The High Court of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, has released official notification Advt. No. HC-Advt./2026 (3) for direct recruitment to 15 vacancies across Group C and Group D establishment cadres. The notification invites applications for Librarian (1 post), Peon (8 posts), Mali (2 posts), and Cook-cum-Attendant (4 posts). Eligible candidates can apply online through the official portal hphcrecruitment.in or highcourt.hp.gov.in until 27 October 2026 (11:59 PM).
HP High Court 2026: Post Breakdown and Pay Scales
The 15 vacancies carry regular establishment pay scales under Himachal Pradesh Judicial Service rules:
| Designation | Cadre Group | Vacancies | Prescribed Qualification | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian | Group C | 01 Post | Bachelor / Master Degree in Library Science with 3 years experience | Level 11 (Rs. 38,500 - 1,22,700) |
| Peon | Group D | 08 Posts | 10th (Matriculation) from a recognized Board | Level 1 (Rs. 18,000 - 56,900) |
| Mali | Group D | 02 Posts | 10th pass + 3 years gardening experience | Level 1 (Rs. 18,000 - 56,900) |
| Cook-cum-Attendant | Group D | 04 Posts | 10th pass + 3 years cooking experience | Level 1 (Rs. 18,000 - 56,900) |
Selection Process and Exam Pattern
The selection scheme for High Court establishment posts evaluates academic proficiency and vocational competence:
- Screening / Written Test: For Librarian, a written test of 100 marks covering Library Science and General Awareness. For Group D posts (Peon, Mali, Cook), a screening test consisting of General Hindi, General English, and HP General Knowledge.
- Skill / Trade Assessment: Practical cooking trial for Cook candidates and gardening proficiency test for Mali candidates to assess culinary and horticulture skills.
- Personal Interview / Viva-Voce: An interview carrying 10 to 15 marks evaluating suitability for court service, personality, and knowledge of state customs.
| Subject Component | Question Distribution | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Hindi (Matric Standard) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Total Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| General English (Matric Standard) | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | Multiple choice objective format |
| Himachal Pradesh GK & Current Affairs | 40 Questions | 40 Marks | No negative marking |
Previous Years Cutoff Trends and Qualifying Marks
Candidates must achieve minimum qualifying marks in the written evaluation:
- General Category: Minimum 50% marks in the written examination and viva-voce. Historic selection cutoffs for Peon posts range from 78 to 86 marks out of 100.
- Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS of HP): Minimum 45% qualifying marks, with historic cutoffs settling between 68 and 77 marks.
Candidate Guidelines and Aspirant Suggestions
Careful compliance with application instructions ensures candidate eligibility is maintained throughout the selection cycle:
- Recruitment Portal: Apply exclusively through hphcrecruitment.in and complete payment using online net banking, debit card, or UPI.
- Application Fee Structure: Unreserved category candidates pay Rs. 450/-, while SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PH candidates domiciled in Himachal Pradesh pay Rs. 300/-.
- Himachal Pradesh Domicile / Bonafide: Only candidates holding valid Bonafide Himachali certificates are eligible for fee concessions and reserved category quota benefits.
- Photograph and Signature: Upload recent scanned passport photograph (size below 50 KB) and clear signature on white paper.
- Physical Verification of Credentials: Ensure original matriculation marksheets, caste certificates, and experience testimonials are kept ready for production before the interview board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for HP High Court Recruitment 2026?
Online applications close on 27 October 2026 at 11:59 PM on hphcrecruitment.in.
How many vacancies are available in Advt HC-Advt./2026 (3)?
There are 15 vacancies across Librarian, Peon, Mali, and Cook-cum-Attendant posts.
What is the age limit for HP High Court Group D posts?
The age limit is 18 to 45 years as of 1 January 2026, with applicable age relaxations for reserved categories.
What is the application fee for General category candidates?
The application fee is Rs. 450/- for Unreserved candidates and Rs. 300/- for reserved categories of Himachal Pradesh.
Is any prior experience required for the post of Peon?
No prior experience is required for Peon. Candidates must only have passed the 10th (Matriculation) examination from a recognized board.