The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) Combined Competitive (Preliminary) Examination 2025, is set to take place on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The commission confirmed on Wednesday, August 6.
In an official announcement, the commission stated, “This is for the information of all the candidates that Punjab Public Service Commission will conduct the Preliminary examinations of Punjab State Civil Services Combined Competitive Examination-2025 on Sunday, 26th Oct -2025.”
Vacancies across key departments
The 2025 PCS recruitment drive will fill a total of 322 vacancies, across various state services.
Here's a department-wise breakdown:
Punjab Civil Service (Executive Branch): 46 posts
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP): 17 posts
Tehsildar: 27 posts
Excise & Taxation Officer (ETO): 121 posts
Food and Civil Supplies Officer: 13 posts
Block Development and Panchayat Officer: 49 posts
Assistant Registrar, Co-operative Societies: 21 posts
Labour-cum-Conciliation Officer: 3 posts
Employment Generation, Skill Development & Training Officer: 12 posts
Deputy Superintendent, Jails Grade-2/District Probation Officer: 13 posts
Important dates
Application deadline: January 31, 2025 (until 11.59 pm)
Admit card release: Expected 7-10 days before exam date
Preliminary exam date: October 26, 2025
Main exam date: To be announced
Selection & Exam Process
Candidates must clear three stages of evaluation: Preliminary examination, Main examination, and personal interview.
The Prelims will include two papers, both conducted on the same day:
Paper 1 – General Studies: 100 multiple-choice questions
Paper 2 – Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT): 80 multiple-choice questions
Each paper will carry 200 marks and be two hours long. Importantly, there is no negative marking.
The CSAT is a qualifying paper, and candidates must score at least 40 percent to move forward.
However, marks obtained in the Prelims will not count toward the final merit list, as they serve only to shortlist candidates for the Mains.