Age
18-37 Years
Min Qualification
Graduation
Location
Punjab
Stepping into the legal framework of the Punjab Government is a dream for many law graduates, and the latest announcement from the Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab (PSSSB) has turned that dream into a tangible reality. With the release of Advertisement Number 09 of 2026, the board is looking to recruit 170 dedicated professionals for the prestigious role of Assistant District Attorney. This recruitment drive, conducted under the Department of Justice, represents a significant move toward strengthening the state's legal machinery and ensuring that justice is accessible and efficiently managed across all districts.
Joining the Punjab Civil Services as a Group-B officer offers more than just a paycheck; it provides a lifetime of career stability, social prestige, and the opportunity to serve the public. As an Assistant District Attorney, you will be at the forefront of the state's legal battles, representing the government in various judicial forums. For young lawyers seeking a structured career path away from the unpredictability of private practice, this notification is a golden ticket to a lucrative and respected government position.
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria by the cut-off date of May 20, 2026:
Law Degree: You must possess a Bachelor of Law (Professional Degree) from a recognized university or be a Barrister of England/Ireland.
Experience: A minimum of two years of practice at the Bar is mandatory.
Language Proficiency: You must have passed Matriculation (10th) with Punjabi as a compulsory or elective subject.
The application fee is non-refundable and varies based on your category:
General Category: Rs. 1500/-.
SC and BC (Punjab State only): Rs. 750/-.
ESM, EWS, PWD, and LDESM (Punjab State only): Rs. 500/-.
The role of an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) is one of high responsibility and ethical weight. On a day-to-day basis, you will act as the legal representative of the State of Punjab in criminal and civil cases. Your work involves conducting meticulous legal research, drafting petitions, and presenting oral arguments before the courts. Unlike private practice, which focuses on individual clients, your "client" is the government and, by extension, the citizens of the state. You will play a crucial role in the criminal justice system by ensuring that prosecutions are conducted fairly and effectively, directly impacting the law and order of the region.
Best For:
Law graduates who have a passion for public service and criminal law.
Individuals who possess strong oratorical skills and the ability to think critically under pressure.
Those who value a structured work environment with clear growth trajectories within the state legal department.
Not Ideal For:
Individuals looking for a low-stakes office job; the courtroom environment can be grueling and high-pressure.
Those who prefer complete autonomy in choosing their cases, as you will be assigned matters based on government needs.
The age is calculated as of January 1, 2026:
General: 18–37 years.
SC/BC (Punjab): Upper limit relaxed to 42 years.
State/Central Govt Employees: Upper limit relaxed to 45 years.
Divyangjan (PWD) of Punjab: Upper limit relaxed to 47 years.
Widows/Divorcees: Upper limit relaxed to 40 years.
Selected candidates will be placed in the 7th Central Pay Commission scale with a starting basic pay of Rs. 35,400/- per month.
However, your actual take-home salary will be much higher once you include:
Dearness Allowance (DA): Adjusted periodically for inflation.
House Rent Allowance (HRA): Dependent on the city of posting.
Medical Allowances and Pension (NPS): Standard government benefits.
Security and Growth: Group-B status in Punjab offers significant prestige and long-term career progression into higher judicial or administrative roles.
The total number of seats is distributed across various categories to ensure diverse representation:
Category | Total Vacancies | Reserved for Women |
General | 76 | 26 |
Scheduled Caste (M&B) | 16 | 06 |
Scheduled Caste (R&O) | 13 | 05 |
Backward Class (BC) | 20 | 07 |
EWS (Gen) | 17 | 05 |
Others (ESM, Sports, PH, FF) | 28 | 07 |
Grand Total | 170 | 56 |
Matriculation Certificate: To prove age and Punjabi language qualification.
Law Degree & Professional Certificates: LL.B. degree and proof of enrollment as an Advocate.
Experience Certificate: Documenting 2 years of Bar practice.
Domicile Certificate: Required for Punjab residents seeking reservation (must not be older than 5 years).
Category Certificate: SC/BC/EWS/ESM certificates as per state norms.
Digital Files: Scanned passport-size photo and signature.
Register: Click on the Apply Online button, and create a User ID using your Email ID.
Fill Details: Log in and enter your personal and educational information carefully; once submitted, data cannot be changed.
Upload Media: Upload your scanned photo and signature. You may also use the live photo capture feature if available.
Attach Documents: Upload PDFs of your 10th certificate, Law degree, and category certificates.
Pay Fee: Use the "Make Payment" link to pay via the online gateway.
Submit & Print: Click "Submit" only after reviewing everything. Download and print the final application form for your records.
The selection will be based on an Objective Type Written Examination featuring Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Scoring: Each question carries 1 mark.
Negative Marking: Beware! There is a penalty of 0.25 (1/4) marks for every wrong answer.
Merit: The final list is prepared solely on written exam scores. If scores are tied, the older candidate is prioritized.
Expert Strategy: Start by mastering the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Indian Penal Code (IPC), and Evidence Act, as these form the core of ADA duties. Since there is negative marking, focus on accuracy over speed. Practice previous years' PSSSB legal papers to understand the difficulty level.
Q1: Can I apply if I don't have a Punjabi subject in 10th grade?
Ans: No, passing Matriculation with Punjabi is a mandatory requirement for this post.
Q2: Is the 2-year experience at the Bar mandatory?
Ans: Yes, the official notification explicitly requires candidates to have two years of practice experience.
Q3: Is there any negative marking in the exam?
Ans: Yes, 0.25 marks will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Q4: Can I change my category after submitting the form?
Ans: No, the category and category code cannot be changed at any stage after submission.
Q5: What is the last date to pay the application fee?
Ans: The last date to complete the application and pay the fee is May 20, 2026.
Q6: I am from Haryana. Can I get the EWS benefit?
Ans: No, reservation benefits (SC/BC/EWS/ESM) are strictly for residents of Punjab.
Q7: What happens if I upload a blurry photo?
Ans: Applications with unclear photos or missing signatures are considered incomplete and will be rejected.
Q8: Can final year LL.B. students apply?
Ans: No, you must possess the required degree and experience before the closing date of applications (May 20, 2026).
Q9: How will I receive my Admit Card? Ans: Admit cards will be uploaded to the official PSSSB website. No physical copies will be sent by post.
Q10: Is there an interview for this post?
Ans: The selection is primarily based on the written competitive exam merit, followed by document verification (counseling).