he Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has announced a recruitment drive for 21 posts of District Defence Services Welfare Officer (Group-A) in the Department of Defence Services Welfare, Government of Punjab. This recruitment offers a prestigious opportunity for ex-servicemen to continue serving the nation by contributing to the welfare and administration of defense personnel across Punjab.
PPSC, established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India, is tasked with recruiting highly qualified and competent officials for various government departments. This recruitment is conducted as per the Punjab Defence Services Welfare (Group-A) Service Rules, 2023, along with the Punjab Civil Services (General and Common Conditions of Service) Rules, 1994.
Introduction
The position of District Defence Services Welfare Officer is designed for ex-commissioned officers of the Indian Armed Forces who have served at senior levels such as Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, Captain or Commander in the Navy, and Group Captain or Wing Commander in the Air Force. The role involves overseeing the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents in Punjab districts, implementing government welfare schemes, and liaising with local administrations for smooth execution of defense welfare programs.
Selected officers will enjoy a rewarding career with growth opportunities, structured pay, and the chance to continue serving the ex-servicemen community in a meaningful capacity.
Important Dates
- Start of Online Application: 08/10/2025
- Last Date for Submission of Online Application: 03/11/2025 (11:59 PM)
- Last Date for Payment of Fees: 03/11/2025 (11:59 PM)
- Date of Written Examination: To be announced
- Interview/Personality Test: To be announced
Candidates are advised to check the PPSC website regularly for updates regarding exam dates and admit card releases.
Vacancy Details
A total of 21 posts are available, with reservations provided for women, ex-servicemen, Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, persons with disabilities, and economically weaker sections. The category-wise distribution is as follows:
- Ex-Servicemen (ESM), Punjab – 7 posts (2 reserved for women)
- Sports Person, Punjab – 1 post
- Persons with Disabilities (Intellectual Disability & Mental Illness), Punjab – 1 post
- Scheduled Castes (Others) ESM – 3 posts (1 reserved for women)
- Balmiki/Mazhbi Sikh ESM – 4 posts (1 reserved for women)
- Backward Classes ESM – 2 posts
- General Economically Weaker Section (EWS) – 3 posts (1 reserved for women)
All candidates applying for these posts must be Ex-Servicemen of the ranks mentioned above and must have a valid Punjab domicile certificate.
Salary and Benefits
The selected candidates will receive an initial pay of Rs. 47,600/- per month, with probationary pay as per government notifications. During the 3-year probation, the emoluments will be equivalent to the minimum pay without additional allowances. Selected officers are entitled to other benefits as per the Punjab Civil Services and Defence Welfare rules.
Age Limit
Candidates should not be more than 55 years old as of 01/01/2025. Age relaxations may apply for specific categories as per government regulations.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university or its equivalent.
- Military Service Qualification: Must be an ex-commissioned officer of the rank of Colonel or Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, Captain or Commander in the Navy, or Group Captain or Wing Commander in the Air Force.
- Language Proficiency: Must have passed Matriculation with Punjabi as a compulsory or elective subject.
- Domicile Requirement: Must possess a valid Punjab domicile certificate.
Candidates applying as wards of defense personnel will have a two-year window to complete the Punjabi language requirement after appointment. War heroes or disabled ex-servicemen and their dependents are exempted from this requirement.
Application Fee
Application and examination fees are applicable based on category:
- Ex-Servicemen, EWS, PwD, Lineal Descendants of Ex-Servicemen (LDESM) – Rs. 500 (application fee only)
- Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes – Rs. 750 (Rs. 500 application + Rs. 250 exam fee)
- All Other Categories – Rs. 1,500 (Rs. 500 application + Rs. 1,000 exam fee)
Fees can be paid online through net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI.
Selection Process
The selection involves a written competitive examination followed by a personal interview:
- Written Examination: 480 marks, comprising 120 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from General Knowledge & Current Affairs, Mental Ability, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Punjabi language. Each correct answer carries 4 marks, with 1 mark deducted for incorrect answers.
- Interview: 60 marks to assess personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role.
The written exam will be pen-and-paper based on OMR sheets. Questions will be in English only, and the duration will be two hours.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online only via the official PPSC website. No other mode of application will be accepted.
Before applying, candidates should ensure:
- They fulfill all eligibility criteria.
- Required documents, such as sports gradation certificates (if applicable) and PwD certificates, are ready for submission via email or by hand before the deadline.
Important: Applications submitted without complete documentation may result in disqualification or being considered under the candidate’s basic category.
Additional Information
- Candidates must select their category carefully; changes will not be permitted after submission.
- Sports certificates from school, university, or district level events will not be considered. Only recognized national-level certificates are valid.
- Persons with disabilities must have benchmark disabilities (≥40%).
- The number of posts may be increased or decreased by the Punjab Government at any time before selection is finalized.
- Scrutiny of all documents will be conducted after the written exam. Candidates not meeting eligibility will be rejected at any stage.
The role of District Defence Services Welfare Officer is prestigious and highly impactful, offering an opportunity to serve the defense community in Punjab while enjoying a stable and respected government career. Candidates are encouraged to read the official notification carefully, prepare accordingly, and apply online before the last date.
