1 optional paper, HCS exam pattern to change

Geetanjali Gayatri

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 15

Haryana is set to change the pattern of the Haryana Civil Services (Executive) main examination while the pension for heads of Panchayati Raj Institutions as also urban local bodies, already announced by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, is likely to get Cabinet’s approval when it meets tomorrow.

Sources say under the new pattern, the candidates will only have to appear for one optional paper, instead of two under the current norms. The optional papers are in addition to the general studies paper conducted for the HCS.

The weightage given to the general studies and the optional paper is also likely to change under the new pattern. Sources say the total marks of the general studies paper have been raised from 150 to 200, while the optional paper will carry 200 marks.

The pattern for the preliminary examination, however, remains unchanged.

Meanwhile, the Khattar government has announced introduction of pension for heads of municipalities in the state. In the Urban Local Bodies Department, the mayor, senior deputy mayor, deputy mayor and chairman of municipal corporation, besides chairman of municipal council will be eligible for pension.