Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)
PPSC PCS 2026 — Punjab Civil Services Recruitment
Quick Information
| Post Name | Punjab Civil Service (PCS) — SDM, DSP, DDPO, ETO, BDO, and other Group A posts |
| Total Vacancies | 186 |
| Salary | Pay Level 9–10 (Punjab pay scales) — ₹53,100–₹1,67,800/month basic + DA + HRA + Punjab state allowances. PCS Officer: ~₹80,000–₹1,05,000/month gross. |
| Organization | Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) |
Application Fee
| General | ₹1000 |
| OBC | ₹500 |
| SC / ST | ₹250 |
| Women | ₹250 |
| PH / Divyang | Nil |
Important Dates
| Start Date | 25 March 2026 |
| Last Date | 25 April 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 July 2026 |
Eligibility
| Age Limit | 21–37 years for most posts. Age relaxation: OBC/SC/ST Punjab domicile +5 yrs, PwBD +10 yrs, Ex-Servicemen as per Punjab Govt rules. Punjab domicile required. |
| Education | Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university. Knowledge of Punjabi language up to Matriculation level required. |
Selection Process
- 1**Stage 1 — Preliminary Exam (Objective)** | Paper | Marks | Duration | |---|---|---| | General Studies | 120 | 2 hours | No negative marking. Qualifying only — 40% cutoff. **Stage 2 — Main Exam (Written
- 2Descriptive)** | Paper | Marks | |---|---| | Paper I: Punjabi Language | 100 | | Paper II: English Language | 100 | | Paper III: Essay (Punjabi / English) | 100 | | Paper IV: GS I (Indian & Punjab History
- 3Polity
- 4Economy) | 200 | | Paper V: GS II (Science
- 5Technology
- 6Current Affairs
- 7Punjab GK) | 200 | | Paper VI: Optional Subject | 200 | | **Total** | **900** | **Stage 3 — Viva Voce** 75 marks.
How to Apply
Official Links
What is PPSC PCS?
PPSC PCS (Punjab Public Service Commission — Punjab Civil Services) is the premier state civil services examination for Punjab. It recruits for Group A gazetted posts — SDM, DSP, Block Development and Panchayat Officer, ETO, and similar roles across Punjab's 23 districts.
Posts Offered
| Post | Level |
|---|---|
| Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) | Group A |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) | Group A |
| DDPO (District Development & Panchayat Officer) | Group A |
| Excise & Taxation Officer (ETO) | Group A |
| BDO (Block Development Officer) | Group A |
| Other Group A Posts | Group A |
Eligibility
- Age: 21–37 years
- Qualification: Bachelor's Degree from a recognised university
- Language: Punjabi up to Matriculation level required
- Domicile: Punjab domicile required
Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | March 25, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | April 25, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam | July 26, 2026 |
| Mains Exam | November 2026 (expected) |
| Viva Voce | February 2027 (expected) |
Preparation Strategy
Punjab History & Economy: Sikh history (Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, fall of Sikh empire 1849), Punjab's role in 1857 and Independence movement (Bhagat Singh, Jallianwala Bagh), partition of Punjab (1947), Green Revolution in Punjab (Wheat, Rice), Punjab economy (agriculture-driven, NRI remittances), Water dispute (Punjab-Haryana SYL canal controversy), current state government schemes.
Punjabi Language Paper: Essay, comprehension, and grammar in Gurmukhi script. Manageable for Punjabi speakers — practice formal writing.
Optional Subject: Choose based on your graduation — common choices include History, Political Science, Economics, Geography.
Official Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| PPSC Website | ppsc.gov.in |
| Apply Online | ppsc.gov.in |