HPPSC Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Zoology Paper-I Provisional Answer Key 2026 Out
The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially published the Provisional Answer Key for the Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Zoology Paper-I screening examination. Candidates who participated in the written exam held on 25 September 2026 can now access the answer key directly through the official website of the commission. This provisional key enables test-takers to cross-check their recorded answers, calculate estimated scores, and submit objections if any discrepancies or incorrect answers are identified.
Overview of HPPSC Assistant Professor Zoology Screening Test
The HPPSC conducted the screening examination for the selection of qualified candidates to the post of Assistant Professor (College Cadre) in Zoology across various government colleges in Himachal Pradesh. The examination was organized in multiple exam centers statewide under strict invigilation standards. The Paper-I screening test serves as an essential qualifying/evaluation phase designed to test general awareness, Himachal Pradesh specific knowledge, and language proficiency prior to core subject evaluation.
| Recruitment Body | Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Zoology |
| Exam Name | Paper-I Screening Test 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25th September 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Provisional Answer Key Released |
| Objection Window | 27th September 2026 to 1st October 2026 |
| Objection Fee | Rs. 100/- per challenged question |
| Official Portal | hppsc.hp.gov.in |
How to Check and Download the Provisional Answer Key
Candidates can follow these simple step-by-step instructions to verify their answers against the provisional key provided by HPPSC:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission at hppsc.hp.gov.in.
- Step 2: Navigate to the 'What's New' or 'Press Releases / Answer Key' section on the homepage.
- Step 3: Click on the link titled 'Provisional Answer Key for Assistant Professor (College Cadre) Zoology Paper-I Exam Held on 25-09-2026'.
- Step 4: The answer key PDF will open on your screen showing question series (Series A, B, C, D) alongside correct option keys.
- Step 5: Download the PDF file and compare it carefully with your candidate response copy.
Objection Window & Process for Challenging Answer Key
HPPSC has provided a dedicated time window for candidates to submit formal objections or challenges against any answer published in the provisional key. If a candidate finds any answer to be incorrect or ambiguously framed, they can submit their challenge subject to the following rules:
- Objection Period: The objection filing system remains active from 27th September 2026 to 1st October 2026 (up to 11:59 PM).
- Objection Fee: Candidates must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs. 100/- per challenged question through the online payment gateway integrated in the candidate portal.
- Documentary Proof: Every objection must be supported by authentic reference documents, standard textbook evidence, or scientific research papers. Objections submitted without proper documentation or through offline modes will be summarily rejected.
- Method of Submission: Objections must be submitted exclusively online through the user login dashboard on the official HPPSC portal. Physical representations or email requests will not be entertained.
Selection Process & Evaluation Criteria
The recruitment for Assistant Professor (College Cadre) in Zoology involves a comprehensive assessment methodology structured as follows:
- Written Screening Test (Paper-I & Paper-II): Evaluates candidate aptitude, general knowledge, language proficiency, and core scientific knowledge in Zoology.
- Document Verification: Verification of educational qualifications, Ph.D./NET certificates, age proof, and category certificates against original documents.
- Final Merit List: Compiled based on candidates' performance in the examination process, adherence to cut-off standards, and validation of all eligibility criteria.
Instructions on Score Calculation
To compute estimated marks using the HPPSC Zoology Paper-I provisional answer key, candidates should follow these steps:
- Award designated positive marks for every correct response as specified in the question booklet instructions.
- Deduct negative marking penalties (if applicable according to HPPSC instructions) for every incorrect answer marked on the OMR sheet.
- Unattempted questions receive zero marks and do not affect the total score.
- Sum up the final score to judge performance relative to previous year cut-off trends.
HPPSC Contact Details & Helpdesk Assistance
For technical difficulties experienced during online objection submission or queries regarding answer keys, candidates can reach out to the official HPPSC helpline service during office working hours:
- Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-180-8004 / 0177-2629738
- Official Email Support: hppsc_inst@yahoo.co.in
- Official Website: hppsc.hp.gov.in