HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026 | SAT Exam Pattern

HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026: SAT Exam Pattern and Detailed Topics

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has officially released the syllabus for the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) for the recruitment of Physiotherapists. This comprehensive guide provides the detailed exam pattern and subject-wise topics required for candidates to prepare effectively for the 2026 examination.

Short Information

The recruitment is being conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) for the Department of Health & Family Welfare, H.P. Candidates will be required to clear the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT), which is an objective-type examination designed to test professional competency in physiotherapy and allied medical sciences.

Exam Pattern

The selection process primarily involves the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT). The exam is designed to evaluate the candidate's theoretical and practical knowledge of the field.

Subject Aptitude Test (SAT)

Subject-wise Syllabus

The HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026 is extensive, covering 15 core subjects. Candidates must ensure they cover every topic listed below to maximize their score.

1. Human Anatomy

• General Anatomy
• Musculoskeletal system
• Upper and lower extremity
• Spine and thorax
• Head and neck
• Nervous system
• Sensory system
• Cardiovascular system
• Lymphatic system
• Respiratory system
• Digestive system
• Urinary and Reproductive system
• Endocrine system

2. Human Physiology

• General Physiology
• Blood
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory System
• Nerve Muscle Physiology
• Nervous, Digestive & Renal System
• Endocrinology
• Male & female reproductive system

3. Pathology

• Introduction to Pathology
• Cell injuries
• Inflammation and Repair
• Circulatory Disturbances
• Growth Disturbances and Neoplasia
• Hematology
• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular Pathology
• Hepato Biliary Pathology
• Musculoskeletal System
• Endocrine pathology
• Neuropathology
• Dermatopathology
• Congenital Myopathy & myasthenia gravis

4. Pharmacology

• General Pharmacology
• Autonomic Nervous system
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology (in brief)
• Neuropharmacology (in brief)
• Disorders of Movement (in brief)
• Inflammatory/Immune Diseases
• Respiratory Pharmacology (in brief)
• Digestion and Metabolism (in brief)
• Geriatrics

5. General Psychology

• Introduction to Psychology
• Fields of application of Psychology
• Influence of heredity and environment on the individual
• Learning, Memory, Thinking
• Motivation, Emotions, Attitudes
• Intelligence, Personality

6. Clinical Biochemistry

• Nutrition
• Carbohydrates, Lipids, Amino Acids, Proteins
• Study of hemoglobin and myoglobin with their functions
• Enzymes
• Biochemistry of connective tissue
• Vitamins
• Diabetes mellitus

7. Biomechanics and Kinesiology

• Mechanics, Motion, Force, Friction, Gravity, Equilibrium
• Levers, Pulleys, Elasticity, Springs
• Muscular system: definition, properties of muscle, muscular contraction, structural classification
• Action of muscle in moving bone, direction of pull, angle of pull, functional classification
• Coordination of muscular system
• Joint structures and functions
• Posture, Gait
• Bio-Physics

8. Medical Microbiology

• Introduction & History of Microbiology
• Classification of microorganism
• Bacteriology, Bacterial growth/Reproduction
• Sterilization & disinfection
• Modes of transmission of diseases
• Bacterial, Viral and Fungal diseases (in brief) and opportunistic infections
• Immunity
• AIDS - aetiology, modes of transmission, diagnostic procedure, handling of infected material
• Diagnostic Imaging for Physiotherapist
• Clinical Education, etc.

9. Exercise Therapy

• Introduction to exercise therapy
• Mechanical principle applied in human body
• Disability models, Movements
• Passive & active movements, Starting positions
• Relaxation, Suspension, Balance
• Neuromuscular coordination
• Joint range measurement, Measurement of limb length, girth
• Manual muscle testing
• Mobility aids
• Soft tissue manipulation (massage)

10. Electro Therapy

• Basic components of electric current, Current electricity
• Magnetism, theories of magnetism, properties of magnet
• Electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic radiation, laws governing radiations
• Electrical components, types of electric current, wave forms, current modulation
• Safety issues while using electrical equipments
• Muscle and nerve response to electrical stimulation
• Pain, Low frequency currents
• Electro diagnostic test
• Interferential therapy (IFT)

11. Ethics in Physiotherapy

• History of physiotherapy
• Ethical principles in health care and related to physiotherapy
• Scope of practice
• Enforcing standards in health profession - promoting quality care
• Professional ethics in research, education and patient care delivery
• Informed consent issues
• Medical ethics and economics in clinical decision-making
• Rules of professional conduct, confidentiality and responsibility
• Malpractice and negligence
• Provision of services and advertising
• Legal aspects, professionalism and values

12. Orthopaedics

• Introduction to Orthopaedics
• Injuries of muscle & tendons, bony & soft tissue injuries, fractures
• Inflammation of bones & joints (clinical features, evaluation, conservative & surgical management)
• Nutritional & metabolic diseases of bones
• Spine deformities
• Infections of musculoskeletal system
• Congenital malformations (in brief, with outline of treatment)
• Developmental diseases of skeleton
• Neuromuscular diseases
• Upper & lower limbs, neuro-vascular diseases, amputations, bone tumors
• Operations, orthopaedic splints and appliances
• Tractions: skeletal (in brief)
• Foot arches & their complications
• Rehabilitation of patients

13. Physiotherapy in Orthopaedic

• Traumatology: Review of conditions, management aims, and interventions (Kaltenbom, Maitland, Mulligan, Mckenzie, etc.).
• Bone Tissue: Fracture/dislocation classification, immobilization methods, healing factors, and specific management for upper limb, lower limb, and spine.
• Wounds, Burns & Plastic Surgery: Pathological changes, pre and post-operative management of ulcers and pressure sores, and reconstructive surgical procedures.

14. Physiotherapy in General Medical & Surgical Conditions

• Common abdominal surgeries (GIT, liver, spleen, kidney, bladder, etc.).
• Reproductive system operations, including ante-natal and post-natal physiotherapy.
• ENT and jaw operations related to physiotherapy.
• Organ transplant surgeries (heart, liver, bone marrow, etc.).

15. Physiotherapy in Neurological Conditions

• Clinical Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology: Structure and function of neurons, synapses, and supporting tissue.
• Assessment and Treatment: Sensory re-education, tone management (hyper/hypotonicity), motor re-education, PNF patterns, and gait training.
• Peripheral Nerve Lesions: Muscle re-education, electrical stimulation, splinting (static, dynamic, functional), and post-operative home programmes.

How to Download Syllabus

Candidates can follow these steps to obtain the official syllabus PDF:

1. Visit the official HPPSC website.
2. Navigate to the "Notifications" or "Syllabus" section on the homepage.
3. Look for the notification titled "Physiotherapist" (Notification No. 3-68/2023-PSC(R-I)).
4. Click on the provided PDF link to view the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) syllabus.
5. Save or print the document for your reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026? The syllabus covers 15 comprehensive subjects for the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT), ranging from basic sciences like Human Anatomy and Physiology to specialized areas like Electro Therapy and Neurological Conditions.

Q2. What is the exam pattern for HPPSC Physiotherapist 2026? The exam consists of a single objective-type paper (SAT) worth 100 marks with a total duration of 2 hours.

Q3. What is the duration of the HPPSC Physiotherapist SAT exam? The duration for the Subject Aptitude Test is 2 hours.

Q4. Where can I download the HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus PDF? The PDF is available on the official HPPSC website (hppsc.hp.gov.in) under the relevant recruitment notification.

Q5. How many questions are asked in the HPPSC Physiotherapist exam? The official data specifies the total marks (100) and duration (2 hours), but the exact number of questions has not been explicitly mentioned.