Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)

Overview

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) recruits staff for posts in the Government of Punjab, Pakistan. There is no single PPSC exam. Each post is advertised separately, and the advertisement sets the qualifications, age limit, domicile and selection method. Most posts are filled in one of three ways:

• One-paper MCQ test followed by an interview, which is the usual route for most posts;

• interview only, for some posts;

• Competitive examinations, including the Combined Competitive Examination, with MCQ and subjective papers, a psychological assessment and an interview.

The PPSC website (ppsc.gop.pk) could not be reached directly when this page was checked. The facts below come from the PPSC's own FAQ page, read through an archived copy dated 7 February 2026. Check the live advertisement for your post before applying.

Who can apply

Eligibility is set post by post in the advertisement. General PPSC rules:

• Age: worked out from the date of birth on your matriculation (or equivalent) certificate, as on the closing date for applications. For competitive examinations, age is counted as on 1 January of the exam year. Being under or over the limit by even one day makes you ineligible.

• Age relaxation: a general relaxation of 5 years for men and 8 years for women in the upper age limit, when the advertisement includes it. Continuous ad-hoc or contract service with the Punjab Government is deducted from your age, with limits for the Combined Competitive Examination.

• Qualification: you must hold the advertised qualification on or before the closing date. A result not yet declared does not count, and higher qualifications do not make up for a missing essential one. Degrees need recognition or equivalence from the HEC or another designated authority. For foreign degrees, you must show an equivalence certificate at interview.

• Experience: internships, training and part-time work do not count unless the advertisement says so.

• Domicile: you must hold the domicile the post requires, applied for by the closing date. A married woman may use her husband's district of domicile if she provides the required proof.

• Government servants need written permission from their competent authority.

Quotas for women, minorities and persons with disabilities are set by the department that requests the posts.

Exam pattern

Candidates who need a reader or writer because of a disability get 10 extra minutes per hour in the Combined Competitive Examination.

The subject mix of the general knowledge MCQ paper varies from post to post. The PPSC does not publish sample papers, past papers or answer keys.

Marking and results

• The qualifying mark is 40% in the written test and 50% in the interview.

• MCQ results usually take about 10 days, and subjective results about 30 days, depending on the number of candidates.

• A Detailed Marks Certificate is published on the PPSC website and stays there for 30 days.

• To have your answer sheet rechecked, pay a Rs. 200 fee and apply to the Secretary, PPSC.

• No extra marks are given for academic distinctions or higher qualifications. Since a Punjab government notification of 26 July 2024, no extra marks are given to children of deceased or incapacitated civil servants.

Number of attempts: you get 3 chances per post (and per subject, for posts like lecturer) if you fail the written test or the interview. Competitive examinations also allow 3 chances. For one-paper tests, an attempt is used up only if you pass the written test with 40% or more and then fail the interview.

Fees

As listed on the PPSC FAQ in 2026:

Candidates with disabilities and PPSC employees do not pay a fee. You pay separately for each post you apply for. Fees are not refunded. If a department withdraws a post, your fee is carried over to your next application within one year.

How to apply

1. Find the post in a PPSC advertisement and check every eligibility condition.

2. Apply online only, on the PPSC website. The steps are personal profile, fee payment, image upload, qualification details, service details and submission.

3. Pay the fee using the 17-digit PSID number the system generates. You can pay through ATMs, mobile or internet banking, a 1Link member bank branch, or mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa.

4. Save your application number and edit token. You can edit the application until the closing date.

5. For BS-18 posts and below, no hard copies are needed when applying. For BS-19 and above, send a printed form and two sets of document copies by the closing date.

6. Print your admission letter from the website when the test is scheduled. Bring your original valid CNIC to the test. Phones, books and bags are not allowed.

After the exam

The PPSC calls the shortlisted candidates for interview by SMS and email. At the interview, bring your original CNIC, call-up letter, degrees, domicile and any other certificate the advertisement asks for.

The PPSC then recommends selected candidates to the department, which handles appointment, training and posting. The merit list stays valid for one year, or until a new requisition for the same post arrives, if that is sooner. Probation can last up to two years.

If your application is rejected, you can appeal to the Commission within 7 working days. There is no fee for an appeal.

Preparation tips

• Read the job description and syllabus for your post on the PPSC website. The test content depends on the post.

• Practise MCQs with negative marking in mind: each wrong answer loses a quarter of a mark.

• Check the age, domicile and qualification rules before you pay, because fees are not refunded.