Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Patiala has released the official PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 Notification on 08 June 2026 at www.pspcl.in. A total of 116 vacancies have been announced under Advertisement No. CRA 314/26 for various posts including Certified Welder, Auxiliary Plant Attendant (Mechanical), Bulldozer Operator, Laboratory Assistant, Electrician Grade-1, Technician Grade-1, Loco Shunter Operator, Fireman, and others. Eligible candidates possessing ITI, Diploma, or other prescribed technical qualifications can apply online from 11 June 2026 to 01 July 2026 through the official PSPCL website. The official notification PDF and online application link are available below.
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 Notification PDF
Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), PSEB Head Office, The Mall, Patiala-147001, a Power Generating and Distribution company owned by the Government of Punjab, has officially released Advertisement No. CRA 314/26 dated 08/06/2026 for recruitment of dynamic candidates to 10 posts. The notification covers complete details on vacancies, category-wise breakup, eligibility, exam pattern, selection process, and application instructions. Candidates are strongly advised to read the full notification before applying online at www.pspcl.in.
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 Overview
PSPCL is recruiting 116 posts across 10 technical and trade categories for its power generation and distribution operations in Punjab, last date 01 July 2026.
| Organization Name | Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Patiala |
| Advertisement No. | CRA 314/26 dated 08/06/2026 |
| Posts | Certified Welder, APA (Mechanical), Bulldozer Operator, Laboratory Assistant, Electrician Grade-1, Technician Grade-1/Mechanical, Technician Grade-1/Instrumentation, Welder Grade-1, Loco Shunter Operator, Fireman |
| Total Vacancies | 116 |
| Application Mode | Online only (https://www.pspcl.in) |
| Selection Mode | Computer Based Online Test (CBT) + Physical Test (for Fireman only) |
| Probation Period | 3 years (or as per Punjab Govt. instructions from time to time) |
| Official Website | https://www.pspcl.in |
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date of Online Registration & Fee Deposit | 11-06-2026 |
| Last Date of Online Registration & Fee Deposit | 01-07-2026 |
| Last Date of Fee Deposit | 06-07-2026 |
| Admit Card Upload (without test centre) | At least 7 days before exam date |
| Final Admit Card Upload (with test centre) | At least 3 days before exam date |
| Online Test Date | To be notified on www.pspcl.in (tentatively in Punjab/Chandigarh) |
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details
A total of 116 vacancies have been announced across 10 posts. Reservation for all categories (SC, BC, EWS, XSM, PWD, Women) is applicable only for Punjab Domicile candidates. Vacancies shown reserved for Women shall be filled as per Punjab Civil Services (Reservation for Women) Rules 2020; if unfilled due to insufficient women candidates, they will be filled from eligible candidates of the respective category irrespective of gender. PSPCL reserves the right to increase, decrease, or cancel vacancies at any stage without notice.
| Sr. No. | Post Name | Total Vacancies | Pay Scale (7th CPC / Min. Pay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Welder | 01 | Rs. 35,400/- (Level-6) |
| 2 | Auxiliary Plant Attendant / Mechanical (APA) | 07 | Rs. 35,400/- (Level-6) |
| 3 | Bulldozer Operator | 12 | Rs. 29,200/- (Level-5) |
| 4 | Laboratory Assistant | 14 | Rs. 29,200/- (Level-5) |
| 5 | Electrician Grade-1 | 12 | Rs. 25,500/- (Level-4) |
| 6 | Technician Grade-1 / Mechanical | 11 | Rs. 25,500/- (Level-4) |
| 7 | Technician Grade-1 / Instrumentation | 10 | Rs. 25,500/- (Level-4) |
| 8 | Welder Grade-1 | 02 | Rs. 25,500/- (Level-4) |
| 9 | Loco Shunter Operator | 12 | Rs. 25,500/- (Level-4) |
| 10 | Fireman | 35 | Rs. 21,700/- (Level-3) |
| Total | 116 | ||
Note: During probation period (3 years or as per Punjab Govt. instructions), newly appointed candidates shall be paid minimum admissible pay only, without Grade Pay, DA, annual increment, or other allowances except TA and medical reimbursement.
Category Abbreviations: SC – Scheduled Caste | SC(MB) – SC/Mazhabi Balmiki | SC(OT) – SC/Others | BC – Backward Class | XSM (Self/Dep.) – Ex-Servicemen (Self/Dependent) | PWD – Person with Disability | EWS – Economically Weaker Section | FF – Freedom Fighter | SP – Sports Person
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Knowledge/qualification of Punjabi is essential for ALL posts. Candidates must have passed Punjabi at least at Matriculation level or its equivalent. All qualifications must be possessed by the last date of online application (01-07-2026).
| Post Name | Essential Qualification |
|---|---|
| Certified Welder | Matric with ITI Certificate in Welding trade AND Certificate in welding as per IBR 1950 in carbon steels root weld and radiographic quality welding on TIG welding. |
| Auxiliary Plant Attendant / Mechanical (APA) | Full-time Regular 3/4-year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from a State/Central Govt. recognized institute with minimum 60% marks; OR BE/B.Tech/B.Sc Engineering in Mechanical Engineering with minimum 50% marks; OR AMIE in Mechanical Engineering with at least 50% marks from Institution of Engineers (India), Calcutta. |
| Bulldozer Operator | Matric with Heavy Duty Driving Licence. |
| Laboratory Assistant | B.Sc. with Chemistry as main subject with minimum 60% marks; OR M.Sc. (Chemistry) with minimum 50% marks. |
| Electrician Grade-1 | 3/4-year recognized Diploma in Electrical Engineering with minimum 50% marks; OR Matric with regular ITI in Electrical discipline with minimum 60% marks AND 2 years experience as Electrician Grade-2 in PSPCL/PSTCL. |
| Technician Grade-1 / Mechanical | 3/4-year recognized Diploma in Mechanical Engineering with minimum 50% marks; OR Matric with regular ITI in Mechanical discipline with minimum 60% marks AND 2 years experience as Technician Grade-2 (Mechanical) in PSPCL/PSTCL. |
| Technician Grade-1 / Instrumentation | 3/4-year recognized Diploma in Instrumentation/Electronics/Electrical/Computer Engineering with minimum 50% marks; OR Matric with regular ITI in Instrumentation/Electronics/Electrical/Computer discipline with minimum 60% marks AND 2 years experience as Technician Grade-2 (Instrumentation) in PSPCL/PSTCL. |
| Welder Grade-1 | Matric with ITI Certificate in Welding AND Certificate in welding as per IBR 1950 regarding radiographic welding on carbon steels, alloy steels pipes and tubes. |
| Loco Shunter Operator | Matric with Heavy Duty Driving Licence. |
| Fireman | 1-year Certificate/Diploma in Fire Fighting from a State/Central Govt. recognized institution with minimum 50% marks AND Matric with Punjabi at Matriculation level (or equivalent certificate from recognized institution). Physical standards: Height – 5 feet 5 inches; Chest – 33.5 inches (unexpanded), 35 inches (expanded); Vision – 6/6 both eyes without glasses. (For women/girls: only height and vision standards apply.) |
Physical Fitness Standard for Fireman (CBT-qualified candidates):
- Running a distance of 100 yards with a weight of 60 kg stones in one minute.
- Lifting the hook ladder to a vertical position from the 3rd and 6th round.
- Climbing a rope or a vertical pipe to a height of 8–10 feet from the ground.
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 – Age Limit
Candidates must be between 18 and 37 years of age as on 01-01-2026. For Fireman post, candidates must be between 18 and 37 years as on the date of advertisement. Relaxation in upper age limit is as per Punjab Govt. instructions adopted by PSPCL.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 18 to 37 years as on 01-01-2026 |
| SC / Backward Class | 5 years over and above maximum age (up to 42 years) |
| Ex-Serviceman (Self) – Punjab Domicile | Period of Armed Forces service deducted from actual age; resultant age should not exceed maximum age limit by more than 3 years |
| Physically Handicapped (PwD) | 10 years over and above maximum age (up to 47 years) |
| Widow / Legally Separated / Divorced / Deserted Women / Wife of Disabled Military Personnel / Wives of Serving Military Personnel | Upper age limit is 40 years |
| Serving Employees of PSPCL / PSTCL / Punjab Govt. | To the extent of service rendered in PSPCL / erstwhile PSEB / PSTCL / Punjab Govt. |
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 – Application Fee
Fee is non-refundable and must be deposited by online mode only. Applications without fee deposit will be rejected. If applying for more than one post, candidates must submit a separate application and fee for each post. Bank charges, if any, are applicable in addition to the fee. GST is applicable at 18% on the base fee.
| Category | Application Fee | GST @ 18% | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| All candidates except SC and PwD | Rs. 1,200/- | Rs. 216/- | Rs. 1,416/- + Bank Charges (if applicable) |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) and PwD candidates | Rs. 750/- | Rs. 135/- | Rs. 885/- + Bank Charges (if applicable) |
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process
Selection is based on a Computer Based Online Test (CBT). For the post of Fireman, CBT-qualified candidates must additionally pass the prescribed Physical Test/Physical Fitness Standard. The merit list is prepared category-wise based on marks secured in the CBT only (except Sports Person category whose merit is prepared by the Office of Director/Sports, Punjab). If the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, score normalization (as per Annexure-B) will be applied. In case of equal marks, the higher-age candidate will be ranked higher.
Minimum Qualifying Marks in Online Test:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 45% |
| EWS, SC, BC, Ex-Serviceman, Freedom Fighter, Sports Person, PwD | 35% |
PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 – Exam Pattern
Group B Posts – Certified Welder and APA (Mechanical): No mandatory Punjabi qualifying test. Single-paper CBT of 100 MCQ questions, 2 hours duration.
| Sr. No. | Topic | No. of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Questions related to concerned discipline | 50 |
| 2 | Punjabi Language Knowledge | 20 |
| 3 | General Knowledge | 10 |
| 4 | Reasoning | 10 |
| 5 | General English | 10 |
| Total | 100 | |
Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes). Marking: +1 for each correct answer; -0.25 for each wrong answer. No negative marking is not applicable — negative marking of 1/4th is applied.
Group C Posts – Laboratory Assistant, Fireman, Technician Grade-1 (Mechanical), Technician Grade-1 (Instrumentation), Welder Grade-1, Electrician Grade-1: Two-part CBT. Part-I is a mandatory Punjabi qualifying test. Candidates must score minimum 50% (25/50) in Part-I to be considered for Part-II marks. Total duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
| Part | Topic | No. of Questions | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I (Qualifying) | Knowledge of Punjabi Language | 50 | No negative marking |
| Part-II – 1 | Questions related to concerned discipline | 50 | -0.25 per wrong answer |
| Part-II – 2 | Punjabi Language Knowledge | 20 | |
| Part-II – 3 | General Knowledge | 10 | |
| Part-II – 4 | Reasoning | 10 | |
| Part-II – 5 | General English | 10 | |
| Part-II Total | 100 | ||
Part-II is bilingual (English/Punjabi) — candidates may choose the language during the exam.
Posts of Bulldozer Operator and Loco Shunter Operator: Two-part CBT (same Part-I Punjabi qualifying test). Part-II covers general topics only (no discipline-specific questions). Total duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
| Part | Topic | No. of Questions | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part-I (Qualifying) | Knowledge of Punjabi Language | 50 | No negative marking |
| Part-II – 1 | Punjabi Language Knowledge | 20 | -0.25 per wrong answer |
| Part-II – 2 | General Knowledge | 20 | |
| Part-II – 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 20 | |
| Part-II – 4 | Reasoning | 20 | |
| Part-II – 5 | General English | 20 | |
| Part-II Total | 100 | ||
Competition Level Analysis for PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026
The competition for PSPCL CRA 314/26 is expected to be moderate to high, particularly for high-vacancy posts like Fireman (35), Laboratory Assistant (14), Bulldozer Operator (12), Electrician Grade-1 (12), and Loco Shunter Operator (12). PSPCL recruitments attract a large number of ITI, diploma, and graduate holders from across Punjab and neighbouring states. The mandatory Punjabi qualifying test (Part-I, 50% cut-off) for Group C posts acts as a key filter, specifically restricting non-Punjab domicile candidates and those without Punjabi language proficiency. The Fireman post adds an additional physical fitness test after CBT, reducing the effective competition at the final stage. Normalization will be applied if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, meaning raw scores may not directly reflect final merit.
Who should NOT apply for PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026?
- Candidates who do not hold the specific educational qualification prescribed for the post they wish to apply for (e.g., non-Chemistry graduates for Lab Assistant, non-diploma holders for Technician Grade-1 posts).
- Candidates who have not passed Punjabi at Matriculation level or equivalent from a recognized institution — Punjabi qualification is mandatory for all posts.
- Candidates below 18 years or above 37 years of age as on 01-01-2026 without eligibility for any prescribed age relaxation.
- Candidates who are not domiciled in Punjab and are seeking reservation benefits — reservation applies only to Punjab Domicile candidates.
- OBC/BC (Creamy Layer) candidates expecting reserved category benefits — only Non-Creamy Layer BC candidates with valid GoP certificates are entitled to BC reservation.
- Fireman aspirants who do not meet the physical standards (height 5'5", chest 33.5"/35", vision 6/6 without glasses) or are not physically fit to pass the prescribed fitness test.
- Candidates expecting absorption into permanent cadre immediately — probation period is 3 years and newly appointed candidates receive minimum admissible pay only during probation.
- PwBD candidates whose disability type is not listed under the identified suitable categories for the specific post as per Annexure-A of the notification.
- Candidates currently in Government/Semi-Government/PSU service who cannot obtain and submit a proper NOC at the time of joining.
Common Mistakes / What to Check Before Applying for PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026?
- Applying for multiple posts with a single registration — a separate application and separate fee payment is required for each post.
- Selecting the wrong category or sub-category — once submitted, category cannot be changed. Candidates applying under a wrong category will be rejected without notice.
- Not depositing the fee by the last date (06-07-2026) — application is considered complete only after fee deposit; applications without fee are automatically rejected.
- EWS candidates not procuring the Income and Asset Certificate for FY 2025-26 (valid for FY 2026-27) before the last date — this certificate is mandatory for EWS reservation benefits.
- SC/BC candidates applying without valid Punjab Govt. prescribed caste certificates, or with certificates issued by an authority other than prescribed.
- Sports Person category candidates not submitting their Sports Gradation Certificates to PSPCL Head Office Recruitment Section, Patiala before or by the last date of application, separately for each post applied for.
- Uploading unclear or oversized photograph/signature not meeting the specified pixel and file size requirements.
- Registering the same post multiple times — only the latest application (highest application number) will be considered; earlier fee payments will not be adjusted or refunded.
- Not checking PSPCL website and registered email regularly — all communications including admit card, document checking schedule, and exam date are notified only on www.pspcl.in and registered email.
- Group C post candidates underestimating the mandatory Part-I Punjabi qualifying test — failure to score 25/50 in Part-I eliminates the candidate entirely, regardless of Part-II marks.
How to Apply for PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026
Candidates must apply online through the PSPCL website at www.pspcl.in. No other mode of application (manual/paper/email) will be accepted. Candidates must have a valid personal mobile number and email ID active throughout the recruitment process.
Step I – Online Registration: Visit www.pspcl.in → Click on "Recruitment" tab → Select the relevant CRA 314/26 link → Click "NEW REGISTRATION" → Fill all details (name, DOB, father's name, mobile, email) → Verify OTP on registered mobile/email → Upload photograph and signature → Save and submit. Before final submission, accept the Terms & Conditions and Self-declaration.
Photograph Specifications: 150 × 200 pixels (preferred); 20 KB–50 KB; JPG/JPEG; recent passport size colour.
Signature Specifications: 140 × 60 pixels (preferred); 10 KB–20 KB; JPG/JPEG; signed with black ink on white paper.
Step II – Fee Deposit: After application submission, deposit the fee via SBI Payment Gateway (Internet Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card) from the fee payment link. Retain transaction number and take printout of payment receipt. Fee can also be paid separately by revisiting www.pspcl.in and logging in as Registered Candidate.
Step III – Print Application Form: After successful fee deposit, log in again and download/print the final application form for future reference.
Apply Online at: https://www.pspcl.in
Helpdesk: [email protected] (quote Registration Number in all queries)
Important Instructions for PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 Candidates
- Candidature is purely provisional and subject to fulfillment of eligibility criteria at document checking — mere issue of admit card or qualifying the CBT does not imply final selection.
- All qualifications, age, category, and other eligibility conditions must be fulfilled as on the last date of online application (01-07-2026).
- Category/sub-category once filled cannot be changed under any circumstances. Candidates applying under the wrong category will be rejected without any further notice.
- Candidates with result awaited should write "RESULT AWAITED" in the Year of Passing column but must acquire the required qualification by the last date.
- SC/BC reservation is applicable only for Punjab Domicile candidates. Candidates must produce proof of Punjab domicile at document checking.
- EWS candidates must possess an Income and Asset Certificate showing gross annual family income for FY 2025-26, valid for FY 2026-27.
- Ex-Serviceman (Self) certificate must be issued by the concerned District Sainik Welfare Officer, Govt. of Punjab. Lineal Descendant Certificate (for Dependent) must also be from the same authority.
- Freedom Fighter certificate must be issued by the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district as per Punjab Govt. instructions.
- Sports Person category candidates must submit Sports Gradation Certificates to PSPCL Head Office, Recruitment Section, Patiala before or by the last date of application — separately for each post applied for. Merit for Sports Person category is prepared by the Office of Director/Sports, Punjab.
- PwD reservation is as per The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Minimum benchmark disability is 40%. PwD certificate must be issued by Civil Surgeon, Govt. of Punjab.
- For Fireman post: CBT-qualified candidates must also pass the Physical Test (100 yards with 60 kg weight in 1 minute, hook ladder, rope/pipe climbing) for final selection.
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, bags, purses, electronic/non-electronic instruments, and ornaments are strictly banned in the examination complex. Only admit card and photo identity proof are to be brought.
- On the day of exam, bring print of admit card along with Aadhaar Card and one more valid photo ID (Driving Licence / Voter Card / Passport / Employer ID from Govt. institution).
- Candidates currently working in Government/Semi-Government/PSU/Cooperative organizations must submit a NOC from their organization after resigning and before joining PSPCL.
- Selected candidates issued appointment letters must join within 21 days. A final notice of 21 more days will be given if not joined on scheduled date. Failure to join even after final notice will result in automatic cancellation of appointment letter.
- Validity of selection panels is one year from the date of approval of the first selection panel by the competent authority. Candidates on the waiting list will not be considered after expiry of validity.
- No TA/DA will be paid for online test, document checking, or counselling.
- In case of any dispute or ambiguity, legal jurisdiction shall be subject to Local Courts at Patiala only.
