A composition for manufacture of hard hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose capsules comprising a film forming material of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose having a methoxy content of 27.0-30.0% (w/w), and a hydroxypropoxy content of 4.0-7.5% and as a 2% weight solution, a viscosity of 3.5-6.0 cPs at 20.degree. C., dipping compositions, process for manufacture of hard hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose capsules according to a dip coating process and hard capsule shells.