HPRCA will hold the Assistant Staff Nurse written exam on May 4 and May 5, 2026 . These HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Exam Day Guidelines 2026 tell you exactly what to carry, when to reach, and how the two-shift CBT runs so you don’t lose time on exam day.

HPRCA Assistant Staff Nurse Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Quick snapshot — What every candidate must know

• Exam dates: May 4, 2026 and May 5, 2026 .
• Format: state-level Computer Based Test (CBT) in a two-shift pattern. Each shift lasts 90 minutes .
• Must-haves at centre: a hard copy of your admit card and a valid photo ID proof.
• Key rules you cannot ignore: reach the centre one hour before the reporting time, no entry after gate closure, no electronic devices inside the hall, and no leaving the hall before the exam ends.

These are non-negotiable instructions from the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog (HPRCA), Hamirpur.

Download your admit card: step-by-step checklist

Follow this checklist before you leave for the centre.

1. Visit the official site and log in — go to hprca.hp.gov.in and use your registration number and password to access the admit card.
2. Verify every detail on the downloaded admit card: your name, photograph, exam date, shift, reporting time and the complete address of the exam centre.
3. Print at least one clear hard copy on A4 size paper. Use a good-quality black or colour print so the photo and text are legible.
4. Keep a scanned copy and a second printed copy as backup at home.
5. If you spot any error (name spelling, photo mismatch, wrong shift or centre) contact the HPRCA immediately using the contact information on the official website. Do not assume the mistake will be corrected automatically.

Note: The admit card is available for download using your registration number and password on hprca.hp.gov.in. Download early to avoid server delays.

Know the shift schedule & exact timings (morning and evening)

The exam follows a two-shift CBT pattern. Check your admit card for your assigned shift, then follow the timeline below strictly.

Arrive at the exam centre at least one hour before the reporting time printed on your admit card. Reaching early gives you time for document checks, frisking or biometric verification and a calm start.

Plan travel with extra buffer time for traffic jams, public transport delays and parking. If you use public transport, aim to reach even earlier than the one-hour buffer.

What to carry and what to leave at home

Essential items (must-carry, as per HPRCA guidelines):

• Hard copy of your admit card (original).
• A valid photo ID proof in original form as required by the admit card or official instructions.

What HPRCA explicitly bans inside the exam hall:

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, calculators, Bluetooth devices and any other electronic devices.
• Personal belongings that are not permitted by the centre (carry only what is required).

Practical notes about IDs and stationery:

• Carry the photo ID mentioned on the admit card. If the admit card does not name an ID, carry one government-issued photo ID you hold.
• For stationery, follow centre instructions on the admit card. If the centre allows you to carry pens, keep them minimal and plain. Do not bring complicated gadgets or backpacks unless expressly permitted.

How centres typically handle belongings:

Most centres have a secure area or locker arrangement for permitted items. Don’t leave valuables unguarded. Keep backup copies of your admit card in your bag but outside the items you will not be taking into the hall.

Arrival, entry and exam-centre protocol

At entry you should expect the following routine:

• Document check: Show your hard copy admit card and the valid photo ID to the centre staff.
• Security check: Frisking and electronic screening may be done. Centres may also perform biometric verification where applicable.
• Seating: You will be allotted a computer workstation after verification. Listen to invigilators and follow their directions.

Strict rules to note:

• No candidate will be allowed inside after the gate closure time printed for the shift. If you reach after gate closure you will be turned away.
• You are not permitted to leave the exam hall before the exam ends. Even if you finish early, you must remain seated until the invigilator announces the end of exam.
• Invigilators will give specific on-screen instructions for the CBT. Follow them carefully; these override casual advice from fellow candidates.

If you reach late because of unavoidable circumstances, you must still follow the gate closure rule. Do not rely on centre staff to make exceptions.

Last-minute preparation: practical, calm, effective moves

What to do in the final 24 hours:

• Do not learn new topics now. Stick to quick revision of what you know well.
• Make a short list of high-yield topics you are confident about and revise those.
• Keep a tight plan: review important concepts, revisit solved mock papers and skim through formulae or standard drug/dosage tables you have prepared.

Time-management strategy for the 90-minute CBT:

• Quickly scan the entire paper at the start to map out easy, moderate and tough questions.
• Attempt easy questions first to secure marks. Flag and return to tougher ones.
• Keep track of time: aim to finish all easy and moderate questions in the first 60 minutes, leaving 30 minutes for review and tough questions.

Pre-exam routine to be calm and sharp:

• Sleep early the night before. A rested mind works faster in CBT.
• Eat a light, familiar meal a few hours before the exam. Avoid heavy or unfamiliar foods.
• Hydrate moderately. Carry water only if allowed and as per centre rules.

Mental checklist before entering the hall: admit card, photo ID, comfortable shoes, calm breathing.

On the exam day: do's and don'ts inside the CBT hall

Do:

• Read the instructions on the screen carefully before you start answering.
• Use the mock/test interface if the centre provides a sample run. Familiarity prevents accidental navigation mistakes.
• Flag questions you are not sure about and return later.

Don’t:

• Don’t get stuck on a single question. Move on and come back later.
• Don’t communicate with other candidates. Any discussion or assistance is strictly prohibited.
• Don’t carry or use any disallowed electronic device. The hall will be monitored.

If you face a technical issue (computer freeze, question paper not loading) or need invigilator help, raise your hand and call an invigilator immediately. They will log the issue and follow centre procedures.

Special situations: accessibility, medical needs and emergencies

If you need assistance at the centre:

• Inform HPRCA well before the exam day if you need accommodations like a scribe or extra time. Check the official site for the exact procedure and required documentation.
• On the day, notify centre staff or invigilators immediately about any medical issue.

Medical incidents during the exam should be reported to the invigilator so the centre can provide first aid and document the incident. Keep any medical certificate or evidence safe for later claims.

If HPRCA revises reporting times or shifts at the last minute, confirm changes via hprca.hp.gov.in and the contact details published by HPRCA.

After the exam: what to track and how to follow up

• Keep your admit card safe after the exam. You may need it for result verification and any future recruitment stages.
• Check the HPRCA official website for result announcements and next-stage notices.
• If you believe there was a procedural problem at the centre (technical issue, identity mix-up), log your grievance with HPRCA using the official contact details and keep all evidence — admit card copy, photos of the centre incident if possible, and any written communication.

Appendix: printable pre-exam checklist and exam-day timeline

Printable checklist (tick these before you leave home):

• [ ] Hard copy of admit card (clear print)
• [ ] Valid photo ID proof (original)
• [ ] Any authorised stationery (if permitted) — check admit card
• [ ] Water bottle / medicine (only if allowed — check centre rules)
• [ ] Face mask / sanitizer (if you prefer) and personal medicines
• [ ] Contact number or emergency phone of a family member

Suggested hour-by-hour timeline

Morning-shift candidate (aim to reach centre early):

• 6:30 AM: Wake up, light breakfast, final admit card and ID check.
• 7:30 AM: Leave home with buffer time for traffic.
• 8:15 AM: Reach area near centre, confirm entry gate and parking.
• 8:30 AM: Report at centre (document verification begins).
• 9:30 AM: Gates close; final entry cutoff.
• 10:00 AM: CBT begins (90 minutes).
• 11:30 AM: Exam ends; follow invigilator instructions before leaving.

Evening-shift candidate:

• 10:30 AM: Wake up, light meal, final checks of admit card and ID.
• 11:30 AM: Leave home if travel time is 30–45 minutes.
• 12:30 PM: Report at centre (document verification begins).
• 1:30 PM: Gates close; final entry cutoff.
• 2:00 PM: CBT begins (90 minutes).
• 3:30 PM: Exam ends; follow invigilator instructions before leaving.

This timeline uses the reporting times and gate closure rules published by HPRCA. Stick to these to avoid last-minute problems.

FAQs

Q: How do I download the HPRCA admit card? A: Download the admit card from hprca.hp.gov.in using your registration number and password.

Q: What must I carry to the exam centre? A: A hard copy of your admit card and a valid photo ID proof are mandatory to enter the exam hall.

Q: When should I reach the exam centre? A: Reach at least one hour before the reporting time shown on your admit card to complete verification and security checks.

Q: Are electronic devices allowed inside the exam hall? A: No. Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, tablets, Bluetooth devices and similar electronics are prohibited.

Q: Can I leave the exam hall early if I finish my paper? A: No. Candidates are not allowed to leave the examination hall before the exam ends.

Q: What should I do if there is a technical issue during the CBT? A: Raise your hand and call an invigilator immediately. The centre staff will log and address the issue according to HPRCA procedures.