HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026 - Complete Details

The Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) has released the detailed syllabus for the objective type Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) for recruitment to the post of Physiotherapist in the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Himachal Pradesh, vide notification No. 3-68/2023-PSC(R-I) dated 21.07.2026. Candidates preparing for this exam must go through the complete syllabus and exam pattern to plan their preparation strategy effectively. This article covers the HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026, SAT exam pattern, all 15 subject-wise topics, preparation tips, and the official PDF download link.

HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026 - Overview

Download HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus PDF 2026

Candidates can download the official HPPSC Physiotherapist SAT syllabus PDF from the link below:

Download HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026 PDF

HPPSC Physiotherapist Exam Pattern 2026

The Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) for the Physiotherapist post is an objective type paper covering topics from Physiotherapy and allied medical science subjects.

HPPSC Physiotherapist Subject-wise Syllabus 2026

1. Human Anatomy

• General Anatomy - anatomical positions, planes, terms
• Musculoskeletal system - bones, joints, muscles of the body
• Upper and lower extremity - detailed anatomy of limbs
• Spine and thorax - vertebral column, ribs, sternum
• Head and neck - cranial bones, facial bones, muscles of head and neck
• Nervous system - brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, spinal nerves
• Sensory system - visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory pathways
• Cardiovascular system - heart, blood vessels, circulation
• Lymphatic system - lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen
• Respiratory system - lungs, trachea, bronchi, diaphragm
• Digestive system - alimentary canal, accessory organs
• Urinary and Reproductive system - kidneys, ureters, bladder, reproductive organs
• Endocrine system - pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreas

2. Human Physiology

• General Physiology - cell physiology, homeostasis, transport mechanisms
• Blood - composition, functions, blood groups, coagulation
• Cardiovascular system - cardiac cycle, blood pressure, heart sounds
• Respiratory System - mechanics of breathing, gas exchange, lung volumes
• Nerve Muscle Physiology - resting membrane potential, action potential, neuromuscular junction
• Nervous, Digestive & Renal System - functions and regulation
• Endocrinology - hormone classification, mechanism of action
• Male & female reproductive system - gametogenesis, menstrual cycle, pregnancy

3. Pathology

• Introduction to Pathology - definitions, branches, disease classification
• Cell injuries - reversible and irreversible cell injury, necrosis, apoptosis
• Inflammation and Repair - acute and chronic inflammation, wound healing
• Circulatory Disturbances - edema, thrombosis, embolism, infarction
• Growth Disturbances and Neoplasia - hyperplasia, hypertrophy, neoplasms, tumors
• Hematology - anemias, leukemia, bleeding disorders
• Respiratory System - pneumonia, COPD, asthma, tuberculosis
• Cardiovascular Pathology - atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction
• Hepato Biliary Pathology - hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones
• Musculoskeletal System - arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures
• Endocrine pathology - diabetes, thyroid disorders
• Neuropathology - meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumors
• Dermatopathology - skin infections, dermatitis
• Congenital Myopathy & myasthenia gravis

4. Pharmacology

• General Pharmacology - pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions
• Autonomic Nervous system - sympathomimetics, parasympathomimetics, blockers
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology - antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, cardiac glycosides
• Neuropharmacology - anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian drugs, CNS stimulants
• Disorders of Movement - drugs for Parkinsons, Huntingtons
• Inflammatory/Immune Diseases - NSAIDs, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants
• Respiratory Pharmacology - bronchodilators, antihistamines, mucolytics
• Digestion and Metabolism - antacids, antiemetics, laxatives
• Geriatrics - drug therapy considerations in elderly

5. General Psychology

• Introduction to Psychology - definition, history, schools of psychology
• Fields of application of Psychology - clinical, educational, industrial
• Influence of heredity and environment on the individual
• Learning, Memory, Thinking - classical conditioning, operant conditioning, memory types
• Motivation, Emotions, Attitudes - theories of motivation, emotional intelligence
• Intelligence, Personality - IQ, personality theories, assessment

6. Clinical Biochemistry

• Nutrition - macro and micronutrients, balanced diet, nutritional disorders
• Carbohydrates, Lipids, Amino Acids, Proteins - metabolism and disorders
• Study of hemoglobin and myoglobin with their functions
• Enzymes - classification, kinetics, diagnostic enzymes
• Biochemistry of connective tissue - collagen, elastin
• Vitamins - fat soluble and water soluble vitamins, deficiency diseases
• Diabetes mellitus - types, diagnosis, metabolic changes

7. Biomechanics and Kinesiology

• Mechanics, Motion, Force, Friction, Gravity, Equilibrium
• Levers, Pulleys, Elasticity, Springs - application to human movement
• 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 - agonist, antagonist, synergist
• Joint structures and functions - classification, range of motion
• Posture, Gait - postural mechanisms, gait cycle analysis
• Bio-Physics - application of physics principles to biology

8. Medical Microbiology

• Introduction & History of Microbiology
• Classification of microorganism - bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites
• Bacteriology, Bacterial growth/Reproduction
• Sterilization & disinfection - methods, applications
• Modes of transmission of diseases
• Bacterial, Viral and Fungal diseases and opportunistic infections
• Immunity - innate and acquired, active and passive
• AIDS - aetiology, modes of transmission, diagnostic procedure, handling of infected material

9. Exercise Therapy

• Introduction to exercise therapy - principles, aims, types
• Mechanical principle applied in human body
• Disability models, Movements - active, passive, resisted
• Passive & active movements, Starting positions
• Relaxation, Suspension, Balance - techniques and equipment
• Neuromuscular coordination - facilitation techniques
• Joint range measurement, Measurement of limb length, girth
• Manual muscle testing - grading, techniques
• Mobility aids - crutches, walkers, wheelchairs
• Soft tissue manipulation (massage) - effleurage, petrissage, tapotement

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 - theories of pain, pain modulation
• Low frequency currents - faradic, galvanic, TENS
• Electro diagnostic test - nerve conduction studies, EMG
• Interferential therapy (IFT) - principles, applications

11. Ethics in Physiotherapy

• History of physiotherapy - evolution of the profession
• Ethical principles in health care and related to physiotherapy
• Scope of practice - professional boundaries
• 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 - legal implications
• Provision of services and advertising
• Legal aspects, professionalism and values

12. Orthopaedics

• Introduction to Orthopaedics - scope, branches
• Injuries of muscle & tendons, bony & soft tissue injuries, fractures
• Inflammation of bones & joints - clinical features, evaluation, management
• Nutritional & metabolic diseases of bones - osteoporosis, rickets
• Spine deformities - scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis
• Infections of musculoskeletal system - osteomyelitis, septic arthritis
• Congenital malformations - club foot, congenital hip dislocation
• Developmental diseases of skeleton
• Neuromuscular diseases - muscular dystrophy, polio
• Upper & lower limbs, neuro-vascular diseases, amputations, bone tumors
• Orthopaedic splints and appliances
• Tractions: skeletal traction principles
• Foot arches & their complications
• Rehabilitation of patients - principles and team approach

13. Physiotherapy in Orthopaedic

(A) Traumatology

• Brief review of conditions and management aims
• Physiotherapeutic intervention, means and technique, including Kaltenbom, Maitland, Mulligan, Mckenzie techniques

(B) Bone Tissue

• Fracture and dislocations: classification and types of displacement
• Method of immobilization - casts, splints, traction
• Healing of fractures and factors affecting union, non-union, delayed union
• Specific fractures and physiotherapy management - Upper limb: clavicle, humerus, ulna, radius, crush injuries of hand
• Specific fractures and physiotherapy management - Lower limb: fracture neck of femur, shaft of femur, patella, tibia fibula, Pott\'s fracture
• Spine: fracture and dislocations of cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae with and without neurological deficits
• Soft tissue injuries - sprains, strains, ligament tears

(C) Wounds, Burns & Plastic Surgery

• Review of pathological changes and principle of pre and post operative physiotherapy management of wounds, ulcers, pressure sores
• Burns and their complications
• Common reconstructive surgical procedures for management of wounds, ulcers, burns and consequent contractures and deformities

14. Physiotherapy in General Medical & Surgical Conditions

• Common abdominal surgeries - GIT, liver, spleen, kidney, bladder surgeries
• Common operations of reproductive system and surgical intervention for child delivery; ante-natal and post-natal physiotherapy
• Common operations of the ear, nose, throat and jaw as related to physiotherapy
• Common organ transplant surgeries - heart, liver, bone marrow

15. Physiotherapy in Neurological Conditions

(A) Review of Clinical Neuroanatomy & Neurophysiology

• Structure and function of neuron, synapse and supporting tissue

(B) Principles of Assessment and Principles of Treatment

• Sensory re-education: hyposensitivity, hyper-sensitivity and anesthesia
• Treatment of altered tone: hyper tonicity and hypo tonicity
• Motor re-education: strengthening exercise, coordination exercise, joint mobilization
• Use of equilibrium and labyrinthine systems, PNF patterns
• Controlled sensory stimulation - vibration, tactile, ice
• Use of stretch to elicit movement (facilitation), light joint compression (inhibition)
• Activity to improve motor function, phylogenic sequence of motor behavior
• Treatment to improve function: free exercise, gait training, activities of daily living, mat exercise
• Use of ambulatory aids in neurological conditions

(C) Peripheral Nerve Lesions

• Muscle re-education techniques: electrical stimulation, active, assisted, resisted movements
• Passive mode of sensitive stretching and massage
• Sensory re-education and pain relief by various modalities
• Common splints used in peripheral nerve lesions - static, dynamic and functional
• Isolating muscle contraction, specific muscle strengthening
• Post-operative management: pressure bandaging, re-education after transfer
• Home programme for patients

How to Prepare for HPPSC Physiotherapist Exam 2026

• Start with core clinical subjects - Human Anatomy, Human Physiology and Pathology - since these form the base for most other topics in the syllabus
• Build a subject-wise timetable that gives proportionate time to Exercise Therapy, Electro Therapy and Orthopaedics, as these are core professional practice areas
• Since the exam is objective type with 2-hour duration for 100 marks, practice solving MCQs within a time limit to build speed and accuracy
• Revise Physiotherapy in Neurological Conditions and Physiotherapy in Orthopaedic sections separately, as they combine multiple sub-topics
• Go through Ethics in Physiotherapy and General Psychology topics thoroughly as these are often scoring sections
• Keep revising previously studied subjects at regular intervals instead of leaving them for the end
• Focus on clinical reasoning and application-based questions as the SAT tests subject aptitude
• Use standard physiotherapy textbooks for in-depth understanding of each subject

HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026?

The HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus 2026 covers 15 subjects for the objective type Subject Aptitude Test (SAT), including Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, General Psychology, Clinical Biochemistry, Biomechanics and Kinesiology, Medical Microbiology, Exercise Therapy, Electro Therapy, Ethics in Physiotherapy, Orthopaedics, Physiotherapy in Orthopaedic Conditions, Physiotherapy in General Medical & Surgical Conditions, and Physiotherapy in Neurological Conditions.

Q2. What is the exam pattern for HPPSC Physiotherapist 2026?

The HPPSC Physiotherapist exam is an objective type Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) of 100 marks with a duration of 2 hours. The total number of questions and marks per question will be as per the final exam pattern.

Q3. What is the duration of the HPPSC Physiotherapist SAT exam?

The Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) for the Physiotherapist post is of 2 hours duration.

Q4. Where can I download the HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus PDF?

The official HPPSC Physiotherapist Syllabus PDF can be downloaded from the official HPPSC website at hppsc.hp.gov.in or through the direct download link provided in this article.

Q5. How many subjects are covered in the HPPSC Physiotherapist SAT syllabus?

The syllabus covers a total of 15 subjects ranging from basic medical sciences like Anatomy and Physiology to specialized physiotherapy areas like Exercise Therapy, Electro Therapy, and Neurological Conditions.

Q6. Is the HPPSC Physiotherapist exam objective type?

Yes, the Subject Aptitude Test (SAT) is completely objective type with multiple choice questions (MCQs).

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