Haryana: The Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) has now added a third gender (transgender) option in its application forms for the Haryana Civil Services (HCS) and allied recruitment. This step comes after a High Court challenge by a transgender mountaineer and aspirant, ensuring equal opportunity for transgender candidates in state government jobs.
The commission temporarily closed its website for one hour on 23 February 2026 to update the forms with the new option.
High Court Directives Enable Transgender Participation
The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Haryana government and commissions to include a third gender column in government job application forms. This move aligns with the Supreme Court’s recognition of transgender individuals as a third gender, ensuring they are eligible to compete for public service positions on equal footing with other candidates.
In a notable case involving Chandigarh Police Constable recruitment, the court clarified that transgender applicants would be accepted, allowing them to submit online forms under the transgender category.
The Landmark Petition by Saurav aka Kitu Tank
The reforms followed the petition filed by Saurav aka Kitu Tank, a transgender individual who holds a certificate of gender transition issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh on 6 August 2022. Kitu also updated their Aadhaar card to reflect their gender identity.
Kitu, a trained mountaineer, became the first transgender person to climb Mount Unum Peak. Earlier, Kitu received a court exemption to participate in Chandigarh Police recruitment, but most government jobs in Haryana did not recognize transgender candidates. This prompted Kitu to file the petition before the High Court, demanding inclusion of a third gender option in recruitment forms.
HCS and Allied Recruitment Updates
The HPSC has released the official advertisement for 102 HCS and allied posts, including 13 posts reserved for DSC (District Subordinate Cadre). Applications are open from 2 February 2026 on the HPSC website hpsc.gov.in.
Exam Schedule
- Preliminary Exam: 26 April 2026
- Main Exam: 27-29 June 2026
- Interviews: Expected between August-September 2026
The commission has announced the tentative schedule for interviews, and candidates are advised to regularly check the official portal for updates.
New HCS Exam Pattern
Significant changes have been made to the Haryana Civil Services 2026 exam pattern:
- Preliminary Exam: Total 400 marks, comprising two objective papers.
- Main Exam: Total 600 marks, including four general studies papers and some descriptive papers.
- Duration: Each paper is three hours with 100 marks.
Candidates preparing for HCS 2026 must follow the new syllabus and pattern to ensure better performance in the examination.
Impact on Transgender Employment Opportunities
With the introduction of the third gender option, transgender candidates in Haryana can now:
- Apply for HCS and allied government posts.
- Participate in competitive exams without discrimination.
- Access employment opportunities and contribute to state administration.
This reform represents a significant step toward inclusive governance and aligns with national directives recognizing the rights of the transgender community.
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