Recruitment Row: Punjab SSS Board in controversy: fee hike, uncertain vacancies violate Supreme Court guidelines
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ March 19,2026
The Subordinate Services Selection Board (SSSB), Punjab—one of the key recruitment wings of the state government responsible for filling Group B, C, and D posts—has come under scrutiny over its latest recruitment drive announced during an election year.
The board has invited online applications for anticipated vacancies across various departments of the Punjab Government, expected to be received through requisitions up to September 30, 2026. However, the move has sparked concern among aspirants due to a significant hike in application fees and the absence of a clearly defined number of vacancies.
As per the notification, the fee for general category applicants has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500. Similarly, candidates belonging to SC, BC, and EWS categories will now have to pay Rs 750 instead of Rs 250. For ex-servicemen and their dependents, the fee has been raised from Rs 200 to Rs 500. Aspirants have pointed out that the previous recruitment advertisement was issued in July–August 2025, and within a span of six months, the fees have seen a steep increase.
Adding to the uncertainty, the board has stated that if no requisition is received from any department for certain categories of posts up to September 30, 2026, candidates of those categories will have no claim to appointment, even if they qualify the written examination. The notification further clarifies that the application fee will not be refunded under any circumstances.
As if the silent fee hike was not enough, the board has also allegedly flouted Supreme Court directions. The recruitment process has raised legal and transparency concerns. As per Supreme Court observations, advertisements for public employment must clearly mention the number of vacancies, details of reserved and unreserved posts, and recruitment rules. Failure to disclose the number of posts has been deemed invalid and a violation of transparency principles under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. Valid job notices must list vacancy counts, reservation ratios, and qualification details.”
While the Punjab SSSB advertisement outlines reservation policies and educational qualifications, it does not specify the number of vacancies, leading to anxiety among applicants.
Sehaj, an applicant for the Senior Assistant post, said the sudden fee hike has placed an additional burden on candidates. “First, the government increased the fee and now no clear picture is given on the number of vacancies. Within just six months of the last advertisement, the fees have increased manifold” .
Meanwhile, SSSB Chairman Krishan Kumar, IAS, and Secretary Amarbir Kaur Bhullar could not be contacted despite repeated attempts through phone calls and messages.
