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PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Notification Out: Apply for 21 Posts

📅 Posted: 05/06/2026 📝 Updated: 06/06/2026
Total Vacancy21
SalaryPunjab Govt Group-A Gazetted Pay Scale [Approx. ₹85,000 - ₹1,20,000/Month incl. allowances]
LocationPunjab
Last Date30/06/2026

Short Information: The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has announced 21 posts of Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) through Register A-II for Process Year 2026. This is a promotion-route recruitment exclusively for serving Punjab government employees in the Ministerial Cadre (Group A and Group B), holding positions not below the level of Senior Assistant.

To be eligible, you must be a confirmed Punjab government employee in a Group A or Group B ministerial appointment, with at least 8 years of continuous service, a Graduate degree from a recognized university, and must be below 54 years of age as on 01 November 2025.

With 21 vacancies — significantly more than the 5 available through Register-C in the same cycle — this is a stronger opportunity for eligible ministerial staff to step into the PCS (Executive Branch) cadre, one of Punjab's most respected administrative services. The role comes with gazetted status, senior administrative responsibilities, and a salary package well above most state government scales.

The online application window closes on 30 June 2026 by 11:59 PM. After submitting online, you must also send a hard copy through your Head of Department to PPSC Patiala by 30 July 2026 by 5:00 PM — this physical submission is mandatory and non-negotiable. Applications not routed through the HOD channel are automatically rejected.

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online Form 2026Important Dates

Notification Released05/06/2026
Application Begin05/06/2026
Last Date to Apply Online30/06/2026 (11:59 PM)
Pay Exam Fee Last Date30/06/2026
Hard Copy Submission Last Date (via HOD)30/07/2026 (05:00 PM)
Screening Test (Tentative)September/October 2026

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online Form 2026Application Fee

Ex-Serviceman / EWS / PwD / LDESM (Punjab only)₹500
SC / ST (All States) / BC (Punjab only)₹750
All Other Categories₹1500
Payment: Online (Net Banking / Debit / Credit Card / UPI / NEFT-RTGS)

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Notification Out: Apply for 21 PostsVacancy Details & Age Limit

Age Limit: Below 54 Years (as on 01/11/2025)

(No standard age relaxation — upper age limit of 54 years applies uniformly to all categories as per PCS (EB) Rules 2011)

Post NameRegisterTotal PostsEligibility
Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch)Register A-II (Process Year 2026)21
  • Confirmed Ministerial Cadre Group A/B Punjab Govt employee, not below Senior Assistant level, 8 years service, Graduate, Below 54 yrs (as on 01/11/2025)
Total Vacancy21
Note: Cut-off date for eligibility: 01/11/2025. Only confirmed Ministerial Cadre Group A & B Punjab Govt employees (not below level of Senior Assistant) are eligible.

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online FormEligibility Criteria

  • Must be a Member of Group 'A' or Group 'B' services in the Ministerial Cadre of the Punjab Government, holding ministerial appointments not below the level of Senior Assistant.
  • Must be serving in connection with the affairs of State of Punjab.
  • Must be a confirmed government employee with at least 8 years of continuous service under Punjab Government as on 01/11/2025.
  • Must be below 54 years of age as on 01/11/2025.
  • Must be a Graduate from a recognized university as on 01/11/2025.
  • Must have passed Punjabi language at Matriculation level or its equivalent.
  • Employees of Universities, Boards, Societies, PUDA, GMADA, PSPCL, PSTCL, Corporations etc. are NOT eligible.

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online FormPay Scale / Salary Structure

Post NameSalary Level
Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch)Punjab Govt Group-A Gazetted Pay Scale (exact scale as per Punjab Service Rules)

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online FormSelection Process Steps

  1. Screening Test (100 marks — MCQ, 2 hours; 50% weightage counted for final merit)
  2. Assessment of ACRs/APARs of last 5 years (20 marks)
  3. Length of Service beyond 8 years (15 marks — 0.54 marks per additional completed year)
  4. Interview (15 marks)
  5. Final merit list prepared out of 100 marks total

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online FormDetailed Exam Pattern

Recruitment Details: Screening Test Overview

  • Mode: Offline (OMR-based Objective Type — MCQ)
  • Total Questions: 100 (each carrying 1 mark)
  • Total Marks: 100
  • Duration: 2 Hours (PwD candidates with 40%+ disability get 20 minutes extra per hour)
  • Language: Question paper printed in English and Punjabi
  • Negative Marking: Yes — 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong answer
  • Unanswered Questions: No marks awarded; withdrawn questions give 1 mark to all
  • Minimum Qualifying Marks: 30% in screening test to be shortlisted for interview
  • Shortlist Ratio: 3x the number of vacancies (top 63 candidates) shortlisted for interview
  • Weightage in Final Merit: Only 50% of screening test marks are counted
  • Common Test: Register A-II and Register-C candidates appear in the same screening test; merit prepared separately

Recruitment Table: Final Selection Weightage

ComponentMaximum Marks
Screening Test (50% of 100 marks)50
Length of Service (beyond 8 years)15
Assessment of ACRs/APARs (last 5 years)20
Interview15
Total100

Recruitment Table: ACR/APAR Grading Marks

GradingMarks per Year
Average1
Good2
Very Good3
Outstanding4

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online FormSubject-wise Syllabus Topics

The Screening Test covers General Knowledge at Graduation standard. At least 10 questions from each subject listed below. Syllabus notified by Govt of Punjab vide No. G.S.R.37/Const.Art.309/Amd.(II)/2012 dated 24.07.2012.

📚 Civics
  • Freedom, equality, social justice, rights & duties, citizenship, nationalism, secularism
  • Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies
  • Elections — People's Representation Act, Electoral reforms
📚 Constitution of India
  • Basic features, provisions, and Schedules of the Indian Constitution
  • Key constitutional amendments
📚 Indian History
  • Indus Valley Civilisation, Aryan and Vedic Age
  • Jainism and Buddhism
  • Maurya and Gupta Periods
  • Advent of Islam and Sultanate period
  • The Bhakti Movement
  • The Mughals (till Aurangzeb)
  • Coming of European Powers and British rule
  • The Mutiny of 1857
  • Indian National Movement (1857–1947)
📚 Geography
  • Population distribution, density, growth
  • Migration, human development, human settlements
  • Land, water, mineral and energy resources
  • Manufacturing industries, transport, international trade
  • Planning and sustainable development in India
📚 General Science
  • States of matter, atomic structure, carbon chemistry
  • Acids, bases, salts, corrosion, soaps
  • Life on Earth, human body, nutrition, diseases, public health
  • Force, motion, gravitation, energy, light, sound
  • Electric current, computers and telecommunication
📚 Punjabi
  • Comprehension (unseen passage)
  • Translation — English to Punjabi
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
📚 English
  • Comprehension (unseen passage)
  • Translation — Punjabi to English
  • Grammar
  • Vocabulary
📚 History of Punjab
  • Major personalities, religious movements, Sufis, saints and gurus
  • Lodhis, Mughals, Sikh rulers, British period
  • National movement in Punjab
  • Punjab in Independent India
  • Punjabi literature, folklore, performing arts, fine arts
📚 General Knowledge
  • Events of national and international importance / Current Affairs
  • Environmental issues

PPSC PCS Executive Branch Register A-II Exam 2026 Online FormHow to Apply

  1. Visit the official PPSC website: https://ppsc.gov.in
  2. Click on the 'Apply for the Post' link under the relevant advertisement (Advt. No. 20263).
  3. Step 1: Fill in all details in the Online Application Form.
  4. Step 2: Upload photograph and signature as per specified dimensions.
  5. Step 3: Pay the application fee online (Net Banking / Debit / Credit Card / UPI / NEFT-RTGS) before 30/06/2026 by 11:59 PM.
  6. Step 4: Submit the online form and download/print the submitted application.
  7. Step 5: Take a printout of the duly submitted Online Application Form.
  8. Step 6: Attach required documents (Annexure-A certificate from HOD, Annexure-B service record, Annexure-C scrutiny form, DOB proof, Graduation certificate, Punjabi pass proof, category certificate if applicable, confirmation certificate, UDID card if applicable).
  9. Step 7: Submit the hard copy through proper channel — via Head of Department — to PPSC Office, Patiala by 30/07/2026 by 05:00 PM.
  10. Note: Failure to submit hard copy through HOD by the deadline will result in automatic rejection of candidature.

Recruitment Note: About Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India, headquartered at Baradari Gardens, Patiala, Punjab. PPSC was set up to recruit officials across Punjab government departments on the basis of merit, fairness, and prescribed service rules. It conducts competitive examinations and departmental selection processes for Group A and Group B gazetted posts, including the Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch), Punjab Accounts Service, Provincial Police Service, and various technical and ministerial cadre promotions. The Commission also manages departmental recruitment from multiple registers including Register A-I, A-II, A-III, and Register-C — each covering distinct categories of serving Punjab government employees. With decades of operation, PPSC has been the primary gateway for Punjab's administrative civil services, holding examination centres across the state and maintaining strict confidentiality and procedural integrity throughout its selection processes.

Recruitment Note: Job Profile — Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch)

Officers inducted into Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) through Register A-II are placed in senior gazetted administrative roles within the Punjab state government. Coming from a ministerial background, these officers bring strong file-work, procedural, and inter-departmental coordination skills into executive positions. Responsibilities include administrative decision-making, implementation of state government policies, supervision of subordinate offices, public grievance handling, budget and accounts oversight within the department, official correspondence at senior levels, and coordination with district administration for field-level execution of government schemes. These officers report to IAS-level seniors or departmental heads and work across a range of departments depending on their parent cadre and posting orders. The PCS (EB) designation comes with gazetted rank, which carries formal authority, protocol privileges, and access to government accommodation depending on posting.

Recruitment Note: Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary

PCS (Executive Branch) officers enjoy a robust benefits package as per Punjab Government service rules. This includes House Rent Allowance (HRA) or government quarters, Dearness Allowance (DA) revised periodically, Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for self and family, medical reimbursement under the Punjab Government Health Scheme, contributory Provident Fund, pension under NPS (New Pension Scheme), gratuity on retirement, children's education allowance, annual performance increments, group insurance, and festival advance. The gazetted status of the post also entitles officers to additional privileges such as official vehicle access for field duties and protocol recognition at state government functions. Annual leave entitlements include earned leave, medical leave, maternity/paternity leave, and casual leave as per applicable service rules.

Recruitment Note: Important Note on Hard Copy Submission

This recruitment follows a mandatory two-step process unique to PPSC departmental promotions. After submitting the online application and paying the fee by 30/06/2026, candidates must compile a physical application package — including Annexure-A (certificate from Head of Department), Annexure-B (service record proforma), Annexure-C (candidate scrutiny form), and all supporting certificates — and route it through the Head of Department to PPSC Patiala by 30/07/2026 by 5:00 PM. Direct submission by candidates (bypassing the HOD) is NOT accepted. All required proforma formats are available on the PPSC website at www.ppsc.gov.in. Start collecting departmental certificates well before the deadline to avoid administrative delays.
Apply Online Application Window: 05/06/2026 to 30/06/2026 Click Here ↗
Download Notification Advt No. 20263 Click Here ↗
Official Website Click Here ↗
Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.

Quick Overview

🚀 Recruitment Overview

Quick Summary of the Notification

Organization Government Board Logo PPSC
Post Name PCS Executive Branch (Register A-II)
Total Vacancy 21
Salary Punjab Govt Group-A Gazetted Pay Scale [Approx. ₹85,000 - ₹1,20,000/Month incl. allowances]
Job Location Punjab
Apply Mode Online
Last Date 30/06/2026
Official Website Visit Website ↗

💡 Expert Tip

With 21 vacancies and the shortlisting ratio fixed at 3x (top 63 candidates proceed to interview), competition is concentrated among senior, long-serving ministerial employees. The ACR/APAR component (20 marks) and length of service (15 marks) together contribute 35% of the final merit — so candidates with strong service records and longer tenures have a structural advantage even if their screening test score is moderate. Focus your preparation on Punjabi Grammar and History of Punjab — these sections are relatively scoring and often underestimated by candidates. Also: apply under the correct register (A-II, not Register-C) because PPSC does not allow register-type correction at any stage, and a wrong-register application means permanent disqualification.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the in-hand salary for Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) Register A-II?
Ans: PCS (Executive Branch) is a Punjab Government Group-A gazetted post. Based on applicable pay scales for senior ministerial-origin officers, the basic pay typically falls in the ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 range (Group-A applicable level). After adding DA, HRA, and other standard allowances, the estimated in-hand monthly salary ranges from approximately ₹85,000 to ₹1,20,000 depending on seniority and place of posting.
Q.2 What is the last date to apply for PPSC PCS EB Register A-II 2026?
Ans: The last date for online application along with fee payment is 30 June 2026 by 11:59 PM. The physical hard copy of the application, along with all required annexures and documents, must be submitted through the Head of Department to PPSC Patiala by 30 July 2026 by 5:00 PM. Both deadlines are equally binding — missing either leads to rejection.
Q.3 Is there any negative marking in the PPSC PCS EB Register A-II screening test?
Ans: Yes, there is negative marking. 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer. Questions left unanswered carry no penalty. Since only 50% of screening test marks count towards final merit, candidates should strategically attempt questions where they are confident rather than risk losing marks through guessing.
Q.4 What is the age limit for PPSC PCS EB Register A-II 2026?
Ans: Candidates must be below 54 years of age as on the cut-off date of 01 November 2025. This limit applies uniformly across all categories including SC/ST/OBC. No standard age relaxation is provided for this promotion-route departmental recruitment as per PCS (EB) First Amendment Rules, 2011.
Q.5 How to download the PPSC PCS EB Register A-II 2026 Notification PDF?
Ans: The official notification (Advt. No. 20263) is available on the PPSC website at www.ppsc.gov.in. Go to the 'Open Advertisement' or 'Latest Notification' section on the homepage and look for Punjab Civil Services (Executive Branch) Register A-II Process Year 2026. All annexure formats (A through H) are also available for download on the same advertisement page.
Q.6 What is the educational qualification required for PPSC PCS EB Register A-II?
Ans: Candidates must hold a Graduate degree from a recognized university as on 01 November 2025. They must also have passed Punjabi language at Matriculation level or an equivalent examination. This is a departmental promotion — candidates must already be confirmed Punjab government employees in Ministerial Cadre Group A or B, holding a position not below Senior Assistant level, with 8+ years of continuous service.
Q.7 What is the selection process for PPSC PCS EB Register A-II 2026?
Ans: Selection is based on a 100-mark combined merit: Screening Test (50 marks — 50% of 100-mark test), ACR/APAR grading of last 5 years (20 marks), Length of Service beyond 8 years (15 marks), and Interview (15 marks). The top 63 candidates (3x of 21 vacancies) who score at least 30% in the screening test are shortlisted for interview. Final ranking of 21 candidates is based on cumulative marks.
Q.8 What documents are required for PPSC PCS EB Register A-II application?
Ans: Required documents include: Annexure-A (HOD certificate in original), Annexure-B (service record proforma by HOD), Annexure-C (scrutiny form filled by candidate), Date of Birth proof (Matriculation/Higher Secondary certificate), copy of Graduation degree, proof of Punjabi pass at matric level, reserve category certificate (if claiming fee concession), confirmation certificate, and UDID card (if availing scribe/compensatory time). All must be submitted via proper channel through HOD.

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