PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date 2026 (Released) - Check Schedule & Details
PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date 2026: The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has officially released the date sheet for the Punjab State Civil Services (PCS) Combined Competitive Mains Examination 2025 (cycle leading to 2026). Candidates who qualified the Prelims can check the complete schedule below. The Mains examination starts on 01 April 2026 with Essay paper, followed by subsequent papers up to 10 April 2026. All eligible candidates are advised to download their admit cards (available 5 days before each paper) from the official website and prepare accordingly.
Latest Update: PPSC has announced the official Mains date sheet for Punjab PCS 2025/26 on 17 January 2026 (after Prelims result on 10 January 2026). The exams will be conducted offline at designated centers across Punjab. Candidates can download the date sheet PDF from the official website ppsc.gov.in.
Quick Link: Download PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date Notification 2026
Key Highlights - PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date 2026
- Organization: Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC)
- Post Name: Punjab State Civil Services (PCS) Combined Competitive Examination
- Exam Dates: 01 April 2026 to 10 April 2026 (Paper-wise)
- Exam Mode: Offline Written Examination (Descriptive)
- Official Website: ppsc.gov.in
- Admit Card Release: Approximately 5 days before each paper
PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date 2026 Complete Details
The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has published the official date sheet for the Punjab State Civil Services Mains Examination 2025 (for recruitment to various administrative posts). This notification is crucial for qualified candidates (after Prelims on 07 December 2025 and result on 10 January 2026) preparing for these prestigious positions. The Mains will test candidates' in-depth knowledge through descriptive papers, and only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the Interview stage.
| PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) |
| Post Name | Punjab State Civil Services (PCS) Combined Competitive Examination |
| Total Vacancies | 322 Posts |
| Exam Dates | 01 April 2026 to 10 April 2026 (Paper-wise) |
| Exam Timing | To be mentioned on Admit Card (Usually 3 Hours per paper) |
| Admit Card Date | 5 Days Before Each Paper |
| Exam Mode | Offline Written Examination (Descriptive) |
| Category | Exam Date / Exam Schedule |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | ppsc.gov.in |
Important Dates for PPSC State Civil Services Mains 2026
Candidates must keep track of all important dates related to the PPSC PCS recruitment process. Below is the complete timeline (Mains focused):
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Exam Date | 07 December 2025 |
| Prelims Result Declaration | 10 January 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card Release | 5 Days Before Each Paper |
| Mains Exam Dates (Paper-wise): | 01 April 2026 (Essay) to 10 April 2026 |
| Result Declaration (Mains) | To be announced after exams |
| Interview | To be announced |
How to Download PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date 2026 Notification?
Candidates can follow these simple steps to check and download the Mains date sheet from the official website:
Step 1: Visit the official website of PPSC at ppsc.gov.in
Step 2: On the homepage, look for the "Latest Notifications" or "Announcements" section
Step 3: Find and click on the link titled "Date Sheet for Punjab State Civil Services (Mains) Examination-2025" (released mid-January 2026)
Step 4: The notification PDF will open in a new window
Step 5: Read all details carefully including paper-wise dates, timing, and instructions
Step 6: Download and save the PDF for future reference
Step 7: Take a printout of the date sheet for your records
Direct Link: Click here to download PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Date Notification PDF (Visit official site for latest PDF under Announcements/Latest Notifications)
Important Links for PPSC State Civil Services Mains 2026
| Link Description | URL |
|---|---|
| Download Mains Date Sheet Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| Download Admit Card (When Available) | 5 Days Before Each Paper - Check Site |
PPSC State Civil Services Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the Mains exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. Here's what candidates need to know:
- Exam Mode: Offline Written Examination (Descriptive Papers)
- Total Marks: 1500 (7 Papers: 4 GS + 1 Essay + 2 Language)
- Number of Papers: 7 (Essay, English Compulsory, Punjabi Compulsory, GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, GS-IV)
- Duration: 3 Hours per paper
- Negative Marking: Not applicable (Descriptive)
- Subjects/Sections: Essay, English & Punjabi Language (Compulsory), General Studies Papers (History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Science, Environment, Ethics, etc.)
Preparation Tips for PPSC State Civil Services Mains
With the detailed date sheet announced, candidates should focus on smart preparation strategies:
1. Create a Study Schedule: Align with paper-wise dates (e.g., prioritize Essay and Language papers first).
2. Focus on Previous Year Papers: Solve past PPSC Mains papers to understand answer writing style.
3. Take Mock Tests: Practice full-length descriptive answers under timed conditions.
4. Revise Regularly: Make concise notes for GS topics, Punjab-specific issues, and current affairs.
5. Stay Updated: Monitor ppsc.gov.in daily for admit card and any changes.
PPSC State Civil Services Mains Admit Card 2026 - When to Download?
PPSC will release admit cards approximately 5 days before each respective paper on the official website ppsc.gov.in. Candidates can download using registration number and password. Information on exam centers, reporting time, and venue will be on the admit card.
Documents Required on Exam Day:
- Printed copy of Admit Card
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Driving License/Voter ID)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Required stationery items (as per instructions, e.g., black/blue pen for descriptive answers)
What After the PPSC State Civil Services Mains?
After successfully appearing in the Mains examination, candidates should:
1. Result Declaration: Results typically declared within 2-3 months on the official website.
2. Answer Key: Not applicable (Descriptive papers).
3. Next Stage: Qualified candidates will be called for Interview/Personality Test.
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on the latest official date sheet released by PPSC in 17 January 2026. All dates are subject to change. Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official website ppsc.gov.in for the most accurate and updated information, including admit cards and any revisions.
