical Officer (General Wing) Job Trainee Positions
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially released one of the most anticipated recruitment notifications for the medical fraternity in the state for the year 2025. Functioning as the premier constitutional body for civil service recruitments in the hill state, HPPSC has invited applications for 232 vacancies for the post of Medical Officer (General Wing), Group-A. This recruitment drive is conducted on behalf of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Himachal Pradesh. The primary objective of this massive drive is to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas of Himachal Pradesh, ensuring that every citizen has access to qualified medical professionals. The positions are being filled under the "Job Trainee" category, which provides a structured pathway into the state's permanent medical service.
Working as a Medical Officer in Himachal Pradesh is a unique and noble challenge. Given the state's geographical diversity, from the low-lying plains of Una to the high-altitude terrains of Lahaul and Spiti, a Medical Officer plays a pivotal role in community health, emergency response, and the implementation of national health programs. The HPPSC Recruitment 2025 (Advertisement No. 45/11-2025) offers a stable government career with the prestige of a Group-A officer rank. For MBBS graduates who have completed their mandatory internship and are registered with the Medical Council, this is an unparalleled opportunity to serve the "Devbhoomi" (Land of Gods). The application window is currently active through the Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal and will remain open until December 12, 2025.
The selection process for these 232 vacancies is designed to be comprehensive, ensuring that only the most qualified and dedicated doctors join the state service. It involves a multi-stage evaluation including a Preliminary Screening Test and a Subject Aptitude Test (SAT), followed by a personal interaction or Personality Test. Whether you are a fresh MBBS graduate or an experienced practitioner looking for a permanent government role, this notification provides a transparent merit-based entry. This exhaustive 2000-word guide provides a definitive roadmap, covering detailed category-wise vacancy splits, eligibility nuances, salary matrix details, and expert strategies to help you navigate the competitive landscape of HPPSC medical recruitments.
Important Highlights and Recruitment Timeline
Candidates must be highly attentive to the timeline provided by the commission. HPPSC follows a strict disciplinary schedule for its examinations. It is highly recommended that aspirants complete their One Time Registration (OTR) early to avoid last-minute server congestion. The eligibility in terms of age and qualification will be determined as of the specified cut-off dates.
| Event Description | Dates and Details |
|---|---|
| Official Advertisement Number | 45/11-2025 |
| Online Registration Opening | November 2025 (Active) |
| Last Date for Online Submission | December 12, 2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Cut-off Date for Age Calculation | January 01, 2025 |
| Job Nature | Group-A Job Trainee (Permanent Track) |
| Official Web Portal | hppsc.hp.gov.in |
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown and Categorization
The total 232 vacancies represent a mix of fresh positions and a significant number of Backlog Vacancies from previous recruitment cycles. The distribution is done meticulously to provide equal opportunities to various social categories of the state as per the HP Government reservation policy.
| Social Category | Total Vacancies (Including Backlog) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 49 |
| UR - Ortho PH of HP | 18 (14 Backlog) |
| UR - Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | 35 (22 Backlog) |
| UR - Ward of ESM of HP | 40 (Backlog) |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) of HP | 14 |
| SC - ESM / Ward of ESM | 13 (Backlog) |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) of HP | 07 |
| ST - Ortho PH of HP | 03 (02 Backlog) |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) of HP | 20 (07 Backlog) |
| OBC - ESM of HP | 03 (02 Backlog) |
| EWS of HP (Economically Weaker Section) | 12 |
| Grand Total | 232 |
Salary Matrix and Remuneration Details
Selected candidates for the post of Medical Officer will initially be appointed as Job Trainees. This status allows the government to evaluate the performance and adaptability of the candidates in various clinical settings across the state.
- Monthly Fixed Emoluments: Selected trainees will receive a consolidated fixed remuneration of ₹34,000 per month.
- Regularization: Upon successful completion of the training period (as per state policy), candidates will be regularized into the standard Pay Matrix of the Health Department, which carries the high basic pay of a Group-A Gazetted officer.
- Benefits: Although the initial pay is a fixed stipend, regularized officers enjoy perks like Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA), Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and remote area incentives if posted in tribal or difficult terrains.
Eligibility Criteria and Educational Qualifications
Eligibility is the primary filter in the HPPSC process. Since this is a Group-A medical post, candidates must possess a recognized primary medical degree and have completed all statutory requirements as per the National Medical Commission (NMC).
- Academic Qualification: Candidates must possess an M.B.B.S. Degree or an equivalent medical qualification included in the First, Second, or Third Schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
- Compulsory Internship: Applicants must have completed their Compulsory Rotating Internship on or before the closing date of the application (December 12, 2025).
- Professional Registration: Valid registration with the Himachal Pradesh Medical Council or the National Medical Commission is mandatory.
- Desirable Qualification: Candidates possessing a Post Graduate degree or diploma from a recognized institution will be given preference. Additionally, knowledge of Himachal Pradesh’s customs, dialects, and traditions is essential for effective patient-doctor communication.
Age Limit (as of Jan 1, 2025): Minimum 18 years and maximum 45 years. Upper age relaxation of 5 years is provided to SC, ST, OBC, WFF, and PwD candidates of Himachal Pradesh, as well as to existing government employees as per state rules.
Selection Process and Evaluation Roadmap
The HPPSC follows a transparent and meritocratic two-tier selection model. For medical officers, the emphasis is placed on both general aptitude and deep technical medical knowledge.
- Paper-I (Screening Test): This is an objective-type test of 100 marks. It is conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT) or OMR test. It serves as a qualifying round to filter candidates for the main SAT.
- Paper-II (Subject Aptitude Test - SAT): This is the descriptive or advanced objective subject test carrying 120 marks. This paper evaluates the clinical and theoretical knowledge acquired during the MBBS course.
- Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who clear the SAT will be called for a 30-mark Personality Test. This stage evaluates the candidate's communication skills, ethics, and suitability for the medical profession in a government setup.
- Final Merit: The final selection is based on the combined marks of SAT (120) and Personality Test (30), totaling 150 marks. Paper-I marks are not added to the final merit.
Exam Pattern and Detailed Syllabus
Success in the HPPSC Medical Officer exam requires a balanced preparation of both general studies and core clinical subjects. The exam follows the latest HPPSC pattern introduced in 2023.
Paper-I Pattern (Qualifying - 100 Marks)
- Himachal Pradesh GK: 30 Marks. Focus on history, geography, and socio-economic updates of HP.
- National & International Awareness: 30 Marks. Current affairs, static GK, and health-related schemes of India.
- Language Proficiency: Hindi (20 Marks) and English (20 Marks). Grammar and comprehension basics.
- Negative Marking: Every incorrect answer results in a deduction of 0.25 marks.
Paper-II Pattern (SAT - 120 Marks)
The SAT syllabus is based on the professional MBBS curriculum. Candidates should focus on the following high-yield areas:
- Medicine & Allied: Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases.
- Surgery: General Surgery, Trauma, and Orthopedics.
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Antenatal care, Labor management, and Rural health initiatives.
- Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM): National Health Programs, Immunization, and Epidemiology.
Expert Preparation Strategy for Medical Officers
Preparing for HPPSC while managing clinical duties can be stressful. Follow this expert-recommended roadmap to secure a rank in the top 232.
Mastering Himachal GK: The 30 marks dedicated to HP GK in Paper-I are the differentiator. Use "The Wonderland Himachal Pradesh" by Jag Mohan Balokhra. Focus specifically on the Rivers of HP, Dynasties of Kangra and Kullu, and recent state health policies like the Mukhya Mantri HIMCARE scheme.
SAT Revision Strategy: Since the SAT is MBBS-based, do not try to read new textbooks. Revise your notes from PrepLadder, Marrow, or standard textbooks like Harrison (Medicine) and Bailey & Love (Surgery). Focus heavily on PSM and Pediatrics, as these subjects are extremely relevant to the duties of a Medical Officer in Primary Health Centers (PHCs).
Handling Negative Marking: HPPSC exams are notorious for their tricky options. In Paper-I, only attempt questions you are 100% sure about. For SAT, practice at least 50 MCQs daily to improve your clinical reasoning speed. Managing the 3-hour duration of SAT requires consistent mock test practice.
Best Books for Preparation
Using standard study materials will keep your preparation aligned with the HPPSC selection pattern. Below are the top recommendations for the 2025 recruitment.
| Subject Area | Recommended Book List |
|---|---|
| Himachal Pradesh GK | "Himachal Darpan" by Akash Publications or Balokhra’s Wonderland. |
| Medical Subjects (SAT) | Standard textbooks (Medicine-Harrison, Surgery-Bailey & Love, OBG-Dutta). |
| General Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal and Lucent's General Knowledge. |
| Current Affairs | Monthly "Pratiyogita Darpan" and HP Economic Survey (Latest). |
| English / Hindi | Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi and Lucent’s Hindi Grammar. |
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step ORA Guide
The application process is strictly online through the HPPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) portal. Follow these steps meticulously to ensure a successful registration.
- Visit the official HPPSC website: www.hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc.
- Click on the "Apply Online" tab and select One Time Registration (OTR).
- Create Profile: Enter your basic details to generate a User ID and Password. Keep these safe for downloading the admit card.
- Fill Application: Login with your credentials and select "Advertisement No. 45/11-2025" for Medical Officers.
- Enter all academic details, including MBBS marks, Internship completion dates, and Medical Council registration number.
- Upload Scanned Images: Recent color passport photograph and signature in JPEG format (as per specified size).
- Payment: Pay the application fee through the integrated online gateway (UPI, Net Banking, or Card).
- Final Submission: Preview the form and click "Submit." Download the final PDF and payment receipt for future reference.
Documents Needed to Apply
Scanning and self-attesting the correct documents is mandatory for the ORA process. Ensure all files are clear and readable to avoid rejection during the automated screening.
- Age Proof: 10th Standard (Matriculation) certificate or Birth Certificate.
- Degree Certificates: MBBS Degree and Semester-wise marksheets.
- Internship Proof: Compulsory Rotating Internship Completion Certificate.
- Registration: Valid Medical Council Registration Certificate (State or National).
- Domicile Proof: Bonafide Himachali Certificate (Essential for reservation benefits).
- Category Proof: Valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate issued by the competent HP authority.
- NOC: "No Objection Certificate" if already working in a Government or PSU role.
Application Fee Structure
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid through the online portal. HPPSC provides concessions to ensure that the recruitment process is accessible to all eligible doctors.
| Candidate Category | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS (Not BPL) / Other State Candidates | ₹600/- |
| SC / ST / OBC / EWS (BPL) of Himachal Pradesh | ₹150/- |
| Ex-Servicemen (Blind/Visually Impaired) of HP | EXEMPTED (Nil) |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) of HP | EXEMPTED (Nil) |
Important Links
| Resource Description | Official Link |
|---|---|
| HPPSC Official ORA Portal | Apply Online Here |
| Detailed Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Official HPPSC Website | Visit Site |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: Can MBBS graduates from other states apply for HPPSC Medical Officer?
Yes, candidates from other states can apply. However, they will be treated as General/Unreserved category candidates. They will not be eligible for any age relaxation, fee concession, or vertical reservation benefits provided to Bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh.
- Q2: Is a Post Graduate (MD/MS) degree mandatory for this post?
No. The essential qualification is an MBBS Degree. While a PG degree or diploma is mentioned as a "Desirable" qualification (meaning it gives you an advantage during selection), it is not mandatory to apply for the Medical Officer (General Wing) post.
- Q3: What is the "Job Trainee" period and salary?
Initially, candidates are appointed as Job Trainees. During this period, you will receive a fixed consolidated salary of ₹34,000 per month. Regularization into the full pay matrix happens after a certain period of satisfactory service as per the latest HP Government rules.
- Q4: What happens if I make a mistake in my ORA profile?
HPPSC provides a limited window for profile correction. However, once an application for a specific advertisement is submitted and the fee is paid, modifications are generally not allowed. It is advised to fill the OTR profile with extreme care.
- Q5: Is there any interview for the Medical Officer post?
Yes. The selection process includes a 30-mark Personality Test (Interview). Candidates are shortlisted for the interview based on their performance in the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT).
- Q6: When will the exam be conducted?
HPPSC usually conducts the screening tests within 3-4 months after the application deadline. Candidates are advised to keep checking the "Examination" section of the official website for updates on the exam schedule and admit card release.
