PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 notification is officially out, and the Punjab Public Service Commission is inviting online applications for 16 Group-A vacancies in the Department of Planning. Out of these, 05 posts are for the Economic Policy and Planning Board, and 11 posts are for the State Directorate of Statistics. If you have a Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, or Commerce along with some relevant experience, this is a fantastic opportunity to secure a reputed government job in Punjab. The application process is completely online, and candidates from all over India can apply, provided they meet the educational requirements and have passed Punjabi at the 10th level. Read the complete article below for all the accurate, official details regarding important dates, fees, syllabus, and how to apply.
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Overview
Organization
Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)
Post Name
Research Officer (Group-A)
Department
Department of Planning, Government of Punjab
Total Vacancies
16 Posts (05 + 11)
Application Mode
Online
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
As per Punjab Government rules (Upper age limit relaxed up to 42 years for SC/BC of Punjab, and up to 45 years for Punjab Govt employees)
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
Total Posts
16 Posts
Post Name
Research Officer (Group-A)
Advt No.
Advertisements for 2026 (Available on PPSC portal)
Department Breakdown
Economic Policy and Planning Board (05 Posts) & State Directorate of Statistics (11 Posts)
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Details
Research Officer (05 Posts – Planning Board)
Must possess a Master’s degree with at least 50% marks in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or Commerce from a recognized university. Experience: Minimum 1 year in economic planning, development appraisal, or research work.
Research Officer (11 Posts – Statistics)
Must possess a Master’s degree with at least 50% marks in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, or Commerce (with Statistics) from a recognized university. Experience: Minimum 1 year in statistical work.
Mandatory Qualification
Candidates must have passed Punjabi at the Matriculation (10th) standard or equivalent level.
Category-Wise Vacancy Details
General
As per the official notification category distribution
Scheduled Castes (SC)
As per the official notification category distribution
Backward Classes (BC)
As per the official notification category distribution
Ex-Servicemen / EWS / PwD
As per the official notification category distribution
State-Wise Vacancy Details
Job Location
Punjab
Eligible Candidates
All India candidates are eligible to apply, provided they meet the educational and Punjabi language requirements.
Reservation Benefits
Only candidates who are permanent residents (domicile) of Punjab will get category reservation and fee concessions.
Important Documents Required
Photograph
Recent passport-size colored photograph
Signature
Scanned clear signature of the candidate
Educational Certificates
Master’s Degree mark sheets and passing certificates
Age & Language Proof
10th Class mark sheet showing Punjabi as a passed subject
Experience Certificate
Valid document proving at least 1 year of required experience
Category Certificate
SC/ST/BC/EWS/PwD/ESM certificate (only for Punjab domicile claiming reservation)
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Syllabus Overview
Subject Knowledge
Questions based on Master’s level Economics, Statistics, Commerce, and Agricultural Economics
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
National/International events, history, geography, and culture of Punjab
General Mental Ability
Logical reasoning, analytical ability, and data interpretation
Quantitative Aptitude
Basic mathematics and numerical skills
Exam Pattern
Type of Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Questions
120 Questions
Total Marks
480 Marks (Each correct answer carries 4 marks)
Exam Duration
2 Hours
Negative Marking
Yes, 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer
Selection Process
Stage 1
Written Competitive Examination
Stage 2
Interview
Stage 3
Document Verification
Stage 4
Medical Examination
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Salary Details
Post Grade
Group-A State Government Job
Pay Scale
As per the 7th Pay Commission rules of the Punjab Government
Initial Basic Pay
Admissible as per the official Punjab Government Matrix for Group A Officers
Allowances
Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA) as applicable
How to Apply
Step 1
Visit the official Punjab Public Service Commission website at ppsc.gov.in.
Step 2
Click on the “Open Advertisements” link available on the homepage.
Step 3
Find the advertisement for “Research Officer (Group A)” and click “Apply/View”.
Step 4
Read the detailed notification thoroughly to ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria.
Step 5
Click on the “Apply Online” button and fill in your basic registration details to create a profile.
Step 6
Fill out the complete application form, upload your scanned photograph, signature, and necessary documents.
Step 7
Pay the application fee online based on your category and submit the final application.
Step 8
Take a printout of the submitted application form and fee receipt for future reference.
What is the last date to apply for PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for PPSC Research Officer vacancies is April 12, 2026, by 11:59 PM. Candidates must ensure they complete the registration and fee payment within this deadline.
What are the eligibility criteria for the PPSC Research Officer post?
Applicants must have a Master’s degree with at least 50% marks in Economics, Statistics, or Commerce. Additionally, candidates must have at least 1 year of relevant experience in research or statistical work and must have passed Punjabi at the 10th-grade level.
What is the age limit for PPSC Research Officer Group A jobs?
The minimum age required is 18 years, and the maximum age limit is 37 years as of the cutoff date. Age relaxations apply for SC/BC of Punjab (up to 42 years) and Punjab Government employees (up to 45 years).
How many vacancies are available in the PPSC Planning Department?
There are a total of 16 Group-A vacancies. This includes 05 posts for the Economic Policy and Planning Board and 11 posts for the State Directorate of Statistics under the Department of Planning, Punjab.
What is the application fee for General and SC/ST categories?
The application fee for General category candidates is Rs. 1500. For SC/ST of all states and BC of Punjab, the fee is Rs. 750. Ex-Servicemen, EWS, and PwD candidates from Punjab only need to pay Rs. 500.
What is the selection process for PPSC Research Officer 2026?
The selection process consists of a written competitive examination (120 MCQs for 480 marks) followed by an interview. Candidates who clear these stages will undergo document verification and a medical examination.
Can candidates from states other than Punjab apply for this recruitment?
Yes, candidates from all over India can apply for PPSC Research Officer posts. However, they must meet the educational qualifications and must have passed Punjabi at the Matriculation (10th) level.
