Punjab PCS Exam 2025 notified after Four Years, 322 vacancies to be filled

The long wait is over as the Punjab Public Service Commission has finally issued a notification for the prestigious Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination-2025 (PSCSCCE-2025), the first such test after a gap of four years. The last PCS exam conducted in Punjab was in 2020. The notification this time has announced 322 vacancies under various government departments, and the preliminary examination will be held in April 2025.

The PSCSCCE-2025 has envisioned recruitment to fill up Punjab Civil Service posts at the executive cadre level as well as key other positions. Key among those posts are DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police), Tehsildar, Food and Civil Supply Officer, Block Development and Panchayat Officer, Assistant Registrar (Co-operative Societies), Labour-cum-Conciliation Officer, Employment Generation and Skill Development Officer, Excise and Taxation Officer, and Deputy Superintendent of Jails (Grade-II)/District Probation Officer.
The notification also elaborates the detail distribution of the 322 posts: 48 posts of PCS for executive branch, 17 posts for DSP, 27 posts for Tehsildar, 121 posts for Excise and Taxation Officer, 13 posts for Food and Civil Supplies Officer, and 49 posts of Block Development and Panchayat Officer.
– *21 posts* of Assistant Registrar (Co-operative Societies) .
– *3 posts* of Labour-cum-Conciliation Officer.
– *12 posts* of Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Officer.
– *13 posts* of Deputy Superintendent of Jails (Grade-II)/District Probation Officer.

Eligibility Criteria and Age Relaxation

According to the Punjab State Civil Services (Appointment by Combined Competitive Examination) Rules, candidates must possess certain age eligibility. They should have completed *21 years of age* and not be over *37 years of age as on January 1, 2025.*

However, there are exceptions for some groups:

Scheduled Castes (SC) and Backward Classes (BC): For most jobs, 42 years; For Punjab Police and Prisons Service, 45 years
Government Employees : Up to 45 years for government of Punjab employees or employees of Boards, Corporations and Authorities/employees of central government.

– *Ex-servicemen:* The service eligibility period in the Armed Forces shall be deducted from the actual age. The resultant age should not be more than three years beyond the maximum age limit. .

– *Women (specific categories):* Women candidates belonging to the categories such as widows, divorced women are eligible for an age relaxation up to 42 years, except in the case of Punjab Police and Prisons Services.

– *Physically Handicapped Persons:* Eligible for relaxation up to 47 years, excluding Punjab Police and Prisons Services.

Application Process and Deadline

Application process is entirely online. Last date for submission of forms and payment of fees is January 31, 2025. Candidates must see the detailed notification available on PPSC website. Only eligible candidates shall apply.

*Importance of the Notification* The notification has generated excitement among the candidates as the PCS exam is the gateway to administrative and governance jobs in Punjab. This notification has opened the gates for the candidates after a gap of four years to join the civil service of Punjab and contribute to the state administration.

The main examination and interview will be held after the preliminary examination scheduled in April, according to the selection process strictly defined by the Punjab Civil Services Rules, 2009. In addition to filling crucial administrative posts, this recruitment process introduces fresh talent into governance and development activities in the state.

Candidates are advised to keep themselves updated with the official communications from the PPSC so that they are well-prepared for the examination process.