Applicants must pay the requisite application fee online during the form submission process. The fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances. Once the transaction is successful, candidates should save the receipt.

CRITICAL INSTRUCTION: Candidates must meticulously select their Category and corresponding Category Code while filling out the online application. The category code CANNOT be altered or modified at any later stage of the recruitment process. Claiming reservation requires the candidate to be a domicile/resident of Punjab. Below is the exact mapping of Category to Code:

To be eligible for the Group-D (Sewadar, Chowkidar) posts under the Punjab State (Group D) Service Rules, 1963, the candidate must strictly possess the following educational credentials:

• ✅ Core Qualification: The candidate must have passed the Matriculation (10th Standard) Examination from a recognized educational institution or board.
• ✅ Mandatory Language Requirement: The candidate must have passed Punjabi Language as one of the compulsory or elective subjects at the Matriculation standard.
• 🔥 Crucial Amendment (Qualifying Test): As per the Punjab Government Notification (04.11.2022), no person shall be appointed to any post via direct recruitment unless they pass a qualifying test of the Punjabi Language equivalent to the Matriculation standard with at least 50% marks. This test is mandatory, and failure to secure 50% will result in absolute disqualification, irrespective of the score in the main merit examination.

Exceptions to Educational Conditions:

The condition of educational qualification shall NOT apply to a person appointed to the service in the following exceptional cases:

1. In the case of a blind person.
2. In the case of riot/terrorist affected person(s).
3. In the case of a person appointed to the service as a sweeper.

Cut-off Date for Age Calculation: 01.01.2026

Candidates must fall within the prescribed age bracket to be eligible for selection. The base age limit for the General category is 18 to 37 Years. However, the Government of Punjab provides substantial age relaxations for various reserved categories as detailed below:

The Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab, employs a highly transparent and rigorous selection methodology to recruit the most capable candidates. The selection will be purely based on a Written Objective Type Examination (Multiple Choice Questions).

Phase 1: Written Examination Structure

The written exam is divided into two distinct parts (Part-A and Part-B) conducted in a single sitting:

• 📝 Part-A (Punjabi Language Qualifying Test): This section consists of Matriculation (10th) level Punjabi language questions. It is strictly qualifying in nature. A candidate MUST secure a minimum of 50% marks in Part-A. Failing to achieve 50% will result in automatic disqualification, and their Part-B score will not be evaluated.
• 🧠 Part-B (Main Merit Examination): This section forms the core of the merit list. It will contain questions related to General Knowledge, Basic Mathematics, Mental Ability, and standard Group-D syllabus topics.
  • ⚠️ Negative Marking Rule: There is a strict negative marking penalty in Part-B. For every incorrect answer, 1/4th (0.25) marks will be deducted. Each correct answer carries 1 mark.

Phase 2: Common Merit List & Tie-Breaking Rules

The final Common Merit List will be prepared exclusively based on the marks obtained in Part-B of the written examination (provided the candidate has qualified Part-A). If two or more candidates secure equal marks, the following tie-breaking criteria will apply sequentially:

1. The candidate older in age will be placed higher in the merit list.
2. If the Date of Birth is also identical, the candidate who acquired the required educational qualification with a higher percentage of marks will be preferred.

Phase 3: Counseling & Document Verification

Candidates shortlisted based on the merit list will be called for document verification/counseling. The number of candidates summoned will be decided by the competent authority. Mere appearance in counseling does not guarantee an appointment. Final recommendations will be sent to the respective departments upon thorough verification of all original documents.

The application process is entirely online. No physical applications or offline fee payments will be entertained. Follow these precise steps to submit a flawless application:

1. Step 1: Visit the official SSSB Punjab website: https://sssb.punjab.gov.in.
2. Step 2: Navigate to the “Online Applications” tab and click on the specific link for “Advertisement No. 04 of 2026 for Group-D Posts”. This link will be active from 27.02.2026.
3. Step 3: Registration: Click on “Registration”. Fill in your basic details (Name, DOB, Mobile, Email). A unique User ID and Password will be generated and sent to your registered Email ID.
4. Step 4: Login & Fill Form: Log in using the generated credentials. Carefully fill in your personal data, educational history, and Category Code. Ensure total accuracy as no correction window is provided later.
5. Step 5: Document Upload: Upload a scanned copy of your recent Passport Size Photograph (live photo capture may also be required) and Signature. Then, click on “Attach Annexure” to upload 10th-class certificates and category/reservation documents in the prescribed size and format.
6. Step 6: Save Draft & Preview: Click “Save Documents”. You can review your application by clicking “Menu > View Status of Application > View Incomplete Application”. Check every single detail meticulously.
7. Step 7: Fee Payment: Once verified, proceed to “Make Payment”. Pay the category-specific fee using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
8. Step 8: Final Submission: After successful fee payment, return to the portal and click “Submit” to finalize your application.
9. Step 9: Print Application: Download and print the completely filled Application Form and the Fee Receipt. Keep these safe for the counseling stage.