PSSSB Excise Inspector Admit Card 2026
Job Description
Eligibility
How to Apply
Overview
The Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) conducts recruitment for the position of Excise Inspector in the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department. This is a state-level competitive examination for candidates aspiring to join the enforcement wing responsible for implementing excise laws, preventing illicit liquor trade, and ensuring compliance with taxation regulations. The Excise Inspector role is a Group-C gazetted post under the Punjab State Government with significant field responsibilities. Selected candidates will be posted across various districts in Punjab to carry out enforcement duties, conduct raids, and maintain excise revenue collection. This position offers job security, good salary structure, and opportunities for career advancement within the state excise department.
Important Dates
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2025 (Indicative) |
| Application Start Date | December 2025 (Indicative) |
| Application Last Date | January 2026 (Indicative) |
| Fee Payment Last Date | January 2026 (Indicative) |
| Admit Card Release | February 2026 (Expected) |
| Written Examination Date | March 2026 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 (Expected) |
Vacancy Details
Vacancy Distribution (Typical / Indicative)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| UR (General) | 79 |
| SC | 59 |
| ST | - |
| OBC | 39 |
| EWS | 20 |
| Total | 197 |
Eligibility
Educational Qualification
- Minimum Qualification: Bachelor's Degree from a recognized University
- Candidates must possess a valid degree in any discipline
- Degree must be from a UGC recognized institution
- Final year/semester students are NOT eligible to apply
Age Limit
Typical / Indicative age criteria:
| Requirement | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years |
| Maximum Age | 35 years |
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST candidates | 5 years |
| OBC candidates | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years |
| PwD (UR) | 10 years |
| PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
Note: Age is calculated as on the date specified in official notification.
Nationality
- Candidate must be a citizen of India
- Candidates must be domicile of Punjab State (as per Punjab State Domicile requirements)
How to Apply
How to Apply
- Visit the official PSSSB website at www.punjabsssb.gov.in or sssb.punjab.gov.in
- Click on the 'Excise Inspector Recruitment 2026' notification link on the homepage
- Read the detailed advertisement carefully and check eligibility criteria
- Click on 'Apply Online' or 'New Registration' button
- Complete the registration process by providing basic details (name, mobile, email)
- Verify mobile number and email through OTP
- Login using generated credentials (registration number and password)
- Fill the application form with personal, educational, and other required details
- Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and required documents (JPG format, specified size limits)
- Verify all entered information thoroughly before final submission
- Pay the application fee through online mode (Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI)
- Submit the application form and save the confirmation page
- Download and take printout of the submitted application for future reference
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS candidates | ₹1,000 |
| SC/ST candidates (Punjab domicile) | ₹250 |
| Ex-Servicemen | ₹250 |
| PwD candidates | ₹250 |
Payment Mode: Online only (Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI)
Selection Process
Selection Stages
- Written Examination (Objective Type): Computer-based or offline objective type test covering General Knowledge, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, Punjabi, and subjects related to excise and taxation laws. This is the primary screening stage carrying maximum weightage.
- Physical Measurement Test (PMT): Candidates qualifying the written exam will undergo physical measurement verification as per prescribed standards. Height and chest measurements will be checked for male candidates as per Punjab Government norms.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): Qualifying candidates must complete specified physical tasks such as running, long jump or other endurance tests within prescribed time limits to demonstrate physical fitness required for field duties.
- Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates after PET will be called for original document verification including educational certificates, caste certificates, domicile certificate, age proof, and other relevant documents.
- Medical Examination: Finally selected candidates must undergo a thorough medical examination by authorized medical board to ensure fitness for the demanding field duties of an Excise Inspector.
- Final Merit List: Merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in written examination, and candidates are selected as per available vacancies and reservation norms.
Exam Pattern
Written Examination Pattern
Main Examination (Single Paper)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 30 | 30 | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Reasoning & Mental Ability | 25 | 25 | |
| Quantitative Aptitude & Mathematics | 25 | 25 | |
| English Language | 20 | 20 | |
| Punjabi Language | 20 | 20 | |
| Excise & Taxation Related Knowledge | 30 | 30 | |
| Total | 150 | 150 | 120 minutes |
Exam Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT) or Offline OMR based (as per PSSSB decision)
Negative Marking: Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
Qualifying Marks: Candidates must score minimum qualifying marks (typically 35% for General, 32% for OBC, 30% for SC/ST categories)
Syllabus
Detailed Syllabus
General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)
- Indian National Movement and Freedom Struggle
- Geography of India and Punjab
- Indian Polity and Constitution
- Economic and Social Development of India
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Sports and Awards
- Important Days and Events
- Books and Authors
- Science and Technology developments
Reasoning & Mental Ability
- Analogies and Similarities
- Differences and Classification
- Series Completion (Number, Letter, Figure)
- Coding and Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense Test
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Alphabet and Number Tests
- Mathematical Operations
- Analytical Reasoning
- Statement and Conclusions
- Syllogisms
Quantitative Aptitude & Mathematics
- Number Systems and Simplification
- Percentage and Average
- Ratio and Proportion
- Profit, Loss and Discount
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Mensuration (Area and Volume)
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Algebra (Basic equations)
- Geometry basics
English Language
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
- Grammar (Tenses, Articles, Prepositions)
- Sentence Correction and Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Comprehension Passages
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Active and Passive Voice
- Direct and Indirect Speech
Punjabi Language
- Punjabi Grammar (ਵਿਆਕਰਣ)
- Punjabi Vocabulary
- Comprehension in Punjabi
- Translation (English to Punjabi / Punjabi to English)
- Punjabi Literature basics
- Sentence formation in Punjabi
- Common usage and idioms
Excise & Taxation Knowledge
- Punjab Excise Act and Rules
- Excise Policy of Punjab
- Types of Excise Licenses
- Prohibition laws and regulations
- Taxation basics related to liquor
- Powers and duties of Excise Inspector
- Penalties and offences under Excise Act
- Revenue collection procedures
- Prevention of illicit distillation
- Legal provisions for raids and seizures
Salary
Salary Structure (Typical / Indicative)
| Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹35,400 |
| Pay Scale / Level | Level-7 (₹35,400 - 1,12,400) as per 7th Pay Commission |
| Gross Monthly Salary | ₹52,000 - 58,000 |
| In-Hand Salary (approx.) | ₹45,000 - 50,000 |
Major Allowances & Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently around 50% of Basic Pay (revised twice yearly)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): 9-27% depending on city classification (X/Y/Z)
- Transport Allowance: ₹3,600 - 7,200 per month
- Medical Allowance: As per Punjab Government rules
- Other Benefits: Annual increment, pension benefits under National Pension Scheme (NPS), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Group Insurance, Provident Fund
Career Growth
Excise Inspectors have excellent career progression opportunities within the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department. After gaining experience and clearing departmental exams, officers can be promoted to Excise and Taxation Officer (ETO), then to Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner (AETC), and eventually to senior positions like Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Excise. The typical career span involves 25-30 years of service with regular promotions based on performance, seniority, and departmental examination results.
Admit Card
PSSSB will release the Excise Inspector Admit Card approximately 10-15 days before the scheduled examination date on the official website. Candidates need to login using their registration number/application number and date of birth to download their admit card. The admit card contains important details like exam date, time, venue, reporting time, and important instructions. Candidates must carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Driving License) to the examination center for entry.
Result
PSSSB will declare the written examination result within 4-6 weeks after the exam date on the official website. The result will be published in PDF format containing roll numbers of qualified candidates. Candidates can also check their individual scorecard by logging into their account. The final merit list will be prepared after completion of all selection stages (written exam, PMT, PET, and document verification) and will be published on the official portal with category-wise cutoff marks.
Expected Cutoff
The cutoff marks for PSSSB Excise Inspector examination vary based on category and difficulty level of the question paper. Typically, General category candidates need to score around 90-100 marks out of 150 (60-67%), OBC candidates around 85-95 marks (57-63%), and SC category candidates around 70-80 marks (47-53%) to qualify. The cutoff fluctuates each year depending on the number of vacancies, total applicants, and overall exam difficulty.
Exam Centres
Examination Cities
Punjab (Primary Centers): Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, Mohali, Chandigarh, Ferozepur, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Sangrur, Moga, Fazilka
Note: PSSSB primarily conducts examinations at centers within Punjab state. Candidates can select their preferred exam city during the application process, though final allotment depends on availability and is at the discretion of PSSSB.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the educational qualification required for PSSSB Excise Inspector?
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The degree must be completed at the time of application; final year students are not eligible to apply.
What is the application fee for PSSSB Excise Inspector recruitment?
The application fee is ₹1,000 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and ₹250 for SC/ST/Ex-Servicemen/PwD candidates of Punjab. Payment must be made online through Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
How many vacancies are available for PSSSB Excise Inspector 2026?
A total of 197 vacancies are available for the Excise Inspector position. The distribution includes approximately 79 UR, 59 SC, 39 OBC, and 20 EWS posts, subject to official notification.
What is the salary of PSSSB Excise Inspector?
The starting basic pay is ₹35,400 in Level-7 pay scale (₹35,400-1,12,400) as per 7th Pay Commission. With allowances like DA, HRA, and TA, the gross salary ranges from ₹52,000-58,000, with in-hand salary approximately ₹45,000-50,000 per month.
How many attempts are allowed for PSSSB Excise Inspector exam?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for PSSSB Excise Inspector examination. Candidates can apply multiple times as long as they meet the age eligibility criteria (18-35 years for General category with relaxations for reserved categories).
Is there negative marking in PSSSB Excise Inspector exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in the examination. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question) will be deducted from the total score.
What is the application mode for PSSSB Excise Inspector?
The application process is completely online. Candidates must visit the official PSSSB website (sssb.punjab.gov.in), register, fill the application form, upload documents, pay the fee online, and submit the application digitally. No offline applications are accepted.
What are the stages of selection for PSSSB Excise Inspector?
The selection process includes six stages: Written Examination (objective type), Physical Measurement Test (PMT), Physical Efficiency Test (PET), Document Verification, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List preparation based on written exam marks.