The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), headquartered in Patiala, has announced the PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 for 116 candidates across 10 technical and operational categories. Available positions include Certified Welder, Fireman, Auxiliary Plant Attendant, and Technician Grade-1.
The selection process features a computer-based online test (CBT) with mandatory Punjabi language proficiency required. The selection is based on merit determined through CBT performance, with the Fireman post requiring an additional physical fitness test. Candidates must possess domain-specific qualifications ranging from ITI certificates to engineering diplomas and degrees. The application window runs from 11 June 2026 to 1 July 2026, with the fee submission deadline on 6 July 2026. Complete details are available on the official portal at https://www.pspcl.in.
Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Patiala |
| Advertisement Number | CRA 314/26 dated 08/06/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 116 |
| Posts Notified | 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 |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Selection Mode | Computer-Based Online Test (CBT) + Physical Test (Fireman only) |
| Probation Period | 3 years |
| Official Website | https://www.pspcl.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Start Date | 11/06/2026 |
| Online Registration Last Date | 01/07/2026 |
| Fee Submission Deadline | 06/07/2026 |
| Admit Card Upload (Tentative) | 7 days before exam date |
| Final Admit Card Upload | 3 days before exam date |
| Online Test Date | To be notified on the official website |
Age Limit
| Category | Age Range |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 18 to 37 years as on 01/01/2026 |
| SC / Backward Class | 18 to 42 years (5 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Serviceman (Self) – Punjab Domicile | Service period deducted; resultant age not exceeding 40 years |
| Physically Disabled (PwD) | 18 to 47 years (10 years relaxation) |
| Widow / Legally Separated / Divorced / Deserted Women | 18 to 40 years |
| Serving PSPCL/PSTCL/Punjab Govt. Employees | Age relaxation equivalent to service rendered |
Educational Qualification
| Post Name | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Certified Welder | Welding trade certificate with IBR 1950 certification in carbon steel root weld and radiographic quality welding on TIG |
| APA (Mechanical) | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (3/4-year, 60% marks) OR BE/B.Tech/B.Sc in Mechanical (50% marks) OR AMIE in Mechanical (50% marks) |
| Bulldozer Operator | Matriculation with a Heavy Duty Driving Licence |
| Laboratory Assistant | B.Sc with Chemistry main subject (60% marks) OR M.Sc Chemistry (50% marks) |
| Electrician Grade-1 | Diploma in Electrical (3/4-year, 50% marks) OR Matric + ITI Electrical (60% marks) + 2 years experience as Electrician Grade-2 in PSPCL/PSTCL |
| Technician Grade-1 / Mechanical | Diploma in Mechanical (3/4-year, 50% marks) OR Matric + ITI Mechanical (60% marks) + 2 years experience as Technician Grade-2 (Mechanical) in PSPCL/PSTCL |
| Technician Grade-1 / Instrumentation | Diploma in Instrumentation/Electronics/Electrical/Computer (3/4-year, 50% marks) OR Matric + ITI in relevant discipline (60% marks) + 2 years experience as Technician Grade-2 (Instrumentation) in PSPCL/PSTCL |
| Welder Grade-1 | Matric with ITI Welding + IBR 1950 certification in radiographic welding on carbon steel, alloy steel pipes, and tubes |
| Loco Shunter Operator | Matriculation with a Heavy Duty Driving Licence |
| Fireman | 1-year Certificate/Diploma in Fire Fighting (50% marks) + Matric with Punjabi at Matriculation level + Physical Standards: Height 5’5″, Chest 33.5″ unexpanded/35″ expanded, Vision 6/6 without glasses (Women: height and vision only) |
Important Note: Proficiency in the Punjabi language at the Matriculation level is mandatory for all posts. All qualifications must be acquired by the application deadline (01/07/2026).
Vacancy Details & Job Profile
| Sr. No. | Post Name | Total Vacancies | Pay Scale (7th CPC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Welder | 01 | Rs. 35,400/- (Level-6) |
| 2 | APA (Mechanical) | 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) |
Role & Responsibilities
Technical and operational positions at PSPCL involve specialized maintenance, safety, and production roles for power supply across Punjab. Firemen in power plants safeguard industrial installations through fire prevention protocols and emergency response coordination. Electricians Grade-1 manage transformer maintenance, circuit troubleshooting, and high-voltage system operations. Technicians in mechanical and instrumentation disciplines handle precision equipment calibration, predictive maintenance, and process monitoring. Probation periods of 3 years apply.
Application Fee
| Category | Base Fee | GST (18%) | Total Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS/Others | Rs. 1,200/- | Rs. 216/- | Rs. 1,416/- + Bank Charges |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / PwD | Rs. 750/- | Rs. 135/- | Rs. 885/- + Bank Charges |
Note: Fees are non-refundable. Separate applications and fees are required for each post. Bank charges, if any, are additional.
Selection Process
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Computer-Based Online Test (CBT) | Written examination with multiple-choice questions based on post-specific topics |
| Qualifying Marks | General: 45% EWS/SC/BC/XSM/FF/SP/PwD: 35% |
| Normalization (if applicable) | Score normalization is applied if exams are conducted in multiple shifts |
| Merit Ranking | Higher age candidates ranked higher in case of equal CBT marks |
| Physical Test (Fireman only) | 100 yards run with 60 kg weight in 1 minute, hook ladder lift, rope/pipe climbing 8-10 feet height |
Exam Pattern
Group B Posts (Certified Welder, APA Mechanical):
| Topic | Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Discipline-Specific Questions | 50 | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Punjabi Language | 20 | |
| General Knowledge | 10 | |
| Reasoning | 10 | |
| General English | 10 | |
| Total | 100 |
Marking: +1 for correct answer; -0.25 for incorrect answer.
Group C Posts (Laboratory Assistant, Fireman, Technicians, Electrician Grade-1, Welder Grade-1):
Part I (Mandatory Qualifying Test): 50 Punjabi questions, no negative marking. Minimum 50% (25/50) required to proceed to Part-II. Total duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) for both parts combined.
Part-II (Main Test): 100 questions covering discipline-specific topics (50), Punjabi language (20), General Knowledge (10), reasoning (10), General English (10). Marking: +1 correct, -0.25 incorrect.
Posts: Bulldozer Operator & Loco Shunter Operator:
Part I (Qualifying): 50 Punjabi questions, no negative marking, 50% minimum required. Part-II: 100 questions covering Punjabi (20), General Knowledge (20), Quantitative Aptitude (20), Reasoning (20), General English (20). Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) total. Marking: +1 correct, -0.25 incorrect.
How to Apply for PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official PSPCL website at https://www.pspcl.in, locate the CRA 314/26 notification link in the Recruitment section, and click on “NEW REGISTRATION” to complete your application profile and pay the applicable fee before the 01 July 2026 deadline.
Physical Fitness Standards for Fireman
Candidates who qualify for the CBT for the Fireman post must clear the following physical fitness test: * Running 100 yards while carrying a 60 kg weight in one minute without stopping. * Lifting a hook ladder from the ground to a vertical position, starting from the 3rd and 6th rungs. * Climbing a vertical rope or metal pipe to a height of 8-10 feet using hand and body strength.
Women candidates must pass vision (6/6 without glasses) and height (5’5″ minimum) standards; chest and weight-carrying tests are waived.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Candidature remains provisional until all eligibility criteria are verified during document checking. Issuance of an admit card or qualifying for the CBT does not imply final selection. Category selection cannot be altered after submission.
SC/BC reservation applies exclusively to Punjab Domicile candidates; domicile proof is mandatory at document verification. EWS candidates must produce an Income and Asset Certificate for FY 2025-26. Ex-Serviceman certificates must originate from the concerned District Saint Welfare Officer. PWD reservation follows the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Candidates employed in Government, Semi-Government, PSU, or Cooperative organizations must obtain and submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after resignation and before joining PSPCL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many vacancies are there in the PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026? Ans: The PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026 features a total of 116 vacancies spread across 10 different roles. This includes 35 openings for Firemen, 14 for Laboratory Assistants, and 12 each for Bulldozer Operators, Electrician Grade-1, and Loco Shunter Operators, among other technical positions.
Q2: When is the final day to apply for the PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026? Ans: The online application portal closes on 01/07/2026. However, you have until 06/07/2026 to submit your application fee. Make sure to finish both your registration and payment by these respective dates.
Q3: Do I need to know Punjabi to apply for these posts? Ans: Yes, having Punjabi language proficiency at the Matriculation level or its equivalent is a strict requirement for all 10 positions under the PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026. You must meet this qualification by the application deadline.
Q4: What are the age limits for the PSPCL CRA 314/26 Recruitment 2026? Ans: Generally, applicants should be between 18 and 37 years old as of 01/01/2026. There are age relaxations for certain categories: SC and Backward Class candidates get up to 42 years (a 5-year relaxation), while Persons with Disabilities (PwD) can apply up to the age of 47. Ex-Servicemen and other groups have specific rules detailed in the official notification.
Q5: Will all applicants take the same exam? Ans: No, the exam structure depends on the post you are applying for. Group B roles like Certified Welder and APA Mechanical require a single 2-hour computer-based test (CBT) with 100 questions. Group C roles, such as Laboratory Assistant and Fireman, involve a 3-hour exam split into two parts, starting with a mandatory Punjabi qualifying test. Bulldozer and Loco Shunter Operators also take a two-part exam tailored to their specific topics.
Q6: How much is the application fee? Ans: The fee varies by category. General, OBC, and EWS candidates are required to pay Rs. 1,416/-, which includes 18% GST and bank charges. For SC and PwD candidates, the fee is reduced to Rs. 885/-. Please note that these fees are non-refundable.
Q7: What if I miss the fee payment deadline? Ans: If you do not deposit the required fee by 06/07/2026, your application will be considered incomplete and will be automatically rejected. Completing the online registration is not enough; the fee payment is mandatory to finalize the process.
Q8: Is a physical fitness test required for all positions? Ans: No, only candidates applying for the Fireman post who successfully pass the CBT will need to undergo a physical fitness test. Selection for all other positions is based solely on the CBT scores.
Q9: Can I update my category after I submit the application form? Ans: No, once you select your category and submit the application, it becomes permanent and cannot be changed. Choosing the wrong category will result in an automatic rejection, so be careful during registration.
Q10: Must I be a resident of Punjab to apply? Ans: Anyone can apply for these vacancies. However, specific reservation benefits, such as those for SC, BC, and EWS, are strictly limited to candidates who hold a Punjab Domicile. If you are from outside Punjab, you must apply under the General (UR) category.