GPSSB Additional Assistant Engineer (Electrical) Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The GPSSB Additional Assistant Engineer (Electrical) Recruitment 2026 has been officially announced by the Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board (GPSSB), Gandhinagar, through Advertisement No. 01/2026-27. A total of 200 posts of Additional Assistant Engineer (Electrical) — Class-3 — are being filled through direct recruitment across all 34 district panchayats of Gujarat. Applications are invited online via the Government of Gujarat’s OJAS portal (ojas.gujarat.gov.in) from 11 April 2026 (1:00 PM) to 2 May 2026 (11:59 PM). The notification was published on 10 April 2026.

This is a particularly significant recruitment for diploma-level electrical engineers in Gujarat. One critical point every aspirant must note upfront: candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree (B.E. / B.Tech) in Electrical Engineering are explicitly ineligible to apply for this cadre. This rule is written directly into the recruitment regulations for this post. The position is specifically designed for candidates holding a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a recognized Technical Examination Board or University. This gives diploma holders a dedicated and competition-filtered pool — a distinct advantage over many other engineering recruitment drives.

GPSSB is the official recruiting body for Panchayat service posts in Gujarat, established under the state government framework and responsible for Class-3 and Class-4 cadre selections across the Panchayat department. Posts selected under GPSSB are part of the Panchayat service and offer the stability of regular government employment, fixed pay of Rs. 49,600 per month for the first five years, and a career path toward regularization based on satisfactory service. With 200 vacancies spread across 34 districts, this is one of the largest GPSSB technical cadre recruitments of the 2026–27 cycle.

The selection is based on a Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) or OMR-based competitive examination with a total of 200 marks, followed by provisional merit list preparation and document verification. Given the structured and transparent selection process, diploma engineers with a solid understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and general awareness of Gujarat-specific topics have a strong opportunity to secure a government post this year.

Recruitment Overview

The Gujarat Panchayat Service Selection Board operates under the Panchayat, Rural Housing and Rural Development Department of the Government of Gujarat. Its selection processes are governed by the Gujarat Panchayat Service Classification and Recruitment (General) Rules, 1998, and the Gujarat Panchayat Service (Class-3) Recruitment (Examination) Rules, 2021 — both of which have been amended as recently as 2025. This ensures that the recruitment framework is up-to-date, legally sound, and aligned with current state government policies. Candidates selected through GPSSB processes are assured of a credible and transparent selection mechanism backed by established legal provisions.

Important Dates

The application window for this recruitment is exactly 21 days — from 11 April 2026 to 2 May 2026. This is a relatively short window for a 200-vacancy technical post, and experienced OJAS applicants know that the portal can experience high traffic close to the deadline. As a best practice, complete and confirm your online application well before the last date. Note that the application fee payment (for General category) and the application confirmation must both be completed within the same window. If you miss the online fee payment, there is a physical process fee window (4 May to 6 May 2026 at GPSSB office, Gandhinagar) where you can pay Rs. 500 to have your application considered — but this is a last resort and not a guaranteed option.

Application Fee

The application fee structure for this recruitment is category-based, with several categories completely exempt from paying any fee. General (Unreserved / OC) category candidates must pay Rs. 100/- plus applicable SBI E-Pay service charges online. The payment can be made through multiple modes including Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, Internet Banking, and NEFT via the SBI E-Pay gateway on the OJAS portal. After successful payment, an E-Receipt will be generated — download and save this receipt. One common mistake: General category candidates who confirm their application but fail to pay the fee within the deadline will have their application automatically cancelled. Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Age Limit & Relaxation

The upper age limit for this post is 33 years as on the cut-off date of 2 May 2026. This means candidates born after 2 May 1993 (General/Male) are eligible. Importantly, all age relaxation benefits have a ceiling of 45 years maximum age — no candidate of any category can exceed 45 years on the cut-off date. Age relaxation is available to reserved category candidates (who are original residents of Gujarat), women, PwD candidates, and Ex-Servicemen as per the rules below. The age is calculated based on information in the online application form, and original documents must be presented at certificate verification for confirmation.

Reservation benefits (including age relaxation) are available only to candidates who are original residents of Gujarat in the respective reserved categories. Reserved category candidates from other states will be treated as General category candidates. Widow candidates are eligible for an additional 5% bonus marks on their competitive exam score (subject to certificate verification) and a specific age relaxation as per government rules.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the GPSSB AAE Electrical 2026 are defined through the cadre-specific recruitment rules published vide Gazette Notification No. KP/35 of 2025 dated 21-08-2025. There are three core eligibility requirements: the educational qualification, computer knowledge, and language proficiency. The most critical — and most commonly misunderstood — point is that B.E./B.Tech holders in Electrical Engineering are explicitly excluded. This post is exclusively for Diploma holders. However, candidates with an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government are also eligible. Candidates must possess all eligibility qualifications as on the cut-off date of 2 May 2026.

Currently employed candidates in Gujarat Government / semi-government / government-controlled corporations and companies may apply directly online and must inform their department/office in writing within 7 days of application. An NOC from the employer is required at the certificate verification stage.

Vacancy Details – District-wise & Category-wise

All 200 posts are distributed across 34 District Panchayats of Gujarat. The General (OC) category accounts for 141 seats — the largest share — while SEBC holds 39 seats and ST holds 20 seats. No EWS or SC seats are allocated in this advertisement. A total of 28 seats are reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) across categories, and 38 seats are reserved for women within the General category. Ex-Serviceman quota shows 0 reserved seats in this cycle. The district-wise breakup is a useful indicator of where competition may be lower (smaller vacancy districts like Botad, Gandhinagar, Porbandar, Devbhumi Dwarka) versus higher (Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Dahod, Kheda, Mahesana, Rajkot, Surat, Surendranagar — all at 8 seats each).

District-wise Vacancy Breakup

Category Summary

Selection Process

The selection process for GPSSB AAE Electrical 2026 is competitive and merit-based, conducted entirely through a structured examination and verification system. All applications are accepted provisionally without any upfront document verification — candidates are admitted to the exam based on their self-declared information. It is therefore absolutely critical that every detail entered in the online application matches your original certificates, because discrepancies discovered at any stage — even after selection — will lead to cancellation of candidature. The process unfolds in the following stages:

Stage 1: Online Application Screening

All confirmed online applications are collected up to 2 May 2026. Applications are provisionally accepted without certificate verification at this stage. GPSSB will then finalize exam dates, exam centers, and release online Call Letters (Hall Tickets) for all provisionally admitted candidates. Candidates must download their hall ticket from the OJAS portal — no hall ticket will be sent by post. Without a printed hall ticket, entry to the exam hall is not permitted under any circumstances.

Stage 2: Computer Based Recruitment Test (CBRT) / OMR Examination

The competitive examination is conducted at GPSSB-designated centers across Gujarat. It is an objective MCQ-based test of 200 marks, to be completed in 3 hours. The exam may be conducted in CBRT (Computer Based) or OMR (paper-based) format. Each correct answer awards 1 mark; each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks (negative marking applies). Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited in the exam hall. The Gujarat Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2023 is fully applicable to GPSSB exams — malpractice can result in criminal prosecution. Prepare both subject-specific topics and general awareness sections carefully.

Stage 3: Provisional Answer Key (PAK) and Objections

After the exam, GPSSB publishes a Provisional Answer Key (PAK) on its website. Candidates may raise objections to specific answers within the given timeframe. After reviewing all objections, a Final Answer Key (FAK) is prepared and results are processed based on the FAK. If a question is cancelled in the FAK, the marks for that question are redistributed on a pro-rata basis among the remaining questions.

Stage 4: Provisional Merit List and Certificate Verification

Based on FAK scores, a Provisional Merit List is prepared category-wise, adjusted for additional marks (widows, sportspersons). Candidates on the provisional merit list are called for original certificate verification — either in person or online as directed by GPSSB. Candidates who fail to attend verification, fail to submit required documents, or are found ineligible at verification are disqualified. After verification, a Final Selection List and Recommendation List are published, along with a Waiting List.

Stage 5: On-screen District Allocation and Final Appointment

Qualified candidates are called in merit order for on-screen district allocation. Based on their rank and preference, they are allotted to specific District Panchayats. The appointment authority — the District Panchayat — then issues the appointment order. Selected candidates are appointed on a fixed-pay probationary basis for 5 years, subject to passing departmental exams and pre-service training as per applicable rules.

Remember, inclusion in the provisional merit list does not guarantee appointment — it only entitles you to proceed to certificate verification. Final appointment is subject to document verification, departmental clearance, and medical fitness as prescribed.

Exam Syllabus & Pattern

The competitive examination for the AAE (Electrical) post consists of a single question paper of 200 marks, to be completed in 3 hours. The exam is MCQ-based (Multiple Choice Questions) with negative marking of -0.25 per wrong answer. There is no separate sectional cutoff mentioned — the overall merit is determined by the total score. The exam is governed by the Gujarat Panchayat Service (Class-3) Recruitment (Examination) Rules 2021 as amended in 2025.

Exam Pattern

General Awareness and General Knowledge – Topics

The General Awareness section (35 marks) covers the following topic areas:

Technical Knowledge Section – Preparation Tips

The technical section carries the highest weight at 100 marks and covers electrical engineering concepts relevant to the Diploma level. Based on the cadre requirements, candidates should focus on core areas including DC and AC circuits, electrical machines (transformers, motors, generators), power systems and distribution, electrical measurements and instrumentation, basic electronics, control systems fundamentals, electrical safety and wiring standards, and energy conservation principles. Questions will be framed at the knowledge and application level appropriate for a Diploma in Electrical Engineering as defined by NCVT / GTU / Technical Examination Board standards.

Salary & Pay Scale

Selected candidates will be appointed on a fixed pay basis of Rs. 49,600/- per month for the first five years, as per the Gujarat Government’s Finance Department resolutions governing contractual and fixed-pay appointments (as most recently updated by resolution dated 18-10-2023). This fixed pay is the total remuneration payable under the applicable government resolution — other benefits as specified in that resolution are also admissible. After five years of satisfactory service, the appointment authority may regularize the candidate on the applicable pay scale for this cadre in the Panchayat service as per prevailing government norms.

Compared to similar Diploma-level technical government positions in Gujarat (such as Junior Engineer roles in PWD or GUVNL), the Rs. 49,600 fixed pay is competitive. The key career advantage of GPSSB posts is the regularization pathway at 5 years, which transitions the employee to a full pay-scale government service position with all associated benefits including pension (NPS), medical coverage, and promotional opportunities within the Panchayat department hierarchy. Candidates must also pass departmental examinations, computer skills test, and pre-service training during the probationary period as per applicable rules.

How to Apply Online – Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the OJAS Portal: Go to ojas.gujarat.gov.in. Click on “Current Advertisement” → “View All” → Select “GUJARAT PANCHAYAT SERVICE SELECTION BOARD (GPSSB)” from the department dropdown → Click on Advertisement No. 01/2026-27 for Additional Assistant Engineer (Electrical).
2. Read the Full Notification: Click “Details” to read the complete notification. Download and save it for future reference. Only then click “Apply.”
3. Login / Register (OTR Method Recommended): If you have a One Time Registration (OTR) number on OJAS, use “Apply With OTR” — your pre-filled personal details, photograph, and signature will auto-populate. Otherwise, click “Skip” and fill all details manually including personal data, communication details, language details, disability details, and educational qualifications.
4. Upload Photograph and Signature: Upload your recent passport-size photograph (JPG, max 15 KB) and signature (JPG, max 15 KB). This is the same photograph that must be used throughout the entire recruitment process — at the exam hall, at verification, and at appointment. Keep 4–5 printed copies of this same photo.
5. Fill All Details Carefully: Enter your name, father’s/husband’s name, date of birth, category, gender, educational qualifications, computer knowledge details, sports certificate details (if applicable), disability details (if applicable), widow status (if applicable), and Ex-Serviceman details (if applicable) exactly as they appear in your original documents. Once confirmed, no changes are possible.
6. Preview, Edit, and Confirm: Click “Show Application Preview” to review all entered information. If corrections are needed, click “Edit” before confirming. Once you are fully satisfied, click “Confirm Application.” Your Application Number will be generated — save it immediately. After confirmation, no changes can be made by you or by GPSSB.
7. Pay the Application Fee (General Category Only): After confirming the application, General category candidates must pay Rs. 100/- + service charge via SBI E-Pay using any available mode (Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking, NEFT). Collect and save the E-Receipt. Reserved category, PwD, and Ex-Serviceman candidates need not pay any fee. Print the confirmed application for your records.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips to Crack This Recruitment

1. Apply on OJAS Immediately — Don’t Wait

The application window closes on 2 May 2026 at 11:59 PM. The OJAS portal typically experiences high traffic in the last 2–3 days before any major recruitment deadline, sometimes causing slowdowns or payment gateway issues. Apply and confirm your application at least 5–7 days before the deadline. If you are a General category candidate, ensure your SBI E-Pay fee is paid on the same day you confirm the application — don’t leave it for later. An unconfirmed or fee-unpaid application is automatically invalid.

2. Verify Your Eligibility Before Applying — B.Tech Holders Are Not Eligible

This recruitment has a legally unusual eligibility restriction: candidates holding a B.E. or B.Tech in Electrical Engineering are explicitly barred from applying. This rule is written into the cadre-specific recruitment regulations, not just the advertisement. Applying despite being a B.Tech holder — even if you also hold a Diploma — will lead to disqualification at the verification stage, which means you waste exam preparation time and the application fee. Read Rule 3(b) carefully before proceeding.

3. Prepare All Documents Before Starting the Form

Even though no documents are uploaded at the application stage, every detail you enter must exactly match your original certificates. Prepare a physical checklist: check the spelling of your name on your Diploma marksheet, confirm your date of birth on the School Leaving Certificate, verify your caste certificate category and issuing authority, and locate your non-creamy layer or EWS certificate validity dates. Entering even one incorrect detail — such as a wrong birth date or misspelled name — will cause a mismatch at verification and result in disqualification. There is no scope for correction after application confirmation.

4. Build a Subject-wise Study Plan Starting Today

The Technical section carries 100 out of 200 marks, making it the single most important section for this exam. While the exam date is not yet announced, diploma electrical engineers should begin revising core subjects immediately: electrical circuits and networks, electrical machines, power systems, measurements, and basic electronics. Simultaneously, devote time daily to General Knowledge of Gujarat (history, geography, welfare schemes, Panchayati Raj structure), Gujarati grammar, basic English grammar, and mathematical reasoning with data interpretation. Given that -0.25 negative marking applies, practice solving MCQs with disciplined accuracy rather than attempting all questions blindly.

5. Avoid Disqualification Triggers — Know What Gets You Rejected

Based on the detailed conditions in the official notification, the most common triggers for rejection include: information mismatch between the application and original documents at verification, failure to produce required caste/PwD/sports certificates despite claiming benefits in the application, submitting invalid non-creamy layer certificates (outside the 2-year issue window), and using unfair means in the exam. Additionally, candidates who use a different photograph at the exam hall from the one uploaded in the application will face identity verification failure. Print and keep 4–5 copies of your application photograph from the very beginning.

6. Monitor GPSSB Website and Keep Mobile Number Active

Every critical update in this recruitment — exam date, hall ticket release, provisional answer key, result, merit list, and certificate verification schedule — will be communicated via SMS to your registered mobile number and published on gpssb.gujarat.gov.in. Bookmark both gpssb.gujarat.gov.in and ojas.gujarat.gov.in and check them at least twice a week. If your mobile number changes at any point during the recruitment, you will miss SMS notifications, and the board will treat your non-response as voluntary withdrawal from the process. Maintain the same number throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many vacancies are there in GPSSB AAE Electrical Recruitment 2026?

There are 200 posts of Additional Assistant Engineer (Electrical) Class-3 across 34 district panchayats of Gujarat. The number may increase or decrease as per departmental requirement. Category-wise, 141 posts are for General (OC), 39 for SEBC, 20 for ST, and 28 are reserved for PwD candidates across categories.

Q2. Are B.Tech / B.E. holders eligible for GPSSB AAE Electrical 2026?

No. The official recruitment rule explicitly states that candidates holding a Bachelor’s Degree (B.E. / B.Tech) in Electrical Engineering are NOT eligible to apply. Only candidates with a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a recognized Technical Board, University, or equivalent institution are eligible.

Q3. What is the age limit for this recruitment?

The upper age limit is 33 years as on the cut-off date of 2 May 2026. Relaxation of 5 years is available for reserved category (SC/ST/SEBC/EWS) males and General category females. Further relaxations apply for PwD candidates (up to 20 years additional) and Ex-Servicemen (service period + 3 years). In all cases, the maximum age after relaxation cannot exceed 45 years.

Q4. How much is the application fee?

General (OC) category candidates must pay Rs. 100/- plus SBI E-Pay service charges online through the OJAS portal. SC, ST, SEBC, EWS, Ex-Serviceman, and PwD candidates of all categories are fully exempt from application fee payment.

Q5. What is the last date to apply for GPSSB AAE Electrical 2026?

The last date to apply online is 2 May 2026 at 11:59 PM on ojas.gujarat.gov.in. Application fee (for General category) must also be paid online by the same deadline. General category candidates who miss the online fee window may pay a physical process fee of Rs. 500 at GPSSB Office, Gandhinagar between 4 May and 6 May 2026.

Q6. What is the exam pattern for GPSSB AAE Electrical?

The exam is a single paper of 200 marks, 3 hours duration, MCQ-based with -0.25 negative marking per wrong answer. It consists of 5 sections: General Awareness (35 marks), Gujarati Grammar (20 marks), English Language (20 marks), Mathematics and Reasoning (25 marks), and Technical/Job-specific Electrical Knowledge (100 marks). It may be conducted in CBRT (Computer Based) or OMR mode.

Q7. What is the salary for the AAE Electrical post in GPSSB?

Selected candidates are appointed on a fixed pay of Rs. 49,600/- per month for the first five years. After completing 5 years of satisfactory service, the candidate becomes eligible for regularization on the applicable pay scale as per Government of Gujarat norms at that time.

Q8. Is there negative marking in the GPSSB AAE Electrical exam?

Yes. For each wrong answer, 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the question’s marks) are deducted from the total score. If a question is cancelled in the final answer key, marks are redistributed on a pro-rata basis and the negative marking for that cancelled question is also adjusted proportionally.

Q9. Do I need to upload documents at the time of applying?

No. At the online application stage, only your photograph (JPG, max 15 KB) and signature (JPG, max 15 KB) need to be uploaded. No educational or caste certificates are uploaded. However, all details must be filled accurately based on your original documents, as these will be verified after the exam when you are called for certificate verification.

Q10. Can reserved category candidates from other states apply for reserved category seats?

No. Reservation benefits (including fee exemption, age relaxation, and reserved seats) are available only to candidates who are original residents of Gujarat in the respective categories — SC, ST, SEBC, and EWS. Candidates from other states belonging to these categories will be treated as General (OC) category candidates and must pay the application fee accordingly.

Q11. How do I claim sports bonus marks in this exam?

You must declare your sports achievement in the online application form at the time of applying and enter “YES” in the relevant column along with the sports certificate details. If you fail to declare this at the application stage, no claim for sports bonus marks will be accepted later. Sports certificates must be from a competent authority in the prescribed format and will be verified at the document verification stage.

Q12. Where will the exam hall ticket and result be available?

Both the hall ticket (call letter) and result will be available for download on ojas.gujarat.gov.in and gpssb.gujarat.gov.in. SMS notifications will be sent to your registered mobile number for all key updates. No hall ticket will be sent by post. Monitor the GPSSB website regularly — at least twice a week after the application closes.