HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Recruitment 2026 – Job Description

Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 390 Assistant Staff Nurse positions under the Medical Education and Research Department. This is a golden opportunity for female nursing professionals who are bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh and registered with HP Nursing Registration Council.

The recruitment is purely on an engagement basis with a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000 for a period of five years. Candidates holding B.Sc Nursing or GNM (A Grade Nursing Diploma) with 50% marks from recognized institutions are eligible to apply. The selection will be conducted through a Computer Based Test (CBT) or written screening examination.

This recruitment offers job security in government medical colleges across Himachal Pradesh, providing excellent work experience in premier healthcare institutions. The positions are specifically designed to address the shortage of nursing staff in state medical colleges and ensure quality patient care delivery.

Organization and Recruitment Details

The Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog is the authorized recruiting agency for this selection process. HPRCA conducts recruitment for various government departments in Himachal Pradesh through transparent and merit-based selection procedures. Only female candidates who are bonafide Himachalis and registered with HP Nursing Registration Council, Shimla can apply for these positions.

Important Dates for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Recruitment 2026

Expert Advice: Candidates should not wait until the last date to submit their applications. Technical glitches, server overload, and payment gateway issues are common during the final days. It is highly recommended to apply at least 5-7 days before the deadline. Keep all required documents scanned and ready before starting the application process. Remember to note down your application ID and password immediately after registration.

Application Fee Details

Payment Mode: The application fee must be paid online through the payment gateway using Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking. No other mode of payment such as challan, demand draft, or cash is accepted. After successful payment, candidates must download and save the payment receipt for future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure you complete the payment within the specified time frame during the transaction. Do not close the browser or press the back button during payment processing. If payment fails, wait for 24 hours before attempting again to avoid double deduction. The fee once paid is non-refundable and cannot be adjusted for any other examination.

Age Limit and Relaxation

How to Calculate Your Age: Your age will be calculated as on January 1, 2026. For example, if you were born on March 15, 1981, your age on January 1, 2026 would be 44 years and approximately 9 months, which makes you eligible. However, if you were born on January 2, 1981, you would be considered 45 years old on January 1, 2026, but still eligible as you meet the maximum age limit.

Important Note: The upper age relaxation is available only to candidates who are domiciles of Himachal Pradesh. Candidates from other states belonging to reserved categories will be treated as general category candidates and will not receive age relaxation or fee concession benefits.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Determination Date: Candidates must possess the required educational qualifications and registration by the closing date of application, i.e., March 5, 2026 (11:59 PM). Provisional certificates along with mark sheets of all semesters/years will be accepted during document verification.

Common Eligibility Mistakes: Many candidates apply without checking if their nursing institution is recognized by the appropriate authority. Ensure your degree/diploma is from a UGC/AICTE/Indian Nursing Council recognized institution. Also, HPNRC registration is mandatory – candidates without valid registration will be rejected. The 50% marks requirement is strict and calculated based on the aggregate of all years/semesters.

Vacancy Details – Category-wise Breakup

Competition Insight: With 390 vacancies available, this is a substantial recruitment drive by HPRCA. However, nursing is a popular field in Himachal Pradesh, and competition is expected to be moderate to high. General category candidates will face more competition with 140 unreserved seats, while reserved category candidates have proportionate opportunities.

Important Note: The number of vacancies is tentative and may increase or decrease. Fresh requisitions received from requisitioning authorities up to June 30, 2026, or the date of CBT/Written Test (whichever is earlier) may be added to the current vacancies. Candidates should apply under their respective categories as additional posts from any reserved category can be included.

Selection Process

Examination Syllabus Coverage

The Computer Based Test will comprise 120 multiple-choice questions covering the following areas:

• Nursing Subjects: Questions from B.Sc Nursing/GNM syllabus including Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Midwifery, and Nursing Foundation
• General Knowledge: Current affairs, General Knowledge with special focus on Himachal Pradesh
• Everyday Science: Basic science concepts at matriculation level
• Logical Reasoning: Analytical and logical reasoning questions
• Social Science: History, Geography, Polity, Economics
• Languages: General English and General Hindi at matriculation standard

Normalization Process

If the examination is conducted in multiple shifts, scores will be normalized using the Z-Score Method (Mean and Standard Deviation Method). This ensures fairness across different shifts and question paper variations. The normalization formula considers the average score and standard deviation of each shift to bring all candidates to a common scale.

Preparation Tips for CBT

• Focus primarily on nursing subjects as they constitute the major portion of the exam
• Revise all important topics from B.Sc Nursing/GNM curriculum thoroughly
• Practice previous year question papers of similar nursing recruitment exams
• Stay updated with current affairs, especially related to health sector and Himachal Pradesh
• Take online mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
• Prepare Himachal Pradesh GK separately – questions specific to HP are commonly asked

Salary and Pay Scale

In-Hand Salary: The monthly in-hand salary will be ₹25,000 as this is a consolidated fixed honorarium without any deductions for PF, pension, or other statutory contributions. Unlike regular government employees, Assistant Staff Nurses under this policy will not be entitled to DA, HRA, or other allowances.

Important Clarification: Candidates selected under this policy will NOT be government employees. They will be engaged on a contractual basis with fixed monthly honorarium. There is no provision for regularization against Staff Nurse posts or any similar designation in Himachal Pradesh. The state government may enhance the honorarium considering various factors at its discretion.

Career Growth: While this engagement does not offer traditional government service benefits like pension or regular pay scales, it provides valuable work experience in premier government medical colleges. This experience can be beneficial for future career opportunities in nursing, whether in government or private healthcare sectors.

How to Apply for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Recruitment 2026

The application process is completely online. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully:

Step 1: One Time Registration (OTR)

Before applying for the post, candidates must register on the One Time Registration portal of HPRCA. Visit the official website https://hprca.hp.gov.in and click on “Sign Up” to create your username and password. Complete your profile with personal information, educational qualifications, work experience (if any), and upload a recent photograph and signature.

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

Only candidates with complete profiles can apply for posts. Ensure all mandatory fields are filled correctly. Upload the following documents in the specified format:

• Recent passport-size photograph (JPG/JPEG/PNG, max 1 MB, not older than 1 month)
• Scanned signature (JPG/JPEG/PNG, max 1 MB)
• Educational certificates and mark sheets
• Category certificates (if applicable)
• HPNRC registration certificate

Step 3: Apply for the Post

Login to your account and navigate to the “Apply for Post” section. Search for Advertisement No. 03/2026 – Assistant Staff Nurse (Post Code: 26004). Click on the “Apply” button corresponding to this post.

Step 4: Fill Application Form

The system will auto-fill information from your profile. Verify all details carefully:

• Name, father’s name, mother’s name as per matriculation certificate
• Date of birth
• Category and sub-category details
• Educational qualifications with exact marks percentage
• HPNRC registration number and date
• Contact details (mobile number and email – keep them active throughout the selection process)

Step 5: Select Examination District

Choose your preferred district for the examination from the dropdown menu. However, HPRCA reserves the right to allot any district/center due to availability constraints or technical limitations.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

Upload scanned copies of the following documents in the prescribed format and size:

• Matriculation certificate (for age proof)
• B.Sc Nursing degree/GNM diploma with all semester mark sheets
• HPNRC registration certificate
• Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC – must be on parental basis)
• IRDP/BPL certificate (validity 6 months from issue date)
• EWS certificate (validity 1 year from issue date)
• Himachal Pradesh Bonafide certificate

Step 7: Pay Application Fee

Proceed to payment section and pay ₹800 (₹100 examination fee + ₹700 processing fee) through the online payment gateway using credit card, debit card, or net banking. After successful payment, download and save the payment receipt.

Step 8: Final Submission

Review all entered information one final time. Once satisfied, click on the “Final Submit” button. After submission, download and print the completed application form for future reference. Note your application ID and password securely.

Step 9: Correction Window (If Needed)

If you need to make corrections, wait for the correction window which opens 3 working days after the application closing date and remains open for 7 days. Corrections can be made by paying an additional fee of ₹100.

Common Errors to Avoid

• Mismatch in Name: Ensure your name is exactly as per matriculation certificate
• Wrong Date of Birth: Double-check DOB as per matric certificate
• Incorrect Percentage: Calculate aggregate percentage correctly for all years
• Invalid Category Certificate: Ensure certificates are valid and on prescribed format
• Old Photograph: Use a recent photograph not older than 1 month
• Oversized Files: Keep photograph and signature under 1 MB
• Incomplete Payment: Ensure payment is completed before closing the browser
• Multiple Applications: Apply only once – multiple applications will be rejected

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips for HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Recruitment 2026

1. Apply Early to Avoid Last-Minute Rush

Don’t wait for the deadline. Technical issues, payment gateway failures, and server overload are common on the last day. Complete your application at least one week before March 5, 2026, to avoid unnecessary stress and potential rejection due to technical glitches.

2. Prepare Documents in Advance

Create a dedicated folder with scanned copies of all required documents well before applying. Ensure photographs are recent (not older than 1 month) and all scans are clear and legible. Keep both colored and black-and-white scans ready. Verify that your HPNRC registration is current and valid.

3. Understand the Engagement Terms Clearly

This is NOT a regular government job. You will be engaged on a fixed honorarium basis for 5 years without regularization rights. There will be no pension, PF contributions, or traditional government employee benefits. Understand these terms before applying to avoid disappointment later. This engagement provides excellent work experience but is temporary in nature.

4. Focus on Himachal Pradesh GK

A significant portion of the general knowledge section focuses on Himachal Pradesh – its history, geography, culture, current affairs, government schemes, and administrative structure. Many candidates ignore this section, but it can be a scoring area with proper preparation. Study HP-specific current events from the past 1-2 years.

5. Start Nursing Subject Revision Immediately

The majority of questions will be from nursing subjects at the level of B.Sc Nursing/GNM syllabus. Create a comprehensive study plan covering Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health, Child Health, Mental Health, and Midwifery. Use your college notes, standard textbooks, and previous year nursing competitive exam papers for practice.

6. Practice Time Management

You have 90 minutes to answer 120 questions – that’s less than 45 seconds per question. Practice with mock tests to improve your speed. Learn to identify questions you can answer quickly and those requiring more thought. Develop a strategy to maximize your score within the time limit.

7. Keep Category Certificates Updated and Valid

OBC certificates are valid for 1 year, BPL/IRDP for 6 months, and EWS for 1 year from the date of issuance. Ensure your certificates are valid both on March 5, 2026 (application deadline) and during document verification. If your certificate is expiring soon, get it renewed before applying. Invalid certificates will lead to category change and possible rejection.

8. Maintain Active Contact Details

Use your personal mobile number and email ID that you check regularly. All communication regarding admit cards, exam schedules, results, and document verification calls will be sent through SMS and email. If you change your number, update it immediately on the portal. Missing important communications can disqualify you from the process.

9. Download and Save Everything

After every step – registration, application submission, fee payment – download and save the confirmation pages, receipts, and application forms. Take printouts and keep them in a safe file. You will need these during document verification and for future reference. Don’t rely solely on online access as portals may have downtime.

10. Don’t Use Unfair Means

HPRCA has strict anti-cheating measures in place. The use of mobile phones, electronic devices, unfair means, or attempting to tamper with CBT systems will result in immediate disqualification and possible permanent debarment. CCTV surveillance is active in all examination centers. Prepare honestly and appear with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is this recruitment for permanent government jobs?

Answer: No, this is not a permanent government job. Selected candidates will be engaged on a contractual basis with a fixed monthly honorarium of ₹25,000 for a period of 5 years. There is no provision for regularization against Staff Nurse posts or any claim to permanent government employment. However, it provides valuable work experience in government medical colleges.

Q2: Can male candidates apply for this recruitment?

Answer: No, only female candidates are eligible to apply for this Assistant Staff Nurse recruitment. This is clearly mentioned in the eligibility criteria. Male candidates cannot apply for these positions.

Q3: Is HPNRC registration mandatory before applying?

Answer: Yes, registration with HP Nursing Registration Council (HPNRC), Shimla is absolutely mandatory. Candidates must be registered before the application deadline (March 5, 2026). Without valid HPNRC registration, your application will be rejected. Ensure you have your registration number and certificate before starting the application process.

Q4: I am from another state but have done B.Sc Nursing from HP. Am I eligible?

Answer: No, only bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh (Himachali Bonafide) are eligible to apply. Having a degree from HP does not make you eligible unless you are a domicile of Himachal Pradesh. You must possess a valid HP Bonafide certificate to apply.

Q5: What is the validity period for category certificates?

Answer: The validity periods are: SC/ST certificates – on parental basis (no validity issue if genuine), OBC certificate – 1 year from date of issuance, BPL/IRDP certificate – 6 months from date of issuance, and EWS certificate – 1 year from date of issuance. Your certificate must be valid both on March 5, 2026 (application closing date) and during document verification.

Q6: Can I apply if I have GNM diploma with less than 50% marks?

Answer: No, the minimum qualification requires either B.Sc Nursing OR GNM (A Grade Nursing Diploma), both with at least 50% marks. This is a mandatory requirement and there is no relaxation in the percentage criteria. If you have less than 50%, you are not eligible to apply.

Q7: Will I get DA, HRA, and other government employee allowances?

Answer: No, you will not receive any allowances like DA, HRA, transport allowance, or other benefits available to regular government employees. The ₹25,000 is a consolidated fixed monthly honorarium without any additional allowances. You will only receive TA/DA when required to travel on official tours.

Q8: What happens after 5 years of engagement period ends?

Answer: After 5 years, your engagement will end unless the competent authority decides to extend it based on need and in larger public interest. There is no automatic extension or regularization. You will have to look for other opportunities after your engagement period concludes. However, the work experience gained can help in future job applications.

Q9: Is there negative marking in the CBT examination?

Answer: The notification does not mention any negative marking for wrong answers. Each question carries 1 mark and there are 120 questions for 120 marks. However, candidates should verify this from the detailed syllabus or exam instructions released later by HPRCA.

Q10: Can I apply for more than one post if HPRCA announces other recruitments?

Answer: Yes, you can apply for different posts announced by HPRCA as separate recruitments. However, for this specific recruitment (Advertisement No. 03/2026), you can submit only ONE application. Multiple applications for the same post will be rejected. Each recruitment notification is independent.

Q11: What is the exam pattern and marking scheme?

Answer: The examination will be a Computer Based Test (CBT) or OMR-based test consisting of 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), each carrying 1 mark, totaling 120 marks. The duration is 1.5 hours (90 minutes). The syllabus includes nursing subjects up to the level of prescribed qualification, General Knowledge including HP GK, Current Affairs, Everyday Science, Logical Reasoning, Social Science, General English, and General Hindi of matriculation standard.

Q12: When will the admit card be released?

Answer: The admit card release date is not mentioned in the notification. HPRCA will announce the CBT exam date and admit card download schedule on their official website later. Candidates will receive SMS and email notifications on their registered contact details. Keep checking the official website https://hprca.hp.gov.in regularly for updates. Admit cards will not be sent by post – candidates must download them from the website.