HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Recruitment 2026 – 390 Engagement Posts, ₹25,000 Fixed Honorarium
Candidates waiting for a government nursing opportunity in Himachal Pradesh can now apply for the HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse 2026 engagement. The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) has released Advertisement No. 03/2026 for 390 posts of Assistant Staff Nurse (Allopathy) on purely engagement basis under the Department of Medical Education & Research. The key highlight of this recruitment is the totally fixed monthly honorarium of ₹25,000 with no statutory deductions, making the in‑hand amount exactly ₹25,000. Only female candidates who are bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh and registered with HPNRC can apply. The last date to submit the online application is 05 March 2026.
| Organisation | Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA), Hamirpur |
| Post Name | Assistant Staff Nurse (Allopathy) – Engagement Basis |
| Total Vacancies | 390 |
| Application Last Date | 05 March 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Minimum Qualification | B.Sc. Nursing (50%) / GNM (50%) + HPNRC Registration |
| Approx. In‑Hand Salary | ₹25,000 per month (fixed, no deductions) |
| Selection Process | Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Test (120 marks) |
Based on official notification by HPRCA, Hamirpur. Verified: February 2026.
Quick Eligibility Check
- You are a female candidate and bonafide resident of Himachal Pradesh.
- You hold B.Sc. Nursing or GNM diploma with a minimum of 50% marks.
- You are registered with the HP Nurses Registration Council (HPNRC), Shimla.
- Your age is between 21 and 45 years as on 01.01.2026 (relaxation up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC of HP).
- You are a male candidate or do not have Himachal bonafide status.
- Your HPNRC registration is not valid or you do not possess the required nursing qualification.
- You belong to a reserved category of another State (treated as General, but still need HP domicile).
Expert note: Even if you meet all criteria, make sure your category certificate (OBC/EWS/BPL) remains valid on both the ORA closing date and the document verification date.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 10 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 12 February 2026 (10:00 AM) |
| Online Application Last Date | 05 March 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Correction Window | 07 days, starting 3 working days after closing |
| CBT / Written Exam | To be notified |
| Result | To be notified |
Vacancy & Category Analysis
| Category | Sub‑category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | – | 140 |
| EWS | – | 50 |
| Gen (WFF) | Ward of Freedom Fighters | 05 |
| Scheduled Caste | SC (UR) | 77 |
| SC (IRDP) | 15 | |
| SC (WFF) | 03 | |
| Scheduled Tribe | ST (UR) | 15 |
| ST (IRDP) | 05 | |
| Other Backward Classes | OBC (UR) | 63 |
| OBC (IRDP) | 15 | |
| OBC (WFF) | 02 | |
| Total | 390 | |
The vacancy matrix reveals that Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates together hold 95 seats (77 UR + 15 IRDP + 3 WFF), the highest among reserved categories, followed by OBC (80 seats) and ST (20 seats). General (UR) category has 140 seats while EWS gets 50 seats. Importantly, there is no separate PwD category breakdown, but horizontal reservation may apply as per HP Government norms. With 390 engagement posts, the competition is expected to be moderate, especially because only female bonafide Himachalis with HPNRC registration are eligible. Candidates from the SC category have a significant numerical advantage, and the OBC category also offers a substantial chunk.
Salary & In‑Hand Calculation
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fixed Monthly Honorarium | ₹25,000 |
| NPS / GPF | Not applicable |
| Income Tax | As per applicable slab (if any) |
| Any other deductions | None |
| Approx. In‑Hand Salary | ₹25,000 per month |
This is a purely engagement‑based engagement with a consolidated honorarium. There is no Pay Band, Grade Pay, DA, HRA, or TA component in the monthly salary. However, the appointee is entitled to TA/DA while on official tour, and medical coverage under HIMCARE / Ayushman Bharat. The amount is fixed for the entire five‑year engagement period, though the state government may enhance the honorarium by notification. Compared to a regular Staff Nurse in Himachal Pradesh (who gets around ₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400 Pay Level‑7 plus allowances), this engagement offers a lower but guaranteed ₹25,000 with no deductions, making it financially predictable.
Application Fee
| Category | Total Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| All categories (Gen, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.) | ₹800 (Exam ₹100 + Processing ₹700) | Online only (Credit/Debit/Net Banking) |
| Correction Window Fee | ₹100 | Online |
There is no fee exemption for any reserved category. If you make a mistake and use the correction window, an additional ₹100 is payable. Ensure you do not miss the payment; offline modes are not accepted.
Age Limit
| Category | Min Age | Max Age (as on 01.01.2026) | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 21 | 45 | – |
| SC/ST/OBC of HP | 21 | 45 | +5 years (upper age up to 50 years) |
| PwD (HP domicile) | 21 | 45 | +5 years |
| HP Govt. Employees/Ex‑servicemen (HP) | 21 | 45 | +5 years |
Age Calculation Example: If you are a General category candidate, you must have been born between 02.01.1981 and 01.01.2005 (i.e., completed 21 years but not 46 years on 01.01.2026). For an OBC candidate of HP, the maximum permitted birth year is 01.01.1976 (45+5=50 years as on 01.01.2026).
Eligibility Criteria
| Post | Qualification | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Staff Nurse | B.Sc. Nursing (50% marks) OR GNM (A Grade Nursing Diploma) with 50% marks | Female only; Bonafide Himachali; Registered with HPNRC, Shimla |
Common mistake: Candidates often forget that the HPNRC registration is mandatory at the time of application. Submit your valid registration number; final‑year students whose results are awaited are not eligible unless the qualification is completed by the closing date. Equivalent qualification claims are not accepted unless specifically recognised by the Nursing Council.
Selection Process
Computer Based Test (CBT) / Written Screening Test
The test consists of 120 multiple‑choice questions carrying 1 mark each, to be completed in 1.5 hours. The paper will have questions from the prescribed essential qualification level (B.Sc. Nursing / GNM) and General Knowledge including Himachal Pradesh GK and Current Affairs. Qualifying marks: 45% for General (54 marks) and 40% for SC/ST/OBC/WFF (48 marks); the Aayog may relax the cut‑off by up to 5% if required. In case of multiple shifts, scores will be normalised using the Z‑score method.
Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates will be called for document verification. You must bring a downloaded copy of the online application, original certificates, and self‑attested photocopies. At this stage you will also give your preference for districts/departments under the merit‑cum‑option‑cum‑availability formula.
- Save your application ID and payment confirmation details.
- Download and print the submitted ORA form for document verification later.
- Keep your mobile number and email active—all communication will be via SMS/email.
- Start revising B.Sc./GNM nursing subjects and HP GK from standard resources.
- Check the HPRCA website regularly for admit card and exam date updates.
Exam Syllabus & Pattern
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Subjects (as per B.Sc./GNM level) & General Knowledge (including HP GK, Current Affairs) | 120 | 120 | 1.5 Hours | Not specified in notification |
Syllabus
Nursing Subjects
The questions will be at the level of the prescribed essential qualification, i.e., B.Sc. Nursing or GNM diploma. Core topics typically cover Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Medical‑Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Midwifery & Gynaecology, Paediatric Nursing, and Nutrition. Refer to the standard curriculum of the Indian Nursing Council.
General Knowledge
Includes General Knowledge of Himachal Pradesh, Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, and basic science.
How to Apply
- Visit the official HPRCA portal https://hprca.hp.gov.in and Sign Up using a valid email and mobile number.
- Complete the One‑Time Registration (OTR) by filling personal details, educational qualifications, and uploading a recent passport photo (JPG/PNG, max 1 MB) and signature (max 1 MB).
- After profile completion, log in and find the post “Assistant Staff Nurse (Post Code 25026)” under the active advertisements.
- Click Apply – the system will auto‑fill from your profile. Verify all details, especially your name as per Matriculation certificate and Date of Birth.
- Select your preferred exam district (note: the Aayog may allot a different centre if needed).
- Pay the application fee of ₹800 online via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
- After successful payment, your application will be confirmed. Download and print the completed form.
- Keep the printed form and original documents ready for document verification as and when called.
✔ Passport size photograph (recent, white background)
✔ Signature scan (black ink on white paper)
✔ Matriculation certificate (age proof)
✔ B.Sc. / GNM marksheets and degree/diploma
✔ HPNRC Registration certificate (mandatory)
✔ Category certificate (OBC/EWS/BPL) if applicable, valid on closing date and document verification date
✔ Aadhar / valid Government photo ID
1. Invalid HPNRC registration – many candidates upload the certificate but fail to ensure it is active; the registration must be current.
2. Not meeting the 50% marks criteria – rounding off is not accepted; if your aggregate is 49.9%, you are ineligible.
3. Applying with non‑HP residential certificate – only Bonafide Himachalis are eligible; candidates from other states are treated as General but must still be domiciled in HP.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the approximate in‑hand salary of HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse?
- The monthly honorarium is fixed at ₹25,000. There are no deductions for NPS, GPF, or professional tax. The take‑home amount is exactly ₹25,000, with additional TA/DA only during official tours and medical cover under HIMCARE.
- What is the last date to apply for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse 2026?
- The last date for submission of the online recruitment application is 05 March 2026 (11:59 PM). The correction window opens three working days after the closing date.
- How many vacancies are there and which category has the most seats?
- There are total 390 vacancies. The Scheduled Caste (SC) category combined has the highest share with 95 posts, followed by OBC (80) and General UR (140).
- Is HPNRC registration mandatory for the Assistant Staff Nurse post?
- Yes, registration with Himachal Pradesh Nurses Registration Council, Shimla is a mandatory eligibility condition. Without a valid HPNRC certificate, your application will be rejected.
- Can candidates from other states apply for this engagement?
- Candidates from other states are not eligible unless they hold a valid Himachal domicile certificate. Reserved category candidates from outside HP will be treated as General (UR) but must still be bonafide residents of HP.
- Is this a permanent government job?
- No. This is a purely engagement‑based post for a period of five years on fixed honorarium. It does not confer any right to regularization or absorption against any sanctioned permanent post.
- What is the age relaxation for OBC candidates in HPRCA ASN 2026?
- OBC candidates who are domiciles of Himachal Pradesh get an upper age relaxation of 5 years, making the maximum age 50 years as on 01.01.2026. The minimum age remains 21 years.
- Are final year nursing students eligible to apply?
- No. The essential qualification must be acquired on or before the closing date (05.03.2026). Final year students whose results are awaited are not eligible unless they possess the degree/diploma and HPNRC registration by that date.
- Is there any negative marking in the CBT exam?
- The official notification does not specify negative marking. Candidates should read the exam day instructions carefully in case it is introduced later.
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