The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has officially announced the recruitment of 21 District Defence Services Welfare Officer (Group-A) posts in the Department of Defence Services Welfare, Government of Punjab. This golden opportunity is exclusively for Ex-Servicemen of the Indian Armed Forces who meet the eligibility criteria.
In this article, we’ll break down every detail of the recruitment notification—from eligibility and reservation to exam pattern, syllabus, application process, and important dates. Aspirants can also download the official notification and apply directly using the links provided at the end.
Table of Contents
📌 Overview of the Recruitment
- Recruiting Body: Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)
- Post Name: District Defence Services Welfare Officer (Group-A)
- Department: Defence Services Welfare, Government of Punjab
- Total Vacancies: 21
- Job Location: Punjab
- Mode of Application: Online
- Official Website: ppsc.gov.in
🧭 Purpose of the Recruitment
The PPSC, established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, is responsible for recruiting officials for various departments of the Punjab Government. This recruitment aims to appoint qualified Ex-Servicemen to Group-A officer positions to serve in the Defence Services Welfare Department.
📊 Vacancy Details and Reservation
Here’s the category-wise breakup of the 21 posts:
| Category Code | Category Description | Total Posts | Reserved for Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | Ex-Servicemen, Punjab | 7 | 2 |
| 75 | Sports Person, Punjab | 1 | – |
| 76-D | PwD (Intellectual Disability & Mental Illness) | 1 | – |
| 78 | SC (Others) ESM, Punjab | 3 | 1 |
| 82 | Balmiki/Mazhbi Sikh ESM, Punjab | 4 | 1 |
| 86 | BC ESM, Punjab | 2 | – |
| 92 | General EWS, Punjab | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 21 | 5 |
Note: All posts are reserved for Ex-Servicemen of the following ranks:
- Army: Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel
- Navy: Captain, Commander
- Air Force: Group Captain, Wing Commander
💰 Initial Pay Scale
- Pay: ₹47,600/- per month
- Probation Period: 3 years (fixed emoluments without allowances)
- Pay Fixation: As per Punjab Government notifications dated 24/11/2023, 15/01/2015, and 07/09/2016.
🎓 Essential Qualifications
Candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Service Background:
- Must be an Ex-Indian Commissioned Officer of the rank mentioned above.
- Language Requirement:
- Must have passed Matriculation with Punjabi as a compulsory/elective subject.
- Exceptions apply for War Heroes and their dependents.
- Domicile:
- Must possess a Punjab domicile certificate.
- Age Limit:
- Maximum age: 55 years as on 01/01/2025.
- Cut-off Date for Eligibility:
- All qualifications must be acquired by 03/11/2025.
📝 Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Written Competitive Examination – 480 Marks
- Interview – 60 Marks Total: 540 Marks
📚 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The written exam will consist of 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), each carrying 4 marks. There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
| Section | Topics Covered | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 80 | 320 |
| Part B | Mental Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 120 |
| Part C | Punjabi Language | 10 | 40 |
| Total | 120 | 480 |
- Language of Exam: English only
- Duration: 2 hours
- Mode: Pen and paper (OMR sheet)
🗂️ Syllabus Reference
The detailed syllabus is provided in Annexure-VII of the official notification. It includes:
- National and International Current Affairs
- History, Geography, Polity of India and Punjab
- Reasoning and Aptitude
- Punjabi Grammar and Comprehension
🎤 Interview Details
- Only candidates scoring minimum 40% (General) and 35% (SC/BC Punjab) in the written exam will be shortlisted.
- Shortlisting ratio: 2x the number of posts
- Final merit will be based on written + interview marks.
🌍 Nationality Criteria
Eligible candidates must be:
- Citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan
- Tibetan refugees (settled before 01/01/1962)
- Persons of Indian origin from select countries (with eligibility certificate from Punjab Government)
📥 How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the official website: ppsc.gov.in
- Click on the link for “District Defence Services Welfare Officer (Group-A) Recruitment 2025”
- Register with basic details
- Upload photo and signature
- Fill the application form carefully
- Pay the application and examination fee online
Important Dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply Online | 03/11/2025 (11:59 PM) |
| Fee Payment Window | 08/10/2025 to 03/11/2025 |
💳 Application & Examination Fee
| Category | Application Fee | Exam Fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESM, EWS, PwD, LDESM (Punjab) | ₹500 | ₹0 | ₹500 |
| SC/ST/BC (Punjab) | ₹500 | ₹250 | ₹750 |
| All Other Categories | ₹500 | ₹1000 | ₹1500 |
📤 Document Submission Guidelines
Candidates must retain a soft/hard copy of the application form and be ready to submit the following documents when asked:
- Matriculation Certificate (DOB proof)
- Punjabi Language Certificate
- Degree and DMC
- Sports Gradation Certificate (if applicable)
- PwD Certificate (if applicable)
- Reserve Category Certificate
- Punjab Residence Certificate
- Experience Certificate (if applicable)
- ESM Service Documents (Enrolment, Discharge, Reason)
- Age Relaxation Certificate (if applicable)
- Fee Concession Certificate (if applicable)
- Government Employee Proof (if applicable)
📧 Special Instructions for Sports and PwD Candidates
- Sports Category: Must send hard copy of application + Sports Gradation Certificate to PPSC by 03/11/2025 via post/email/hand.
- PwD Category: Must submit Medical Disability Certificate (≥40%) by 03/11/2025 via email or hand.
⚠️ Conditions That May Render a Candidate Ineligible
- Incomplete or incorrect application
- Failure to meet eligibility criteria
- Misrepresentation or use of unfair means
- Non-submission of required documents
- Failure to meet cut-off marks
📎 Download Official Notification & Apply Online
🧠 Final Tips for Aspirants
- Read the official notification thoroughly before applying
- Prepare well for GK, Reasoning, and Punjabi sections
- Keep all documents ready and updated
- Apply before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues
- Stay updated via the PPSC website for admit card and exam dates
🏁 Conclusion
This recruitment drive by PPSC is a prestigious opportunity for Ex-Servicemen to serve the state in a leadership role. With a structured selection process, transparent evaluation, and a respectable pay scale, the District Defence Services Welfare Officer post is ideal for those who have served the nation and now wish to contribute to the welfare of fellow veterans.
For aspirants and educational platforms, this article serves as a complete guide. Share it with fellow candidates, and ensure you apply well before the deadline.
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