HPPSC Recruitment 2026: Apply for 2 Forensic Posts

Introduction

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has announced a recruitment drive for two distinct forensic positions: Assistant Director (Digital Forensic) and Scientific Officer (Digital Forensic). These roles are offered on a contractual basis as Job Trainees, with a fixed monthly remuneration. A total of two vacancies are available, with one post for each advertisement. The application process is entirely online, and interested candidates must ensure they meet the specified educational qualifications and experience criteria. The last date to submit applications and pay the fee is November 10, 2026. This is a significant opportunity for individuals with a background in forensic science, digital forensics, cyber forensics, computer applications, or engineering to join government service in Himachal Pradesh. All details regarding eligibility, application procedure, and selection are available in the official notification. Applicants are strongly advised to read the official notification carefully before applying to understand all terms and conditions.

HPPSC Recruitment 2026 Overview

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

A total of 2 vacancies are available for the posts of Assistant Director (Digital Forensic) and Scientific Officer (Digital Forensic). Both posts are advertised under Advertisement No. 67/10-2026 and 68/10-2026, with one vacancy for each advertisement. All advertised vacancies are categorized as Unreserved.

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates must meet the following educational and experience criteria for the respective posts:

• Assistant Director (Digital Forensic): At least a 2nd class M.Sc. in Forensic Science / Digital Forensics / Cyber Forensics / Physics, OR Master of Computer Application (MCA), OR Master Degree in Engineering with Computer Science / Electronics / Information and Technology (IT) / Electronic Communication from a recognized University. This must be combined with a minimum of 7 years of post-qualification experience in Research, Training, and Analytical work.
• Scientific Officer (Digital Forensic): At least a 2nd class M.Sc. in Forensic Science / Digital Forensics / Cyber Forensics / Physics, OR Master of Computer Application (MCA), OR Master Degree in Engineering with Computer Science / Electronics / Information and Technology (IT) / Electronic Communication from a recognized University. This must be combined with a minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience in Research, Training, and Analytical work. Note: Research work conducted for a Ph.D. degree counts towards this experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Ph.D. Degree in one of the specified subjects.
• Knowledge of customs, manners, and dialects of Himachal Pradesh and suitability for engagement in the peculiar conditions prevailing in the Pradesh.

Age Limit and Relaxation

The age of candidates must be between 18 to 45 years, reckoned as on a specified date (not provided in the notification). Age relaxation is applicable as follows:

• Five years relaxation in the upper age limit is admissible only to Bonafide Scheduled Caste (S.C.) of H.P. / Scheduled Tribe (S.T.) of H.P. / Other Backward Classes (O.B.C.) of H.P. / Wives of War Widows and their Dependents (W.F.F.) of H.P. / Persons with disabilities of Himachal Pradesh, provided there is a post reserved for these categories.
• For Himachal Pradesh Government employees and Ex-Servicemen of H.P., age relaxation applies as per Government instructions.

Application Fee

A uniform application fee of Rs. 600.00 is charged from all candidates, irrespective of their category or gender. This fee is non-refundable once paid.

Salary and Pay Scale

The engagement is on a contractual basis as Job Trainees with fixed monthly emoluments:

• Assistant Director (Digital Forensic): Rs. 40,500/- per month
• Scientific Officer (Digital Forensic): Rs. 28,000/- per month

The recruitment and engagement are governed by the scheme for engagement of job trainees on a fixed amount in the departments of the State Government.

Selection Process

The selection process involves two stages:

1. Stage 1: Written Examination This stage includes two papers:
   • Paper-I: Objective Screening Test: A 1-hour test with 100 marks, comprising Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh (30 Marks), General Knowledge of National and International Affairs (30 Marks), Hindi language (20 Marks), and English language (20 Marks). A negative marking of 0.25 marks will be applied for each wrong answer, unattempted question, or blank circle. Candidates can use option 'E' to avoid negative marking.
   • Paper-II: Descriptive Subject Aptitude Test: A 3-hour test with 120 marks, based on a syllabus to be decided by the Commission.
   Minimum pass marks for Paper-II are 45% for the General category and 40% for reserved categories.
2. Stage 2: Personality Test

Application Procedure

Interested and eligible candidates must apply online through the official HPPSC website. The steps are as follows:

1. Visit the official website of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission at hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc.
2. Click on the "Apply Online" link.
3. Click on "One Time Registration" and complete the registration process by providing the required details.
4. After registration, log in to your account using your credentials.
5. Fill in the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and other required information.
6. Upload scanned copies of necessary documents as per the specifications.
7. Pay the application fee online using Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or other digital payment modes.
8. Review all the details entered in the application form before final submission.
9. Submit the application form and take a printout for your records.

Important Note: Once an online application is submitted, candidates cannot make corrections or modifications through the portal, except for category changes as per Rule 5(iv) of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (Procedure and Transaction of Business) Rules, 2023.

Required Documents

The official notification does not specify a list of required documents to be uploaded with the application. Candidates are advised to check the application portal for any specific document upload requirements during the online application process.

Important Instructions and Common Mistakes

Candidates should carefully read the official notification before applying. Common mistakes to avoid include:

• Incomplete Application: Ensure all fields in the online application form are filled correctly and completely.
• Incorrect Information: Double-check all personal details, educational qualifications, and experience before submission, as corrections are not allowed after submission.
• Late Application: Submit the application well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
• Fee Payment: Ensure the application fee is paid online by the due date.
• Eligibility Criteria: Verify that you meet all the age, educational, and experience requirements before applying.
• Bonafide Himachali Certificate: Candidates claiming reservation benefits must ensure they possess the valid Bonafide Himachali certificate.

Official Notification and Application Links

For detailed information and to apply online, please refer to the following links:

• Official Website: hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc
• Apply Online: hppsc.hp.gov.in/hppsc (Navigate to the "Apply Online" section)

Relevant FAQs

Q1: What is the last date to apply for the HPPSC Assistant Director and Scientific Officer posts?
A1: The last date to apply online and pay the application fee is 10 November 2026.

Q2: What is the application fee for these posts?
A2: The application fee is Rs. 600.00 for all categories.

Q3: What is the age limit for these positions?
A3: The age limit is between 18 to 45 years, with relaxations applicable for reserved categories.

Q4: Can I make corrections to my application after submission?
A4: No, corrections or modifications to the application cannot be made after submission, except for category changes as per rules.