Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (HPSCB), Shimla
Last Date: 29 May 2026

The Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank Ltd. (HPSCB), Shimla, has invited online applications for 91 posts of Junior Clerks under the PACS/OCS quota - positions specifically reserved for working employees of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies and Other Cooperative Societies of Himachal Pradesh. The application window is open from May 9, 2026 to May 29, 2026, and the examination will be conducted through IBPS, Mumbai.

Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview:

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HPSCB Junior Clerk Recruitment 2026 - Complete Details

The Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Bank is the apex cooperative bank of Himachal Pradesh, with a network of branches across the state and a direct operational relationship with the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Other Cooperative Societies (OCS) that form the backbone of rural credit in HP. This recruitment is not a general open-market vacancy, it is a quota-based recruitment exclusively designed for working employees of these cooperative societies who meet specific service and eligibility criteria.

This distinction matters enormously. The 91 posts are divided into two specific quotas: 74 under the PACS Quota reserved for Trained Secretaries of PACS, and 17 under the OCS Quota reserved for employees of Other Cooperative Societies and PACS employees who do not qualify as Trained Secretaries. Neither quota is open to the general public. A candidate who is a graduate but has never worked in a cooperative society is ineligible for any of these posts regardless of how well they might score in the examination.

The recruitment comes at a time when the cooperative sector in HP is professionalising its workforce, and many long-serving PACS Secretaries and society employees have been waiting for an institutionalised pathway into the state cooperative bank. The last comparable PACS/OCS quota recruitment by HPSCB had significant demand from eligible employees across the state's cooperative network, and this cycle is likely to see similar interest levels given the scarcity of regular bank positions accessible through the PACS service channel.

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Vacancy Details

The 91 posts are split into two distinct quota categories, each with their own reservation structure.

PACS Quota (Trained Secretaries of PACS) - 74 Posts

OCS Quota (Other Cooperative Society Employees and Non-Trained-Secretary PACS Employees) - 17 Posts

The number of posts may vary at the time of final selection. Candidates must apply strictly under the category and sub-category in which posts have been advertised and must ensure they belong to that specific quota. Applying in the wrong quota will result in cancellation at document verification.

All reserved category benefits including age relaxation, fee concession, and reservation are available only to bonafide Himachali candidates. SC/ST/OBC/EWS and other reserved category candidates of HP may apply against unreserved posts, but will not receive age relaxation or fee concession when doing so.

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Application Fee

Fee payment is online only, via Debit Cards (RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards, or Mobile Wallets. Bank transaction charges for online payment are borne by the candidate. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances regardless of whether the application is accepted, rejected, or the candidate fails to appear in the examination.

An important technical caution: after submitting payment details, do not press the Back or Refresh button, this may result in a double charge. Wait for the server confirmation. If payment fails, log in again using the Provisional Registration Number and Password and repeat the payment process. Non-generation of the e-Receipt means the payment has not been completed and the application will be treated as invalid.

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Age Limit

Age is calculated as on 01-01-2026. Candidates must be above 18 years and below 45 years on that date. Eligible birth dates are between 02-01-1981 and 01-01-2008 (both days inclusive).

Age relaxation applies only to bonafide Himachali candidates and only if the post is earmarked for the category claiming relaxation. Physically handicapped candidates must have a disability degree of not less than 40% to claim reservation and age relaxation under the PH category. Selected PH candidates must submit a medical certificate from a competent authority confirming physical fitness for the duties of the post.

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Educational Qualification and Experience

This is the most critical eligibility section for this recruitment. Both academic qualification and cooperative society work experience are mandatory and the experience requirement differs between the two quotas.

For PACS Quota (Junior Clerk - Trained Secretaries of PACS):

First, a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised University. However, candidates who passed Matriculation and 10+2 from a school or institution outside Himachal Pradesh must be bonafide Himachalis - non-Himachalis who studied outside HP are not eligible.

Second, a minimum of continuous three years of service as Secretary as defined in Rule 2(vii) of the HP Cooperative Societies Rules, 1971, in a Primary Agriculture Credit Society (which includes Cooperative Multipurpose Societies Ltd. and Gram Service Cooperative Societies Ltd.).

Third, age below 45 years as on 01-01-2026.

Fourth, the candidate must not be directly or indirectly a defaulter of his or her society.

For OCS Quota (Junior Clerk - Other Cooperative Society and Non-Trained-Secretary PACS Employees):

First, the same graduation requirement as above with the same Himachali condition.

Second, a minimum of continuous five years of service in any cooperative society. This covers employees of Fruit Growers and Marketing Society Ltd., Marketing and Consumer Cooperative Societies Ltd., Cooperative Consumer Stores, Thrift and Credit Society Ltd., and all other cooperative societies registered under the HP Cooperative Societies Act, 1968. It also includes PACS employees who do not qualify under the definition of Trained Secretaries.

Third, age below 45 years as on 01-01-2026.

Fourth, no defaulter status with the society.

The Experience Certificate - Where Most Eligible Candidates Face Problems

The experience certificate for both quotas must be issued by the concerned Inspector of Society and countersigned by the Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies of HP with authentic certification based on the record of the concerned society. No other format of experience certificate will be valid. Additionally, the certificate must be supported by two mandatory documents: a copy of the resolution of the Managing Committee of the society recording the candidate's initial appointment, and copies of relevant pages of the Statutory Audit Report or Audit Note for at least 3 years (for PACS quota) or 5 years (for OCS quota) containing reference to payment of wages or salary from the society's account along with the list of employees attached to the report.

If experience quoted in the application is found to be false during document verification, candidature will be cancelled summarily - even if the candidate has already qualified the online examination. This is a hard disqualification condition and the notification states it explicitly and repeatedly. Candidates must verify that their experience certificate is in the prescribed format, countersigned by the correct authority, and supported by all required documentary proof before applying.

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Selection Process

Selection is through a single-phase online examination conducted by IBPS, Mumbai, followed by document verification. There is no personal interview at any stage.

Online Examination Structure:

The examination is of objective type multiple-choice format and is bilingual (English and Hindi). There is no negative marking for wrong answers. There is no separate time limit for individual sections. The full 150 minutes is available for all five sections combined.

The minimum qualifying marks in the online examination is 40% of total marks that is, 60 out of 150. Only candidates who score at least 40% will be shortlisted for document verification.

Candidates up to 1.75 times the number of vacant posts will be called for document verification, on the basis of merit in the online examination. If two candidates score equal marks, preference is given to the candidate with higher academic qualifications and to those belonging to the State of HP.

The HP Cooperative Societies Act and Rules section carries 30 marks and is specific to this examination. Candidates without familiarity with the HP Cooperative Societies Act 1968 and the HP Cooperative Societies Rules 1971 will find this section challenging. This is the differentiating section that separates cooperative sector insiders from candidates who may have general examination preparation but lack domain knowledge.

If the examination is held in more than one session, scores will be equated across sessions to adjust for differences in difficulty level. The responses of candidates will also be analysed to detect patterns of shared answers. Candidates whose score patterns suggest collusion may have their candidature cancelled.

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Salary, Job Location, and Service Conditions

The pay scale for the post of Junior Clerk is the minimum pay of Rs.19,900 per month at Level-2 plus admissible allowances as per the Bank's rules. In addition to the basic pay, the post carries standard cooperative bank allowances applicable under the Bank's service rules.

Selected candidates will be posted anywhere within the area of operation of HPSCB in Himachal Pradesh. No specific district or zone is guaranteed, and the posting location is determined by the Bank's operational requirements.

The appointment is on regular basis with a probation period of two years. The probation period may be extended by the appointing authority if necessary, but cannot exceed three years in total. If the work or conduct of a probationer is not found satisfactory, the Bank may terminate services by a reasoned written order. Candidates already in confirmed regular employment elsewhere must submit a No Objection Certificate and a good character certificate from their employer at the time of document verification. Absence of the NOC will result in cancellation of candidature.

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How to Apply

1. Go to the Bank's website at www.hpscb.bank.in and click on the "Careers" --> "Live Link" for submission of online applications for recruitment of Ninety One posts of Junior Clerks under PACS/OCS quota in the Bank.
2. Click "Click here for New Registration" and enter your name, contact details, and email ID; a Provisional Registration Number and Password will be generated and sent to your registered email and mobile number
3. Before proceeding, prepare the following scanned files: passport-size colour photograph (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, 20 KB to 50 KB, JPG/JPEG), signature in black ink on white paper (140 x 60 pixels, 10 KB to 20 KB, JPG/JPEG), left thumb impression in black or blue ink on white paper (240 x 240 pixels, 20 KB to 50 KB, JPG/JPEG), and a handwritten declaration in English on white paper with black ink (800 x 400 pixels, 50 KB to 100 KB, JPG/JPEG)
4. The handwritten declaration must state exactly: "I, (Name of the candidate), hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required." This must be in your own handwriting in English. Declarations written by others or in any other language will invalidate the candidature
5. Fill in all personal and educational details carefully; the name must match exactly as it appears in Class X certificates and identity proof. No change is possible after final submission
6. Upload photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration at the designated fields; signatures in capital letters are not accepted; if photo is not uploaded correctly, the application for examination will be rejected
7. Also capture and upload a live photograph using webcam or mobile phone scan as required by the portal
8. Select the quota under which you are applying (PACS or OCS), fill all experience and service details accurately
9. Preview the entire application form to verify all details and uploads before clicking Complete Registration
10. Proceed to payment and complete the application fee via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards, or Mobile Wallets
11. Take a printout of the e-Receipt and the completed application form and retain it; if an e-Receipt is not generated, the transaction may have failed

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Required Documents and Important Instructions

Documents to be ready at the time of application: scanned photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as specified. All educational qualification certificates must be from Board or University recognised by Government of India or its regulatory bodies, and the result must have been declared before the date of application. Web-based certificates issued by universities are accepted provided they are signed by the appropriate authority and clearly indicate the date of passing.

Documents required at document verification stage: original and photocopies of all educational qualification certificates (Matriculation, 10+2, graduation marksheets and certificate), experience certificate in prescribed format issued by Inspector of Society and countersigned by Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies of HP, copy of Managing Committee resolution on initial appointment, copies of Statutory Audit Reports for minimum 3 years (PACS quota) or 5 years (OCS quota) showing salary payment, caste/category certificate from competent authority, bonafide Himachali certificate, EWS Income and Asset Certificate from Deputy Commissioner or Sub-Divisional Officer or Revenue Officer not below Tehsildar rank (for EWS applicants), PwBD certificate from competent authority, Ex-Servicemen certificate, and NOC plus good character certificate from employer (for candidates in regular employment elsewhere).

Critical instructions: Candidates can appear in the online examination only once for the given post. Multiple appearances will result in cancellation. No change of examination centre, venue, date, or session will be entertained after submission. No TA/DA is admissible for appearing in the online examination. The signature and thumb impression on the call letter and attendance sheet must match those uploaded during registration. Mismatches will result in disqualification. Ration card and Learner's Driving Licence are not valid identity documents for the examination.

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Who This Recruitment Is Actually For And Why the Experience Clause Cannot Be Treated Lightly

Understanding the PACS and OCS Quota Structure

These 91 posts are not structured as a competitive open recruitment between all graduates of HP. They are a deliberate policy mechanism to absorb experienced cooperative sector workers into the state cooperative banking system. The practical consequence is that the effective applicant pool is limited to serving cooperative society employees who hold graduate degrees and possess the prescribed continuous service - 3 years for PACS Secretaries and 5 years for OCS employees.

What makes this more selective than it appears on paper is the experience certificate requirement. The certificate must specifically be countersigned by the Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies of HP - this is not a designation that every society or district office has immediate access to, and obtaining a countersigned certificate takes time and coordination with the Registrar's office. Candidates who have the service but have not yet secured this certificate in the correct format should begin that process immediately, because without it the application cannot proceed meaningfully. Claiming experience in the application without a valid certificate in hand is explicitly warned against - the Bank has stated that candidature will be cancelled summarily if the experience is found to be false or incorrectly documented during verification, regardless of how well the candidate has performed in the examination.

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The HP Cooperative Societies Act Paper, The Section That Determines Who Succeeds Here

What Cooperative Sector Experience Means for This Examination

The five-section online examination totals 150 marks with 30 marks each for Reasoning, Numerical Ability, English, General Awareness, and HP Cooperative Societies Act and HP Cooperative Societies Rules. Four of these five sections align with standard banking examination preparation that any graduate preparing for IBPS Clerk or similar exams would have covered. The fifth section - HP Cooperative Societies Act and Rules - is where this examination diverges sharply from generic bank exam preparation.

Candidates who have spent 3 to 5 years working inside a PACS or cooperative society environment will have practical familiarity with the provisions of the HP Cooperative Societies Act, 1968, and the HP Cooperative Societies Rules, 1971. The annual audit processes, Managing Committee resolutions, society registration requirements, and Secretary responsibilities are things they navigate in daily work. That embedded knowledge translates directly into performance advantage in the Act and Rules section of the paper, which carries the same weight as Reasoning or Numerical Ability. A candidate who understands the actual provisions relating to their own service - Rule 2(vii) definition of Secretary, audit report requirements, defaulter conditions - is better positioned in this section than someone who prepares purely from a textbook in the weeks before the exam. The section also connects to the General Awareness component, which specifically includes HP General Knowledge alongside general awareness questions.

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Here are direct answers to the questions candidates most commonly raise after reading this notification.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

How many posts are available in HPSCB Junior Clerk Recruitment 2026?

A total of 91 posts are advertised --> 74 under the PACS Quota (for Trained Secretaries of PACS) and 17 under the OCS Quota (for employees of Other Cooperative Societies and non-Trained-Secretary PACS employees). The number may vary at the time of final selection.

What is the last date to apply?

May 29, 2026 is the last date for online application submission at www.hpscb.bank.in. The application window opened on May 9, 2026. Applications received after the due date or through any other mode will not be accepted.

Who is eligible to apply?

Only working employees of cooperative societies of Himachal Pradesh with a graduate degree are eligible. Specifically: for PACS Quota, Trained Secretaries of PACS with minimum 3 years continuous service as Secretary; for OCS Quota, employees of Other Cooperative Societies and PACS employees not covered under the Trained Secretary definition, with minimum 5 years continuous service. The candidate must also be a bonafide Himachali, below 45 years of age as on 01-01-2026, and not a defaulter of their society.

What is the age limit including relaxations?

Above 18 and below 45 years as on 01-01-2026 for General candidates. SC/ST/OBC/PH/WFF (HP domicile): 5 years relaxation each, up to 50 years. Ex-Servicemen (reserved quota): current age must be below 58 years. Ex-Servicemen (unreserved): maximum 12-year relaxation. All relaxations apply only to bonafide Himachali candidates.

What educational qualification is required?

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University. Candidates who studied Matriculation or 10+2 outside Himachal Pradesh must be bonafide Himachalis. The graduation result must have been declared before the date of application.

What is the selection process?

Online examination of 150 questions for 150 marks covering Reasoning (30), Numerical Ability (30), English (30), General Awareness including HP GK (30), and HP Cooperative Societies Act and Rules (30), conducted by IBPS, Mumbai. Duration is 150 minutes. No negative marking. Minimum 40% marks required to qualify. Top candidates up to 1.75 times vacancies are called for document verification. No personal interview. Final selection on merit of online exam after document verification.

What is the salary for Junior Clerk in HPSCB?

Minimum pay of Rs.19,900 per month at Level-2 plus admissible allowances as per Bank's service rules.

What is the application fee?

Rs.1,000 for General (UR) and OBC of HP. Rs.800 for EWS of HP, SC/ST/IRDP/BPL/Antodaya of HP, and Female candidates of all HP categories. Fee is non-refundable. Payment is online only.

How to apply for HPSCB Junior Clerk Recruitment 2026?

Apply online at www.hpscb.bank.in from May 9 to May 29, 2026. Register, receive provisional registration number and password, fill the form, upload photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration, preview, complete registration, and pay the fee online. Take a printout of the application and e-Receipt.

What is the official website?

www.hpscb.bank.in is the official website of the Bank where applications are submitted and all updates including call letter download dates and results will be published. For clarifications, email recruitment@hpscb.com.

Is the experience certificate from any other authority valid for this recruitment?

No. The experience certificate must be issued by the Inspector of Society and countersigned by the Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies of HP, supported by the Managing Committee resolution on initial appointment and Statutory Audit Report pages for 3 years (PACS quota) or 5 years (OCS quota). Certificates not in this prescribed format will not be accepted, and false experience claims will result in cancellation even after clearing the exam.

Can candidates from outside Himachal Pradesh apply?

This recruitment is reserved for cooperative society employees who are bonafide Himachalis. Reserved category benefits apply only to bonafide Himachali candidates. Non-Himachali candidates cannot avail reservation, age relaxation, or fee concession and are effectively excluded from these quota posts.

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What You Should Do Before the Window Closes

The application window closes on May 29, 2026. The most time-sensitive task is verifying that your experience certificate is in the correct format issued by the Inspector of Society and countersigned by the Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies of HP - and that it is supported by the required documentary proof including the Managing Committee resolution and Statutory Audit Report pages. If these documents are not in hand, begin the process of obtaining them immediately through the concerned Inspector of Society and the Assistant Registrar's office.

Prepare the scanned uploads - photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration before starting the application so that the registration process is not interrupted by technical issues during uploads. The handwritten declaration must be in your own handwriting in English; this requirement cannot be substituted.

All updates on call letter download dates, examination date, and results will be published on www.hpscb.bank.in. The Bank will also send intimation to registered email IDs. Keep the email address and mobile number used during registration active throughout the recruitment process. For queries, write to recruitment@hpscb.com. For any legal dispute arising from this recruitment, the jurisdiction shall be Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

This article is based on the official notification and simplified for easy understanding. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official website.