The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA), located in Hamirpur, has announced a recruitment drive for 312 Assistant Staff Nurse positions (Post Code 26044) under the Directorate of Medical Education & Research, Himachal Pradesh. For candidates preparing for this recruitment, gaining a clear understanding of the HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Syllabus 2026 and the examination pattern is essential, as the written examination serves as the sole screening method prior to document verification. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the syllabus, exam structure, marking scheme, selection stages, and preparation strategies based on the official recruitment notice.
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Syllabus 2026 - Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA), Hamirpur |
| Post Name | Assistant Staff Nurse (Allopathy) |
| Post Code | 26044 |
| Number of Vacancies | 312 posts |
| Department | Directorate of Medical Education & Research, Himachal Pradesh |
| Selection Stages | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Screening Test, followed by Document Verification |
| Total Questions | 120 (Objective type / MCQ) |
| Total Marks | 120 |
| Exam Duration | 1 Hour 30 Minutes (90 minutes) |
| Negative Marking | The status of negative marking for this cycle has not been verified in the available sources - please refer to the official Advt/notification PDF |
| Mode of Exam | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Application Window | 30 July 2026 to 29 August 2026 |
| Official Website | hprca.hp.gov.in |
Note: An earlier Assistant Staff Nurse recruitment cycle (Post Code 25026) conducted by HPRCA had its CBT on 4 and 5 May 2026. Reports from this previous cycle mentioned a penalty of 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer. However, this detail has not been specifically confirmed for the current recruitment cycle (Post Code 26044), which was announced on 23 July 2026. Candidates are advised to check the official advertisement for the current cycle once it is fully released, as this article will be updated accordingly.
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Selection Process 2026
The selection process for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse consists of two phases. There will not be an interview stage for this role.
Stage 1 - Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Screening Test:
Candidates will take a 120-mark objective-type assessment covering essential nursing qualification topics, alongside General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Everyday Science, Logical Reasoning, Social Science, and General English & Hindi at the Matriculation level.
Stage 2 - Document Verification (DV):
Those who succeed in the written test will be invited for the verification of original educational credentials, category certifications, HPNRC registration, and proof of Himachali Bonafide status.
The final merit list will be determined based on the scores obtained in the written exam; document verification is a qualifying procedure and does not contribute additional marks.
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Exam Pattern 2026
CBT / Written Screening Test Structure
| Subject Area | Approx. Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing subjects (including up to the GNM / B.Sc Nursing level) | - | - |
| General Knowledge, Current Affairs and Everyday Science | - | - |
| Logical Reasoning | - | - |
| Social Science | - | - |
| General English and General Hindi (Matric standard) | - | - |
| Total | 120 | 120 |
Based on sources monitoring the earlier Assistant Staff Nurse recruitment, the anticipated distribution roughly consists of 85 questions from Nursing-related topics and 35 from General Knowledge & Aptitude. However, this distribution is not officially verified for the current cycle and should be seen as indicative based on earlier cycles. Candidates should verify against the official advertisement once it is published.
Marking Scheme: Each correct answer earns 1 mark. The status of negative marking for incorrect answers in this recruitment cycle has not been confirmed; refer to the note in the overview for further information.
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Syllabus 2026
The syllabus is divided into two main sections: a technical Nursing component relevant to the GNM/B.Sc Nursing curriculum, and a General Knowledge & Aptitude portion that aligns with standard HPRCA recruitments.
1. Nursing Subjects (Essential Qualification Level)
This section encompasses topics related to the necessary qualification level (GNM or B.Sc Nursing) without specifying individual topic weightage. Based on previous cycles of HPRCA nursing examinations, candidates should prepare for inquiries in the following areas:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology (sterilization, disinfectants, antiseptics)
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Obstetrical and Gynaecological Nursing (Midwifery)
- Paediatric Nursing (Child Health Nursing)
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- First Aid and Emergency Nursing
This listing incorporates common subjects present in the GNM/B.Sc Nursing syllabus; however, no official weightage has been provided. Candidates should cross-reference this section with their own coursework and the official advertisement once available.
2. General Knowledge, Current Affairs & Everyday Science
- Information pertaining to Himachal Pradesh (history, geography, culture, government initiatives)
- Current events, both nationally and internationally
- Everyday Science (basic principles in physics, chemistry, and biology)
3. Logical Reasoning
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills
- Analogies, series, coding-decoding techniques
- Basic numerical and analytical abilities
4. Social Science
- Topics from history, civics, geography, and economics at the Matric standard
5. General English & General Hindi (Matric Standard)
- Grammar and usage
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
- Basic translations and adjustments in Hindi and English
There is no specific weightage or frequency breakdown for these topics in the official notification. This section will be updated if HPRCA issues a separate detailed syllabus PDF for Post Code 26044.
How to Prepare for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Exam 2026
- Start with Nursing Coursework: Concentrate on reviewing your notes and standard nursing textbooks, as the technical section is derived from the GNM/B.Sc Nursing syllabus.
- Build a Subject-wise Timetable: Without confirmed subject weightage, distribute your study time evenly across all subjects.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Examine earlier HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse and similar nursing examination papers to get accustomed to the question formats and difficulty levels.
- Take Timed Mock Tests: Given the time limit of 90 minutes for 120 questions, practice under similar conditions to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Cover Himachal Pradesh GK Separately: Ensure to study state-specific materials that generic national GK resources may not encompass.
- Revise Microbiology and Infection Control Topics: Emphasize these areas, as they have been frequently featured in past question sets.
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Syllabus 2026 - Important Links
Official Website: https://hprca.hp.gov.in/
HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Syllabus 2026 - FAQs
What is the HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Syllabus 2026?
The syllabus includes Nursing subjects relevant up to the GNM/B.Sc Nursing standard, in addition to General Knowledge, Current Affairs, Everyday Science, Logical Reasoning, Social Science, and General English & Hindi at the Matric level.
What is the exam pattern for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse 2026?
The examination will consist of a written test (CBT) that is objective in nature, containing 120 questions for a total of 120 marks, to be completed in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
How many questions are asked in the HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse exam?
A total of 120 objective-type (MCQ) questions will be presented, amounting to a total of 120 marks.
Is there negative marking in the HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse exam?
The status of negative marking for the current recruitment cycle has not been confirmed. A previous cycle alluded to a deduction of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers, but candidates should check the official notification for the current cycle.
What is the selection process for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse?
The selection process involves two stages: a Computer Based Test (written screening test), followed by Document Verification for those who pass the written test.