SSSB Punjab Assistant District Attorney Recruitment 2026 – ₹48K In-Hand Salary
Candidates waiting for Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSSB) notification can finally apply for 170 Assistant District Attorney (ADA) posts. The official advertisement Advt. No. 09/2026 requires LLB degree with two years of practice at the Bar. Online registration starts 30 April 2026 and closes 20 May 2026. Unlike regular job posts, this role offers approx ₹48,000 per month in-hand after deductions under 7th Pay Commission, making it one of the most attractive Group-B legal positions in Punjab. Below you will find category-wise vacancy split, age relaxation for SC/BC/OBC, exact document checklist, and how to calculate your age as on 01.01.2026.
| Organisation | Subordinate Services Selection Board, Punjab (SSSB Punjab) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Assistant District Attorney (Sahayak Zila Attorney) |
| Total Vacancies | 170 |
| Application Last Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Minimum Qualification | LLB (Professional Degree) + 2 years practice at Bar + Matric with Punjabi |
| Approx. In-Hand Salary | ₹48,000 – ₹49,500 per month |
| Selection Process | Written Exam (MCQ, negative marking) → Counselling/Document Verification |
Based on official notification by SSSB Punjab, Advt. No. 09/2026. Verified: April 2026.
Quick Eligibility Check
- You possess a Bachelor of Law (LLB) from a recognised university.
- You have completed at least 2 years of practice as an advocate (enrolled under Advocates Act, 1961).
- You have passed Matriculation (10th) with Punjabi as compulsory or elective subject.
- You are a domicile of Punjab (for claiming reservation benefits).
- You hold only an LLM without LLB or have not completed 2 years of practice.
- You have not studied Punjabi up to 10th level (no equivalent certificate accepted unless specified by govt).
- Your LLB degree is from a non-recognised institution or obtained through correspondence without bar enrolment.
Expert note: The 2-year practice experience must be counted after enrolment as an advocate. Internship or apprenticeship does NOT count. You must upload bar enrolment certificate and experience proof.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 24 April 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 30 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | 20 May 2026 |
| Written Exam (Tentative) | To be notified on SSSB website |
| Result & Merit List | To be notified |
Vacancy and Category Analysis – 170 Posts
| Post Name | UR (General) | SC (M&B) | SC (R&O) | BC | EWS | Ex‑Serviceman* | Sports* | PwD* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant District Attorney | 76 | 16 | 13 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 170 |
🔍 Insight (100+ words): The highest number of seats are under General (UR) category – 76 vacancies, which is 44.7% of total. This is favorable for candidates without any reservation. Among reserved categories, SC (combined M&B + R&O) gets 29 posts, BC gets 20, and EWS gets 17. Ex‑servicemen (Self + Dependent) total 13 seats, Sports persons 6 seats, and Persons with Disabilities (Ortho, Visually Impaired, Hearing Impaired, ID/MD) together get 7 seats. Additionally, 56 out of 170 vacancies are explicitly reserved for women (as per The Punjab Civil Services (Reservation of Posts for Women) Rules, 2020). Women candidates should note that horizontal reservation applies within each category. Competition ratio is expected to be high due to limited seats and specific experience requirement. If the department reduces or increases vacancies during recruitment, SSSB will modify the list accordingly.
Salary and In-Hand Calculation – ADA Punjab 2026
| Pay Component | Amount (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Level 6, 7th CPC) | 35,400 | As per notification pay scale 35400/- |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) @ 25% | 8,850 | Current Punjab DA rate approx 25% of basic |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) @ 15% | 5,310 | For SAS Nagar/Mohali (Class X city) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | 3,600 | As per Group‑B post standard |
| Gross Monthly Salary | 53,160 | |
| NPS Contribution (10% of Basic+DA) | -4,425 | Central govt pattern applicable |
| CGEGIS + Other Deductions | -500 | Approximate |
| Approximate In-Hand Salary | ₹48,235 | ₹48,000 – ₹49,500 range |
📌 Benefit beyond salary: ADA is a Group‑B gazetted post in Punjab legal service, eligible for government accommodation, medical benefits, and career progression to District Attorney.
📌 Comparison: This in-hand is roughly ₹10,000 higher than a typical Punjab Assistant (Group‑C) and competitive with PCS (Judicial) entry level.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee (₹) | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Ex‑Serviceman / EWS / PwD / LDESM (Punjab only) | 500 | Online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
| SC / BC (Punjab only) | 750 | |
| All Other Categories (General, etc.) | 1500 |
⚠️ Fee mistake to avoid: Once paid, fee is non‑refundable even if your application is rejected. Do not pay twice. Double‑check your category code before payment.
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 18 | 37 | – |
| SC / BC (Punjab domicile) | 18 | 42 | +5 years |
| Central/State Govt Employee | 18 | 45 | As per service rules |
| PwD (Punjab domicile) | 18 | 47 | +10 years |
| Ex‑Serviceman | 18 | As per Punjab Ex‑Servicemen Rules 1982 | Service period deducted + 3 years max |
| Widows / Divorcees (as per 1984 letter) | 18 | 40 | +3 years |
📅 Example calculation: Your last date to apply is 20 May 2026, but age is fixed on 01.01.2026. If you are General and born on 02.01.1989, on 01.01.2026 you are 36 years 11 months – eligible. Born 01.01.1989 makes you 37 exactly – eligible.
Eligibility Criteria – Educational & Experience
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor of Law (LLB) – Professional Degree from recognised university OR Barrister of England/Ireland OR Member of Faculty of Advocates (Scotland) eligible for enrolment under Advocates Act 1961. |
| Experience | 2 years practice at the Bar (after enrolment as advocate). |
| Punjabi Language | Must have passed Matriculation (10th) with Punjabi as compulsory or elective subject, as per Punjab Civil Services (General) Rules 1994. |
| Cut‑off date | All qualifications must be completed before the last date of application (20 May 2026) – Notification No. G.S.R.7/Const./Art.309/Amd.(23)/2026. |
❌ Common mistake: Many candidates assume “2 years of practice” means 2 years after LLB but before bar enrolment. No – only after enrolling as advocate. Also, final year law students are NOT eligible because you need both degree and 2 years practice completed by 20 May 2026.
Selection Process
Stage 1 – Written Examination (Objective Type • MCQ)
The exam will have multiple choice questions. Each question carries 1 mark. Negative marking is applicable: ¼ mark deducted for every wrong answer. Merit list is based purely on written exam scores. No interview stage, only document verification.
Stage 2 – Counselling & Document Verification
Candidates above the category‑wise cut‑off will be called for counselling. You must bring original certificates (LLB, bar enrolment, experience proof, Punjabi matric certificate, domicile, category certificate). Failure to produce any document leads to disqualification and next merit candidate is recommended.
📌 Your first 7 days after applying:
- Download the filled application form and payment receipt.
- Verify your category code (General‑101, SC(M&B)‑103, etc.) from page 3 of notification.
- Check that your Matric certificate clearly shows “Punjabi” subject.
- Get your 2 years practice affidavit notarised (if no separate certificate).
- Keep scanning all documents in PDF (max size as per portal).
Exam Syllabus
SSSB Punjab will release the detailed syllabus and exam pattern on its website before the exam. Candidates are advised to check
https://sssb.punjab.gov.in regularly. Do not rely on unofficial sources.
How to Apply – Online Process (8 Steps)
- Visit official SSSB Punjab website
https://sssb.punjab.gov.in. - Click “Apply Online” – then “Registration” if you don’t have User ID.
- Complete registration: your Email ID will become User ID, note down password.
- Login and fill personal, educational, and experience details carefully.
- Upload passport‑size photograph (live photo capture also allowed) and scanned signature.
- Upload required documents: 10th certificate (Punjabi proof), LLB degree, Bar enrolment certificate, 2 years practice proof, category certificate, domicile.
- Pay fee as per your category (Rs.500/750/1500) via online mode.
- After successful payment, click “Submit” – take a printout of final application form.
- ✔ Valid Email ID & Mobile Number
- ✔ Passport photo – white background (JPEG)
- ✔ Signature scan – black ink on white paper
- ✔ Matric certificate with Punjabi subject
- ✔ LLB degree & all semester/year marksheets
- ✔ Bar Council enrolment certificate
- ✔ Experience certificate (2 years practice) – from Bar association or self‑affidavit with case details
- ✔ Punjab domicile certificate (not older than 5 years for reservation benefits)
- ✔ Category certificate (SC/BC/EWS/PwD/Ex‑Serviceman) as applicable
1. Uploading LLM degree instead of LLB – rejected.
2. Not uploading Punjabi matric certificate – even if you have Punjabi as a language in graduation, 10th level is mandatory.
3. Selecting wrong category code (e.g., General candidate selecting SC code to pay less fee) – permanent disqualification.
FAQ – Assistant District Attorney Punjab 2026
- What is approximate in-hand salary after deductions?
- ₹48,000 to ₹49,500 per month. Basic pay ₹35,400 + DA (25%) + HRA (15%) + TA (₹3,600) minus NPS (10% of Basic+DA) and other deductions.
- What is last date to apply for SSSB Punjab ADA 2026?
- 20 May 2026. Online application and fee payment both close on this date.
- What are total vacancies and post names?
- Total 170 vacancies for the single post of Assistant District Attorney (Group‑B). Category split: General‑76, SC (M&B)‑16, SC (R&O)‑13, BC‑20, EWS‑17, others (Ex‑Serviceman, Sports, PwD, Freedom Fighter) combined 28.
- What is minimum educational qualification?
- LLB (Professional Degree) from recognised university + 2 years practice at Bar + Matriculation with Punjabi subject.
- What is age limit for General category?
- 18 to 37 years as on 01.01.2026. Relaxation: SC/BC up to 42, PwD up to 47, widows/divorcees up to 40.
- What is age relaxation for OBC candidates?
- In Punjab, OBC is treated as BC (Backward Class). Maximum age 42 years (relaxation of 5 years).
- What is application fee for SC category?
- ₹750. Ex‑Serviceman/EWS/PwD pay ₹500, General and other categories pay ₹1500.
- What is selection process?
- Single written exam (MCQ, negative marking 1/4) followed by counselling & document verification. No interview.
- Can final year law students apply for ADA Punjab?
- No. You need LLB degree AND 2 years practice completed before the last date of application (20 May 2026).
- What documents are required for Assistant District Attorney application?
- LLB marksheet & degree, bar enrolment certificate, 2 years practice proof, Matric Punjabi certificate, domicile, category certificate, photo, signature.
- Is there negative marking in SSSB exam?
- Yes. 1 mark per correct answer, 1/4 mark deducted per wrong answer.
- Is Punjabi compulsory for ADA recruitment?
- Yes. As per Punjab Civil Services (General) Rules, 1994 Rule 17, Matric level Punjabi is mandatory. No exemption.