SSSB Punjab Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSSB), Punjab has released Advertisement No. 02 of 2026 for the recruitment of Clerk positions under Group-C services across various government departments in Punjab. This recruitment drive aims to fill anticipated vacancies based on requisitions expected to be received by September 30, 2026. Candidates seeking stable government employment with good career prospects should carefully review all eligibility criteria and application procedures outlined in this comprehensive guide.

The SSSB Punjab Clerk position offers an excellent opportunity for graduates to enter government service with a starting salary at Pay Level-2 (₹19,900). The selection process includes a written examination, typing test, and document verification. This guide provides complete details about the recruitment including important dates, eligibility requirements, selection process, and step-by-step application instructions.

Organization & Recruitment Details

The SSSB Punjab was established under Article 309 of the Indian Constitution to conduct recruitment for Group-B, Group-C, and Group-D services in various Punjab government departments. This ensures a transparent and merit-based selection process for all government positions in the state.

Important Dates

Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Early application also allows time to correct any errors if needed. The Board will announce the written examination date through its website, so regular monitoring is essential. All updates regarding admit cards, exam schedules, and results will only be published on the official SSSB Punjab website.

Application Fee

The application fee must be paid online through the official portal using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Candidates should note that fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstances. Ensure you select the correct category code while filling the form, as this determines your fee amount. Applications without complete fee payment will be automatically rejected. Keep the payment receipt safe for future reference.

Age Limit (as on January 01, 2026)

Age calculation will be done with reference to January 01, 2026. For example, if you were born on January 02, 1989, you would be considered 37 years old as of the cutoff date. Ex-servicemen age relaxation is calculated by deducting actual service period from current age, with the remaining age not exceeding 3 years beyond the prescribed upper limit. State and Central government employees must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their department at the time of counseling to claim age relaxation.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess all required qualifications on or before the last date of application submission (March 06, 2026). This is as per Punjab Government Notification No. G.S.R.7/Const./Art.309/Amd.(23)/2026 dated January 21, 2026. All educational certificates must be from UGC recognized universities or government-approved institutions. Distance learning degrees are acceptable if the university was authorized to offer distance education at the time the degree was awarded.

The computer course certificate must clearly mention the duration (minimum 120 hours) and should include practical training in office productivity software like MS Office, desktop publishing, or similar applications. O Level certificate from NIELIT (formerly DOEACC) is also accepted as equivalent qualification.

Vacancy Details

The SSSB Punjab follows a unique system where the exact number of vacancies is not declared at the time of advertisement. Instead, the Board prepares a common merit list that remains valid for all requisitions received up to September 30, 2026. This means candidates will be recommended to departments based on their merit rank as and when vacancies arise. This system ensures continuous recruitment throughout the year without separate examinations for each department.

Vacancies are distributed across 21 different category codes including various subcategories for SC (Mazhabi & Balmiki, Ramdasia & Others), Ex-Servicemen (Self and Dependent), Sports persons, Persons with Disabilities (Orthopedic, Visual, Hearing, Intellectual/Multiple Disabilities), and Freedom Fighters. Candidates must carefully select their appropriate category code during application as it cannot be changed later.

Selection Process

The SSSB Punjab Clerk Recruitment 2026 follows a comprehensive three-stage selection procedure designed to assess both knowledge and practical skills of candidates. Understanding each stage is crucial for proper preparation.

Stage 1: Written Examination (Objective Type)

The written exam will be conducted in two parts:

Part-A: Punjabi Language Test (Qualifying Nature)

• Matriculation level Punjabi language paper
• Qualifying in nature only
• Minimum 50% marks required to qualify
• Marks will NOT be counted for merit list preparation
• Failure to secure 50% marks will result in disqualification regardless of performance in Part-B

Part-B: Main Examination (For Merit Ranking)

• Objective type multiple choice questions
• Each question carries 1 mark
• Negative marking: 1/4 mark deducted for each wrong answer
• Merit list will be prepared based solely on Part-B marks
• Syllabus and exam pattern will be uploaded on the official website

Stage 2: Typing Test (Qualifying Nature)

Candidates qualifying the written examination will be called for computer-based typing tests in both languages:

• English Typing: Minimum 30 words per minute on computer
• Punjabi Typing: Minimum 30 words per minute in Unicode Compliant Font Raavi
• Both typing tests are qualifying in nature
• Qualifying both tests is mandatory
• No marks for merit list, but failure leads to disqualification

Stage 3: Document Verification/Counseling

Candidates who successfully clear both written exam and typing test will be called for document verification where all original certificates will be thoroughly checked including:

• Educational qualification certificates and mark sheets
• Computer course certificate
• Date of birth proof (10th certificate)
• Punjab domicile certificate (not older than 5 years)
• Category certificates (SC/BC/EWS/Ex-Servicemen/PwD/Sports as applicable)
• Any other relevant documents

Final Merit List & Recommendation

The Common Merit List will be prepared based on Part-B marks of the written examination for candidates who have qualified all stages. In case of tie in marks, the following tie-breaking criteria will apply in order:

1. Candidate with higher age (older candidate preferred)
2. If age is also same, higher percentage in qualifying degree
3. If still tied, higher percentage in Matriculation
4. Final decision by SSSB Board will be binding

This merit list remains valid until September 30, 2026, for all requisitions received during this period. Candidates will be recommended to respective departments based on their merit rank and vacancy availability in their category.

Salary & Pay Scale

Additional Benefits & Allowances:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): As per current government rates (revised periodically)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies based on posting location (X, Y, Z class cities)
• Transport Allowance: As per Punjab government rules
• Medical Benefits: Comprehensive medical coverage for self and family
• Pension Benefits: As per National Pension System (NPS) or applicable pension scheme
• Leave Travel Concession: Once every two years
• Other Allowances: As applicable based on posting and conditions

The in-hand salary after all deductions typically ranges between ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month depending on posting location and applicable allowances. The position also offers excellent career growth opportunities with regular increments and chances for promotion to higher posts like Head Clerk, Superintendent, and Assistant through departmental examinations and seniority-based promotions.

Salary and allowances are governed by Finance Department (Finance Personnel-1 Branch), Punjab Government letter No. 7/204/2012-4FP.1/66 dated January 15, 2015, and subsequent amendments issued from time to time.

How to Apply Online

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to complete your SSSB Punjab Clerk application successfully:

Step 1: Registration

Visit the official SSSB Punjab website at sssb.punjab.gov.in and click on “Apply Online” link. If you don’t have a User ID, click on “Registration” and provide the following details:

• Full name as per matriculation certificate
• Date of birth
• Email address (your own, not shared)
• Mobile number (your own, not shared)
• Create a strong password

Upon successful registration, your User ID and password will be generated. Save these credentials safely as they will be required for all future logins and tracking your application status.

Step 2: Login & Fill Application Form

Log in using your registered User ID and password. Fill in all sections of the online application form carefully:

• Personal information (name, father’s name, mother’s name, gender, etc.)
• Contact details (permanent address, correspondence address, email, mobile)
• Category details (select correct category code from the list)
• Educational qualifications with marks percentage
• Computer course details
• Punjabi language qualification details

Step 3: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of required documents in prescribed format:

• Recent Photograph: Passport size, colored, JPEG format, size 10-50 KB (or use live camera capture option)
• Signature: On white paper with black ink, JPEG format, size 5-20 KB
• 10th Certificate: For date of birth and Punjabi language proof, PDF format, max 200 KB
• Degree Certificate: Bachelor’s degree, PDF format, max 200 KB
• Computer Course Certificate: PDF format, max 200 KB
• Category Certificate: SC/BC/EWS/Ex-Servicemen/PwD/Sports certificate if applicable, PDF format, max 200 KB

Step 4: Fee Payment

After uploading all documents, click on “Make Payment” and pay the application fee according to your category through available online payment modes (debit card, credit card, net banking, UPI). Save the payment receipt for future reference.

Step 5: Final Submission

After successful fee payment, click on “Submit” to complete your application. The complete application form will be displayed on screen. Take a printout of this final application form and keep it safely for future reference. You will also receive a confirmation email and SMS on your registered email and mobile number.

Important Application Instructions

• Applications can only be submitted online through the official website
• No other mode of application will be accepted
• Once submitted, no changes can be made to the application
• Ensure all details are correct before final submission
• Applications without complete fee payment will be rejected
• Draft applications can be saved and completed later before the deadline
• Keep checking the website regularly for updates

Important Instructions for Candidates

Expert Tips for Success

Based on previous SSSB Punjab recruitment patterns and successful candidate experiences, here are strategic tips to maximize your chances:

1. Early Application Strategy

Apply within the first week of the application window opening. This gives you buffer time to resolve any technical issues and allows you to focus completely on exam preparation. Last-minute applications often face server congestion and payment gateway issues.

2. Document Preparation Checklist

Prepare all required documents well in advance. Get your category certificates verified from the issuing authority. Ensure your Punjab domicile certificate is recent (issued within last 5 years). Keep both original and self-attested photocopies ready in a separate folder.

3. Punjabi Language Preparation

Do not underestimate Part-A of the written exam. Many candidates get disqualified despite scoring well in Part-B because they fail to secure 50% in Punjabi. Revise 10th standard Punjabi grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary thoroughly. Practice previous year Punjabi question papers.

4. Typing Speed Development

Start practicing typing immediately. Achieve at least 35-40 words per minute to comfortably clear the 30 wpm requirement. Use free online typing tutors for both English and Punjabi. Practice on Raavi font specifically for Punjabi typing as the test will be in this Unicode font.

5. Negative Marking Management

With 1/4 mark deduction for wrong answers, accuracy is more important than attempting all questions. Skip questions you’re completely unsure about. Intelligent guessing based on elimination can help, but wild guessing will hurt your score.

6. Regular Website Monitoring

Check the SSSB website daily during the recruitment process. Set reminders for downloading admit cards, checking results, and counseling schedules. Many candidates miss important updates due to irregular website checking.

7. Avoid Common Rejection Pitfalls

Double-check category code selection, ensure photo and signature uploads are clear and within size limits, verify all personal details match exactly with your certificates, complete the entire application process including fee payment before closing the window.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the total number of vacancies for SSSB Punjab Clerk Recruitment 2026?

The exact number of vacancies is not fixed at the advertisement stage. The Board will prepare a common merit list valid for all requisitions received from various Punjab government departments up to September 30, 2026. Candidates will be recommended as per merit when departments send their vacancy requirements.

2. Can I apply for multiple category codes in SSSB Punjab Clerk 2026?

No, you can select only one category code during application. Choose your category code very carefully based on your eligibility, as it cannot be changed at any stage after submission. Select the category that gives you maximum reservation benefit if you’re eligible for multiple categories.

3. Is Punjab domicile mandatory for SSSB Clerk recruitment?

While Punjab domicile is not mandatory for applying, reservation benefits are available only to Punjab domicile candidates. Candidates from other states can apply under General category without any reservation benefits. A valid Punjab domicile certificate (not older than 5 years) is required to claim reservation benefits.

4. What is the qualifying percentage required in the Punjabi language test?

Candidates must secure at least 50% marks in Part-A (Punjabi Language) of the written examination. This is mandatory and failure to achieve 50% will result in disqualification, even if you score very high marks in Part-B. These marks are only for qualifying and will not be added to the final merit.

5. Can I use a computer course certificate from a private institute?

Yes, you can use a computer course certificate from a private institute provided it meets two conditions: it should be at least 120 hours in duration with practical training in office productivity or desktop publishing applications, and the institute must be either government recognized or ISO 9001 certified. Alternatively, NIELIT O Level certificate is also accepted.

6. What happens if I fail the typing test after clearing the written exam?

The typing test is qualifying in nature and mandatory. If you fail to achieve 30 words per minute in either English or Punjabi typing, you will be disqualified from further selection process despite clearing the written examination. No marks are awarded for typing test, but qualifying is compulsory.

7. How is the merit list prepared for SSSB Punjab Clerk posts?

The Common Merit List is prepared based solely on marks obtained in Part-B of the written examination. Part-A (Punjabi) marks are not counted for merit. Only candidates who qualify Part-A with 50% marks and also qualify the typing test are considered for final merit list preparation.

8. Can I edit my application after final submission?

No, once you submit your application form after fee payment, no modifications or corrections are possible under any circumstances. Therefore, carefully review all details, uploaded documents, and category selection before clicking the final submit button. The Board will not entertain any requests for changes after submission.

9. What is the in-hand salary for SSSB Punjab Clerk after all deductions?

The basic pay is ₹19,900 per month at Pay Level-2. After adding various allowances like DA, HRA, TA and deducting contributions like NPS, professional tax, the typical in-hand salary ranges between ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per month. The exact amount varies based on posting location and applicable allowances.

10. How long is the merit list valid for this recruitment?

The merit list prepared for this recruitment will remain valid until September 30, 2026. All vacancy requisitions received from various departments by this date will be filled from this merit list. Requisitions received after this date will not be considered under this advertisement.

11. Is there any age relaxation for ex-servicemen candidates?

Yes, ex-servicemen candidates get age relaxation as per Punjab Recruitment of Ex-Servicemen Rules, 1982. The relaxation is calculated by deducting the period of military service from their actual age. The remaining age should not exceed the prescribed upper age limit by more than 3 years.

12. Will I get TA/DA for appearing in the written exam or typing test?

No, the Board will not provide any traveling allowance (TA) or daily allowance (DA) to candidates for appearing in the written examination, typing test, or document verification. Candidates must bear all expenses related to appearing for the selection process themselves.