Hey there, job seekers! Are you ready to make a significant impact in the planning and development of Punjab? The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has just announced an exciting opportunity for passionate and skilled individuals to join as Research Officers (Group-A) within the Department of Planning. This is your chance to contribute to vital economic and statistical projects. With a total of 16 coveted vacancies open across two important departments – the Economic Policy and Planning Board and the State Directorate of Statistics – PPSC is looking for bright minds. If you’re eyeing a prestigious government role, mark your calendars! Applications are currently live, but don’t wait too long – the final date to apply online is April 12, 2026.
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Application Fees
Ready to take the next step? Here’s a quick breakdown of the application fees for the PPSC Research Officer positions. Remember, these fees are non-refundable and must be paid online via the secure payment gateway on the PPSC website.
Ex-Serviceman (ESM), EWS, PwD, LDESM (Punjab only):₹500/- (No Examination Fee)
Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) of all States & Backward Classes (BC) of Punjab only:₹750/- (includes ₹500 charges + ₹250 exam fee)
All Other Categories:₹1500/- (includes ₹500 charges + ₹1000 exam fee)
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
To be eligible for these prestigious roles, candidates must meet specific age criteria as of the last application date. The minimum age for applicants is 18 years, and the maximum age is generally 37 years. However, don’t worry if you’re slightly above the general limit; the PPSC offers age relaxations for various reserved categories as per government rules. Here’s a glimpse:
Scheduled Castes (SC) & Backward Classes (BC) of Punjab: Up to 42 years
Punjab Government Employees, State/Central Govt. Employees: Up to 45 years
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) of Punjab: Up to 47 years
Widows, Divorcees, and certain other categories of women: Up to 42 years
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) of Punjab: Deduction of service period + up to 3 years
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification
Think you have what it takes? The PPSC is looking for specific academic backgrounds and experience to fill these Research Officer roles. The qualifications vary slightly depending on the specific department you’re applying for. Make sure you meet these requirements by the application deadline of April 12, 2026.
For 05 Posts (Economic Policy and Planning Board): You’ll need a Master’s degree with at least 50% marks in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or Commerce from a recognized university. Plus, a minimum of one year of experience in economic planning, development appraisal, compilation, or research in a relevant public/private sector entity.
For 11 Posts (State Directorate of Statistics): A Master’s degree with at least 50% marks in Economics, Agricultural Economics, Statistics, or Commerce (with Statistics as a subject) from a recognized university is essential. Additionally, you must have at least one year of experience in statistical work within a government department, university, research institute, or PSU.
A Must-Have for Both: You must have passed the Matriculation examination with Punjabi as one of your compulsory or elective subjects, or hold an equivalent qualification in the Punjabi language.
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
Department / Category
Total Posts
Economic Policy and Planning Board – General
04
Economic Policy and Planning Board – Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs, Punjab
01
State Directorate of Statistics – General
04
State Directorate of Statistics – General Economically Weaker Section, Punjab
01
State Directorate of Statistics – Ex-Serviceman/LDESM Punjab
01
State Directorate of Statistics – Person with Disability (Locomotive Disability)
01
State Directorate of Statistics – Scheduled Castes (Others), Punjab
01
State Directorate of Statistics – Balmiki/Mazbhi Sikhs, Punjab
02
State Directorate of Statistics – Backward Classes, Punjab
01
Total
16 Posts
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Salary Details
Post Name
Salary
Research Officer (Group-A)
As per Punjab Government norms / Official Notification
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
Curious about how PPSC will choose its next Research Officers? The selection journey is a two-stage process designed to identify the most suitable candidates.
Written Competitive Examination: This initial stage will test your knowledge and aptitude relevant to the role. Perform well here to move to the next step!
Interview: Candidates who clear the written exam will be invited for a personal interview. This is your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and suitability for the Research Officer position.
The final selection will be a blend of your performance in both the written examination and the interview, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.
PPSC Research Officer Recruitment 2026 How to Apply
Ready to submit your application? Follow these straightforward steps to ensure your application for the PPSC Research Officer role is complete and successful:
Read the Official Notification: Start by thoroughly reviewing the detailed notification on the PPSC website (ppsc.gov.in) to confirm your eligibility for the specific post and scale.
Visit the PPSC Website: Head over to http://ppsc.gov.in and locate the “Apply Online” section for the Research Officer (Group-A) recruitment.
Register & Log In: If you’re a new user, complete the one-time registration process to get your unique login credentials. Existing users can simply log in.
Fill the Application Form: Carefully complete the online application form with all your personal, educational, and professional details. Remember to accurately select your category code (e.g., General, PwD, SC).
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph and signature, making sure they meet the specified format and size requirements.
Pay Application Fee: Proceed to pay the application fee online using net banking, credit card, or debit card as per your category.
Submit & Print: After successful payment and submission, download and print a copy of your final application form for your records. Don’t forget to send any required Sports/PwD certificates separately by the deadline if applicable!
Hello, I'm a content creator. I have four years of experience. My primary goal is to deliver useful job information to Indian job seekers. I cover a wide range of topics such as government employment, private jobs, admit cards, exam results, and many more. Keep tuned for relevant Employment updates that will help you with your job hunt and career advancement.