PSSSB Line Superintendent Recruitment 2026: 6 Posts, Salary, Eligibility & Punjabi Test Details

The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) has officially released Advertisement No. 11 of 2026 for the PSSSB Line Superintendent salary in hand 2026 seekers and electrical diploma holders across Punjab. Only 6 vacancies are open under the Punjab Government’s Electricity Department (Energy Branch), classified as Group-C posts. Applications are accepted exclusively online at sssb.punjab.gov.in from 15 May 2026 to 05 June 2026. The pay scale is ₹35,400 (Level-6) under the 7th Central Pay Commission norms. A critical and often overlooked detail: all candidates – regardless of category – must pass a mandatory Punjabi Language qualifying test at Matriculation standard with a minimum of 50% marks, failing which they are eliminated from the final merit list irrespective of their performance in the technical paper.

Based on official notification Advertisement No. 11 of 2026 by PSSSB, Punjab. Verified: May 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check

One post-specific note: candidates who had applied in Advertisement No. 08/2023 (which was subsequently withdrawn) must apply fresh for this recruitment – however, they are exempt from paying the application fee again, and their age cut-off date remains 01 January 2023 (not 01 January 2026).

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Important Dates

With only a 21-day application window and just 6 seats available, candidates should apply on the first few days of the window – PSSSB portal traffic surges on the last day and technical glitches near the deadline have caused rejections in past recruitments.

Vacancy and Category Analysis

With only 6 total vacancies, this is one of the smallest-batch recruitments PSSSB has issued in 2026. The General category holds 4 of the 6 seats. Punjab’s SC reservation is distinctly divided into two sub-categories: SC (Mazabi & Balmiki) – code 103 – and SC (Ramdasia & Others) – code 104. Candidates must apply under the correct sub-category code, as this cannot be changed at any stage after submission. Of the 6 total vacancies, 2 are specifically reserved for women across categories. There is no OBC or EWS reservation listed in this notification – the category structure here is specific to Punjab’s reservation framework, which does not include a central-style OBC or EWS category in this advertisement. The backlog vacancies (if any) are included within the advertised count of 6. PSSSB reserves the right to increase, decrease, or withdraw vacancies entirely based on updated departmental requisitions – candidates should monitor the website for any corrigendum.

Salary and In-Hand Calculation

Punjab state government follows the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. At Level-6 with a starting basic of ₹35,400, approximate components are:

In addition to the monthly salary, Punjab Electricity Department employees may be eligible for departmental allowances applicable to field-level electrical posts. Exact additional allowances are governed by Punjab Civil Services pay rules and Finance Department letters referenced in the notification (letter No. 7/204/2012-4FP1, dated 15/01/2015 and subsequent revisions).

Application Fee

Fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances. If the online fee transaction fails for technical reasons, the application is considered not submitted – the candidate must retry payment. Applications submitted without successful fee payment are automatically rejected with no exceptions.

Age Limit

Age is calculated as on 01 January 2026. A General category candidate must be born on or after 02 January 1989 and on or before 01 January 2008 to qualify. State and Central government employees seeking the upper age relaxation (up to 45 years) must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their department at the time of counselling – this must be obtained in advance.

Eligibility Criteria

The most common eligibility mistake for this post: candidates with a diploma in Electronics & Communication or Electrical & Electronics Engineering assume they qualify – only a Diploma specifically in Electrical Engineering is listed as the required qualification. All qualifications must be completed before 05 June 2026 (the last date of application), per Punjab Government notification GSR7/Const./Art.309/Amd.(23)/2026 dated 21.01.2026. Final year diploma students are not eligible unless their result is declared before the application closing date.

Selection Process

Part A – Punjabi Language Qualifying Test

Part A is a mandatory qualifying paper at Matriculation standard testing Punjabi language proficiency. Candidates must score a minimum of 50% marks in Part A. Failure to secure 50% in Part A disqualifies the candidate from the final merit list regardless of how well they perform in Part B – this is a hard elimination rule with no exceptions. Part A marks are not counted in the merit list.

Part B – Technical Written Examination (Merit-Based)

Part B is the objective type MCQ technical paper on which the merit list is prepared. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is negative marking of ¼ mark for every wrong answer. The detailed syllabus for Part B will be published on sssb.punjab.gov.in – candidates should monitor the website regularly as it is not included in this advertisement.

Tie-Breaking Rules

In case of equal marks in Part B, the tie is broken first by date of birth (older candidate ranked higher), then by percentage in the required educational qualification, and finally by Matriculation marks – a layered system that rewards candidates with stronger academic records.

Counselling

Shortlisted candidates are called for document verification and counselling based on the merit list. Original certificates and attested copies of all documents must be produced at counselling – absence of any required document leads to immediate disqualification, and the next candidate in the merit list is recommended instead.

Your first 7 days after applying:

1. Save your PSSSB User ID and application number – all future correspondence (admit card, exam schedule, result) is published only on sssb.punjab.gov.in; no individual notification is sent.
2. Begin preparing for Part A (Punjabi Language at Matriculation level) immediately – scoring below 50% here eliminates you regardless of Part B performance.
3. Check sssb.punjab.gov.in for the Part B syllabus once it is published – the notification states it will be uploaded separately.
4. Arrange your Domicile/Residence certificate now – it must not be older than 5 years from the date of application.
5. If you are a state/central government employee, initiate your NOC request from your department now – it is required at counselling and obtaining it can take time.

Exam Syllabus

How to Apply

1. Visit sssb.punjab.gov.in and click on “Apply Online” – no other mode of application is accepted.
2. New users: click “Registration” and enter personal details to generate a User ID and password. Save your User ID – it is required for all future logins.
3. Candidates from Advt. 08/2023: register fresh, then verify your details using your old Application No. and Date of Birth before proceeding.
4. Fill in personal, educational, and reservation details accurately – category and category code cannot be changed at any stage after submission.
5. Upload a passport-size photograph (or use live camera capture) and a scanned copy of your signature – applications without photo and signature are automatically rejected.
6. Click “Attach Annexure” and upload scanned copies of Class 10 certificate, Electrical Engineering diploma, and all other required documents in PDF format as specified on the portal.
7. Click “Make Payment” and pay the application fee online – the application is considered complete only after successful fee transaction.
8. Click “Submit,” download and print the completed application form, and retain it for future reference (counselling stage).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approximate in-hand salary for PSSSB Line Superintendent after deductions?

The post carries Level-6 pay (₹35,400 starting basic) under the 7th Pay Commission. After NPS (~₹3,540), DA, HRA, and standard deductions, the estimated take-home salary is approximately ₹30,000–₹35,000 per month. Additional departmental field allowances from the Punjab Electricity Department may apply depending on the posting.

What is the last date to apply for PSSSB Line Superintendent 2026?

The last date for online application and fee payment on sssb.punjab.gov.in is 05 June 2026. Applications start from 15 May 2026. No offline or postal applications are accepted. Since data cannot be edited after submission, candidates should apply carefully and well before the deadline.

What are the total vacancies and category-wise breakdown?

There are 6 total vacancies: General – 4, SC (Mazabi & Balmiki) – 1, SC (Ramdasia & Others) – 1. Out of the 6 total posts, 2 are reserved for women. There is no OBC or EWS category in this advertisement. Reservation benefits apply only to Punjab residents.

What is the minimum educational qualification for Line Superintendent?

A 3-year Diploma in Electrical Engineering from a recognised institution is mandatory. Additionally, candidates must have passed Matriculation with Punjabi as a compulsory or elective subject. Both qualifications must be completed before 05 June 2026 – the last date of application.

What is the age limit and relaxation for SC candidates?

Age is calculated as on 01 January 2026. General category: 18–37 years. SC (Punjab residents): up to 42 years. State/Central government employees: up to 45 years (NOC required). Widows, divorcees, and certain categories of married women: up to 40 years. Candidates from Advt. 08/2023 have a different cut-off date of 01 January 2023.

What is the Punjabi language test requirement for PSSSB Line Superintendent 2026?

All candidates must appear in Part A – a Punjabi Language qualifying test at Matriculation standard. A minimum of 50% marks in Part A is compulsory. Failing to score 50% in Part A eliminates the candidate from the final merit list entirely, irrespective of their marks in the technical Part B paper. Part A marks are not added to the merit score.

Is there negative marking in the PSSSB Line Superintendent exam?

Yes, negative marking applies in Part B (the technical merit paper). Each wrong answer results in a deduction of ¼ mark. Part A (Punjabi Language) is qualifying in nature – negative marking rules for Part A are not separately specified in the notification; candidates should clarify this from the official syllabus once published on sssb.punjab.gov.in.

Can candidates who applied in Advertisement No. 08/2023 apply here, and do they pay a fee?

Yes, candidates from Advt. 08/2023 must apply fresh for this recruitment since the earlier advertisement was withdrawn. However, they are fully exempted from paying the application fee. Their age cut-off date is also different – 01 January 2023 (not 01 January 2026) – which is more favourable for older candidates from that batch.